theroot--2020-05-31--White People Are Doing White People Things During the Fed Up-Rising Riots

Some white people have been showing up for the ongoing protests against the George Floyd killing with thoughtfulness and in solidarity , including by putting their bodies in between cops and black protestors .
Other white people have been showing their whole entire asses .
In the ‘ whole entire asses ’ category , are the various disaffected suburban whites across the country who ’ ve been showing up to protests to break shit just because they can .
Like these white guys smashing windows in Oregon : And the t wo white women who traveled 130 miles from their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the scene of the protests in Brooklyn , where they proceeded to make molotov cocktails and throw them at a parked police van , according to NY Daily News .
27-year-old Samantha Shader and her younger sister are now facing federal charges .
The improvised explosive struck the driver ’ s side of the van and the four 71st Precinct cops inside managed to escape as the vehicle caught fire , authorities said .
“ It is by the grace of God that we don ’ t have dead officers today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
The elder Shader was charged with attempted murder , attempted arson , weapons possession and reckless endangerment before the feds took over the case , cops said .
Shader ’ s younger sister Darian , 21 , faces Brooklyn Criminal Court charges of resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration .
The siblings , from Catskill , in Greene County , tried to run away afterward but were caught nearby .
In Minneapolis , where the riots that have mushroomed over the weekend first started , officials say most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Our best estimate right now that I heard is about 20 % , is what we think are Minnesotans , and about 80 % are outside , ” Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz said at a press conference , according to CBS News .
On Sunday , CBS reported that Minneapolis Mayor Melvin Carter was forced to correct an earlier statement that all arrested protesters had been from out of state .
Still , the stats on rioters in Minneapolis are fueling theories that far-right extremists may be driving much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch the so-called race war , or that police officers themselves may be causing the chaos on the streets to justify going HAM .
Whatever the explanation , something strange is definitely afoot in Minneapolis .
A masked white man was recently captured on camera there calmly and methodically breaking windows of an AutoZone store , and then threatening to fight a black man who questioned him about why he was doing it : Outside of the mystery of ‘ Umbrella Man , ’ other white people have been inserting themselves in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way that ’ s clear as day .
Like the man who pulled up to a protest in Salt Lake City , Utah , with a bow and arrow and started firing at people while yelling “ All Lives Matter.
” In the on-camera interview he gives to a local news station after , his face bleeding from being retaliated at by a group of white youth—guess who he blames for hurting him ?

Some white people have been showing up for the ongoing protests against the George Floyd killing with thoughtfulness and in solidarity, including by putting their bodies in between cops and black protestors.
Other white people have been showing their whole entire asses.
In the ‘whole entire asses’ category, are the various disaffected suburban whites across the country who’ve been showing up to protests to break shit just because they can.
Advertisement
Like these white guys smashing windows in Oregon:
Advertisement Advertisement
And the t wo white women who traveled 130 miles from their home in the Catskills, New York to the scene of the protests in Brooklyn, where they proceeded to make molotov cocktails and throw them at a parked police van, according to NY Daily News.
27-year-old Samantha Shader and her younger sister are now facing federal charges.
Advertisement
From NY Daily News:
The improvised explosive struck the driver’s side of the van and the four 71st Precinct cops inside managed to escape as the vehicle caught fire, authorities said. “It is by the grace of God that we don’t have dead officers today,” NYPD Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said Saturday. The elder Shader was charged with attempted murder, attempted arson, weapons possession and reckless endangerment before the feds took over the case, cops said. Shader’s younger sister Darian, 21, faces Brooklyn Criminal Court charges of resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration. The siblings, from Catskill, in Greene County, tried to run away afterward but were caught nearby.
Advertisement
In Minneapolis, where the riots that have mushroomed over the weekend first started, officials say most of the protesters arrested so far are from out-of-state.
“Our best estimate right now that I heard is about 20%, is what we think are Minnesotans, and about 80% are outside,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said at a press conference, according to CBS News.
Advertisement
On Sunday, CBS reported that Minneapolis Mayor Melvin Carter was forced to correct an earlier statement that all arrested protesters had been from out of state.
Still, the stats on rioters in Minneapolis are fueling theories that far-right extremists may be driving much of the current protest violence in order to launch the so-called race war, or that police officers themselves may be causing the chaos on the streets to justify going HAM.
Advertisement
Whatever the explanation, something strange is definitely afoot in Minneapolis. A masked white man was recently captured on camera there calmly and methodically breaking windows of an AutoZone store, and then threatening to fight a black man who questioned him about why he was doing it:
Outside of the mystery of ‘Umbrella Man,’ other white people have been inserting themselves in the protests and demonstrating their racism in a way that’s clear as day.
Advertisement
Like the man who pulled up to a protest in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a bow and arrow and started firing at people while yelling “All Lives Matter.”
In the on-camera interview he gives to a local news station after, his face bleeding from being retaliated at by a group of white youth—guess who he blames for hurting him?
Advertisement
Two black men.


theroot--2020-05-31--In a Rare Show of Solidarity, Competing Hollywood Heavyweights Join Forces in Support of Black Lives

