theroot--2020-11-20--Cultu(RED): Lifestyle Brand AphroChic Remixes the (RED) Campaign—and Writes a New Chapter for the Bl

Cultu(RED): Lifestyle Brand AphroChic Remixes the (RED) Campaign—and Writes a New Chapter for the Black Family Home

Remember ( RED ) —or rather , Product ( RED ) —the philanthropic retail campaign co-founded by U2 frontman Bono that was wildly popular in the early aughts for its cleverly branded product lines ?
While its once-splashy profile may have become less so in the intervening years , the charity ’ s reach and impact have only expanded , as its website reports : With the outbreak of COVID-19 , ( RED ) has a new crusade—and new contributors to its still-stylish product lines .
For 2020 , Black lifestyle brand AphroChic has added red-hued remixes of its coveted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mix , offering a home decor assortment just right for the holidays .
“ We are so thrilled to be asked to be part of this incredible event , ” said AphroChic co-founder Jeanine Hays in a statement .
“ The mission of ( RED ) hits home for us in so many ways—to support the fight against HIV/AIDS and COVID in Africa , to give back in a major way , and to showcase African American brands .
We are honored to turn our products ( RED ) this holiday season.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , AphroChic has been redefining , elevating and celebrating Black lifestyles , aesthetics and homes since launching in 2007 , growing from a popular blog into a full-fledged lifestyle brand and respected interior design firm and garnering partnerships with household names like Lowe ’ s , Home Depot , and Ikea , and a web series with HGTV .
In 2013 , the duo published a book with Penguin Random House , REMIX : Decorating with Culture , Objects and Soul ; and in 2019 , began publishing their own self-branded quarterly magazine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with ( RED ) , AphroChic also recently launched its products—which include wallpaper , pillows , fabrics , sheets , lighting , home accents , and more—on luxury retail website Perigold .
It ’ s an interesting time to reconsider what house and home mean to us , as the concept has taken on new meaning in the era of COVID—a virus disproportionately disrupting the lives of Black and Brown Americans .
As the holidays now approach , too many of us are not only facing the prospect of not celebrating with loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our tables and in our homes due to those lost this year .
Adding to that mourning is a season of uprisings for racial justice followed by a contentious and still racially charged national election , all of which have escalated ongoing discussions and concerns for Black wealth , ( mental and physical ) health , safety , freedom and opportunity .
It is in this context that Hays and Mason remind us the Black family home has always held special yet largely unacknowledged significance in American culture .
While our homesteads have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the popular imagination , they ’ ve traditionally been hard-won , fastidiously preserved and uniquely imbued with deep cultural relevance ; all aspects the couple are exploring in their second book , The Black Family Home .
“ The time is right to dive deep into what home means to African Americans , those who live here and abroad , ” said Hays in a statement .
“ We want to celebrate what ’ s important to us in the home , and how design supports what we love and need.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Magazine , the book , which will reunite the duo with Penguin Random House via its Clarkson Potter imprint , will be divided into five sections : “ Heirloom Homes , Curatorial Homes , Off-the-Beaten-Path Homes , Boss Homes , and Creative Homes , ” says the release , which adds : “ The new book is focused on the story of the Black family home , and really looking at the Black family home as like a missing character in American history ; it ’ s just not really talked about at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Glow Up .
“ And yet it has always been a space that ’ s helped our community survive and grow and thrive .
And so we really wanted to start to tell the story of the Black family home ... what we ’ re really exploring is that the Black home is not necessarily just like everyone else ’ s spaces.
” “ It ’ s not that Black spaces are different , it ’ s that our spaces are ours , ” Mason adds .
“ That ’ s all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only to the design but to their intent and their purpose .
They ’ re meant to be safe spaces for us.
” Understandably , there ’ s been an uptick in interest in home decor as many of us have become primarily housebound in recent months .
But given the profound social and economic crises we are concurrently experiencing , one might also understandably question whether aesthetics are a worthy consideration right now .
Mason counters that perhaps there ’ s never been a better time to consider the concept of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives .
“ Now , I think in light of everything that ’ s happened , particularly in this past year , it gives us more of an opportunity to kind of have the conversation that we ’ ve always been trying to have with AphroChic , ” he says .
“ Because home is not only your safe space ; it is a reflection of you .
It is where you surround yourself with things to tell you about your history , your culture and heritage .
But it ’ s also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things that go on in your culture .
So , it ’ s a place of great intersection.
” “ I think the absence of the Black family home really kind of shows like , the absence in this country and what it thinks of our humanity , ” Hays offers .
“ And for us , like everything we do—as much as we love to create beautiful things and this will be a beautiful book—there is an activism to it.
” “ So what we ’ re finding is , you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in African-American life , ” Mason adds .
“ It ’ s something you have to fight for ; it ’ s something you have to carve out for yourself and defend .
It ’ s something that we rely on , but it ’ s not always something that we focus on—or that we focus on in the broader conversations that we have about what it is to be Black in America and beyond ... What we ’ ve seen is a constant battle back and forth—you know , progress and problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space to be able to call home and all the struggles that that ’ s entailed.
” Is a book—or a brand—centering Black lives supposed to offer a comprehensive solution to this very American experience ?
While it ’ s been well-argued that representation matters , as Mason tells us , AphroChic ’ s mission remains an inside job .
“ For the most part , our focus is internal .
We want to be able to demonstrate the strength and the beauty and diversity of Black culture to Black people for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; so that we gain strength from it , ” he says .
“ If it helps to inform [ or ] to edify outside of the community , that ’ s great , too .
But I think first and foremost , the focus is always to present us to us , so that we understand who we are and what we ’ re doing and why who we are and what we ’ re doing is important .
Because we need to understand why we matter , even as we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else.
” AphroChic ’ s The Black Family Home will be published by Clarkson Potter in 2020 .
The brand ’ s collection for ( RED ) and offerings on Perigold are available now .

