theroot--2020-06-24--As Fashion and Beauty Leaders Scramble on Race Issues, Black Insiders Organize to Demand an Industry

As Fashion and Beauty Leaders Scramble on Race Issues, Black Insiders Organize to Demand an Industry Makeover

“ Image architect ” Law Roach is one of the most successful talents working behind the scenes of the fashion and entertainment industries—crafting the memorable red carpet loo ks of stars like Zendaya and Celine Dion when he ’ s not throwing out biting one-liners as a judge on shows like America ’ s Next Top Model and HBO Max ’ s Legendary .
Now , the award-winning stylist is spearheading the fight against racism and marginalization in the industries that have made him a star , joining forces with designer/stylist Jason Rembert ( Aliétte NY ) and celebrity hairstylist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beetz and more ) to form the Black Fashion & Beauty Collective ( BFB Collective ) , a new nonprofit “ committed to giving towards and directly influencing progression within the fashion and beauty industries , and the Black community , ” according to its mission statement , which also reads : Black culture has always provided inspiration for cutting edge fashion and beauty trends , and has ultimately contributed to our successes both individually and as a collective in our fields .
The BFB Collective plans to create initiatives in collaboration with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fashion houses , production companies , and even those who just hold a deep appreciation for the artistry within fashion and beauty .
These initiatives will focus on creating education and career advancement opportunities for aspiring creatives , developing industry diversification standards for brands and corporations , providing resources to support members with their professional goals , and fostering community engagement and support .
Charitable endeavors—in partnership with local organizations—will function as vehicles for serving and healing our community , while simultaneously paying homage to those within it who have consistently set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industries .
“ It ’ s almost like creating a Black glam union , ” stylist Jason Bolden ( Styling Hollywood ) , who sits on the board of the new collective , told Business of Fashion ( BoF ) .
Further expressing the need for what he called a “ safe space ” for Black creatives , Bolden explained : “ Our white counterparts have very different experiences from us , from how they get paid to how they have been treated , agents ... their proximity to PR , management agencies—it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As BoF notes , the new coalition is one of several new initiatives that have arisen within the fashion and beauty industries in response to America ’ s racial crisis in the past few weeks , as “ the fashion industry is grappling with its embedded racism , debt to black culture and lack of diversity at the highest levels of leadership.
” CFDA Chairman Tom Ford and President and CEO Steven Kolb issued a statement in early June in response to the uprisings across the country , introducing new hiring initiatives at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systemic change within our industry , ” including an in-house employment program “ speciﬁcally charged with placing Black talent in all sectors of the fashion business , ” mentorship and internship programs , a Diversity and Inclusion training program , and financial contributions and fundraising on behalf of racial justice organizations .
“ Having a clear voice and speaking out against racial injustice , bigotry and hatred is the ﬁrst step , but this is not enough , ” the letter read , in part .
“ This is a deeply disturbing moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world is in deep pain .
Our industry is in pain and it is not enough to simply say that we stand in solidarity with those who are discriminated against .
We must do something.
” On E !
’ s CFDA Awards : Ultimate Fashion Moments special on Tuesday night , designer and new CFDA board member Carly Cushnie lauded the organization ’ s response , expressing that she was heartened to see the Council “ really take action immediately.
” “ There ’ s been a lot of statements made from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of brands , a lot of organizations and it ’ s important to stand with the Black community at this time , ” she said , adding , “ But even more so , it ’ s really about taking action , taking steps , so I think what they ’ ve started to do in terms of creating an employment program specifically aimed at sourcing Black talent and placing Black talent through all sectors of the industry , I think is just really crucial.
” Cushnie ’ s words echo those of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson , and designer Aurora James , all of whom recently issued challenges to the industry while revealing their own incidences of marginalization and discrimination .
Each has asked the industry to put its money where its performative gestures are—James through the creation of the 15 Percent Pledge ( recently garnering the commitment of Sephora ) , Smalls via the relaunch of Donate My Wage ( and a commitment of 50 percent of her own salary for the remainder of the year ) , and Johnson in an op-ed for the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being “ reprimanded for requesting black photographers , makeup artists and hairstylists for photo shoots.
” Managing racism is one of the things the fashion industry does do well .
Year after year , companies inflict harm against black culture while actively gouging it for inspiration and taking all of the profit ...
When called out , these companies plead for forgiveness , waving promises and money around .
Then it ’ s back to exclusion as usual , until the next brand “ accidentally ” repeats racial vulgarity .
The racism management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributes enormously to the fashion industry .
But black people are not compensated for it .
Brands do not retain and promote the many talented black professionals already in the fashion , beauty and media workforce .
Brands do not significantly invest in black designers .
The fashion industry pirates blackness for profit while excluding black people and preventing them from monetizing their talents .
Johnson proposes the “ Beverly Johnson Rule ” ( modeled after the Rooney Rule in the NFL ) , which would require at least two black candidates “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” It ’ s the most basic form of equity and one that shouldn ’ t have to be requested , let alone required .
But at a moment when America at large is once again being forced to reckon with its systemic and overt racism , it ’ s clear that white-led institutions can ’ t be trusted to simply “ do the right thing ” when it comes to diversity and inclusion—because these issues aren ’ t new ; they ’ re just suddenly compulsory .
And while it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at this moment , we find ourselves with the rare opportunity to be recognized as the experts on race that we have always been , as Bolden told BoF .
“ It ’ s us being able to own our blackness and also let people know we ’ ve had enough and this is what it is going to look like going forward .
”

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

“Image architect” Law Roach is one of the most successful talents working behind the scenes of the fashion and entertainment industries—crafting the memorable red carpet loo ks of stars like Zendaya and Celine Dion when he’s not throwing out biting one-liners as a judge on shows like America’s Next Top Model and HBO Max’s Legendary.
Now, the award-winning stylist is spearheading the fight against racism and marginalization in the industries that have made him a star, joining forces with designer/stylist Jason Rembert (Aliétte NY) and celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway (Tessa Thompson, Zazie Beetz and more) to form the Black Fashion & Beauty Collective (BFB Collective), a new nonprofit “committed to giving towards and directly influencing progression within the fashion and beauty industries, and the Black community,” according to its mission statement, which also reads:
Black culture has always provided inspiration for cutting edge fashion and beauty trends, and has ultimately contributed to our successes both individually and as a collective in our fields. The BFB Collective plans to create initiatives in collaboration with others in the industry, including designers, fashion houses, production companies, and even those who just hold a deep appreciation for the artistry within fashion and beauty. These initiatives will focus on creating education and career advancement opportunities for aspiring creatives, developing industry diversification standards for brands and corporations, providing resources to support members with their professional goals, and fostering community engagement and support. Charitable endeavors—in partnership with local organizations—will function as vehicles for serving and healing our community, while simultaneously paying homage to those within it who have consistently set the standard in the fashion and beauty industries.
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“It’s almost like creating a Black glam union,” stylist Jason Bolden (Styling Hollywood), who sits on the board of the new collective, told Business of Fashion (BoF). Further expressing the need for what he called a “safe space” for Black creatives, Bolden explained: “Our white counterparts have very different experiences from us, from how they get paid to how they have been treated, agents...their proximity to PR, management agencies—it’s a very different experience.”
As BoF notes, the new coalition is one of several new initiatives that have arisen within the fashion and beauty industries in response to America’s racial crisis in the past few weeks, as “the fashion industry is grappling with its embedded racism, debt to black culture and lack of diversity at the highest levels of leadership.”
Advertisement Advertisement
CFDA Chairman Tom Ford and President and CEO Steven Kolb issued a statement in early June in response to the uprisings across the country, introducing new hiring initiatives at the esteemed industry organization “to create systemic change within our industry,” including an in-house employment program “speciﬁcally charged with placing Black talent in all sectors of the fashion business,” mentorship and internship programs, a Diversity and Inclusion training program, and financial contributions and fundraising on behalf of racial justice organizations.
“Having a clear voice and speaking out against racial injustice, bigotry and hatred is the ﬁrst step, but this is not enough,” the letter read, in part. “This is a deeply disturbing moment that speaks to us all. Our world is in deep pain. Our industry is in pain and it is not enough to simply say that we stand in solidarity with those who are discriminated against. We must do something.”
Advertisement
On E!’s CFDA Awards: Ultimate Fashion Moments special on Tuesday night, designer and new CFDA board member Carly Cushnie lauded the organization’s response, expressing that she was heartened to see the Council “really take action immediately.”
“There’s been a lot of statements made from a lot of companies, a lot of brands, a lot of organizations and it’s important to stand with the Black community at this time,” she said, adding, “But even more so, it’s really about taking action, taking steps, so I think what they’ve started to do in terms of creating an employment program specifically aimed at sourcing Black talent and placing Black talent through all sectors of the industry, I think is just really crucial.”
Advertisement
Cushnie’s words echo those of supermodels Joan Smalls and industry icon Beverly Johnson, and designer Aurora James, all of whom recently issued challenges to the industry while revealing their own incidences of marginalization and discrimination. Each has asked the industry to put its money where its performative gestures are—James through the creation of the 15 Percent Pledge (recently garnering the commitment of Sephora), Smalls via the relaunch of Donate My Wage (and a commitment of 50 percent of her own salary for the remainder of the year), and Johnson in an op-ed for the Washington Post last week, in which she recalled being “reprimanded for requesting black photographers, makeup artists and hairstylists for photo shoots.”
Johnson also wrote (in part):
Managing racism is one of the things the fashion industry does do well. Year after year, companies inflict harm against black culture while actively gouging it for inspiration and taking all of the profit...When called out, these companies plead for forgiveness, waving promises and money around. Then it’s back to exclusion as usual, until the next brand “accidentally” repeats racial vulgarity. The racism management cycle then begins anew. Black culture contributes enormously to the fashion industry. But black people are not compensated for it. Brands do not retain and promote the many talented black professionals already in the fashion, beauty and media workforce. Brands do not significantly invest in black designers. The fashion industry pirates blackness for profit while excluding black people and preventing them from monetizing their talents.
Advertisement
Johnson proposes the “Beverly Johnson Rule” (modeled after the Rooney Rule in the NFL), which would require at least two black candidates “to be meaningfully interviewed for influential positions.” It’s the most basic form of equity and one that shouldn’t have to be requested, let alone required. But at a moment when America at large is once again being forced to reckon with its systemic and overt racism, it’s clear that white-led institutions can’t be trusted to simply “do the right thing” when it comes to diversity and inclusion—because these issues aren’t new; they’re just suddenly compulsory. And while it’s never been our responsibility to remedy them, at this moment, we find ourselves with the rare opportunity to be recognized as the experts on race that we have always been, as Bolden told BoF.
“It’s us being able to own our blackness and also let people know we’ve had enough and this is what it is going to look like going forward.”