In the outcries following the now-countless incidents of police violence upon black America , what is often most deafening is the silence—from non-black friends , influencers , politicians and , perhaps most importantly , from those who have the kind of massive platforms that actually reach into American homes and sway public opinion .
The viral video of the murder of George Floyd has wrought one of the most vocal responses in recent history—and the unprecedented alignment of some of the biggest entities in entertainment , which are publicly supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and various social justice organizations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to each other with messages of solidarity .
In an unusual move , Netflix , Amazon , Hulu , HBO , Starz and other major Hollywood players are using their corporate social media accounts to take a stand and support the Black Lives Matter movement amid the ongoing nationwide protests decrying the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers .
Meanwhile , CEO of ViacomCBS-owned Paramount Jim Gianopulos sent an internal memo to employees , expressing that “ Too many members of the Black community have had their breath stolen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s an encouraging statement of anti-racism , but what we don ’ t know is if the powerful public stance of these multibillion-dollar entertainment conglomerates is being bolstered by any financial support to Black Lives Matter or any other justice organizations .
And while we recognize a probable loss of ( racist ) subscribers will ensue , like sports juggernaut Nike , who backed Colin Kaepernick ’ s right to kneel and has also shown their support in the current crisis with a new ad titled “ Until We All Win , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political stance may ultimately be accompanied by a large payoff .
As such , the networks ’ well-meaning statements of support prompted questions and concerns about how they consistently support black lives outside of a national racial crisis .
The questions are valid .
So too is the united front created by some of the entertainment industry ’ s most influential entities in support of the fight for black lives .
We maintain that one can hold these concerns concurrently and also hope this public stance manifests in more than a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message .

Maiysha Kai on The Grapevine, shared by Maiysha Kai to The Root

In the outcries following the now-countless incidents of police violence upon black America, what is often most deafening is the silence—from non-black friends, influencers, politicians and, perhaps most importantly, from those who have the kind of massive platforms that actually reach into American homes and sway public opinion.
Advertisement
The viral video of the murder of George Floyd has wrought one of the most vocal responses in recent history—and the unprecedented alignment of some of the biggest entities in entertainment, which are publicly supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and various social justice organizations via their social media pages and responding to each other with messages of solidarity.
As reported by Variety:
In an unusual move, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, HBO, Starz and other major Hollywood players are using their corporate social media accounts to take a stand and support the Black Lives Matter movement amid the ongoing nationwide protests decrying the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers. Meanwhile, CEO of ViacomCBS-owned Paramount Jim Gianopulos sent an internal memo to employees, expressing that “Too many members of the Black community have had their breath stolen from them through racial injustice.”
Advertisement Advertisement
It’s an encouraging statement of anti-racism, but what we don’t know is if the powerful public stance of these multibillion-dollar entertainment conglomerates is being bolstered by any financial support to Black Lives Matter or any other justice organizations. And while we recognize a probable loss of (racist) subscribers will ensue, like sports juggernaut Nike, who backed Colin Kaepernick’s right to kneel and has also shown their support in the current crisis with a new ad titled “Until We All Win,” the calculated risk of taking a political stance may ultimately be accompanied by a large payoff. As such, the networks’ well-meaning statements of support prompted questions and concerns about how they consistently support black lives outside of a national racial crisis.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The questions are valid. So too is the united front created by some of the entertainment industry’s most influential entities in support of the fight for black lives. We maintain that one can hold these concerns concurrently and also hope this public stance manifests in more than a series of tweets—but nevertheless appreciate the solidarity of the message.


theroot--2020-05-31--Candy Makes Everything Better, and 15% Off at Dylan's Candy Bar Makes it Sweeter

I ’ m stressed , and I really , really , REALLY want to eat some candy .
But ... @ @ @ @ @ , so alas , I can not .
But , what can do is torture @ @ @ @ @ looking candies .
And what YOU can do is actually buy and eat some candy @ @ @ @ @ at Dylan ’ s Candy Bar .
Where should you start on your sugar-filled adventure @ @ @ @ @ list has a bunch of amazing looking products to try out .
The tackle boxes @ @ @ @ @ with a nice assortment of candies that come in a box that you probably can @ @ @ @ @ or other things .
With the code SWEET15 , you can get one for $ @ @ @ @ @ so much to choose from , too , so take a look at their full @ @ @ @ @ for me too , okay ?

Elizabeth Henges on Kinja Deals, shared by Elizabeth Henges to The Root

15% off order | Dylan’s Candy Bar | Use code SWEET15
I’m stressed, and I really, really, REALLY want to eat some candy. But... I’m on keto, so alas, I cannot. But, what can do is torture myself by looking at wonderful looking candies. And what YOU can do is actually buy and eat some candy semi-guilt-free with 15% off at Dylan’s Candy Bar.
Where should you start on your sugar-filled adventure? Well, the Best-Sellers list has a bunch of amazing looking products to try out. The tackle boxes really catch my eye, with a nice assortment of candies that come in a box that you probably can actually use for tackle, or other things. With the code SWEET15, you can get one for $22.
There’s so much to choose from, too, so take a look at their full selection. Eat enough candy for me too, okay?