Remember (RED)—or rather, Product (RED)—the philanthropic retail campaign co-founded by U2 frontman Bono that was wildly popular in the early aughts for its cleverly branded product lines? While its once-splashy profile may have become less so in the intervening years, the charity’s reach and impact have only expanded, as its website reports:
To date, (RED) partners have generated more than $650 million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to support HIV/AIDS grants in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, eSwatini, Tanzania, and Zambia. 100% of that money goes to work on the ground—no overhead is taken.
With the outbreak of COVID-19, (RED) has a new crusade—and new contributors to its still-stylish product lines. For 2020, Black lifestyle brand AphroChic has added red-hued remixes of its coveted, culturally specific original prints to the mix, offering a home decor assortment just right for the holidays.
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Photo : AphroChic (RED) Photo : AphroChic (RED) Photo : AphroChic (RED) Photo : AphroChic (RED) Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : AphroChic (RED) Photo : AphroChic (RED) Photo : AphroChic (RED) Photo : AphroChic (RED) Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : AphroChic (RED) Photo : AphroChic (RED) Photo : AphroChic (RED) Photo : AphroChic (RED) Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : AphroChic (RED) Photo : AphroChic (RED) Photo : AphroChic (RED) 1 / 15
“We are so thrilled to be asked to be part of this incredible event,” said AphroChic co-founder Jeanine Hays in a statement. “The mission of (RED) hits home for us in so many ways—to support the fight against HIV/AIDS and COVID in Africa, to give back in a major way, and to showcase African American brands. We are honored to turn our products (RED) this holiday season.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Helmed by Hays and husband Bryan Mason, AphroChic has been redefining, elevating and celebrating Black lifestyles, aesthetics and homes since launching in 2007, growing from a popular blog into a full-fledged lifestyle brand and respected interior design firm and garnering partnerships with household names like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Ikea, and a web series with HGTV. In 2013, the duo published a book with Penguin Random House, REMIX: Decorating with Culture, Objects and Soul; and in 2019, began publishing their own self-branded quarterly magazine. In addition to its current collaboration with (RED), AphroChic also recently launched its products—which include wallpaper, pillows, fabrics, sheets, lighting, home accents, and more—on luxury retail website Perigold.
Advertisement
It’s an interesting time to reconsider what house and home mean to us, as the concept has taken on new meaning in the era of COVID—a virus disproportionately disrupting the lives of Black and Brown Americans. As the holidays now approach, too many of us are not only facing the prospect of not celebrating with loved ones but facing permanently empty seats at our tables and in our homes due to those lost this year. Adding to that mourning is a season of uprisings for racial justice followed by a contentious and still racially charged national election, all of which have escalated ongoing discussions and concerns for Black wealth, (mental and physical) health, safety, freedom and opportunity.
It is in this context that Hays and Mason remind us the Black family home has always held special yet largely unacknowledged significance in American culture. While our homesteads have often been minimized and flattened in media and the popular imagination, they’ve traditionally been hard-won, fastidiously preserved and uniquely imbued with deep cultural relevance; all aspects the couple are exploring in their second book, The Black Family Home.
Advertisement
“The time is right to dive deep into what home means to African Americans, those who live here and abroad,” said Hays in a statement. “We want to celebrate what’s important to us in the home, and how design supports what we love and need.”
Inspired by an ongoing series in AphroChic Magazine, the book, which will reunite the duo with Penguin Random House via its Clarkson Potter imprint, will be divided into five sections: “Heirloom Homes, Curatorial Homes, Off-the-Beaten-Path Homes, Boss Homes, and Creative Homes,” says the release, which adds:
No other decor book will look as deeply or speak as meaningfully to the African American experience of home—from the history and heritage to the style and design. AphroChic will tell the stories of Black families, including celebrities, designers, and artists, and their beloved homes—including the past, the present, and the future.
Advertisement
“The new book is focused on the story of the Black family home, and really looking at the Black family home as like a missing character in American history; it’s just not really talked about at all,” she further explained to The Glow Up. “And yet it has always been a space that’s helped our community survive and grow and thrive. And so we really wanted to start to tell the story of the Black family home...what we’re really exploring is that the Black home is not necessarily just like everyone else’s spaces.”
“It’s not that Black spaces are different, it’s that our spaces are ours,” Mason adds. “That’s all. Our spaces are ours—and that extends not only to the design but to their intent and their purpose. They’re meant to be safe spaces for us.”
Advertisement
Understandably, there’s been an uptick in interest in home decor as many of us have become primarily housebound in recent months. But given the profound social and economic crises we are concurrently experiencing, one might also understandably question whether aesthetics are a worthy consideration right now. Mason counters that perhaps there’s never been a better time to consider the concept of sanctuary and the intersectionality of our interior lives.
Advertisement
“Now, I think in light of everything that’s happened, particularly in this past year, it gives us more of an opportunity to kind of have the conversation that we’ve always been trying to have with AphroChic,” he says. “Because home is not only your safe space; it is a reflection of you. It is where you surround yourself with things to tell you about your history, your culture and heritage. But it’s also where you encounter all of the other things that go on in your culture. So, it’s a place of great intersection.”
“I think the absence of the Black family home really kind of shows like, the absence in this country and what it thinks of our humanity,” Hays offers. “And for us, like everything we do—as much as we love to create beautiful things and this will be a beautiful book—there is an activism to it.”
Advertisement
“So what we’re finding is, you know, home is like every other space in African-American life,” Mason adds. “It’s something you have to fight for; it’s something you have to carve out for yourself and defend. It’s something that we rely on, but it’s not always something that we focus on—or that we focus on in the broader conversations that we have about what it is to be Black in America and beyond...What we’ve seen is a constant battle back and forth—you know, progress and problems of just Black people trying to find space to be able to call home and all the struggles that that’s entailed.”
Is a book—or a brand—centering Black lives supposed to offer a comprehensive solution to this very American experience? While it’s been well-argued that representation matters, as Mason tells us, AphroChic’s mission remains an inside job.
Advertisement
“For the most part, our focus is internal. We want to be able to demonstrate the strength and the beauty and diversity of Black culture to Black people for our own benefit so that we understand it; so that we gain strength from it,” he says. “If it helps to inform [or] to edify outside of the community, that’s great, too. But I think first and foremost, the focus is always to present us to us, so that we understand who we are and what we’re doing and why who we are and what we’re doing is important. Because we need to understand why we matter, even as we’re trying to argue it to something else.”
AphroChic’s The Black Family Home will be published by Clarkson Potter in 2020. The brand’s collection for (RED) and offerings on Perigold are available now.


theroot--2020-11-20--Meg Thee Stallion's Fashion Nova Debut Is a 'Wild Western Moto Speed Chase'—With Some Wild Ass Patte

Meg Thee Stallion's Fashion Nova Debut Is a 'Wild Western Moto Speed Chase'—With Some Wild Ass Patterns

Classy , bougie , ratchet ( yeah ) .
Sassy , moody , nasty .
Megan Thee Stallion is a lot of things—as is her debut collection for Fashion Nova , which debuted on Wednesday .
Ahead of the release , Meg boasted that the line would have “ better representation ” than most , specifically pointing out the size-inclusivity of her collection “ of premium denim , luxe corset bodysuits and tops with matching pants , jaw-dropping dresses and plush outerwear , ” created with “ the real body ” in mind .
“ Everybody is not just a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure that starting with this collab we have better representation with just women in general , ” she told Entertainment Tonight .
“ It ’ s not just about the model body .
It ’ s about the real body , so this collection definitely caters to women with curves ... just the girls with the little representation ; that ’ s what my collection really caters to.
” Well , curves are definitely catered to in Meg ’ s collection , but the accessibility of the styles is iffy—and all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Megan Thee Stallion is a cornucopia of Western saloon-inspired patchworked and laced denim , mesh and chiffon paired with “ mesmerizing animal prints that parade along the entire collection , ” according to a release .
The 106-piece assortment boasts that it “ will make customers feel like they are on a wild Western moto speed chase with a full assortment of statement styles and fits ” —and with cowboy hats aggressively accessorizing an array of corseted , garter-detailed , cropped , strategically cut-out , laced and shredded styles , I guess ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” style the season demands ?
“ Designing this line with Fashion Nova has been a labor of love , ” said Megan Thee Stallion .
“ Not only am I able to bring my signature look to all the hotties out there , but I was able to create sexy and beautiful clothing that fit bodies of all shapes , sizes , and heights.
” I consider myself a full-fledged fan of Thee Stallion , but realizing that I am neither the collection nor Fashion Nova ’ s target demo ( nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assortment at all accessible to my very real body of curves ) , I consulted with a few of the younger women of The Root ’ s staff via Slack .
Asking for their impressions of the collection , I received the following responses : Entertainment Writer Tonja Stidhum : Wheels spinning but I ’ m coming up with Hee-Haw Haute Couture ...
Contributing Entertainment Writer Shanelle Genai ( referencing a pair of zebra flared jeans with a confusing cut-out top ) : I don ’ t know whether I wan na go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this fit .
I guess that means it ’ s ... .versatile ?
Staff Writer Anne Branigin ( enters the chat referencing the same top , seen on the top model below in a second ensemble ) : I ’ m just trying to understand the shape of this top and why ... it ’ s like a spatchcocked top—which is pretty incredible !
Me : What in the wild , wild Pussy Wagon is this collection , though ?
Where does she think we ’ re going ?
Tonja : To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m assuming ... did you see the ass cutout pants yet ?
LMAOOOOOOO .
Hot girl Prince .
Me : Just extra , like we got somewhere to go .
I thought she said this shit was accessible .
This is a night at The Pynk ... and they ’ re really trying to make visible thongs a thing again , huh ?
Okay , so maybe it wasn ’ t for us—or maybe I ’ m just too old for most of these clothes ( though I ’ m honestly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for them ) .
“ This collection was inspired by Megan ’ s unwavering confidence , fearless style , and infectious personality , ” Fashion Nova CEO/Founder Richard Saghian explained in a statement .
“ Every piece was meticulously designed with exceptional fabrics in a variety of looks and prints to make our customer stand out and feel empowered and we are excited to finally bring our creative collaboration with her to life for everyone to experience.
” It definitely takes a certain type of confidence and empowerment to rock most of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 199.99 , it ’ s worth perusing and possibly picking and choosing some faves .
To be honest , I ’ m even finding myself leaning into those aforementioned zebra flares as a fun statement piece ( though likely with a turtleneck and boots , in my case ) .
Not to mention my surprising attraction to the ruched-leg denim jumpsuit named “ Want It Got It ” —which ironically sold out before I could get it on my body , proving hot girls are indeed clamoring for these lewks .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ; peep Meg ’ s entire collection for yourself on Fashion Nova .