theroot--2020-06-24--Pretend You're Getting In-Flight Snacks With This Giant Box of Biscoff Biscuits

If you ’ ve taken a Delta or United flight in past few years you ’ ve probably gotten a @ @ @ @ @ complimentary beverage .
Lotus Biscoff is those cookies .
United did announce earlier this year @ @ @ @ @ for Oreos which is a crime against nature .
But Delta is standing by her @ @ @ @ @ $ 10 in the deal and be your own flight attendant assuring tastiness arrives on @ @ @ @ @ parts cinnamon , ginger , and nutmeg these biscuits melt in your mouth like butter @ @ @ @ @ savory-ville .

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

300 Lotus Biscoff Biscuits | $20 | Amazon Gold Box
If you’ve taken a Delta or United flight in past few years you’ve probably gotten a pack of cookies with your complimentary beverage. Lotus Biscoff is those cookies. United did announce earlier this year it was trading these in for Oreos which is a crime against nature. But Delta is standing by her Belgium cookie man.
Save $10 in the deal and be your own flight attendant assuring tastiness arrives on time every time. Equal parts cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg these biscuits melt in your mouth like butter, your only destination is savory-ville.
Free shipping for Prime members.


theroot--2020-06-24--Yup, You Can Totally Wash Your Cast Iron Pans With Soap

Cast iron cookware is a funny animal : It ’ s versatile and super durable but it ’ s also particular and can all-too-easily turn into a rust-covered piece of garbage .
And then , there are all these rules that come with cast iron pans , whispered things about seasoning and scrubbing with salt and the dangers of soap … it ’ s just a lot .
But don ’ t let its care put you off of cast iron entirely .
It ’ s great stuff and you have me to help you figure out the care part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , when it comes to the cleaning part at least , most of the old cast iron “ rules ” can be tossed out the window .
Here are the things you really need to know about washing and storing a cast iron pan .
Soap Is Not the Enemy Conventional cast iron wisdom dictates that you must never , ever use dish soap to clean a cast iron pan .
Lies !
You may absolutely use dish soap to wash a cast-iron pan .
The idea behind the insistence on no-soap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of oil-based seasoning that lends the pan its nonstick surface .
But , because the oil is exposed to heat for a prolonged time , its chemistry changes and it becomes polymerized—which means that it no longer responds to soap the way unpolymerized oil does , and won ’ t break down from exposure to soap .
The real thing you need to protect your cast iron pan from is water—not soap !
Damage is far more likely to occur because of exposure to water because cast iron will rust .
Very fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You should absolutely use water to wash cast iron pans BUT once the pan is clean , the best thing you can do for the longevity of your cast iron is to dry it off immediately .
Cast iron , however , has a tendency to stain dish towels , so it ’ s worth investing in a set of dark towels if you regularly cook with , and therefore clean , cast iron cookware .
Never , ever leave a cast iron pan to soak in the sink .
Moisturize Your Pan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is truly the best , best , best thing you can do for your cast iron , but if you can add one thing to your cast iron care routine on top of that , let it be this : After drying , pour a small amount of oil into the pan , rub it vigorously with a paper towel until the pan appears to be dry , and then set the pan over a medium flame for five minutes .
That last step does two things ; one , it will dry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two , it will add a thin layer to the pan ’ s seasoning , which will help to protect it from rusting due to moisture in the air while it ’ s not in use .
Soap Alternatives for the Still Soap-Skeptical Maybe , though , you ’ re curious about how to clean a cast-iron pan without the use of soap .
Sure !
Let ’ s cover that .
One of the most popular methods for cleaning cast iron is to use coarse kosher salt to scour the pan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the pan and use a dishrag ( see how having that set of dark towels is starting to make more and more sense ?
!
? )
or paper towels to scrub away grease and bits of food .
Rinse the pan well with warm water , dry it thoroughly , and re-season .
Salt can also be used if your cast-iron cookware does develop rust : The salt scrubbing method will scour away small bits of rust .
Very fine steel wool can also be used to scour away rust .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleaning cast iron without the use of soap .
Plus , they can double as a costume for the Renaissance Faire enthusiasts among us !

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

Cast iron cookware is a funny animal: It’s versatile and super durable but it’s also particular and can all-too-easily turn into a rust-covered piece of garbage. And then, there are all these rules that come with cast iron pans, whispered things about seasoning and scrubbing with salt and the dangers of soap … it’s just a lot.
But don’t let its care put you off of cast iron entirely. It’s great stuff and you have me to help you figure out the care part of things. The good news is that, when it comes to the cleaning part at least, most of the old cast iron “rules” can be tossed out the window. Here are the things you really need to know about washing and storing a cast iron pan.
Soap Is Not the Enemy
Conventional cast iron wisdom dictates that you must never, ever use dish soap to clean a cast iron pan. Lies! You may absolutely use dish soap to wash a cast-iron pan.
Advertisement
The idea behind the insistence on no-soap is that soap will erode the layer of oil-based seasoning that lends the pan its nonstick surface. But, because the oil is exposed to heat for a prolonged time, its chemistry changes and it becomes polymerized—which means that it no longer responds to soap the way unpolymerized oil does, and won’t break down from exposure to soap.
Advertisement Advertisement
Water Is the Real Enemy
The real thing you need to protect your cast iron pan from is water—not soap! Damage is far more likely to occur because of exposure to water because cast iron will rust. Very fast. Shockingly fast. Alarmingly fast.
You should absolutely use water to wash cast iron pans BUT once the pan is clean, the best thing you can do for the longevity of your cast iron is to dry it off immediately. Cast iron, however, has a tendency to stain dish towels, so it’s worth investing in a set of dark towels if you regularly cook with, and therefore clean, cast iron cookware.
Advertisement
Never, ever leave a cast iron pan to soak in the sink.
Moisturize Your Pan Like You Moisturize Your Body
Thorough drying is truly the best, best, best thing you can do for your cast iron, but if you can add one thing to your cast iron care routine on top of that, let it be this: After drying, pour a small amount of oil into the pan, rub it vigorously with a paper towel until the pan appears to be dry, and then set the pan over a medium flame for five minutes. That last step does two things; one, it will dry the pan out even more, and two, it will add a thin layer to the pan’s seasoning, which will help to protect it from rusting due to moisture in the air while it’s not in use.
Advertisement
Soap Alternatives for the Still Soap-Skeptical
Maybe, though, you’re curious about how to clean a cast-iron pan without the use of soap. Sure! Let’s cover that.
Advertisement
One of the most popular methods for cleaning cast iron is to use coarse kosher salt to scour the pan. Pour about a cup of the salt into the pan and use a dishrag (see how having that set of dark towels is starting to make more and more sense?!?) or paper towels to scrub away grease and bits of food. Rinse the pan well with warm water, dry it thoroughly, and re-season.
Salt can also be used if your cast-iron cookware does develop rust: The salt scrubbing method will scour away small bits of rust. Very fine steel wool can also be used to scour away rust.
Advertisement
Chainmail scrubbers are another popular choice for cleaning cast iron without the use of soap. Plus, they can double as a costume for the Renaissance Faire enthusiasts among us!


theroot--2020-06-24--One of the Cops Who Killed Breonna Taylor Has Been Fired, but Louisville Plans to Fully Fund the Pol