theroot--2020-05-31--To Black People Who Say Violence Isn't a Solution

Protest violence has surged in cities across America , fueled by the racist brutalization and attendant mental traumatization of black people in this country that has continued unabated even during a deadly pandemic .
Racist white people , Republicans , and the racist white Republican president have predictably responded to the not-so-peaceful protests with feigned disgust at violence—which they revere when performed by white people and in the name of “ freedom ” —and more outrage at the harm being visited on brick and mortar buildings than they ’ ve ever shown for the innumerable black lives lost due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined the outcry against protestors , with some like idiotic Shameik Moore positing that black people can save ourselves from the fate of being hunted by being better-behaved , like him .
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Moore also had harsh words for black people who are contributing to what she described as “ chaos ” in the city this weekend , after rioters set fire to a building where a police precinct and the CNN Center are located .
“ You are disgracing this city .
You are disgracing the life of George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been killed in this country , ” Mayor Bottoms chided the protestors .
“ If you want change in America , go and register to vote.
” There ’ s a lot to unpack in the Mayor ’ s statements , especially the false premise that racism in America—an organized terror visited upon black bodies for centuries by people benefiting from institutions and systems built solidly on white supremacy—is something that can realistically be ended by those most trodden by it , and that it is the marginalized ’ s responsibility to navigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In presenting this false premise that black people are responsible for ending racist violence and that violent responses to brutal bigotry are not the “ right way ” to fix the latter , black people who share these sentiments are being complicit in the negation of black people ’ s humanity—the very thing that undergirds anti-black racism in the first place .
On Wednesday night I cried harder and deeper than I have in a long while , and I wasn ’ t able to find sleep until the wee hours of Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what to do with myself after a day of reading about George Floyd ’ s killing and seeing screenshots of a knee upon his neck in the moments before his death all over social media .
Earlier that day , a friend of mine called me distressed .
She said she had so many feelings in response to this latest police killing that she didn ’ t know what to do with them , and one of the feelings was anger .
“ Not just at this , at everything , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been swimming in ever since she was a little girl attending grade school in Chicago .
The only advice I had for my friend was that she should give herself permission to feel the rage , sadness , grief , and everything other emotion that she had been hiding politely for however long .
I told her that I ’ d made a commitment to myself to do the same as an affirmation of my own humanity as a black woman , after an incident last year that left me feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the elevator of a building in downtown Chicago having a conversation with two of my co-workers at the time ( who were not black ) on why I believe immigrants like me don ’ t have a place in the conversation between African-Americans and the U.S. Government about reparations , since the historic and systemic barriers struck up against the former means they have a unique experience as black people in this country .
Neither I nor my colleagues were paying attention to the couple who was also on the elevator with us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frosted , blond hair—turned to me as they were getting off at their floor to point in my face and shout , “ You ’ re lucky we even let you into this country.
” The elevator door closed before I could answer her .
My colleagues in the elevator with me couldn ’ t believe what had happened and asked if I wanted to report the incident to the building security .
But I said no and laughed , telling them it wasn ’ t a big deal .
I kept laughing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whenever anyone asked about it , though embarrassment , shame , and anger bubbled under my skin as the woman ’ s cowardly attack replayed through my mind .
I kept laughing because by then , living in America had taught me subconsciously that reacting the way I instinctively want to in response to racist aggression is not okay .
I ’ d learned to suffocate my feelings in silence during my first job here as a flight attendant , when I would hear the casual racism that shot from the mouths of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-black people of color at absolutely no provocation .
I shamefully kept quiet in the face of these indignities whenever I was the lone black member working in a given crew , scared of being iced out or accused of “ playing the race card.
” My first few years living in this country as a black person forced me into a crisis of identity .
I ’ d grown up in Jamaica learning about Marcus Garvey and singing reggae songs of anti-racist rebellion and have never been one to keep my mouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even as a little girl .
But nothing can prepare you for the lived experience of anti-black racism in the USA .
Bigotry—big ( like police brutality ) or small ( like racist jokes ) —is America ’ s favorite pastime , and the people who enjoy it have always been outraged at black people who respond explosively when our humanity is denigrated and our very bodies are being blotted out , because they don ’ t think we are human .
Why do we shame the brutalized and disenfranchised for reacting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us believe that black people ’ s reaction to racial abuse should primarily be judged by the rubric of whether it can be the “ solution ” to our external oppression ?
Why do we tacitly accept the idea that black people don ’ t get to feel ?
I can not even begin to imagine the deep well of trauma felt by the generations of black Americans whose blood drenches this country ’ s flag , in the words of Fannie Lou Hamer .
What I can imagine and empathize with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with denying one ’ s own humanity .
And I won ’ t condemn any black person for affirming their humanity by feeling that rage and using it to set fire to capital built on the bodies of their unpaid ancestors—rather than letting it burn them alive .