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

Classy, bougie, ratchet (yeah). Sassy, moody, nasty. Megan Thee Stallion is a lot of things—as is her debut collection for Fashion Nova, which debuted on Wednesday. Ahead of the release, Meg boasted that the line would have “better representation” than most, specifically pointing out the size-inclusivity of her collection “of premium denim, luxe corset bodysuits and tops with matching pants, jaw-dropping dresses and plush outerwear,” created with “the real body” in mind.
“Everybody is not just a cookie-cutter size, so I just want to make sure that starting with this collab we have better representation with just women in general,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “It’s not just about the model body. It’s about the real body, so this collection definitely caters to women with curves...just the girls with the little representation; that’s what my collection really caters to.”
Advertisement
Well, curves are definitely catered to in Meg’s collection, but the accessibility of the styles is iffy—and all over the place. Fashion Nova X Megan Thee Stallion is a cornucopia of Western saloon-inspired patchworked and laced denim, mesh and chiffon paired with “mesmerizing animal prints that parade along the entire collection,” according to a release. The 106-piece assortment boasts that it “will make customers feel like they are on a wild Western moto speed chase with a full assortment of statement styles and fits”—and with cowboy hats aggressively accessorizing an array of corseted, garter-detailed, cropped, strategically cut-out, laced and shredded styles, I guess...but is this really the “Savage” style the season demands?
Advertisement Advertisement
“Designing this line with Fashion Nova has been a labor of love,” said Megan Thee Stallion. “Not only am I able to bring my signature look to all the hotties out there, but I was able to create sexy and beautiful clothing that fit bodies of all shapes, sizes, and heights.”
I consider myself a full-fledged fan of Thee Stallion, but realizing that I am neither the collection nor Fashion Nova’s target demo (nor do I find the majority of this assortment at all accessible to my very real body of curves), I consulted with a few of the younger women of The Root’s staff via Slack. Asking for their impressions of the collection, I received the following responses:
Entertainment Writer Tonja Stidhum: Wheels spinning but I’m coming up with Hee-Haw Haute Couture...
Advertisement
Contributing Entertainment Writer Shanelle Genai (referencing a pair of zebra flared jeans with a confusing cut-out top): I don’t know whether I wanna go to a rodeo or an African safari with this fit. I guess that means it’s....versatile?
Staff Writer Anne Branigin (enters the chat referencing the same top, seen on the top model below in a second ensemble): I’m just trying to understand the shape of this top and why...it’s like a spatchcocked top—which is pretty incredible!
Advertisement
Me: What in the wild, wild Pussy Wagon is this collection, though? Where does she think we’re going?
Advertisement
Tonja: To Twitter fleets to post thirst traps, I’m assuming...did you see the ass cutout pants yet? LMAOOOOOOO. Hot girl Prince.
Me: Just extra, like we got somewhere to go. I thought she said this shit was accessible. This is a night at The Pynk...and they’re really trying to make visible thongs a thing again, huh?
Advertisement
Okay, so maybe it wasn’t for us—or maybe I’m just too old for most of these clothes (though I’m honestly not sure I was ever young enough for them). “This collection was inspired by Megan’s unwavering confidence, fearless style, and infectious personality,” Fashion Nova CEO/Founder Richard Saghian explained in a statement. “Every piece was meticulously designed with exceptional fabrics in a variety of looks and prints to make our customer stand out and feel empowered and we are excited to finally bring our creative collaboration with her to life for everyone to experience.”
Advertisement
It definitely takes a certain type of confidence and empowerment to rock most of these looks—but considerately priced from $24.99 to $199.99, it’s worth perusing and possibly picking and choosing some faves. To be honest, I’m even finding myself leaning into those aforementioned zebra flares as a fun statement piece (though likely with a turtleneck and boots, in my case). Not to mention my surprising attraction to the ruched-leg denim jumpsuit named “Want It Got It”—which ironically sold out before I could get it on my body, proving hot girls are indeed clamoring for these lewks. But don’t take our word for it; peep Meg’s entire collection for yourself on Fashion Nova.


theroot--2020-11-20--Hit Hard by the COVID-19 Recession, Black and Latinx Survivors More Likely to Return to Abusers, Stu

Hit Hard by the COVID-19 Recession, Black and Latinx Survivors More Likely to Return to Abusers, Study Finds

Throughout the year , the twin crises of the coronavirus pandemic and the recession it spurred have disproportionately hurt Black and Latinx communities across the country .
A new study from the nonprofit Me Too has found that survivors of sexual violence in these communities have been particularly vulnerable to financial instability caused by the pandemic—thus making them more likely to return to their abusers .
The report , “ Measuring the Economic Impact of Covid-19 on Survivors of Color , ” documents the specific social and economic impacts Black and Latinx survivors have faced this past year .
Released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial insecurity was highest among Black women and Latinas , with almost twice as many of these survivors experiencing financial hardship because of COVID-19 than white women .
“ What we found , while sobering , wasn ’ t shocking , ” said Tarana Burke , founder of the Me Too movement .
“ COVID-19 illuminates the ways in which our social and economic safety net catches some while allowing those who are most vulnerable to fall through the cracks.
” The study is further evidence of how porous America ’ s social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people—with a few thousand dollars marking the difference between being able to live without an abusive partner or having to return to one .
On average , women who reported a high likelihood of returning to their abusers had access to about $ 3,700 , while survivors who said there was no likelihood of reconciling with their abusers had about $ 8,300 in available funds .
That means about $ 4,600—a relatively small amount of money that , nevertheless , is still far more than many Americans have in their savings accounts—was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a cycle of abuse .
This disparity got worse when overlaid with race and ethnic background .
The report found that survivors of color had far less than the aforementioned $ 3,700—slightly more than $ 1,500 , in fact—while white survivors , on average , had access to more than $ 9,000 .
The report also found that essential workers—a field in which women of color are over-represented—were also more likely to experience housing and food insecurity .
The combination of these factors means that Black women and Latinas were far more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to abusers .
The findings highlight the precarious economic position Black women , in particular , have always occupied in America , and the larger , more destructive effects of that imbalance .
Before the pandemic , Black women were already working in a “ Jim Crow labor market , ” which saw them funneled toward lower-paying positions in lower-wage fields .
The pandemic unleashed even more pain : over the course of the year , around 1.4 million jobs held by Black women were wiped out once COVID-19 hit American shores .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19th , Black women were also “ one of the only groups for whom unemployment during the pandemic went up from one month to the next , while for others it went down.
” This financial vulnerability is one of the foundations of abusive partnerships , and can be seen in myriad ways : an abusive partner may dictate that their significant other quit their job , or require access to ( and subsequently drain ) their partner ’ s bank accounts .
They may sabotage employment opportunities for their partner , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend their money .
As HuffPost writes , experts say economic abuse is present in 99 percent of abusive relationships .
This economic vulnerability doesn ’ t just make survivors more dependent on their abusers , it also limits their ability to seek solutions and resources , Burke pointed out .
“ When it comes to issues such as safe and affordable housing , mental health support , and economic insecurity , survivors of sexual violence are most at risk , with Black and Brown survivors experiencing a ‘ collision of crises ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color , ” she noted .
“ COVID-19 has placed a spotlight on the ways in which our social and economic safety net catches some while allowing those who are most vulnerable to fall through the cracks.
” The study also highlights the need for government interventions—whether on the local , state and federal levels .
As the year seems likely to close without a second stimulus check from the government , Black and Latinx survivors will face an even more difficult and tumultuous holiday season without a lifeline .
Me Too CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spurs the government to take some action .
“ As health and policy leaders continue to work on a vaccine and solutions to stop the spread , we hope this study encourages them to prioritize the immediate steps needed to keep those of us who don ’ t have the resources to recover as quickly as others on our feet , ” said Ayers .
“ Survivors can not wait .
A one-time , $ 1,200 check will never be enough .
”