One of the Cops Who Killed Breonna Taylor Has Been Fired, but Louisville Plans to Fully Fund the Police Dept. That Made Him Possible

More than 100 days after Brett Hankison barged into 26-year-old Breonna Taylor ’ s home in Louisville , Ky. , shooting and killing her , the former Louisville Police narcotics officer has been fired from the department .
Hankison , who is also the subject of two sexual assault investigations , was officially fired Tuesday ( his impending termination was announced last week ) .
Hankison is , thus far , the only officer involved in Taylor ’ s death to be removed from the force .
In Hankison ’ s termination letter , Chief of Police Robert J. Schroeder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indifference to the value of human life ” when he fired 10 shots upon forcefully entering her home in March .
Some of his shots entered a neighbor ’ s apartment , notes the letter , which was shared on Twitter ( h/t ABC News ) .
His actions violated at least two of LMPD ’ s guidelines : its Obedience to Rules and Regulations , as well as its Use of Deadly Force rules .
“ In fact the ten rounds you fired were into a patio door and window which were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from verifying any person as an immediate threat or more importantly any innocent persons present , ” the letter states .
The letter also mentions Hankison ’ s previous disciplinary issues , including a reprimand last year in which he was found to have engaged in “ reckless conduct that injured an innocent person.
” “ I find your conduct a shock to the conscience .
I am alarmed and stunned you used deadly force in this fashion , ” the police chief continued , addressing Hankison directly .
“ Your actions have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The other two officers who fired their weapons in Taylor ’ s apartment , Sgt .
Jonathan Mattingly and Officers Myles Cosgrove , remain on administrative reassignment .
The same is true of the detective who requested the “ no-knock ” warrant on Taylor ’ s apartment as part of a narcotics investigation , Joshua Jaynes .
Since Taylor ’ s killing on March 13 , the Louisville Metro Council unanimously passed “ Breonna ’ s Law , ” which bans LMPD from seeking and using “ no-knock ” warrants , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for every search .
But despite weeks of protests , meetings and vigils , very little has changed both in Taylor ’ s case and with regard to the LMPD .
As local ABC affiliate WHAS11 reported , the Metro Council has no plans to defund the police , despite the repeated and specific calls to do so from local organizers and activists .
Instead , the council plans to re-prioritize how the department spends its $ 190.5 million budget .
According to their proposed plan , $ 5 million of the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go toward the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund ( LAHTF ) , which converts vacant and abandoned properties into “ direct purchase or least-to-purchase opportunities , ” reports WHAS .
Another $ 2.5 million would go to programs that support home repair , fix up vacant and abandoned properties , and increase homeownership .
Louisville will not cut any city funds from the LMPD .
“ We absolutely don ’ t want to fund bad behavior but I do want to fund good , positive , productive behavior , ” Councilwoman Barbara Sexton- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LMPD .
“ I do want them to have the appropriate equipment , and to make sure they have the funding available .
I want them to have the training they so very much deserve and need.
” The argument that so many Black Lives Matter protesters are making is that training police officers does little to reform a system that is either fundamentally broken or—more likely—working exactly as intended .
Removing Hankison from his role as a police officer is a little slice of the justice Taylor ’ s family and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But more than three months after Taylor ’ s killing , the kind of transformative justice that Taylor ’ s family and the city of Louisville need—that they have ceaselessly demanded—is still far on the horizon .

More than 100 days after Brett Hankison barged into 26-year-old Breonna Taylor’s home in Louisville, Ky., shooting and killing her, the former Louisville Police narcotics officer has been fired from the department.
Hankison, who is also the subject of two sexual assault investigations, was officially fired Tuesday (his impending termination was announced last week). Hankison is, thus far, the only officer involved in Taylor’s death to be removed from the force.
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In Hankison’s termination letter, Chief of Police Robert J. Schroeder wrote that Hankison “displayed an extreme indifference to the value of human life” when he fired 10 shots upon forcefully entering her home in March. Some of his shots entered a neighbor’s apartment, notes the letter, which was shared on Twitter (h/t ABC News).
His actions violated at least two of LMPD’s guidelines: its Obedience to Rules and Regulations, as well as its Use of Deadly Force rules.
Advertisement Advertisement
“In fact the ten rounds you fired were into a patio door and window which were covered with material that completely prevented you from verifying any person as an immediate threat or more importantly any innocent persons present,” the letter states.
Advertisement
The letter also mentions Hankison’s previous disciplinary issues, including a reprimand last year in which he was found to have engaged in “reckless conduct that injured an innocent person.”
“I find your conduct a shock to the conscience. I am alarmed and stunned you used deadly force in this fashion,” the police chief continued, addressing Hankison directly. “Your actions have brought discredit upon yourself and the Department.”
Advertisement
The other two officers who fired their weapons in Taylor’s apartment, Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and Officers Myles Cosgrove, remain on administrative reassignment. The same is true of the detective who requested the “no-knock” warrant on Taylor’s apartment as part of a narcotics investigation, Joshua Jaynes.
Since Taylor’s killing on March 13, the Louisville Metro Council unanimously passed “Breonna’s Law,” which bans LMPD from seeking and using “no-knock” warrants, and requires that body cameras be turned on for every search. But despite weeks of protests, meetings and vigils, very little has changed both in Taylor’s case and with regard to the LMPD.
Advertisement
As local ABC affiliate WHAS11 reported, the Metro Council has no plans to defund the police, despite the repeated and specific calls to do so from local organizers and activists. Instead, the council plans to re-prioritize how the department spends its $190.5 million budget. According to their proposed plan, $5 million of the police budget (about 2.6 percent) would go toward the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund (LAHTF), which converts vacant and abandoned properties into “direct purchase or least-to-purchase opportunities,” reports WHAS. Another $2.5 million would go to programs that support home repair, fix up vacant and abandoned properties, and increase homeownership. Louisville will not cut any city funds from the LMPD.
“We absolutely don’t want to fund bad behavior but I do want to fund good, positive, productive behavior,” Councilwoman Barbara Sexton- Smith told the local TV station about LMPD. “I do want them to have the appropriate equipment, and to make sure they have the funding available. I want them to have the training they so very much deserve and need.”
Advertisement
The argument that so many Black Lives Matter protesters are making is that training police officers does little to reform a system that is either fundamentally broken or—more likely—working exactly as intended. Removing Hankison from his role as a police officer is a little slice of the justice Taylor’s family and those saying her name have in mind. But more than three months after Taylor’s killing, the kind of transformative justice that Taylor’s family and the city of Louisville need—that they have ceaselessly demanded—is still far on the horizon.


theroot--2020-06-24--The Washington Redskins Want Nothing to Do With Their Racist Past, But Opt to Retain Their Racist Na

The Washington Redskins Want Nothing to Do With Their Racist Past, But Opt to Retain Their Racist Name

In the latest display of performative allyship , we have the Washington Redkins , who are doing just about everything humanly possible to pretend like they never had a racist-ass owner even though they still have a racist-ass name .
Case in point , check out what they did last week , per ESPN : The statue of former Washington Redskins owner George Preston Marshall , who was forced to integrate his franchise in the early 1960s , was removed from outside of RFK Stadium on Friday morning .
Events DC , which is in charge of RFK Stadium , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a person who didn ’ t believe all men and women were created equal and who actually worked against integration is counter to all that we as people , a city , and nation represent , ” Max Brown , chairman of the Events DC board of directors , and Greg O ’ Dell , Events DC president and CEO , said in a joint statement .
“ We believe that injustice and inequality of all forms [ are ] reprehensible and we are firmly committed to confronting unequal treatment and working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” And to ensure its sordid past is relegated to Wikipedia entries , Washington will also remove Marhsall ’ s name from its Ring of Fame , which commemorates former players , coaches and contributors who ’ ve been integral to the history of the franchise .
So why is Washington going to such great lengths to disassociate from Marshall ?
Because he was racist as hell .
After purchasing the rights to the team in 1932 , he changed the name of the team from the Braves to the Redskins in “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adopted a Sioux persona .
Marshal was also the last owner in the entire league to allow Black players and only agreed to do so after the government threatened to revoke the team ’ s 30-year-lease .
He ’ s also notorious for saying shit like this : “ We ’ ll start signing Negroes when the Harlem Globetrotters start signing whites.
” But don ’ t start clapping it up for Washington just yet , because last time I checked , the name “ the Washington Redskins ” is still just as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has repeatedly stated that it has no intention whatsoever to change it .
“ We ’ ll never change the name of the team , ” Snyder told USA Today in 2013 .
“ It ’ s that simple .
NEVER—you can use caps.
” There ain ’ t no such thing as halfway crooks , and there ’ s sure as hell ain ’ t no such thing as halfway racists .
Until Washington changes its name , they can spare us all the lip service and bullshit publicity stunts .
Handle @ @