Protest violence has surged in cities across America, fueled by the racist brutalization and attendant mental traumatization of black people in this country that has continued unabated even during a deadly pandemic.
Racist white people, Republicans, and the racist white Republican president have predictably responded to the not-so-peaceful protests with feigned disgust at violence—which they revere when performed by white people and in the name of “freedom”—and more outrage at the harm being visited on brick and mortar buildings than they’ve ever shown for the innumerable black lives lost due to racism.
Advertisement
But black people have also joined the outcry against protestors, with some like idiotic Shameik Moore positing that black people can save ourselves from the fate of being hunted by being better-behaved, like him.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Moore also had harsh words for black people who are contributing to what she described as “chaos” in the city this weekend, after rioters set fire to a building where a police precinct and the CNN Center are located.
Advertisement Advertisement
“You are disgracing this city. You are disgracing the life of George Floyd and every other person who has been killed in this country,” Mayor Bottoms chided the protestors. “If you want change in America, go and register to vote.”
There’s a lot to unpack in the Mayor’s statements, especially the false premise that racism in America—an organized terror visited upon black bodies for centuries by people benefiting from institutions and systems built solidly on white supremacy—is something that can realistically be ended by those most trodden by it, and that it is the marginalized’s responsibility to navigate those same systems to do so.
Advertisement
In presenting this false premise that black people are responsible for ending racist violence and that violent responses to brutal bigotry are not the “right way” to fix the latter, black people who share these sentiments are being complicit in the negation of black people’s humanity—the very thing that undergirds anti-black racism in the first place.
On Wednesday night I cried harder and deeper than I have in a long while, and I wasn’t able to find sleep until the wee hours of Thursday morning. I didn’t know what to do with myself after a day of reading about George Floyd’s killing and seeing screenshots of a knee upon his neck in the moments before his death all over social media.
Advertisement
Earlier that day, a friend of mine called me distressed. She said she had so many feelings in response to this latest police killing that she didn’t know what to do with them, and one of the feelings was anger.
“Not just at this, at everything,” she added, referencing the racist microaggressions she’s been swimming in ever since she was a little girl attending grade school in Chicago.
Advertisement
The only advice I had for my friend was that she should give herself permission to feel the rage, sadness, grief, and every other emotion that she had been hiding politely for however long.
I told her that I’d made a commitment to myself to do the same as an affirmation of my own humanity as a black woman, after an incident last year that left me feeling disquieted with myself.
Advertisement
I was in the elevator of a building in downtown Chicago having a conversation with two of my co-workers at the time (who were not black) on why I believe immigrants like me don’t have a place in the conversation between African-Americans and the U.S. Government about reparations, since the historic and systemic barriers struck up against the former means they have a unique experience as black people in this country.
Neither I nor my colleagues were paying attention to the couple who was also on the elevator with us, until the woman—who was white with frosted, blond hair—turned to me as they were getting off at their floor to point in my face and shout, “You’re lucky we even let you into this country.”
Advertisement
The elevator door closed before I could answer her.
My colleagues in the elevator with me couldn’t believe what had happened and asked if I wanted to report the incident to the building security. But I said no and laughed, telling them it wasn’t a big deal. I kept laughing about it that entire day at work whenever anyone asked about it, though embarrassment, shame, and anger bubbled under my skin as the woman’s cowardly attack replayed through my mind.
Advertisement
I kept laughing because by then, living in America had taught me subconsciously that reacting the way I instinctively want to in response to racist aggression is not okay.
I’d learned to suffocate my feelings in silence during my first job here as a flight attendant, when I would hear the casual racism that shot from the mouths of my white coworkers and those who were non-black people of color at absolutely no provocation. I shamefully kept quiet in the face of these indignities whenever I was the lone black member working in a given crew, scared of being iced out or accused of “playing the race card.”
Advertisement
My first few years living in this country as a black person forced me into a crisis of identity. I’d grown up in Jamaica learning about Marcus Garvey and singing reggae songs of anti-racist rebellion and have never been one to keep my mouth shut about issues of justice and fairness, even as a little girl.
But nothing can prepare you for the lived experience of anti-black racism in the USA.
Advertisement
Bigotry—big (like police brutality) or small (like racist jokes)—is America’s favorite pastime, and the people who enjoy it have always been outraged at black people who respond explosively when our humanity is denigrated and our very bodies are being blotted out, because they don’t think we are human.
What is black people’s excuse?
Why do we shame the brutalized and disenfranchised for reacting erratically to trauma? Why do some of us believe that black people’s reaction to racial abuse should primarily be judged by the rubric of whether it can be the “solution” to our external oppression? Why do we tacitly accept the idea that black people don’t get to feel?
Advertisement
I cannot even begin to imagine the deep well of trauma felt by the generations of black Americans whose blood drenches this country’s flag, in the words of Fannie Lou Hamer.
What I can imagine and empathize with is the injury to self that comes with denying one’s own humanity.
Advertisement
And I won’t condemn any black person for affirming their humanity by feeling their justified rage and using it to set fire to capital built on the bodies of their unpaid ancestors—rather than letting it burn them alive.


theroot--2020-05-31--'It Haunts Me': Rihanna and Beyoncé Issue Emotional Statements on Police Brutality and the Murder of

'It Haunts Me': Rihanna and Beyoncé Issue Emotional Statements on Police Brutality and the Murder of George Floyd

Much of America is still in mourning and rage over the murder of George Floyd , and if you feel personally devastated , you are far from alone .
Captured on video for the world to see police brutality in action , Floyd ’ s death under the knee of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been a visceral reminder of the threat to black lives in America , and no one who cares about black lives , including two of the most famous entertainers in the world , has been immune to the emotional fallout .
“ For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of devastation , anger , sadness I ’ ve felt has been overwhelming to say the least !
” Rihanna wrote in an emotional post to Instagram Saturday , tagged with not only Floyd ’ s name but the names of recent victims Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor .
“ Watching my people get murdered and lynched day after day pushed me to a heavy place in my heart !
To the point of staying away from socials , just to avoid hearing the blood curdling agony in George Floyd ’ s voice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his life !
!
!
” “ The look of enticement , the pure joy and climax on the face of this bigot , murderer , thug , pig , bum , Derek Chauvin , haunts me !
!
I can ’ t shake this !
” she added .
“ I can ’ t get over an ambulance pulling up to an arrest , a paramedic checking a pulse without removing the very thing that ’ s hindering it !
Is this that fucking normal ?
?
?
If intentional MURDER is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or “ resisting arrest ” ... .then what ’ s the fit consequence for MURDER ?
?
?
!
” Beyoncé is also questioning the charges leveled against Chauvin , taken into custody on Friday and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter .
In a rare video appearance on her Instagram page Saturday , the singer and philanthropist spoke out about the tragedy , urging her followers to sign a petition posted on her site to “ demand more charges brought on all those involved in the death of George Floyd.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We all witnessed his murder in broad daylight .
We ’ re broken and we ’ re disgusted .
We can not normalize this pain , ” Beyoncé said in the video ( h/t Rolling Stone ) .
“ I ’ m not only speaking to people of color ; if you ’ re white , black , brown or anything in-between , I ’ m sure you feel hopeless by the racism going on in America right now .
No more senseless killing of human beings , no more seeing people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We can no longer look away .
George is all of our family in humanity .
He ’ s our family because he ’ s a fellow American.
” “ There have been too many times that we ’ ve seen these violent killings and no consequences .
Yes , someone ’ s been charged , but justice is far from being achieved , ” she continued .
“ Please sign the petition and continue to pray for peace , compassion and healing for our country.
” In addition to texting “ FLOYD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her followers to four justice organizations confronting this current crisis : Color of Change , the NAACP , We Can ’ t Breathe and Change.org , which has notified The Root that Floyd ’ s has become the largest petition in its history .
In addition to Beyoncé , signatures include Cardi B , Keke Palmer , Lil Nas X , Attorney Benjamin Crump , Jay Versace , and nearly 8 million more .
Additionally , June 2 has been designated “ Black Out Tuesday ” by many in the music industry ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from work and reconnect with our community ” ; coincidentally , at the start of what is as billed as Black Music Month .