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

Throughout the year, the twin crises of the coronavirus pandemic and the recession it spurred have disproportionately hurt Black and Latinx communities across the country. A new study from the nonprofit Me Too has found that survivors of sexual violence in these communities have been particularly vulnerable to financial instability caused by the pandemic—thus making them more likely to return to their abusers.
The report, “Measuring the Economic Impact of Covid-19 on Survivors of Color,” documents the specific social and economic impacts Black and Latinx survivors have faced this past year. Released on Wednesday, the study found that financial insecurity was highest among Black women and Latinas, with almost twice as many of these survivors experiencing financial hardship because of COVID-19 than white women.
Advertisement
“What we found, while sobering, wasn’t shocking,” said Tarana Burke, founder of the Me Too movement. “COVID-19 illuminates the ways in which our social and economic safety net catches some while allowing those who are most vulnerable to fall through the cracks.”
The study is further evidence of how porous America’s social safety net is for its most vulnerable people—with a few thousand dollars marking the difference between being able to live without an abusive partner or having to return to one.
Advertisement Advertisement
On average, women who reported a high likelihood of returning to their abusers had access to about $3,700, while survivors who said there was no likelihood of reconciling with their abusers had about $8,300 in available funds.
That means about $4,600—a relatively small amount of money that, nevertheless, is still far more than many Americans have in their savings accounts—was the difference between liberation and continuing to live in a cycle of abuse.
Advertisement
This disparity got worse when overlaid with race and ethnic background. The report found that survivors of color had far less than the aforementioned $3,700—slightly more than $1,500, in fact—while white survivors, on average, had access to more than $9,000.
The report also found that essential workers—a field in which women of color are over-represented—were also more likely to experience housing and food insecurity. The combination of these factors means that Black women and Latinas were far more likely than their white peers to return to abusers.
Advertisement
The findings highlight the precarious economic position Black women, in particular, have always occupied in America, and the larger, more destructive effects of that imbalance. Before the pandemic, Black women were already working in a “Jim Crow labor market,” which saw them funneled toward lower-paying positions in lower-wage fields. The pandemic unleashed even more pain: over the course of the year, around 1.4 million jobs held by Black women were wiped out once COVID-19 hit American shores.
According to a recent report from The 19th, Black women were also “one of the only groups for whom unemployment during the pandemic went up from one month to the next, while for others it went down.”
Advertisement
This financial vulnerability is one of the foundations of abusive partnerships, and can be seen in myriad ways: an abusive partner may dictate that their significant other quit their job, or require access to (and subsequently drain) their partner’s bank accounts. They may sabotage employment opportunities for their partner, or impose strict limits on how they can spend their money. As HuffPost writes, experts say economic abuse is present in 99 percent of abusive relationships.
This economic vulnerability doesn’t just make survivors more dependent on their abusers, it also limits their ability to seek solutions and resources, Burke pointed out.
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“When it comes to issues such as safe and affordable housing, mental health support, and economic insecurity, survivors of sexual violence are most at risk, with Black and Brown survivors experiencing a ‘collision of crises’ that were already detrimental to communities of color,” she noted. “COVID-19 has placed a spotlight on the ways in which our social and economic safety net catches some while allowing those who are most vulnerable to fall through the cracks.”
The study also highlights the need for government interventions—whether on the local, state and federal levels. As the year seems likely to close without a second stimulus check from the government, Black and Latinx survivors will face an even more difficult and tumultuous holiday season without a lifeline.
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Me Too CEO Dani Ayers said she hopes the study spurs the government to take some action.
“As health and policy leaders continue to work on a vaccine and solutions to stop the spread, we hope this study encourages them to prioritize the immediate steps needed to keep those of us who don’t have the resources to recover as quickly as others on our feet,” said Ayers. “Survivors cannot wait. A one-time, $1,200 check will never be enough.”


theroot--2020-11-19--Accused Kenosha Shooter Kyle Rittenhouse Says He Used Stimulus Money to Buy Rifle. Here's What He Sh

Accused Kenosha Shooter Kyle Rittenhouse Says He Used Stimulus Money to Buy Rifle. Here's What He Should Have Bought

Kyle Rittenhouse—the teenager from Antioch , Illinois , who was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of two people and the injury of a third during civil unrest in Kenosha , Wis. , on August 25—said in his first interview since his arrest that he bought the assault rifle he used in the shootings with his coronavirus stimulus relief money .
And all I can think about is all of the things I would have rather he bought .
The Washington Post recently conducted an examination of video and police records as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kenosha shooting for a report the Post published that focused in part on Rittenhouse ’ s mindset that night .
During Rittenhouse ’ s first time speaking publicly since his arrest , the teen vigilante told the Post that he “ got my $ 1,200 from the coronavirus Illinois unemployment ’ cause I was on furlough from YMCA and I got my first unemployment check so I was like , ‘ Oh , I ’ ll use this to buy it.
’ ” Here are just a few things I wish he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gun he used to kill two people : Listen : I ’ m not a psychologist and I ’ m not claiming that Rittenhouse suffers from some kind of mental illness ; I ’ m just saying that when a teenager is obsessed with guns , law enforcement and , apparently , vigilante justice , maybe he could benefit from talking to someone outside of his immediate family and community .
Rittenhouse didn ’ t only go to Kenosha to play fake Wyatt Earp and protect the town ’ s people from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help damaged and destroyed businesses clean up after the chaos .
He told the Post that he spoke to the owners of businesses like Car Source , a used car dealership that had been severely damaged on the first night of Kenosha protests .
“ I said , ‘ Hey if you need anything let us know .
I gave him my phone number.
” You know what I wish Rittenhouse would have offered these businesses ?
$ 1,200 worth of stimulus money not spent on a Smith & Wesson M & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start the rebuilding process of business owners ’ ravaged establishments .
I know , I know : Money can ’ t buy everything .
But in a perfect world , Rittenhouse could have used his money to woo new friends who wouldn ’ t be enablers of his disturbing behavior and apparent delusions .
( Rittenhouse told the Post that he didn ’ t regret the shooting and that he probably “ would have died ” if he didn ’ t have his rifle despite his victims being unarmed . )
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend , Dominick David Black , was brought up on felony charges for allegedly buying Rittenhouse ’ s rifle for him since he was underaged and Black was 18 at the time .
Black—who reportedly invited Rittenhouse to join him in Kenosha in the first place and drove him back across state lines after the shooting—admitted to investigators that he knew Rittenhouse was underaged and that he didn ’ t feel right about giving him the gun but Rittenhouse “ would have thrown a fit ” if he didn ’ t .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole therapy thing . )
It just would have been nice if the guy would have had someone in his life to say , “ You know what ?
None of this seems right and it probably won ’ t end well.
” Wouldn ’ t it have been nice if Rittenhouse used his stimulus money for the thing it was meant for ?
He could have sat on it for a rainy day or helped his family pay bills or used it to eat or whatever until he found another job .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit of extra cash and thinks : “ I might as well blow this shit on a big-ass gun ?
” It might seem like I ’ m being flippant in coming up with this list of alternative uses for Rittenhouse ’ s money—and maybe I am .
But the fact of the matter is , if Rittenhouse would have spent his $ 1,200 on any of the things I suggested , 36-year-old Joseph Rosenbaum and 26-year-old Anthony Huber would be alive today .
26-year-old Gaige Grosskreutz would not have been seriously injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on August 25 , not lives .

Kyle Rittenhouse—the teenager from Antioch, Illinois, who was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of two people and the injury of a third during civil unrest in Kenosha, Wis., on August 25—said in his first interview since his arrest that he bought the assault rifle he used in the shootings with his coronavirus stimulus relief money. And all I can think about is all of the things I would have rather he bought.
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The Washington Post recently conducted an examination of video and police records as well as other documents from the night of the Kenosha shooting for a report the Post published that focused in part on Rittenhouse’s mindset that night.
During Rittenhouse’s first time speaking publicly since his arrest, the teen vigilante told the Post that he “got my $1,200 from the coronavirus Illinois unemployment ’cause I was on furlough from YMCA and I got my first unemployment check so I was like, ‘Oh, I’ll use this to buy it.’”
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Here are just a few things I wish he would have bought with his money instead of the gun he used to kill two people:
A Therapy Session or Two
Listen: I’m not a psychologist and I’m not claiming that Rittenhouse suffers from some kind of mental illness; I’m just saying that when a teenager is obsessed with guns, law enforcement and, apparently, vigilante justice, maybe he could benefit from talking to someone outside of his immediate family and community.
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Civil Unrest Recovery Donations
Rittenhouse didn’t only go to Kenosha to play fake Wyatt Earp and protect the town’s people from rioters and looters; he also went to help damaged and destroyed businesses clean up after the chaos. He told the Post that he spoke to the owners of businesses like Car Source, a used car dealership that had been severely damaged on the first night of Kenosha protests.
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“I said, ‘Hey if you need anything let us know. I gave him my phone number.”
You know what I wish Rittenhouse would have offered these businesses? $1,200 worth of stimulus money not spent on a Smith & Wesson M&P-15 rifle so it could be used to start the rebuilding process of business owners’ ravaged establishments.
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Better Friends
I know, I know: Money can’t buy everything. But in a perfect world, Rittenhouse could have used his money to woo new friends who wouldn’t be enablers of his disturbing behavior and apparent delusions. (Rittenhouse told the Post that he didn’t regret the shooting and that he probably “would have died” if he didn’t have his rifle despite his victims being unarmed.)
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The Root previously reported that Rittenhouse’s friend, Dominick David Black, was brought up on felony charges for allegedly buying Rittenhouse’s rifle for him since he was underaged and Black was 18 at the time. Black—who reportedly invited Rittenhouse to join him in Kenosha in the first place and drove him back across state lines after the shooting—admitted to investigators that he knew Rittenhouse was underaged and that he didn’t feel right about giving him the gun but Rittenhouse “would have thrown a fit” if he didn’t. (Which also takes us back to the whole therapy thing.)
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It just would have been nice if the guy would have had someone in his life to say, “You know what? None of this seems right and it probably won’t end well.”
Financial stimulus
Wouldn’t it have been nice if Rittenhouse used his stimulus money for the thing it was meant for? He could have sat on it for a rainy day or helped his family pay bills or used it to eat or whatever until he found another job. What newly unemployed person gets a little bit of extra cash and thinks: “I might as well blow this shit on a big-ass gun?”
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It might seem like I’m being flippant in coming up with this list of alternative uses for Rittenhouse’s money—and maybe I am. But the fact of the matter is, if Rittenhouse would have spent his $1,200 on any of the things I suggested, 36-year-old Joseph Rosenbaum and 26-year-old Anthony Huber would be alive today. 26-year-old Gaige Grosskreutz would not have been seriously injured and only property would have been destroyed on August 25, not lives.