In the latest display of performative allyship, we have the Washington Redkins, who are doing just about everything humanly possible to pretend like they never had a racist-ass owner even though they still have a racist-ass name.
Case in point, check out what they did last week, per ESPN:
The statue of former Washington Redskins owner George Preston Marshall, who was forced to integrate his franchise in the early 1960s, was removed from outside of RFK Stadium on Friday morning. Events DC, which is in charge of RFK Stadium, removed the statue.
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“This symbol of a person who didn’t believe all men and women were created equal and who actually worked against integration is counter to all that we as people, a city, and nation represent,” Max Brown, chairman of the Events DC board of directors, and Greg O’Dell, Events DC president and CEO, said in a joint statement. “We believe that injustice and inequality of all forms [are] reprehensible and we are firmly committed to confronting unequal treatment and working together toward healing our city and country.”
And to ensure its sordid past is relegated to Wikipedia entries, Washington will also remove Marhsall’s name from its Ring of Fame, which commemorates former players, coaches and contributors who’ve been integral to the history of the franchise.
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So why is Washington going to such great lengths to disassociate from Marshall? Because he was racist as hell. After purchasing the rights to the team in 1932, he changed the name of the team from the Braves to the Redskins in “honor” of a man who merely adopted a Sioux persona.
Marshal was also the last owner in the entire league to allow Black players and only agreed to do so after the government threatened to revoke the team’s 30-year-lease.
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He’s also notorious for saying shit like this: “We’ll start signing Negroes when the Harlem Globetrotters start signing whites.”
Alrighty, then.
But don’t start clapping it up for Washington just yet, because last time I checked, the name “the Washington Redskins” is still just as flagrantly racist as Marshall was—and the team has repeatedly stated that it has no intention whatsoever to change it.
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“We’ll never change the name of the team,” Snyder told USA Today in 2013. “It’s that simple. NEVER—you can use caps.”
There ain’t no such thing as halfway crooks, and there’s sure as hell ain’t no such thing as halfway racists.
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Until Washington changes its name, they can spare us all the lip service and bullshit publicity stunts. Handle that.


theroot--2020-06-24--Everything I Know About White People I Learned on Social Media

Because I work around B lack people , live with B lack people and even care for a black dog in one of the B lackest cities in America , the only insight I have into white lives is checking out the Caucasian internet or watching reruns of a documentary series called Friends ( You guys would love it .
It ’ s about white people not locking their doors while living in an idyllic , crime-free all-white utopia called “ Manhattan.
” ) Anyway , many of you may know a lot of this stuff if you have white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the things I learned from the world white web .
I don ’ t subscribe to the premise of white supremacy but white people actually display racial superiority in one area .
No matter when you ask , somehow they are able to know exactly how many people died in Chicago on a particular weekend .
Even though Chicago doesn ’ t have one of the top 30 homicide rates in America , if you dare mention police brutality , racism , mass shootings or any kind of violence , white people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They will believe anything .
It ’ s interesting how they will watch Fox News reports about antifa , believe that the coronavirus is a conspiracy , and automatically subscribe to the words of a known liar like Donald Trump .
But they refuse to believe facts , statistics and actual data about anything that flies in the face of their beliefs .
One of my favorite recent conspiracy theories is ( and I ’ m sorry to send you down this rabbit hole ) is the number of people who believe the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Obama and the “ deep state.
” Because I have one of the most popular names in America , I must admit that I am conditioned to assume people aren ’ t talking about me when they say the name “ Michael ” or even use the phrase “ B lack people.
” When mechanics say you should change your oil every 5,000 miles , people in electric cars don ’ t pipe up with “ not all cars !
” White people , however , don ’ t possess the mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white people ” isn ’ t referring to “ all white people ” because no one ever means “ all.
” For instance , a B lack guy named Michael just got shot in Chicago .
4 .
They ’ ll tell you what they didn ’ t do .
White people never reveal the singular moments in their life when they committed an act of racism .
They will , however , remind you of how many slaves their ancestors didn ’ t own , how many b lack friends they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in their extended family and that one time they stopped someone from being racist .
And I can say this because one of my sisters has two white children .
And yes , Cabbage Patch Kids do count .
Stop being racist .
5 .
They have a different hygiene regimen .
I have a theory : t he white people who refuse to wear masks are the same white people don ’ t wash their legs .
I bet if we searched these people ’ s homes , we ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body soap and didn ’ t own a single washcloth .
One day we ’ re gon na learn that the racial wealth gap was all that money white people saved not taking long showers , buying washcloths or using extra soap on their extremities .
And I know some people are going to read this post and say that I ’ m being a reverse racist and add : “ What if I said all B lack people were criminals because that ’ s what I saw on Instagram ?
”

I use social media as a learning tool.
Because I work around B lack people, live with B lack people and even care for a black dog in one of the B lackest cities in America, the only insight I have into white lives is checking out the Caucasian internet or watching reruns of a documentary series called Friends (You guys would love it. It’s about white people not locking their doors while living in an idyllic, crime-free all-white utopia called “Manhattan.”)
Anyway, many of you may know a lot of this stuff if you have white associates. But here are some of the things I learned from the world white web.
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1. They’re really concerned about Chicago.
I don’t subscribe to the premise of white supremacy but white people actually display racial superiority in one area. No matter when you ask, somehow they are able to know exactly how many people died in Chicago on a particular weekend.
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Even though Chicago doesn’t have one of the top 30 homicide rates in America, if you dare mention police brutality, racism, mass shootings or any kind of violence, white people will immediately bring up Chicago.
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2. They will believe anything.
It’s interesting how they will watch Fox News reports about antifa, believe that the coronavirus is a conspiracy, and automatically subscribe to the words of a known liar like Donald Trump. But they refuse to believe facts, statistics and actual data about anything that flies in the face of their beliefs.
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One of my favorite recent conspiracy theories is (and I’m sorry to send you down this rabbit hole) is the number of people who believe the George Floyd killing is a hoax created by Obama and the “deep state.”
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3. But “not all white people”
Because I have one of the most popular names in America, I must admit that I am conditioned to assume people aren’t talking about me when they say the name “Michael” or even use the phrase “B lack people.”
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When mechanics say you should change your oil every 5,000 miles, people in electric cars don’t pipe up with “not all cars!” White people, however, don’t possess the mental acuity to recognize that the phrase “white people” isn’t referring to “all white people” because no one ever means “all.”
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For instance, a B lack guy named Michael just got shot in Chicago.
I don’t think I’m bleeding.
4. They’ll tell you what they didn’t do.
White people never reveal the singular moments in their life when they committed an act of racism. They will, however, remind you of how many slaves their ancestors didn’t own, how many b lack friends they have, the full accounting of negro blood is in their extended family and that one time they stopped someone from being racist.
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And I can say this because one of my sisters has two white children.
They’re adopted.
And yes, Cabbage Patch Kids do count. Stop being racist.
5. They have a different hygiene regimen.
I have a theory: t he white people who refuse to wear masks are the same white people don’t wash their legs. I bet if we searched these people’s homes, we’d find out that they used shampoo for body soap and didn’t own a single washcloth.
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One day we’re gonna learn that the racial wealth gap was all that money white people saved not taking long showers, buying washcloths or using extra soap on their extremities.
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And I know some people are going to read this post and say that I’m being a reverse racist and add:
“What if I said all B lack people were criminals because that’s what I saw on Instagram?”
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My response?
“Who said ‘all?’
See... I’m learning.


theroot--2020-06-24--Rhode Island Gives Voters a Chance to Remove ‘Plantation’ From Its Official Name

Say what you will about 2020 , but this has been the year that America is confronted with all the racism—blatant and subtle—that it celebrates through monuments , flags , product brands and the very names given to schools , streets and even entire states .
It ’ s gotten to a point where the state of Rhode Island is moving toward changing its official name by removing the word “ plantation.
” Rhode Island ’ s official name is the “ State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
” According to The Hill , Democratic Gov .
Gina Raimondo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her office will no longer include the word “ plantation ” in executive orders , citations or on the state ’ s website .
Raimondo also said that “ as soon as practicable , ” her office will remove “ plantation ” from all stationery and official correspondence and that executive offices “ shall determine whether there is an available alternative to the use of the state seal in official documents and replace or omit such seal where possible.
” Harold Metts , Rhode Island ’ s only B lack senator , introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the name change included on the November ballot and the state House approved the legislation last week .
In Raimondo ’ s order , she encouraged voters to cast their ballots in favor of the name change .
“ I urge the voters to approve the name change in November but will take all measures now that are within my control to eliminate the name from my official communications and those of my executive agencies , ” Raimondo wrote .
Some will point out that the word “ plantation ” doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through slave labor , which might be why calls to have the name changed have been unsuccessful in the past .
Rhode Island ’ s roots trace back to Providence Plantations , a settlement established by Roger Williams in 1636 .
A Change.org petition from two weeks ago requesting a name change for the state now has more than 7,250 signatures .
But previous efforts to modify Rhode Island ’ s name have been unsuccessful , with nearly 78 percent of voters opposing removing “ Providence Plantations ” from the name in 2010 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the word has a connotation attached to it that will immediately jump out at B lack people regardless of what kind of plantation is being referenced .
“ Whatever the meaning of the term ‘ plantations ’ in the context of Rhode Island ’ s history , it carries a horrific connotation when considering the tragic and racist history of our nation , ” Metts said , according to the Providence Journal .
This move comes at a time when monuments commemorating Confederate leaders and other colonizers are coming down either by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symbols like Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben are being removed from their company ’ s product line ; and pressure has mounted to change the names of schools and other institutions that have Confederate origins .
So , like I said : s ay what you will about 2020 ...