Much of America is still in mourning and rage over the murder of George Floyd, and if you feel personally devastated, you are far from alone. Captured on video for the world to see police brutality in action, Floyd’s death under the knee of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been a visceral reminder of the threat to black lives in America, and no one who cares about black lives, including two of the most famous entertainers in the world, has been immune to the emotional fallout.
“For the last few days, the magnitude of devastation, anger, sadness I’ve felt has been overwhelming to say the least!” Rihanna wrote in an emotional post to Instagram Saturday, tagged with not only Floyd’s name but the names of recent victims Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. “Watching my people get murdered and lynched day after day pushed me to a heavy place in my heart! To the point of staying away from socials, just to avoid hearing the blood curdling agony in George Floyd’s voice again, begging over and over for his life!!!”
“The look of enticement, the pure joy and climax on the face of this bigot, murderer, thug, pig, bum, Derek Chauvin, haunts me!! I can’t shake this!” she added. “I can’t get over an ambulance pulling up to an arrest, a paramedic checking a pulse without removing the very thing that’s hindering it! Is this that fucking normal??? If intentional MURDER is the fit consequence for “drugs” or “resisting arrest”....then what’s the fit consequence for MURDER???!”
Advertisement
Beyoncé is also questioning the charges leveled against Chauvin, taken into custody on Friday and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. In a rare video appearance on her Instagram page Saturday, the singer and philanthropist spoke out about the tragedy, urging her followers to sign a petition posted on her site to “demand more charges brought on all those involved in the death of George Floyd.”
Advertisement Advertisement
“We need justice for George Floyd. We all witnessed his murder in broad daylight. We’re broken and we’re disgusted. We cannot normalize this pain,” Beyoncé said in the video (h/t Rolling Stone). “I’m not only speaking to people of color; if you’re white, black, brown or anything in-between, I’m sure you feel hopeless by the racism going on in America right now. No more senseless killing of human beings, no more seeing people of color as less than human. We can no longer look away. George is all of our family in humanity. He’s our family because he’s a fellow American.”
“There have been too many times that we’ve seen these violent killings and no consequences. Yes, someone’s been charged, but justice is far from being achieved,” she continued. “Please sign the petition and continue to pray for peace, compassion and healing for our country.”
Advertisement
In addition to texting “FLOYD” to 55156, Beyoncé is directing her followers to four justice organizations confronting this current crisis: Color of Change, the NAACP, We Can’t Breathe and Change.org, which has notified The Root that Floyd’s has become the largest petition in its history. In addition to Beyoncé, signatures include Cardi B, Keke Palmer, Lil Nas X, Attorney Benjamin Crump, Jay Versace, and nearly 8 million more. Additionally, June 2 has been designated “Black Out Tuesday” by many in the music industry; billed as “a day to disconnect from work and reconnect with our community”; coincidentally, at the start of what is as billed as Black Music Month.


theroot--2020-05-31--Police Prove Point of Protests by Instigating Violence Across the Country

The blaze of protests that continue to spread across the country this weekend in response to the police killing of George Floyd and countless others throughout American history is being responded to by policing so brutal even Alanis Morissette could clock the irony .
Videos posted on social media by demonstrators , journalists , and even people sitting on their porches at home show militarized police officers who appear eager to enact violence on the streets rather than help quell it .
In Minneapolis , where the Fed Up-Rising protests started after former police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 minutes , cops have not only been firing tear gas , rubber bullets , and paint canisters at demonstrators but also on civilians observing from home : Videos posted on social media yesterday captured New York Police Department officers driving into a crowd of protestors , reminiscent of the tragic images from Charlottesville in 2017 where a white supremacist ran into a crowd of people demonstrating against racial violence and killed Heather Heyer .
Another video shows an NYPD officer pulling down the face mask of a black protestor , whose hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly in the face : Members of the media also continue to be shot at and otherwise targeted by police officers while doing their job reporting on the protests .
CNN reporter Omar Jiminez , who was arrested on-air by Minneapolis officers earlier this weekend , continued covering the dystopian scenes on the streets where the Minnesota Department of Public Safety reportedly said cops were deployed to “ address a sophisticated network of urban warfare.
” Are the police aiming to stop “ urban warfare ” or are they the ones continuing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect and serve ?
Meanwhile , the president of the U.S. continues to signal to police and everyone else across the country his own bloodthirst for violence .
On Saturday he posted on Twitter that protestors at the White House “ would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs , and most ominous weapons , ” if they had come close to breaching the fence .
“ Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action .
‘ We put the young ones on the front line , sir , they love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reporting from the Independent , the head of the Minneapolis Police Union Lieutenant Bob Kroll spoke at a rally for Trump last year where he celebrated the permission the president gave to cops to be brutal .
Donning a red “ Cops for Trump ” shirt as he took the stage , the lieutenant attacked the Obama administration over its alleged “ despicable ” treatment of police , adding : “ The first thing President Trump did when he took office was turn that around … he decided to start to let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handcuffs on the criminals instead of us .
”