theroot--2020-11-19--Celebrate the Draft and Get Ready for a New Season With up 40% off NBA Accessories

Whether you 're celebrating with your loved ones in person or from a distance , The Inventory staff is dedicated to spreading holiday cheer with the top gifts to ring in the season—and maybe a few good deals to snatch up for yourself .
It 's okay , your secret 's safe with us .
Last night the Timberwolves selected Anthony Edwards as their number one draft pick thus kicking off the excitement for a new season .
Well , as excited as you can be .
As we anticipate the start on December 22 it ’ s time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new members of your squad .
In this early Black Friday sale take u p 4 0 % off NBA Accessories .
There are 181 things to choose from so I ’ m sure you ’ ll find the right item to spur on high hopes for a successful team and year .
Lots of hats , loads of hats .
I ’ m a huge fan of the ‘ 47 brand and have one for each of my teams .
They ’ re comfy and have held up well through even the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tumblers for toasty grab-and-go beverages and a few blankets to get cozy on the couch while you cheer on your guys to victory .
Free shipping on all orders over $ 25 .

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

Up 40% off NBA Accessories | Macy’s
Last night the Timberwolves selected Anthony Edwards as their number one draft pick thus kicking off the excitement for a new season. Well, as excited as you can be. As we anticipate the start on December 22 it’s time to grab a pristine hat just like the new members of your squad. In this early Black Friday sale take u p 4 0% off NBA Accessories.
There are 181 things to choose from so I’m sure you’ll find the right item to spur on high hopes for a successful team and year. Lots of hats, loads of hats. I’m a huge fan of the ‘47 brand and have one for each of my teams. They’re comfy and have held up well through even the worst of games. P lenty of tumblers for toasty grab-and-go beverages and a few blankets to get cozy on the couch while you cheer on your guys to victory.
Free shipping on all orders over $25.


theroot--2020-11-19--Dashcam Video Shows Fatal Shooting of 2 Black Teens in a Moving Vehicle by Florida Deputies

Dashcam video depicting what led up to two Black teens being fatally shot by two Florida deputies last Friday has been released .
According to CBS News , the video was posted to Facebook by the Brevard County Sheriff ’ s Office along with a lengthy description of what occurs in the video .
The sheriff ’ s office said that Deputies Jafet Santiago-Miranda and Carson Hendren were doing an investigation on a reported stolen vehicle , and were tailing the car that victims A.J .
Crooms , 16 , and Sincere Pierce , 18 , were driving through a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the car pulls into a driveway , the deputies exit separate squad cars with their guns drawn .
Santiago-Miranda can be heard repeatedly saying , “ stop the vehicle ” as the car pulls out from the driveway .
The vehicle stops and then begins to slowly move in the direction of Santiago-Miranda , which leads to the deputy firing eight shots into the windshield , killing Crooms and Pierce .
In the Facebook post containing the video , Sheriff Wayne Ivey says that Santiago-Mirando “ was then forced to fire his service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadly threat of the car from crashing into him.
” Attorney Benjamin Crump is representing both families and has called for all recordings of the incident to be made public .
“ It is painfully troubling to us that this teen driver and the teen backseat passenger were terrified and drove around deputies who approached the vehicle with guns drawn .
Believe your own eyes , ” Crump said in a statement according to Click Orlando .
“ The video shows the deputy was still shooting as the car cleared him and posed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were put on paid administrative leave as the case is being investigated .
The sheriff ’ s office is currently investigating whether the vehicle the teens were driving in was indeed the stolen vehicle they were looking for .
According to CNN , the state attorney ’ s office released a statement expressing its “ sincere condolences to the family and friends of these two young men as they struggle to deal with this painful tragedy .
We understand and share their desire to know what took place , and that every aspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The statement went on to say that the state attorney ’ s office will “ determine whether a criminal violation of Florida law has occurred , whether any person may be held criminally responsible , and whether such criminal responsibility can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
” The Florida Department of Law Enforcement ( FDLE ) released a statement announcing it is currently investigating the shooting .
“ We continue to conduct interviews and hope to be finished with the initial interviews soon , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Once we have completed our investigative reports , we provide that information to the state attorney ’ s office and they determine whether or not charges will be filed .
FDLE ’ s investigation is limited to the officer ’ s use of force.
” Ivey wrote in the Facebook post that the FDLE ’ s findings could be sent to the state attorney ’ s office within the next 60-90 days .
A vigil for both of the teens took place in Cocoa on Wednesday night .
The families of both teens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and outrage they continue to feel as a result of the shooting .
Qausheda Pierce , Pierce ’ s mother , told Click Orlando she ’ s “ looking for a little closure , ” and wants “ some answers.
” “ I was angry about it , I was angry because I miss him , ” Crooms ’ mother Tasha Strachan told Click Orlando .
“ I want answers to why that was done , it didn ’ t have to be done like that.
” Charity Baxter , Crooms ’ cousin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can only imagine the fear her cousin must have felt in his final moment .
“ When you did approach him , why was the first thing to shoot ?
” Baxter said .

Dashcam video depicting what led up to two Black teens being fatally shot by two Florida deputies last Friday has been released.
According to CBS News, the video was posted to Facebook by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office along with a lengthy description of what occurs in the video. The sheriff’s office said that Deputies Jafet Santiago-Miranda and Carson Hendren were doing an investigation on a reported stolen vehicle, and were tailing the car that victims A.J. Crooms, 16, and Sincere Pierce, 18, were driving through a suburban neighborhood in Cocoa, Fla.
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After the car pulls into a driveway, the deputies exit separate squad cars with their guns drawn. Santiago-Miranda can be heard repeatedly saying, “stop the vehicle” as the car pulls out from the driveway. The vehicle stops and then begins to slowly move in the direction of Santiago-Miranda, which leads to the deputy firing eight shots into the windshield, killing Crooms and Pierce.
In the Facebook post containing the video, Sheriff Wayne Ivey says that Santiago-Mirando “was then forced to fire his service weapon in an attempt to stop the deadly threat of the car from crashing into him.”
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Attorney Benjamin Crump is representing both families and has called for all recordings of the incident to be made public. “It is painfully troubling to us that this teen driver and the teen backseat passenger were terrified and drove around deputies who approached the vehicle with guns drawn. Believe your own eyes,” Crump said in a statement according to Click Orlando. “The video shows the deputy was still shooting as the car cleared him and posed no threat.”
Both Santiago-Miranda and Hendren were put on paid administrative leave as the case is being investigated. The sheriff’s office is currently investigating whether the vehicle the teens were driving in was indeed the stolen vehicle they were looking for.
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According to CNN, the state attorney’s office released a statement expressing its “sincere condolences to the family and friends of these two young men as they struggle to deal with this painful tragedy. We understand and share their desire to know what took place, and that every aspect of this incident will be carefully reviewed.”
The statement went on to say that the state attorney’s office will “determine whether a criminal violation of Florida law has occurred, whether any person may be held criminally responsible, and whether such criminal responsibility can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) released a statement announcing it is currently investigating the shooting. “We continue to conduct interviews and hope to be finished with the initial interviews soon,” the FDLE’s statement read. “Once we have completed our investigative reports, we provide that information to the state attorney’s office and they determine whether or not charges will be filed. FDLE’s investigation is limited to the officer’s use of force.”
Ivey wrote in the Facebook post that the FDLE’s findings could be sent to the state attorney’s office within the next 60-90 days.
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A vigil for both of the teens took place in Cocoa on Wednesday night. The families of both teens were in attendance and expressed the shock and outrage they continue to feel as a result of the shooting.
Qausheda Pierce, Pierce’s mother, told Click Orlando she’s “looking for a little closure,” and wants “some answers.”
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“I was angry about it, I was angry because I miss him,” Crooms’ mother Tasha Strachan told Click Orlando. “I want answers to why that was done, it didn’t have to be done like that.”
Charity Baxter, Crooms’ cousin, told the news outlet that she can only imagine the fear her cousin must have felt in his final moment.
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“When you did approach him, why was the first thing to shoot?” Baxter said.


theroot--2020-11-19--Klay Thompson Suffers Season-Ending Injury for the 2nd Year in a Row

Poor Klay Thompson , y ’ all .
For the second year in a row , the Golden State Warriors player has suffered a season-ending injury .
According to ESPN , Thompson suffered an injury to his right leg during a workout in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning with several NBA players .
He underwent an MRI Thursday morning and it was revealed he suffered a tear in his Achilles tendon .
While Thompson will be out for the season , he is expected to make a full recovery from the injury .
Thompson was out for the entirety of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ACL in his left knee during Game 6 of the 2019 NBA finals .
He spent the last year rehabbing the injury and the Warrior organization was optimistic he would be game ready for the 2020-21 season .
Unfortunately , that ’ s not going to happen .
The way this went down makes it even shittier , in my opinion .
It ’ s one thing to suffer an injury during Game 6 of the Finals .
It ’ s a shitty situation , sure , but you still managed to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end .
Getting a season-ending injury during practice ?
After already missing a season ?
In the prime of your career ?
You hate to see it .
I ’ m not even being sarcastic in my usage for once ; I sincerely hate to see this .
I ’ m not alone in feeling this way as players across the league sent their prayers and well wishes to Thompson .
This is especially sad for the Warriors who should be celebrating after using their No.2 draft pick on center James Wiseman during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With Thompson set to return , the organization was looking like it might get back on its playoff-caliber ways after completely missing them last season .
Unfortunately , unless they find a way to hold their own in a western conference that ’ s simply loaded with talent , it looks like the Warriors dynasty might just be coming to an end .