Say what you will about 2020, but this has been the year that America is confronted with all the racism—blatant and subtle—that it celebrates through monuments, flags, product brands and the very names given to schools, streets and even entire states. It’s gotten to a point where the state of Rhode Island is moving toward changing its official name by removing the word “plantation.”
Rhode Island’s official name is the “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.” According to The Hill, Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo signed an executive order Monday announcing that her office will no longer include the word “plantation” in executive orders, citations or on the state’s website. Raimondo also said that “as soon as practicable,” her office will remove “plantation” from all stationery and official correspondence and that executive offices “shall determine whether there is an available alternative to the use of the state seal in official documents and replace or omit such seal where possible.”
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Harold Metts, Rhode Island’s only B lack senator, introduced a bill to get a referendum on the name change included on the November ballot and the state House approved the legislation last week.
In Raimondo’s order, she encouraged voters to cast their ballots in favor of the name change.
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“I urge the voters to approve the name change in November but will take all measures now that are within my control to eliminate the name from my official communications and those of my executive agencies,” Raimondo wrote.
Some will point out that the word “plantation” doesn’t automatically refer to estates that were maintained through slave labor, which might be why calls to have the name changed have been unsuccessful in the past.
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From The Hill:
Rhode Island’s roots trace back to Providence Plantations, a settlement established by Roger Williams in 1636. A Change.org petition from two weeks ago requesting a name change for the state now has more than 7,250 signatures. But previous efforts to modify Rhode Island’s name have been unsuccessful, with nearly 78 percent of voters opposing removing “Providence Plantations” from the name in 2010.
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But Metts explained in a statement that the word has a connotation attached to it that will immediately jump out at B lack people regardless of what kind of plantation is being referenced.
“Whatever the meaning of the term ‘plantations’ in the context of Rhode Island’s history, it carries a horrific connotation when considering the tragic and racist history of our nation,” Metts said, according to the Providence Journal.
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This move comes at a time when monuments commemorating Confederate leaders and other colonizers are coming down either by government sanction or by force; brand symbols like Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben are being removed from their company’s product line; and pressure has mounted to change the names of schools and other institutions that have Confederate origins.
So, like I said: s ay what you will about 2020...


theroot--2020-06-24--Kerry Washington Says Hollywood's Diversity Commitment 'Still Centers Whiteness'

The country is experiencing a racial awakening in response to the police brutality protests that are still taking place after George Floyd and Breonna Taylor ’ s deaths .
Anti-racism books are flying off of shelves , streaming services have dedicated blocks of programming to Black shows and movies , and general interest in Black stories has risen for weeks .
However , despite eyes finally opening to the difficulties faced by the Black community , we still have a long way to go .
Actress Kerry Washington spoke about Hollywood ’ s lack of diversity in a new interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brand new podcast by LAist Studios .
Washington was on hand to discuss her new documentary The Fight , and to talk a bit about how Hollywood could work towards an anti-racist future .
For starters , she believes the entertainment industry should practice what they preach .
“ When we say we ’ re committed to diversity , it ’ s diverse from what ?
” she asks .
“ We ’ re still centering whiteness as the most important thing and inviting diversity around that ...
When we talk about inclusivity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an out .
So , we ’ re still centering certain kinds of people and maybe in tiny fractions allowing other people to the table .
There ’ s just so much of it that needs to be reexamined.
” The Scandal star also reveals that the respect for Black lives is “ not a moment of revelation ” for her personally , but she ’ s grateful to see the support for the Black community coming from all corners of the world .
She hopes that , by education and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people across the industry can improve .
“ I think what people are realizing is that it ’ s not enough to just not be racist , ” Washington continues .
“ Because our [ institutions ] were built in the fabric of racism ; because our country was born with Black Americans being designated a fraction of a human being ... we have to be actively anti-racist.
” Washington is not the only actor who has spoken up recently about the racial disparities in entertainment .
During a Black Lives Matter protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that we need to start demanding diversity in the workplace—and that Black stories need to be told .
“ I use my power to demand diversity , but it ’ s time the studios and agencies and all these buildings we stand in front of to do the same , ” he reportedly said , per Variety .
“ Where is the challenge to commit to black hiring ?
Black content led by black executives , black consultants .
Are you policing our storytelling , as well ?
So let us bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , entertainment attorney Jaia Thomas gave more insights in a guest op-ed for The Hollywood Reporter regarding Hollywood ’ s lack of diversity behind the scenes—specifically , how some of those who preach inclusivity onscreen don ’ t always keep that same energy for the other people on their teams .
She heads Diverse Representation , a national database of “ Black agents , attorneys , managers and publicists.
” “ Operating the company has taught me a lot about the nuances of Hollywood ’ s diversity challenges , ” she writes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even those who are the most vociferous advocates for diversity , often treat the makeup of their own teams as an afterthought ... As we enter into this new season of racial awakening , my hope is that artists spend less time looking externally for solutions .
Now is the time for artists to ask themselves : “ Do I have a Black attorney ?
Do I have a Black publicist ?
Why not ?
”

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

The country is experiencing a racial awakening in response to the police brutality protests that are still taking place after George Floyd and Breonna Taylor’s deaths . Anti-racism books are flying off of shelves, streaming services have dedicated blocks of programming to Black shows and movies, and general interest in Black stories has risen for weeks. However, despite eyes finally opening to the difficulties faced by the Black community, we still have a long way to go.
Actress Kerry Washington spoke about Hollywood’s lack of diversity in a new interview with Hollywood, The Sequel, a brand new podcast by LAist Studios. Washington was on hand to discuss her new documentary The Fight, and to talk a bit about how Hollywood could work towards an anti-racist future. For starters, she believes the entertainment industry should practice what they preach.
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“When we say we’re committed to diversity, it’s diverse from what?” she asks. “We’re still centering whiteness as the most important thing and inviting diversity around that...When we talk about inclusivity, there’s still an in and an out. So, we’re still centering certain kinds of people and maybe in tiny fractions allowing other people to the table. There’s just so much of it that needs to be reexamined.”
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The Scandal star also reveals that the respect for Black lives is “not a moment of revelation” for her personally, but she’s grateful to see the support for the Black community coming from all corners of the world. She hopes that, by education and a desire to understand, experiences for Black people across the industry can improve.
“I think what people are realizing is that it’s not enough to just not be racist,” Washington continues. “Because our [institutions] were built in the fabric of racism; because our country was born with Black Americans being designated a fraction of a human being...we have to be actively anti-racist.”
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Washington is not the only actor who has spoken up recently about the racial disparities in entertainment. During a Black Lives Matter protest earlier this month, Michael B. Jordan said that we need to start demanding diversity in the workplace—and that Black stories need to be told.
“I use my power to demand diversity, but it’s time the studios and agencies and all these buildings we stand in front of to do the same,” he reportedly said, per Variety. “Where is the challenge to commit to black hiring? Black content led by black executives, black consultants. Are you policing our storytelling, as well? So let us bring our darkness to the light.”
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However, entertainment attorney Jaia Thomas gave more insights in a guest op-ed for The Hollywood Reporter regarding Hollywood’s lack of diversity behind the scenes—specifically, how some of those who preach inclusivity onscreen don’t always keep that same energy for the other people on their teams. She heads Diverse Representation, a national database of “Black agents, attorneys, managers and publicists.”
“Operating the company has taught me a lot about the nuances of Hollywood’s diversity challenges,” she writes. “I have learned that many artists, even those who are the most vociferous advocates for diversity, often treat the makeup of their own teams as an afterthought...As we enter into this new season of racial awakening, my hope is that artists spend less time looking externally for solutions. Now is the time for artists to ask themselves: “Do I have a Black attorney? Do I have a Black publicist? Why not?”


theroot--2020-06-22--This Echo Dot Has a Built-In Clock, Now $25 off

Meet the Echo Dot with Clock .
It ’ s just like an Echo Dot , but it has a @ @ @ @ @ it was more expensive than a regular Dot , and now it ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ , you ’ ll save a lot .
Add one to your home and meet @ @ @ @ @ .
Sadly for you lot , I ’ ll be here all day .
This @ @ @ @ @ Quentyn Kennemer on 6/16/2020 and updated by Ignacia Fulcher with new information on 6/24/2020 .