The blaze of protests that spread across the country this weekend in response to the police killing of George Floyd and countless others throughout American history is being responded to by policing so brutal even Alanis Morissette could clock the irony.
Videos posted on social media by demonstrators, journalists, and even people sitting on their porches at home show militarized police officers who appear eager to enact violence on the streets rather than help quell it.
Advertisement
In Minneapolis, where the Fed Up-Rising protests started after former police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on the neck of George Floyd for more than 8 minutes, cops have not only been firing tear gas, rubber bullets, and paint canisters at demonstrators but also on civilians observing from home:
Advertisement Advertisement
Videos posted on social media yesterday captured New York Police Department officers driving into a crowd of protestors, reminiscent of the tragic images from Charlottesville in 2017 where a white supremacist ran into a crowd of people demonstrating against racial violence and killed Heather Heyer.
Advertisement
Another video shows an NYPD officer pulling down the face mask of a black protestor, whose hands are raised, and pepper spraying him directly in the face:
Advertisement
Members of the media also continue to be shot at and otherwise targeted by police officers while doing their job reporting on the protests.
CNN reporter Omar Jiminez, who was arrested on-air by Minneapolis officers earlier this weekend, continued covering the dystopian scenes on the streets where the Minnesota Department of Public Safety reportedly said cops were deployed to “address a sophisticated network of urban warfare.”
Advertisement
Are the police aiming to stop “urban warfare” or are they the ones continuing to wage it against people they are supposed to protect and serve?
Advertisement
Meanwhile, the president of the U.S. continues to signal to police and everyone else across the country his own bloodthirst for violence.
On Saturday he posted on Twitter that protestors at the White House “would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons,” if they had come close to breaching the fence.
Advertisement
“Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action. ‘We put the young ones on the front line, sir, they love it,” Trump tweeted.
According to reporting from the Independent, the head of the Minneapolis Police Union Lieutenant Bob Kroll spoke at a rally for Trump last year where he celebrated the permission the president gave to cops to be brutal.
Advertisement
From the Independent:


theroot--2020-06-01--Eight Things You Need to Make Your Own Bread, According to Home Cooks

Have you scrolled on Instagram lately only to be accosted with photos of beautiful loaves of bread ?
Home cooks from all over the world have taken to using their spare time during this pandemic to bake bread .
This caused flour and yeast shortages across much of the US .
Growing up , my mother baked Challah almost every week from scratch .
As we girls got older , she taught us how to make it and we carried on her tradition .
Freshly baked Challah on Fridays .
Our breadmaking was simple .
A large metal bowl , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We mixed , kneaded , and braided the dough - and the smell , while it baked , was incomparable .
Did you want to try your hand at baking your own bread ?
We can all find the expert-recommended products but those often cost a fortune .
Here I ’ ve included tried and true items that home cooks agree are affordable and of good quality .
“ The Lodge LCC3 and 8CC Combo Cookers are inexpensive , widely available , and require virtually no maintenance when used for baking bread .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , since bread dough will not stick to hot cast iron .
I just brush out any crumbs once its cool , and give it a light coat of raw food-grade flaxseed oil ( with no added antioxidants ) about once a year to maintain the seasoning .
The 3 quart size is about perfect for a 700 g batch of dough ( 400 g flour , 300 g water ) .
The long handles make the pot and lid easy to maneuver when heated to 450-500°F.
” - Gemma Seymour , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t too expensive and have many uses besides just making bread .
Multi-use and affordable is where it ’ s at folks .
“ I followed a bread recipe a couple of times that suggested using a pizza peel and a baking stone ...
I had neither .
Thought I was doing well with improvising , but wrestling the dough from the cutting board onto a baking sheet was not easy , and was re-shaping it from my desired shape .
Next trip to the hardware store I boug ht the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kamado Joe ” Pizza Peel .
Dough just slides right off and keeps it ’ s form I LOVE IT.
” - Gwyn Waters , San Francisco “ I never appreciated my Kitchen Aid mixer until the last few weeks .
A gift I got over 10 years ago for my bridal shower , it ’ s been sitting on the top of my fridge for years ... until recently .
My toddler and I have been baking bread , honey cake , cookies , muffins—everything !
It ’ s not sitting center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how amazing this kitchen utensil is .
Everyone needs to invest in one.
” - Nicole Purcell-Phillips , Los Angeles “ For a serrated knife I ’ d go for a Victorinox or a Japanese model .
Victorinox and the Japanese brands always deliver on quality without the Henkel/Wusthof/global price tags .
If you want something that will last forever , get a Victorinox with a composite handle .
I have found that the Victorinox wood handles don ’ t hold up well .
I mostly use mine for slicing homemade sourdough.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t really matter what baking sheets you buy , as long as they are sturdy enough not to already be warped in the store .
There ’ s a difference between baking sheets ( rimmed sides , sturdy , cheap as chips from online restaurant supply in standard sizes ) and cookie sheets ( still need to be sturdy , maybe even nonstick , but there ’ s no difference between IKEA and Wilton in my opinion .
I buy these and line them with parchment or heavy duty foil for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and yeasted baked goods.
” - Jeannelle D ’ Isa , North Bethesda