Poor Klay Thompson, y’all. For the second year in a row, the Golden State Warriors player has suffered a season-ending injury.
According to ESPN, Thompson suffered an injury to his right leg during a workout in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning with several NBA players. He underwent an MRI Thursday morning and it was revealed he suffered a tear in his Achilles tendon. While Thompson will be out for the season, he is expected to make a full recovery from the injury.
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Thompson was out for the entirety of the 2019-2020 season, after tearing his ACL in his left knee during Game 6 of the 2019 NBA finals. He spent the last year rehabbing the injury and the Warrior organization was optimistic he would be game ready for the 2020-21 season.
Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen. The way this went down makes it even shittier, in my opinion. It’s one thing to suffer an injury during Game 6 of the Finals. It’s a shitty situation, sure, but you still managed to play your season and make it to the end. Getting a season-ending injury during practice? After already missing a season? In the prime of your career?
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You hate to see it.
I’m not even being sarcastic in my usage for once; I sincerely hate to see this. I’m not alone in feeling this way as players across the league sent their prayers and well wishes to Thompson.
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This is especially sad for the Warriors who should be celebrating after using their No.2 draft pick on center James Wiseman during Wednesday night’s NBA Draft. With Thompson set to return, the organization was looking like it might get back on its playoff-caliber ways after completely missing them last season.
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Unfortunately, unless they find a way to hold their own in a western conference that’s simply loaded with talent, it looks like the Warriors dynasty might just be coming to an end.


theroot--2020-11-19--Everything You Need to Know About the Gucci vs. Jeezy Versuz Battle

Tonight is the first Verzuz battle .
Everything before this evening ’ s edition of the outrageously successful Verzuz series was extremely entertaining , but they weren ’ t necessarily battles ( unless you count Teddy Riley ’ s knockdown dragout with his sound system ) .
Snoop ’ s dogs didn ’ t even get at DMX .
Monica barely side-eyed Brandy and I ’ m willing to bet that either Gladys Knight or Patti LaBelle showed up to their musical usher board meeting with a pound cake .
But at 8 p.m .
ET on Thursday , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engage in the greatest battle since Lil ’ David the Sheep God murked Goliath , much to the dismay of Big G ’ s Philly crew ( The Philistines didn ’ t know D was gon na pull out the slingshotty ) .
Yes , Jeezy vs. Gucci Mane promises to be the Verzuz battle we ’ ve been waiting for .
Over their 15 years in the rap game , the relationship between Mr. Mane and the artist formerly known as Young has devolved from a collaborative friendship to a rap feud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bodies .
To prepare our readers for tonight ’ s festivities , we wanted to answer all the questions about this anxiously-awaited showdown .
Radric Delantic Davis is a 40-year-old recording artist who was born in Bessemer , Ala. , a perennial favorite for one of the most dangerous cities in America .
Gucci moved to Atlanta at 9 , where he turned his life around after being detained for unlicensed pharmaceutical sales .
Since grabbing the public ’ s attention by collaborating with another up-and-coming young rapper , Jay Wayne Jenkins , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 75 mixtapes .
Jay Wayne Jenkins is a 43-year-old recording artist who was born in Columbia , S.C. Like Gucci , Jeezy relocated to Atlanta at a young age and also embraced trap music after delving into the underground medicinal industry , eventually releasing nine studio albums and 18 mixtapes .
Who is more successful ?
It depends on who you ask .
Jeezy has undoubtedly had more commercial success , but Gucci Mane releases an album every 13 days .
Yes .
Their initial success came from their collaboration on Gucci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Well , the two teamed up for another hit song , “ So Icy.
” Everyone loved the song , but there was a dispute over which artist owned the song .
Since Gucci ’ s debut album came out a month earlier than Jeezy ’ s first studio album , Gucci included it on his release .
Jeezy responded by recording “ Stay Strapped , ” which contained the lines : The last three minutes of the song is basically Jeezy going on an extended rant , including offering a $ 10,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Icy ” necklace .
Gucci responded by calling Jeezy a “ fake ” on “ Round 1 '' And so it began .
Nah , bruh .
a few weeks later , one of Jeezy ’ s homeboys , Henry Lee Clark III , allegedly broke in Gucci Mane ’ s home and was killed .
Mane turned himself in to authorities but eventually beat the case when prosecutors dropped the charges because of a lack of evidence .
After doing time for a separate assault charge , Gucci teamed up with frequent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s former manager , Coach K , to release The State vs. Radric Davis , Gucci ’ s most successful album .
Aside from the dead guy , it still sounds like a rap beef .
Yeah , but aside from the dead guy , Pontius Pilate would be a hero .
Anyway , after more disses , the two called a truce and reportedly made a few songs together .
Then their homies got into a fight at a clothing store , then there was more beef .
They weren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but Jeezy started wearing suits , Gucci got married and both started acting like adults .
After initially agreeing to a battle with T.I.
, Jeezy decided to go head-to-head with his nemesis .
Since they agreed , neither has indicated that the beef is dead , but they haven ’ t indicated that it ’ s not dead either .
So what happens tonight ?
Look , however you feel about the beef , these two dudes are undeniable legends in the trap music genre .
Tonight , every dude from below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face-off .
It ’ s like Maze battling Earth Wind & Fire .
This is Atlanta ’ s Tupac against Atlanta ’ s Biggie .
This is the male version of Shirley vs. Barbara .
This is the South ’ s version of Nas vs. Jay-Z .
And , the best part about it is , whatever happens ... At least niggas from Atlanta won ’ t have to watch their team blow a fourth-quarter lead .