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

Echo Dot w/ Clock | $40 | Amazon
Meet the Echo Dot with Clock. It’s just like an Echo Dot, but it has a clock. Problem is, it was more expensive than a regular Dot, and now it’s not. With $20 off, you’ll save a lot. Add one to your home and meet the immensely helpful Alexa bot.
Sadly for you lot, I’ll be here all day.
This article was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer on 6/16/2020 and updated by Ignacia Fulcher with new information on 8/19/2020.


theroot--2020-06-24--30 Days of Iconic Music Video Blackness With VSB, Day 24: Jodeci, 'Stay'

Jodeci and SWV are my favorite 90s groups .
Their music , to me , is so superbly good that you shouldn ’ t have anything negative to say about it .
Jodeci is still , today , a gold standard group , which is amazing considering that they only have three albums , all released between 1991 and 1995 that are worth talking about .
“ Stay ” was a single off their first album , the classic Forever My Lady .
The video is also classic not just for how awesomely 90s it is , but for how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote about this in 2014 ; I will be plagiarizing myself in parts , but with polish .
I clearly needed an editor then .
“ Stay ” is iconic though , for two words : rocking horse .
The iconic video for “ Stay ” is one of those videos that should be placed in a 90s time capsule .
The early 90s , specifically , were a time where videos took on many forms .
Jodeci ’ s “ Stay ” is emblematic ( and iconic because of it ) for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a good chance you haven ’ t seen this video in quite some time .
There ’ s a really good reason for this .
It ’ s a terrible video .
But it ’ s terrible so good .
So here are 5 things that make this video absolutely WTF , and thus iconic .
It starts out on level-10 with DeVante Swing sitting in the chair and then an IMMEDIATE cut to a woman with all the standard early 90s accouterment : big earrings , loud lipstick , big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t know what kind of frame of mind you have to be in to be thinking of shit to put in a music video where “ rocking horse ” makes sense , and then to make so much sense that it ends up as part of the final product .
Like somebody actually said , “ Hey , let ’ s put a woman on a rocking horse and have her , ya know , rock back and forth during the whole video .
I think that might be dope.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rocking horse has got to be top 5 dead or alive .
This entire video is windy .
You know how it seems like Beyoncé has her own personal wind machine and wind person following her around at all times , following in the footsteps of Michael Jackson who was a wind gawd in videos ?
Well , “ Stay ” is pantheon level windy .
There was shit moving through the entire video .
Drapes .
Clothing .
The FUCKING ROCKING HORSE .
No matter what clothing they had on , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christopher Cross ’ s “ Sailing ” video with four Black guys and a rocking horse .
They wore white throughout the entire video .
White beach apparel with boots .
White suits .
Jeans .
Hats .
What have you .
If it was white they were wearing it .
In fact , come to think of it ... they wore white in all their early videos .
“ Forever My Lady ” featured a horribly all-white linen ensemble .
Oh , wait , I ’ m wrong , “ Come and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black leather ( also a performance video with a leaner budget it seems than “ Stay ” , they just had a man and a woman feeling each other up in the shadows ) .
The “ Come and Talk To Me ” remix video was the pool party where they had the terrible white see-thru get up .
How the fuck were they so cool ?
Can ’ t lie , I wanted several of those outfits .
Now ’ s as good a time as any to point out that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the song .
At all .
“ Stay ” is about remorse and trying again .
This video features a rocking horse , which I ’ ve not yet seen as being indicative of remorse .
Admittedly , I ’ m not up on effective ways to show remorse , but I would be surprised if “ rocking horse ” is on that list is all I ’ m saying .
A nice touch and a throwback to earlier times .
Okay guys , that works .
It bounces nicely off the white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mention the rocking horse ?
I may have forgotten to do this .
It keeps making appearances .
Interestingly enough , the woman on it is giving the horse that work as the video goes along .
I ’ m surprised she didn ’ t fall off .
Well , she probably did because if you give it too much work it ’ s going to flip over like a Ford Explorer in the 90s .
Y ’ all remember when Ford Explorers were known for flipping over ?
And it was blamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 90s .
A Ford Explorer flipping over would have fit nicely in this video since that has nothing to do with staying either .
( Granted , the Ford Explorer/Firestone thing really got attention in the mid-to-late 90s but that ’ s just splitting hairs . )
Anyway , Jodeci ’ s “ Stay ” is a video that exhibited a trend of the early 90s in music videos , stuff that makes no damn sense , and they made sure they ’ d never be forgotten .
That , my @ @ @ @ @

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

Jodeci and SWV are my favorite 90s groups. Their music, to me, is so superbly good that you shouldn’t have anything negative to say about it. Jodeci is still, today, a gold standard group, which is amazing considering that they only have three albums, all released between 1991 and 1995 that are worth talking about. “Stay” was a single off their first album, the classic Forever My Lady. The video is also classic not just for how awesomely 90s it is, but for how awesomely interesting 90s videos were. I wrote about this in 2014; I will be plagiarizing myself in parts, but with polish. I clearly needed an editor then. “Stay” is iconic though, for two words: rocking horse.
Jodeci “Stay” (1991)
The iconic video for “Stay” is one of those videos that should be placed in a 90s time capsule. The early 90s, specifically, were a time where videos took on many forms. Jodeci’s “Stay” is emblematic (and iconic because of it) for one particular style: WTF.
Advertisement
There’s a good chance you haven’t seen this video in quite some time. There’s a really good reason for this. It’s a terrible video. But it’s terrible so good.
So here are 5 things that make this video absolutely WTF, and thus iconic.
1. The Rocking Horse
It starts out on level-10 with DeVante Swing sitting in the chair and then an IMMEDIATE cut to a woman with all the standard early 90s accouterment : big earrings, loud lipstick, big hair...on a rocking horse.
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I don’t know what kind of frame of mind you have to be in to be thinking of shit to put in a music video where “rocking horse” makes sense, and then to make so much sense that it ends up as part of the final product. Like somebody actually said, “Hey , let’s put a woman on a rocking horse and have her, ya know, rock back and forth during the whole video. I think that might be dope.” In terms of ridiculous video props, rocking horse has got to be top 5 dead or alive.
2. Wind
This entire video is windy. You know how it seems like Beyoncé has her own personal wind machine and wind person following her around at all times, following in the footsteps of Michael Jackson who was a wind gawd in videos? Well, “Stay” is pantheon level windy. There was shit moving through the entire video. Drapes. Clothing. The FUCKING ROCKING HORSE. No matter what clothing they had on, it was moving. Shit felt like Christopher Cross’s “Sailing” video with four Black guys and a rocking horse.
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3. The white linens
They wore white throughout the entire video. White beach apparel with boots. White suits. Jeans. Hats. What have you. If it was white they were wearing it. In fact, come to think of it... they wore white in all their early videos. “Forever My Lady” featured a horribly all-white linen ensemble. Oh, wait, I’m wrong, “Come and Talk To Me” featured them in black leather (also a performance video with a leaner budget it seems than “Stay”, they just had a man and a woman feeling each other up in the shadows). The “Come and Talk To Me” remix video was the pool party where they had the terrible white see-thru get up. How the fuck were they so cool? Can’t lie, I wanted several of those outfits.
Advertisement
Now’s as good a time as any to point out that this video has jack shit to do with the song. At all. “Stay” is about remorse and trying again. This video features a rocking horse, which I’ve not yet seen as being indicative of remorse. Admittedly, I’m not up on effective ways to show remorse, but I would be surprised if “rocking horse” is on that list is all I’m saying.
4. Lit up microphone
A nice touch and a throwback to earlier times. Okay guys, that works. It bounces nicely off the white you’re wearing.
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5. A Rocking horse…again
Did I mention the rocking horse? I may have forgotten to do this. It keeps making appearances. Interestingly enough, the woman on it is giving the horse that work as the video goes along. I’m surprised she didn’t fall off. Well, she probably did because if you give it too much work it’s going to flip over like a Ford Explorer in the 90s. Y’all remember when Ford Explorers were known for flipping over? And it was blamed on the Firestone tires? That started in the 90s. A Ford Explorer flipping over would have fit nicely in this video since that has nothing to do with staying either. (Granted, the Ford Explorer/Firestone thing really got attention in the mid-to-late 90s but that’s just splitting hairs.)
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Anyway, Jodeci’s “Stay” is a video that exhibited a trend of the early 90s in music videos, stuff that makes no damn sense, and they made sure they’d never be forgotten. That, my friends, is iconic.


theroot--2020-06-24--Teflon Don and Nem: How All Trump’s Allies Are Missing Jail Time