Chaya M Milchtein on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Have you scrolled on Instagram lately only to be accosted with photos of beautiful loaves of bread? Home cooks from all over the world have taken to using their spare time during this pandemic to bake bread. This caused flour and yeast shortages across much of the US.
Growing up, my mother baked Challah almost every week from scratch. As we girls got older, she taught us how to make it and we carried on her tradition. Freshly baked Challah on Fridays. Our breadmaking was simple. A large metal bowl, sheet trays, and clean hands. We mixed, kneaded, and braided the dough - and the smell, while it baked, was incomparable.
Did you want to try your hand at baking your own bread? We can all find the expert-recommended products but those often cost a fortune. Here I’ve included tried and true items that home cooks agree are affordable and of good quality.
Cast Iron Combo Cooker
Advertisement
“The Lodge LCC3 and 8CC Combo Cookers are inexpensive, widely available, and require virtually no maintenance when used for baking bread. I don’t even bother washing it, since bread dough will not stick to hot cast iron. I just brush out any crumbs once its cool, and give it a light coat of raw food-grade flaxseed oil (with no added antioxidants) about once a year to maintain the seasoning. The 3 quart size is about perfect for a 700 g batch of dough (400 g flour, 300 g water). The long handles make the pot and lid easy to maneuver when heated to 450-500°F.” -
Gemma Seymour, New York City
Advertisement Advertisement
Glass Bowl
Glass mixing bowls aren’t too expensive and have many uses besides just making bread. Multi-use and affordable is where it’s at folks.
“No need for fancy prep bowls or proofing bowls. A glass or metal bowl would be fine,” Sarah Jenny, New York City
Advertisement
Pizza Peel
“I followed a bread recipe a couple of times that suggested using a pizza peel and a baking stone...I had neither. Thought I was doing well with improvising, but wrestling the dough from the cutting board onto a baking sheet was not easy, and was re-shaping it from my desired shape. Next trip to the hardware store I boug ht the only Pizza Peel they had - a “Kamado Joe” Pizza Peel. Dough just slides right off and keeps it’s form I LOVE IT.” -
Gwyn Waters, San Francisco
Advertisement
Bench Scraper
“Plastic bench [scrapers] are amazing. They are great for working with dough and keeping your work area nice and clean. I also use them for cooking to scrap off food debris from my workspace. - Elizabeth Keanu R. Chavez, San Francisco
Advertisement
Stand Mixer
“I never appreciated my Kitchen Aid mixer until the last few weeks. A gift I got over 10 years ago for my bridal shower, it’s been sitting on the top of my fridge for years ... until recently. My toddler and I have been baking bread, honey cake, cookies, muffins—everything! It’s not sitting center on my main countertop and I appreciate how amazing this kitchen utensil is. Everyone needs to invest in one.” - Nicole Purcell-Phillips, Los Angeles
Advertisement
Serrated Knife
“For a serrated knife I’d go for a Victorinox or a Japanese model. Victorinox and the Japanese brands always deliver on quality without the Henkel/Wusthof/global price tags. If you want something that will last forever, get a Victorinox with a composite handle. I have found that the Victorinox wood handles don’t hold up well. I mostly use mine for slicing homemade sourdough.” - Lucy Wallitsch, Knoxville
Advertisement
Baking Sheets
“It doesn’t really matter what baking sheets you buy, as long as they are sturdy enough not to already be warped in the store. There’s a difference between baking sheets (rimmed sides, sturdy, cheap as chips from online restaurant supply in standard sizes) and cookie sheets (still need to be sturdy, maybe even nonstick, but there’s no difference between IKEA and Wilton in my opinion. I buy these and line them with parchment or heavy duty foil for dinners, rolls/buns, and freeform tarts and yeasted baked goods.” -
Jeannelle D’Isa, North Bethesda
Advertisement
Scale
“I use the OXO kitchen scale and love it. It gives me the option of weighing in metric or standard, the screen lights up, and the batteries last forever. It’s survived a moved to Central America and back again, and despite the fact that it’s sometimes coated in flour, it always works perfectly.” - Nancy Brier, Southern California


theroot--2020-06-01--Sentient Porkpie Hat Jason Whitlock Out at Fox Sports

Jason Whitlock , the Tomi Lahren of Clarence Thomases , is reportedly out at Fox Sports , after they couldn ’ t come to an agreement on a new contract .
I first learned of this news on Twitter , where his name is currently trending .
And his name is trending because he is so thoroughly loathed that news of him parting ways with Fox Sports brought some levity to an otherwise grief-ridden day .
Imagine how hated you must be that a mundane contract negotiation failure provides people joy and catharsis during an uprising in the middle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by name recognition , the size of a person ’ s bank account , and the reach of their platform , Whitlock is unquestionably one of the most successful black journalists ever .
But while the country smolders as hundreds of thousands take to the streets to protest the death of George Floyd , which is really a protest of the police , which is really a protest of white supremacy , Whitlock ’ s only legacy is that his name has become a convenient short-hand for sellout ; a feat he accomplished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bird on a crocodile ’ s neck—to line his pockets and increase his klout score .
It is an irony that he claims to be so Christian now .
Because , well , let ’ s just say that , according to the Bible , people like him don ’ t exactly go where they want when they die .
Anyway , our cities are burning , our president is tear gassing protestors , and I ’ m already bored with this daft fuck so here ’ s a really simple lamb chop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve been using since I ’ m home and cooking all the time now .
3 .
Pan sear until browned on the surface .
4 .
Flip and cook until the desired doneness is reached .
These are really great in a cast-iron skillet .
If you don ’ t have one of those , it ’ s worth the investment .

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

Jason Whitlock, the Tomi Lahren of Clarence Thomases, is reportedly out at Fox Sports, after they couldn’t come to an agreement on a new contract.
I first learned of this news on Twitter, where his name is currently trending. And his name is trending because he is so thoroughly loathed that news of him parting ways with Fox Sports brought some levity to an otherwise grief-ridden day. Imagine how hated you must be that a mundane contract negotiation failure provides people joy and catharsis during an uprising in the middle of a pandemic.
Advertisement
If you measure success by name recognition, the size of a person’s bank account, and the reach of their platform, Whitlock is unquestionably one of the most successful black journalists ever. But while the country smolders as hundreds of thousands take to the streets to protest the death of George Floyd, which is really a protest of the police, which is really a protest of white supremacy, Whitlock’s only legacy is that his name has become a convenient short-hand for sellout; a feat he accomplished by aligning himself with power—like a plover bird on a crocodile’s neck—to line his pockets and increase his klout score. It is an irony that he claims to be so Christian now. Because, well, let’s just say that, according to the Bible, people like him don’t exactly go where they want when they die.
Anyway, our cities are burning, our president is tear gassing protestors, and I’m already bored with this daft fuck so here’s a really simple lamb chop recipe from Jessica Gavin that I’ve been using since I’m home and cooking all the time now.
Advertisement Advertisement
1. Season lamb chops with salt and pepper.
2. Marinate with garlic, herb, and olive oil paste.
3. Pan sear until browned on the surface.
4. Flip and cook until the desired doneness is reached.
5. Rest lamb chops for 10 minutes before serving.
These are really great in a cast-iron skillet. If you don’t have one of those, it’s worth the investment.
Advertisement
For a side, seasoned asparagus works delightfully.


theroot--2020-06-01--And the Pulitzer Prize for Caucasity Goes to...