Michael Harriot on The Grapevine, shared by Michael Harriot to The Root

Tonight is the first Verzuz battle.
Everything before this evening’s edition of the outrageously successful Verzuz series was extremely entertaining, but they weren’t necessarily battles (unless you count Teddy Riley’s knockdown dragout with his sound system). Snoop’s dogs didn’t even get at DMX. Monica barely side-eyed Brandy and I’m willing to bet that either Gladys Knight or Patti LaBelle showed up to their musical usher board meeting with a pound cake.
But at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, two of America’s foremost trapologists will engage in the greatest battle since Lil’ David the Sheep God murked Goliath, much to the dismay of Big G’s Philly crew (The Philistines didn’t know D was gonna pull out the slingshotty). Yes, Jeezy vs. Gucci Mane promises to be the Verzuz battle we’ve been waiting for.
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Tonight, we get actual beef.
Over their 15 years in the rap game, the relationship between Mr. Mane and the artist formerly known as Young has devolved from a collaborative friendship to a rap feud and, ultimately, into actual dead bodies.
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To prepare our readers for tonight’s festivities, we wanted to answer all the questions about this anxiously-awaited showdown.
Who is Gucci Mane?
Radric Delantic Davis is a 40-year-old recording artist who was born in Bessemer, Ala., a perennial favorite for one of the most dangerous cities in America. Gucci moved to Atlanta at 9, where he turned his life around after being detained for unlicensed pharmaceutical sales. Since grabbing the public’s attention by collaborating with another up-and-coming young rapper, Jay Wayne Jenkins, Gucci has released 13 studio albums and over 75 mixtapes.
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Who is Jeezy?
Jay Wayne Jenkins is a 43-year-old recording artist who was born in Columbia, S.C. Like Gucci, Jeezy relocated to Atlanta at a young age and also embraced trap music after delving into the underground medicinal industry, eventually releasing nine studio albums and 18 mixtapes.
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Who is more successful?
It depends on who you ask. Jeezy has undoubtedly had more commercial success, but Gucci Mane releases an album every 13 days.
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Weren’t they friends?
Yes. Their initial success came from their collaboration on Gucci Mane’s “Black Tee.”
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So what happened?
Well, the two teamed up for another hit song, “So Icy.” Everyone loved the song, but there was a dispute over which artist owned the song. Since Gucci’s debut album came out a month earlier than Jeezy’s first studio album, Gucci included it on his release.
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Jeezy responded by recording “Stay Strapped,” which contained the lines:
Niggas talkin’ all tough, steady hidin’ and shit
Even his own mama know, Radric Davis a bitch!
To be honest nigga, there’s nothin’ Gucci about chu
You pussy, nigga everythin’s coochie about chu
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The last three minutes of the song is basically Jeezy going on an extended rant, including offering a $10,000 bounty for Gucci Mane’s “Icy” necklace. Gucci responded by calling Jeezy a “fake” on “Round 1"
And so it began.
Oh, so it’s a rap beef?
Nah, bruh. a few weeks later, one of Jeezy’s homeboys, Henry Lee Clark III, allegedly broke in Gucci Mane’s home and was killed. Mane turned himself in to authorities but eventually beat the case when prosecutors dropped the charges because of a lack of evidence.
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After doing time for a separate assault charge, Gucci teamed up with frequent Jeezy collaborator DJ Drama and Jeezy’s former manager, Coach K, to release The State vs. Radric Davis, Gucci’s most successful album.
Aside from the dead guy, it still sounds like a rap beef.
Yeah, but aside from the dead guy, Pontius Pilate would be a hero.
Anyway, after more disses, the two called a truce and reportedly made a few songs together. Then their homies got into a fight at a clothing store, then there was more beef.
Advertisement
They weren’t shy about their disdain for each other but Jeezy started wearing suits, Gucci got married and both started acting like adults. After initially agreeing to a battle with T.I., Jeezy decided to go head-to-head with his nemesis. Since they agreed, neither has indicated that the beef is dead, but they haven’t indicated that it’s not dead either.
So what happens tonight?
Look, however you feel about the beef, these two dudes are undeniable legends in the trap music genre. Tonight, every dude from below the Mason-Dixon line will be watching this face-off.
Advertisement
It’s like Maze battling Earth Wind & Fire. This is Atlanta’s Tupac against Atlanta’s Biggie. This is the male version of Shirley vs. Barbara. This is the South’s version of Nas vs. Jay-Z. And, the best part about it is, whatever happens...
At least niggas from Atlanta won’t have to watch their team blow a fourth-quarter lead.


theroot--2020-11-19--Lawsuit Accuses Tyson Foods Supervisors of Placing ‘Winner-Take-All’ Bets on How Many Employees Woul

Lawsuit Accuses Tyson Foods Supervisors of Placing ‘Winner-Take-All’ Bets on How Many Employees Would Catch COVID-19

Tyson Foods has been embroiled in controversy since April when supervisors for the company chose to keep a meat-processing plant in Waterloo , Iowa , open despite a surge in employees testing positive for COVID-19 .
The plant was forced to shut down after more than 1,000 employees tested positive for coronavirus infection .
After several of those employees died , a lawsuit was filed by the son of one of the deceased employees alleging that Tyson Foods failed to protect its workers .
Recently , that lawsuit was amended to include a claim that company supervisors placed bets on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Washington Post reports that Oscar Fernandez—son of Waterloo facility employee Isidro Fernandez , who died on April 26 of complications related to COVID-19—filed a wrongful death lawsuit in August , claiming that Tyson Foods “ required its employees to work long hours in cramped conditions ” and “ failed to provide appropriate personal protective equipment and failed to implement sufficient social distancing or safety measures to protect workers from the outbreak.
” On November 11 , the suit was amended to include allegations that one of the Waterloo plant managers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy-in , winner-take-all betting pool for supervisors and managers to wager how many employees would test positive for COVID-19.
” Besides Hart , the lawsuit names a shit load of defendants .
According to CBS , another amendment to the suit claimed Casey “ explicitly directed supervisors to ignore symptoms of COVID-19.
” “ Mr .
Casey told supervisors they had to show up to work , even if they were exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 , and he directed supervisors to make their direct reports come to work , even if those direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the lawsuit states .
“ On one occasion , Mr. Casey intercepted a sick supervisor en-route to get tested and ordered the supervisor to get back to work , adding , ‘ We all have symptoms .
You have a job to do.
’ ” According to the Iowa Capital Dispatch , those allegations are just the tip of the iceberg .
• In late March or early April , as the pandemic spread across Iowa , managers at the Waterloo plant reportedly began avoiding the plant floor for fear of contracting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they increasingly delegated managerial authority and responsibilities to low-level supervisors who had no management training or experience .
The supervisors did not require truck drivers and subcontractors to have their temperatures checked before entering the plant .
• In March and April , plant supervisors falsely denied the existence of any confirmed cases or positive tests for COVID-19 within the plant , and allegedly told workers they had a responsibility to keep working to ensure Americans didn ’ t go hungry as the result of a shutdown .
• Tyson paid out $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees who turned up for every scheduled shift for three months — a policy decision that allegedly incentivized sick workers to continue reporting for work .
• Tyson executives allegedly lobbied Iowa Gov .
Kim Reynolds for COVID-19 liability protections that would shield the company from lawsuits , and successfully lobbied the governor to declare that only the state government , not local governments , had the authority to close businesses in response to the pandemic .
CBS reports that Tyson Foods declined to speak on the new allegations including that of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected .
“ We ’ re saddened by the loss of any Tyson team member and sympathize with their families , ” the company said in a statement .
“ Our top priority is the health and safety of our workers and we ’ ve implemented a host of protective measures at Waterloo and our other facilities that meet or exceed CDC and OSHA guidance for preventing Covid-19.
” The company claimed that “ while we ’ ll pass on specifically addressing the amended lawsuit , ” it has done plenty to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus task force ” to educate “ team members about the virus.
” In the statement , the company also appeared to make excuses for its perceived negligence , claiming that “ for weeks , the Black Hawk County Health Department ( BHCHD ) declined to share information with our company about Tyson team members with COVID-19 .
”

Tyson Foods has been embroiled in controversy since April when supervisors for the company chose to keep a meat-processing plant in Waterloo, Iowa, open despite a surge in employees testing positive for COVID-19. The plant was forced to shut down after more than 1,000 employees tested positive for coronavirus infection. After several of those employees died, a lawsuit was filed by the son of one of the deceased employees alleging that Tyson Foods failed to protect its workers. Recently, that lawsuit was amended to include a claim that company supervisors placed bets on how many employees would catch the virus.
The Washington Post reports that Oscar Fernandez—son of Waterloo facility employee Isidro Fernandez, who died on April 26 of complications related to COVID-19—filed a wrongful death lawsuit in August, claiming that Tyson Foods “required its employees to work long hours in cramped conditions” and “failed to provide appropriate personal protective equipment and failed to implement sufficient social distancing or safety measures to protect workers from the outbreak.”
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On November 11, the suit was amended to include allegations that one of the Waterloo plant managers, Tom Hart, “organized a cash buy-in, winner-take-all betting pool for supervisors and managers to wager how many employees would test positive for COVID-19.”
Besides Hart, the lawsuit names a shit load of defendants.
From CBS News:
The suit claims Tyson managers engaged in “fraudulent misrepresentations, gross negligence and incorrigible, willful and wanton disregard for worker safety.” Defendants include Tyson Foods Chairman John Tyson, CEO Noel White, President Dean Banks, President Stephen Stouffer, Vice President Tom Brower, Manager Tom Hart, Safety Lead Bret Tapken and managers Cody Brustkern and John Casey. Court records show that Black Hawk County Sheriff Tony Thompson advised the company to shut the Waterloo plant, but it didn’t. Thompson said the plant’s working conditions “shook him to the core,” according to the documents.
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According to CBS, another amendment to the suit claimed Casey “explicitly directed supervisors to ignore symptoms of COVID-19.”
“Mr. Casey told supervisors they had to show up to work, even if they were exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, and he directed supervisors to make their direct reports come to work, even if those direct reports were showing symptoms of COVID-19,” the lawsuit states. “On one occasion, Mr. Casey intercepted a sick supervisor en-route to get tested and ordered the supervisor to get back to work, adding, ‘We all have symptoms. You have a job to do.’”
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According to the Iowa Capital Dispatch, those allegations are just the tip of the iceberg.
From the Dispatch:
In late March or early April, as the pandemic spread across Iowa, managers at the Waterloo plant reportedly began avoiding the plant floor for fear of contracting the virus. As a result, they increasingly delegated managerial authority and responsibilities to low-level supervisors who had no management training or experience. The supervisors did not require truck drivers and subcontractors to have their temperatures checked before entering the plant.
In March and April, plant supervisors falsely denied the existence of any confirmed cases or positive tests for COVID-19 within the plant, and allegedly told workers they had a responsibility to keep working to ensure Americans didn’t go hungry as the result of a shutdown.
Tyson paid out $500 “thank you bonuses” to employees who turned up for every scheduled shift for three months — a policy decision that allegedly incentivized sick workers to continue reporting for work.
Tyson executives allegedly lobbied Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds for COVID-19 liability protections that would shield the company from lawsuits, and successfully lobbied the governor to declare that only the state government, not local governments, had the authority to close businesses in response to the pandemic.
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CBS reports that Tyson Foods declined to speak on the new allegations including that of the bet on how many employees would be infected.
“We’re saddened by the loss of any Tyson team member and sympathize with their families,” the company said in a statement. “Our top priority is the health and safety of our workers and we’ve implemented a host of protective measures at Waterloo and our other facilities that meet or exceed CDC and OSHA guidance for preventing Covid-19.”
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The company claimed that “while we’ll pass on specifically addressing the amended lawsuit,” it has done plenty to keep employees safe, including forming a “coronavirus task force” to educate “team members about the virus.”
In the statement, the company also appeared to make excuses for its perceived negligence, claiming that “for weeks, the Black Hawk County Health Department (BHCHD) declined to share information with our company about Tyson team members with COVID-19.”