First , Paul Manafort was released from jail because his precious white lungs couldn ’ t stand to be around all that jailhouse stank and COVID-19 .
On Wednesday , a federal prosecutor and another Justice Department official will testify that Attorney General William Barr , aka Bad John Goodman , pressured them to give a lighter sentence for Trump ally Roger Stone , who if his 40-month sentence stands will most likely be pardoned by his homeboy , Trump .
And now a federal appeals court has ordered “ Judge Emmet Sullivan to dismiss the case against former Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible conclusion to a long-running political fight , ” CNN reports .
It doesn ’ t seem to matter that Flynn pleaded guilty , not once but twice , to lying to the FBI about rapping with Sergey Kislyak , who just so happened to be a Russian ambassador during the time of Trump ’ s presidential transition .
If no one challenges the appeal then Flynn will be exonerated after he sought to change his plea and claimed innocence .
Flynn ’ s case has become a touchstone for President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FBI ’ s Russia investigation and special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s criminal prosecution of several Trump campaign associates .
In late April , Trump , Flynn ’ s legal team and conservative allies seized on the disclosure of a hand-written note from a top FBI official outlining how agents may either refer Flynn for prosecution for illegally negotiating with a foreign government or “ get him to lie ” or “ get him fired.
” Trump used the document to argue that Flynn should be “ exonerated ” and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested that he ’ s considering a full pardon for Flynn .
It basically boils down to a three-judge panel deciding some bullshit that basically notes that Judge Sullivan didn ’ t have “ enough reason to question the DOJ ’ s prosecution decisions in this case .
They also said Sullivan having a third-party attorney weigh in on Flynn ’ s case , the former judge John Gleeson , isn ’ t needed anymore.
” Sullivan “ fails to justify the district court ’ s unprecedented intrusions on individual liberty and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D.C. appeals court Judge Neomi Rao , a Trump appointee , wrote in the majority opinion , CNN notes .
What does any of this mean ?
Who the fuck knows .
I see Rao is a Trump-appointed judge and I see a Trump ally getting off and I just think that Trump is going to keep trumping .
One judge on the panel disagreed with the other two , so it ’ s possible that another appeal could keep it going .
B ut as it stands , Flynn is safe for @ @ @ @ @

First, Paul Manafort was released from jail because his precious white lungs couldn’t stand to be around all that jailhouse stank and COVID-19.
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On Wednesday, a federal prosecutor and another Justice Department official will testify that Attorney General William Barr, aka Bad John Goodman, pressured them to give a lighter sentence for Trump ally Roger Stone, who if his 40-month sentence stands will most likely be pardoned by his homeboy, Trump.
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And now a federal appeals court has ordered “Judge Emmet Sullivan to dismiss the case against former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, a possible conclusion to a long-running political fight,” CNN reports.
It doesn’t seem to matter that Flynn pleaded guilty , not once but twice, to lying to the FBI about rapping with Sergey Kislyak, who just so happened to be a Russian ambassador during the time of Trump’s presidential transition.
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If no one challenges the appeal then Flynn will be exonerated after he sought to change his plea and claimed innocence.
From CNN:
Flynn’s case has become a touchstone for President Donald Trump and his supporters in their criticism of the FBI’s Russia investigation and special counsel Robert Mueller’s criminal prosecution of several Trump campaign associates. In late April, Trump, Flynn’s legal team and conservative allies seized on the disclosure of a hand-written note from a top FBI official outlining how agents may either refer Flynn for prosecution for illegally negotiating with a foreign government or “get him to lie” or “get him fired.” Trump used the document to argue that Flynn should be “exonerated” and that the charges should be dropped. He also suggested that he’s considering a full pardon for Flynn.
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It basically boils down to a three-judge panel deciding some bullshit that basically notes that Judge Sullivan didn’t have “enough reason to question the DOJ’s prosecution decisions in this case. They also said Sullivan having a third-party attorney weigh in on Flynn’s case, the former judge John Gleeson, isn’t needed anymore.”
Sullivan “fails to justify the district court’s unprecedented intrusions on individual liberty and the Executive’s charging authority,” D.C. appeals court Judge Neomi Rao, a Trump appointee, wrote in the majority opinion, CNN notes.
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What does any of this mean? Who the fuck knows. I see Rao is a Trump-appointed judge and I see a Trump ally getting off and I just think that Trump is going to keep trumping. One judge on the panel disagreed with the other two, so it’s possible that another appeal could keep it going. B ut as it stands, Flynn is safe for now and possibly forever.


theroot--2020-06-24--In Its Efforts to Make Itself a More Inclusive Sport, NASCAR Has Failed Already

When we say this among ourselves , the implication is understood .
But since we now live in a world rife with brand spanking new “ allies , ” that phrase likely requires an explanation .
Racism is exhausting , which , in turn , means white people are inherently exhausting too .
Every single day of our lives , we ’ re either exposed to racism , recovering from it , or suffering from the paranoia and anxiety of waiting for it to inevitably resurface .
It ’ s an endless , destructive cycle that eats away at our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sanity .
And despite the fact that we ’ re collectively , irreparably harmed , we cackle at Karens to anesthetize our pain because after 400 years of enduring this shit for nearly every second of every single day , white people have yet to just leave us the fuck alone… ever .
Yet , c ompounding that fatigue is our relentless pursuit of racial equality , a finish line we have yet to cross despite our best efforts .
Why ?
Because in order to finally achieve it , that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birthright : racism .
So not only is being Black exhausting , but it also requires us to spend an inordinate amount of our lives fighting to resolve inequities we didn ’ t even create—which brings us to Bubba Wallace .
On Tuesday , Bubba learned that he was not the victim of a hate crime .
An FBI investigation revealed that a noose that had been discovered in his garage stall last weekend had actually been there since as early as last October .
Under normal circumstances , this would bring relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ban the Confederate flag from its events , and NASCAR finally opting to oblige , he ’ s gone from being one of the most successful Black drivers in the history of the sport to one of the most hated men in Trump ’ s America .
More importantly , aside from death threats , omnipresent racism and whatever else Bubba ’ s been forced to endure , he ’ s now been placed in the unique position to defend his character against Redneck Twitter and our newly-minted purported “ allies ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve even gone as far as to compare him to Jussie Smollet , whose career was last seen swirling around a toilet bowl after being accused of orchestrating his own hate crime hoax .
Slight problem : Jussie notified the authorities himself to report his own “ hate crime ” —sorry , I never believed it either—while Bubba didn ’ t .
It was members of the Richard Petty Motorsports team who discovered the noose and alerted NASCAR , who then contacted Bubba to inform him of their discovery and ensuing investigation into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during an interview with Don Lemon on CNN Tonight .
“ I was about to go out to dinner with a couple of competitors and I get a call from [ NASCAR ] president Steve Phelps .
I immediately think , ‘ What did I do ?
What have I done ?
’ ” he said .
“ The conversation I had with Steve Phelps was probably one of the hardest things he had ever done .
Tears rolling down his face.
” Bubba also mentioned how discouraging it is to have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole thing up , even though he wasn ’ t the one who discovered the noose in the first place—he was only shown pictures of it after NASCAR ’ s investigation was underway .
“ I ’ m pissed , ” he told Lemon .
“ I ’ m mad because people are trying to test my character and the person that I am and my integrity.
” In case it wasn ’ t abundantly clear , Bubba Wallace is tired .
Racism is already exhausting—as is being the only Black face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump supporters and other wildly offensive bullshit—and now he ’ ll be forced to rectify a problem he didn ’ t even create .
Typical Black people shit , right ?
Thanks , in part , to NASCAR .
In announcing that the Confederate flag would no longer be allowed at its events , NASCAR stated that it was in an effort to facilitate “ a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans , our competitors and our industry.
” But if cultivating this environment will contribute to our fatigue and create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to resolve on our own , what ’ s our incentive to accept your invitation to partake in your sport ?
By failing Bubba , you ’ ve failed us all .
We ’ re tired .
This is your mess .
So if we ’ re truly living in a new era , then I expect NASCAR and our purported “ allies ” to clean this shit up themselves .

Black folks are tired.
When we say this among ourselves, the implication is understood. But since we now live in a world rife with brand spanking new “allies,” that phrase likely requires an explanation.
Racism is exhausting, which, in turn, means white people are inherently exhausting too. Every single day of our lives, we’re either exposed to racism, recovering from it, or suffering from the paranoia and anxiety of waiting for it to inevitably resurface.
Advertisement
It’s an endless, destructive cycle that eats away at our souls and deprives us of both sleep and sanity. And despite the fact that we’re collectively, irreparably harmed, we cackle at Karens to anesthetize our pain because after 400 years of enduring this shit for nearly every second of every single day, white people have yet to just leave us the fuck alone… ever.
It’s fucking exhausting.
Yet, c ompounding that fatigue is our relentless pursuit of racial equality, a finish line we have yet to cross despite our best efforts. Why? Because in order to finally achieve it, that would require white people to relinquish their sovereign birthright: racism. So not only is being Black exhausting, but it also requires us to spend an inordinate amount of our lives fighting to resolve inequities we didn’t even create—which brings us to Bubba Wallace.
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On Tuesday, Bubba learned that he was not the victim of a hate crime. An FBI investigation revealed that a noose that had been discovered in his garage stall last weekend had actually been there since as early as last October.
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Under normal circumstances, this would bring relief. But due to Bubba challenging NASCAR to ban the Confederate flag from its events, and NASCAR finally opting to oblige, he’s gone from being one of the most successful Black drivers in the history of the sport to one of the most hated men in Trump’s America.
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More importantly, aside from death threats, omnipresent racism and whatever else Bubba’s been forced to endure, he’s now been placed in the unique position to defend his character against Redneck Twitter and our newly-minted purported “allies” over his perceived deceit. They’ve even gone as far as to compare him to Jussie Smollet, whose career was last seen swirling around a toilet bowl after being accused of orchestrating his own hate crime hoax.
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Slight problem: Jussie notified the authorities himself to report his own “hate crime”—sorry, I never believed it either—while Bubba didn’t. It was members of the Richard Petty Motorsports team who discovered the noose and alerted NASCAR, who then contacted Bubba to inform him of their discovery and ensuing investigation into the matter. Bubba corroborated this story during an interview with Don Lemon on CNN Tonight.
“I was about to go out to dinner with a couple of competitors and I get a call from [NASCAR] president Steve Phelps. I immediately think, ‘What did I do? What have I done?’” he said. “The conversation I had with Steve Phelps was probably one of the hardest things he had ever done. Tears rolling down his face.”
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Bubba also mentioned how discouraging it is to have to defend his character against accusations of making the whole thing up, even though he wasn’t the one who discovered the noose in the first place—he was only shown pictures of it after NASCAR’s investigation was underway.
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“I’m pissed,” he told Lemon. “I’m mad because people are trying to test my character and the person that I am and my integrity.”
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In case it wasn’t abundantly clear, Bubba Wallace is tired.
Racism is already exhausting—as is being the only Black face in your entire sport among Confederate flags, Trump supporters and other wildly offensive bullshit—and now he’ll be forced to rectify a problem he didn’t even create. Typical Black people shit, right? Thanks, in part, to NASCAR.
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In announcing that the Confederate flag would no longer be allowed at its events, NASCAR stated that it was in an effort to facilitate “a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry.” But if cultivating this environment will contribute to our fatigue and create yet another problem that Black people will have to resolve on our own, what’s our incentive to accept your invitation to partake in your sport?
By failing Bubba, you’ve failed us all. We’re tired.
This is your mess.
So if we’re truly living in a new era, then I expect NASCAR and our purported “allies” to clean this shit up themselves.


theroot--2020-06-24--Spruce up Your Wardrobe in Huckberry's Spring Outerwear Sale

For many of us , sheltering in place doesn ’ t look to be ending any time soon .
That ’ s mostly fine , but it ’ s never fun to get a fresh new outfit and not be able to wear it out and flaunt it .
Still , it ’ s tough to pass up a good sale , and those spiffy new threads will still be there when it ’ s safe to roam about again .
Huckberry has a huge selection of outerwear , ranging from coats and blazers to boots and wallets .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only covers jackets and coats , but the discounts are definitely worth taking a peek—some jackets are as much as $ 100 off .
If you need a lightweight blazer you can carry with you through the seasons , the Flex Field Blazer is down from $ 328 to $ 261 .
In addition to being light and stretchy , it ’ s also got plenty of pockets to store all your whozits and whatzits .
For rainy weather , you can get the Highpoint Shell for $ 50 off , bringing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to keeping you safe from the rain , you ’ ll also get some protection from wind chill , so you won ’ t have to worry about shivering during your evening stroll .
It ’ s built for year-round weather , too , so it should still be cozy in the muggy weather of many summer climates .
For those who love a good , cozy jacket , there ’ s the Relwen Bonded Rag-Wool Jacket .
It ’ s meant for cool weather , so you might not be wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s good to be prepared .
It ’ s not just that it ’ s a comfy jacket , though , it ’ s also stylish , and will blend right in with the rest of your winter attire .
For a super durable weatherproof jacket , you can grab the Topo Designs Mountain Jacket for $ 157 , over 50 % off the retail price .
It ’ s wind-resistant to keep out the cold , and has a full-sized hood with a visor for all the protection you can ask @ @ @ @ @ @

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

Huckberry Spring Outerwear Sale | Huckberry
For many of us, sheltering in place doesn’t look to be ending any time soon. That’s mostly fine, but it’s never fun to get a fresh new outfit and not be able to wear it out and flaunt it.
Still, it’s tough to pass up a good sale, and those spiffy new threads will still be there when it’s safe to roam about again. Huckberry has a huge selection of outerwear, ranging from coats and blazers to boots and wallets. The company’s Spring Outerwear Sale really only covers jackets and coats, but the discounts are definitely worth taking a peek—some jackets are as much as $100 off.
Relwen Flex Field Blazer | $261 | Huckberry
If you need a lightweight blazer you can carry with you through the seasons, the Flex Field Blazer is down from $328 to $261. In addition to being light and stretchy, it’s also got plenty of pockets to store all your whozits and whatzits.
Relwen Highpoint Shell | $182 | Huckberry
For rainy weather, you can get the Highpoint Shell for $50 off, bringing the price down to $182. In addition to keeping you safe from the rain, you’ll also get some protection from wind chill, so you won’t have to worry about shivering during your evening stroll. It’s built for year-round weather, too, so it should still be cozy in the muggy weather of many summer climates.
Relwen Bonded Rag-Wool Jacket | $150 | Huckberry
For those who love a good, cozy jacket, there’s the Relwen Bonded Rag-Wool Jacket. It’s meant for cool weather, so you might not be wearing this for a while, but it’s good to be prepared. It’s not just that it’s a comfy jacket, though, it’s also stylish, and will blend right in with the rest of your winter attire.
Topo Designs Mountain Jacket | $157 | Huckberry
For a super durable weatherproof jacket, you can grab the Topo Designs Mountain Jacket for $157, over 50% off the retail price. It’s wind-resistant to keep out the cold, and has a full-sized hood with a visor for all the protection you can ask for out of a jacket.
This deal was originally published by Jordan McMahon on 6/24/2020 and updated by Gabe Carey with new information on 6/25/2020.


theroot--2020-06-24--Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Upcoming Season Will Be Reworked in Wake of Police Brutality Protests

Terry Crews , one of the stars of NBC ’ s hit comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine , revealed that four of the episodes for the show ’ s eighth season were entirely scrapped in the wake of police brutality and Black Lives Matter protests .
In an interview with Access Hollywood , Crews , who plays Sgt .
Terry Jeffords on the police-centered show , revealed that Brooklyn Nine-Nine ’ s showrunner Dan Goor was “ ready to go ” with new episodes until the death of George Floyd and police brutality protests made global headlines in May .
Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole season currently has no direction , per Crews .
“ We had an all-cast Zoom [ meeting ] , where we all got together and just talked about what was happening in this country , and how the shift of consciousness is going on , ” he said .
“ We had a lot of somber talks ; we had a lot of very , very deep conversations.
” “ We hope through this , we ’ re going to make something that will be truly groundbreaking this year , ” Crews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced for an eighth season renewal in November 2019 .
“ We have an opportunity here , and we plan to use it in the best , best way possible.
” He did not give detail about the content of the episodes that were shelved .
Crews also discussed the conversations he ’ s been conducting with his five children regarding police interactions in the B lack community .
“ With that George Floyd video that came out , it literally opened up the world , because now you ’ ve experienced [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go through the same trauma that Black America has been going through , ” he says .
“ I ’ ve talked to [ my 14-year-old son ] about always , always , being conscious of who he is , and where he is , and always [ looking ] out for his own safety.
” Earlier this month , Cops—the country ’ s longest-running reality show—was canceled amidst the police brutality protests .
It appears that p ublic attitudes towards shows like Cops and Live PD have shifted in recent years due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incidents in communities of color .
In addition , A & E reportedly pulled episodes of Live PD from their schedule , ( not disclosing plans for its return ) , while Discovery ID ’ s Body Cam was also pulled indefinitely .

Terry Crews, one of the stars of NBC’s hit comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, revealed that four of the episodes for the show’s eighth season were entirely scrapped in the wake of police brutality and Black Lives Matter protests.
In an interview with Access Hollywood, Crews, who plays Sgt. Terry Jeffords on the police-centered show, revealed that Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s showrunner Dan Goor was “ready to go” with new episodes until the death of George Floyd and police brutality protests made global headlines in May. Because of the shift in conversation, the whole season currently has no direction, per Crews.
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“We had an all-cast Zoom [meeting], where we all got together and just talked about what was happening in this country, and how the shift of consciousness is going on,” he said. “We had a lot of somber talks; we had a lot of very, very deep conversations.”
“We hope through this, we’re going to make something that will be truly groundbreaking this year,” Crews says of the show, which was announced for an eighth season renewal in November 2019. “We have an opportunity here, and we plan to use it in the best, best way possible.” He did not give detail about the content of the episodes that were shelved.
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Crews also discussed the conversations he’s been conducting with his five children regarding police interactions in the B lack community.
“With that George Floyd video that came out, it literally opened up the world, because now you’ve experienced [police brutality] and you have to go through the same trauma that Black America has been going through,” he says. “I’ve talked to [my 14-year-old son] about always, always, being conscious of who he is, and where he is, and always [looking] out for his own safety.”
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Earlier this month, Cops—the country’s longest-running reality show—was canceled amidst the police brutality protests. It appears that p ublic attitudes towards shows like Cops and Live PD have shifted in recent years due to the growing number of law-enforcement related incidents in communities of color. In addition, A&E reportedly pulled episodes of Live PD from their schedule, ( not disclosing plans for its return) , while Discovery ID’s Body Cam was also pulled indefinitely.