theroot--2020-11-19--The Forty-Year-Old Version Writer, Director and Actor Radha Blank to Be Honored With 2020 Sundance V

The Forty-Year-Old Version Writer, Director and Actor Radha Blank to Be Honored With 2020 Sundance Vanguard Award

The incredibly talented force known as Radha Blank is 2020 ’ s Sundance Vanguard Award recipient .
Blank ’ s feature film directorial debut , The Forty-Year-Old Version made its world premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and was later acquired by Netflix .
The multi-hyphenate not only directed the Sundance darling but wrote and starred in it , too .
The award , presented by Acura , “ honors artists whose work and vision represent the highest level of breakthrough innovation , originality , and independent spirit , as fostered in the Institute ’ s Feature Film Program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30-year history.
” Blank will join other Black-ass recipients of this award , including Ryan Coogler ( 2013 ) , Nate Parker ( 2016 ) , Dee Rees ( 2017 ) , and Boots Riley ( 2018 ) .
“ It ’ s a thrill to be acknowledged by my Sundance Institute family , who ’ ve been behind me from the very beginning of the journey for this film , ” Blank said in a statement .
“ They provided support of my vision , development of my voice in the screenwriting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vital mentorship but also cultivated a fellowship with other filmmakers who , just like the wonderful champions at Sundance , will be a cherished part of my life and career from here until forever .
Thanks so much Sundance for seeing me , and lifting me up for my first film .
Receiving this award affirms my path as a director , and is one hell of a way to begin my career .
Thank you !
” Here ’ s some background info on Blank ’ s successes this year as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I highly recommend you watch on Netflix if you haven ’ t already ) , via the official press release sent to The Root : Radha was honored with the Directing Award , U.S .
Dramatic after The Forty-Year-Old Version had its world premiere in the U.S .
Dramatic Competition category at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival .
Sundance support for the project included development at the Screenwriters Lab , Directors Lab , Creative Producing Summit and Catalyst Forum , as part of the Institute ’ s programs that discovers , supports and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film , theatre and media .
Radha recently received 2 Gotham Award nominations , the Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award and for Best Screenplay , and was also named by Variety as one of the 10 Directors to Watch in 2020 .
The Forty-Year-Old Version is a hilariously candid and deeply personal debut from writer/director Radha Blank .
Radha , a down-on-her-luck NY playwright , is desperate for a breakthrough before 40 .
But when she foils what seems like her last shot at success , she ’ s left with no choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Forty-Year-Old Version follows Radha as she vacillates between the worlds of Hip Hop and theater on a quest to find her true voice .
A fresh addition to the New York City slice-of-life canon shot in lush black and white 35mm , Blank ’ s film is an ode to the unfulfilled , and those whose adversity gives them a one-of-a-kind story to tell .
“ Radha ’ s singular vision , unique voice and comedic tone were immediately captivating , ” Sundance Feature Film Program Founding Director Michelle Satter said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proud to offer Rahda the time and space to grow her skills as a writer , director and actor at our Labs .
She developed the script with the support of enthusiastic advisors and her creative process was as gratifying to watch as getting to see the premiere at the most recent Sundance Film Festival .
We are very excited to celebrate Radha on December 2 , and honor her visionary talent with our 2020 Vanguard Award.
” The 2020 Sundance Vanguard Award ceremony will be held virtually on Dec. 2 at 5:30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ET and will feature a one-on-one conversation presented by Sundance Collab between Blank and 2019 Vanguard Award recipient Lulu Wang ( The Farewell ) .
The ceremony will also feature Octavia Spencer , who served as one of Blank ’ s advisors during the Sundance Institute Lab ( where Blank developed The Forty-Year-Old Version ) .
You can register now ( for free ) to attend the 2020 Sundance Vanguard Award ceremony at sundance.org .
Congrats to Radha !
Well deserved .

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

The incredibly talented force known as Radha Blank is 2020’s Sundance Vanguard Award recipient.
Blank’s feature film directorial debut, The Forty-Year-Old Version made its world premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and was later acquired by Netflix. The multi-hyphenate not only directed the Sundance darling but wrote and starred in it, too.
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The award, presented by Acura, “honors artists whose work and vision represent the highest level of breakthrough innovation, originality, and independent spirit, as fostered in the Institute’s Feature Film Program under Satter’s leadership over its 30-year history.” Blank will join other Black-ass recipients of this award, including Ryan Coogler (2013), Nate Parker (2016), Dee Rees (2017), and Boots Riley (2018).
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“It’s a thrill to be acknowledged by my Sundance Institute family, who’ve been behind me from the very beginning of the journey for this film,” Blank said in a statement. “They provided support of my vision, development of my voice in the screenwriting and directing labs—where I not only received vital mentorship but also cultivated a fellowship with other filmmakers who, just like the wonderful champions at Sundance, will be a cherished part of my life and career from here until forever. Thanks so much Sundance for seeing me, and lifting me up for my first film. Receiving this award affirms my path as a director, and is one hell of a way to begin my career. Thank you!”
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Here’s some background info on Blank’s successes this year as well as her breakout feature film (which I highly recommend you watch on Netflix if you haven’t already), via the official press release sent to The Root:
Radha was honored with the Directing Award, U.S. Dramatic after The Forty-Year-Old Version had its world premiere in the U.S. Dramatic Competition category at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Sundance support for the project included development at the Screenwriters Lab, Directors Lab, Creative Producing Summit and Catalyst Forum, as part of the Institute’s programs that discovers, supports and amplifies risk-taking and exciting independent artists across film, theatre and media. Radha recently received 2 Gotham Award nominations, the Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award and for Best Screenplay, and was also named by Variety as one of the 10 Directors to Watch in 2020. The Forty-Year-Old Version is a hilariously candid and deeply personal debut from writer/director Radha Blank. Radha, a down-on-her-luck NY playwright, is desperate for a breakthrough before 40. But when she foils what seems like her last shot at success, she’s left with no choice but to reinvent herself as rapper RadhaMUSPrime. The Forty-Year-Old Version follows Radha as she vacillates between the worlds of Hip Hop and theater on a quest to find her true voice. A fresh addition to the New York City slice-of-life canon shot in lush black and white 35mm, Blank’s film is an ode to the unfulfilled, and those whose adversity gives them a one-of-a-kind story to tell.
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“Radha’s singular vision, unique voice and comedic tone were immediately captivating,” Sundance Feature Film Program Founding Director Michelle Satter said in a statement. “We were proud to offer Rahda the time and space to grow her skills as a writer, director and actor at our Labs. She developed the script with the support of enthusiastic advisors and her creative process was as gratifying to watch as getting to see the premiere at the most recent Sundance Film Festival. We are very excited to celebrate Radha on December 2, and honor her visionary talent with our 2020 Vanguard Award.”
The 2020 Sundance Vanguard Award ceremony will be held virtually on Dec. 2 at 5:30 pm. PT / 8:30 p.m. ET and will feature a one-on-one conversation presented by Sundance Collab between Blank and 2019 Vanguard Award recipient Lulu Wang (The Farewell). The ceremony will also feature Octavia Spencer, who served as one of Blank’s advisors during the Sundance Institute Lab (where Blank developed The Forty-Year-Old Version).
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You can register now (for free) to attend the 2020 Sundance Vanguard Award ceremony at sundance.org. Congrats to Radha! Well deserved.