This weekend , as I watched COVID-19 ’ s racial disparities blow a 104,600-point lead to extrajudicial police killings , I pondered the effectiveness of nonviolent protest versus “ riots.
” I imagined strategies that might deter police brutality .
I even considered if chaos was a good thing .
But , of all the things that crossed my mind , there was never even a microsecond where I thought to myself : Or , perhaps , my colleagues over at Deadspin have more information than me .
Apparently , someone on the crack investigative team has discovered that Russell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he alone can bridge the racial divide that has been putting its knee on black people ’ s necks long before there was an NFL , an internet or the need for an NFL quarterback who didn ’ t have shit to do with George Floyd or the police to become the negro caped crusader .
A lot of unnecessary things exist for no particular reason .
No one wanted hot wing-flavored Oreos .
Which one of you niggas wanted red velvet cake condoms ?
And if I find the person who okayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s “ Alright , ” I can assure you that all your life , you are definitely going to have to fight .
But on Monday , Deadspin submitted its submission of things no one asks for when they published the article “ Where are the Voices of the Black Quarterbacks ?
” Although we are owned by the same parent company , I am not privy to the inner workings of the site , so I am left to imagine how the article was pitched : Someone : We have to write @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : But what , though ?
Something about how the NFL tweeted that bullshit about the protests ?
First Someone : Nah .
Think stupider .
Second Someone : How about something that removes all the responsibility for white supremacy on white people and places it squarely on the shoulders of someone black .
First Someone : You ’ re getting warmer .
But who ?
Everyone will be expecting something about Lebron James or Colin Kae pernick .
Second Someone : How about Russell Wilson ?
He ’ s probably somewhere minding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I love it .
But the opening has to be so shitty that it will leave a dookie stain in your brain just from reading the opening paragraph !
And that ’ s how Deadspin wrote this : Hello … .
is this on ?
Where are you ?
As America burns in protests from sea to shining sea in the wake of the death of George Floyd — an unarmed black man killed by the knee of a white cop in Minneapolis — superstar athletes are lending their voices in support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country .
Four years ago , Colin Kaepernick , now a black ex-NFL quarterback , tried to bring this problem to light and put it on the national stage in an attempt to end the criminal police violence against black and brown people .
And since all hell has broken loose , we ’ ve heard from quarterbacks from all over the place .
There ’ s only one problem thus far .
We ’ ve heard from the white ones , not the right ones .
But it ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a history of looking the other way .
When I saw that a black guy wrote it , the first thing I thought was : “ Those guys at The Onion are on FIYAH .
I can ’ t wait to read their take on why we also haven ’ t heard from George Washington Carver or the president of Wakanda.
” I am not angry at this take any more than I am angry at the person who is working feverishly in their basement to invent a pillowcase woven from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have stupid ideas all the time .
I once paid for two tickets to take a date to see a Tyler Perry movie ... on opening night .
I bet Russell Wilson was sitting at home trying to contact Al Sharpton to get some input on baiting the middle linebacker closer to the line of scrimmage on the 4-3 defense when he heard this and wondered what the hell was going on .
We all know that Malcolm X would have told the Seahawks Coach to run Marshawn Lynch on fourth-and-one in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have gotten the ball into the end zone “ by any means necessary , ” but NFL coaches need advice from civil rights leaders as much as activists and protesters need support from athletes .
It is not incumbent on black people to solve white supremacy .
Black people did not create racism , nor do we perpetuate it .
As far as I know , there is no secret memo directing police officers nationwide to keep fucking with black people until a collective of the country ’ s most accurate-throwing negroes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deadspin , this is on white people .
If one were to amble into a room filled with Deadspin writers , I ’ d wager that there is at least one person ( in my head , he ’ s wearing cargo shorts , Asics and an ironically humorous -t-shirt ) who could conjure up a few suggestions on ways white people could work and solve this problem that white people created .
If not , I have few suggestions on who we should seek out to solve this national crisis : • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kingdoms ) • People on juries of police officers who knee people in the neck • Police officers who knee people in the neck But instead , a writer , an editor and presumably the person in charge of determining the adhesiveness of feces thrown against a wall decided to manifest the whitest thing that could possibly exist , and I ’ ve read some really white things , like this Deadspin article describing the experience of getting arrested that one time a white dude did something about racism But Deadspin is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonsense .
People all over the country are demanding that celebrities speak out on the violence .
Don Lemon even wondered what Ellen , Oprah and Tyler Perry had to say , something that no one gives a fuck about but Don Lemon .
Russell Wilson ’ s “ voice ” on white supremacy is as necessary as Donald Trump ’ s coronavirus medical advice or Harriet Tubman ’ s input on special teams onside kick coverage .
What the hell is Ellen supposed to do ?
Waltz away white supremacy ?
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Why not punters ?
We also haven ’ t heard from utility infielders and rhythmic gymnasts .
Why is the competitive curling community so silent on police brutality ?
What ’ s up with the U.S. Olympic synchronized swimming team ?
?
OK , maybe they have released a statement and I just don ’ t know about it .
You know why ?
Because it shouldn ’ t exist !
Also , stop asking black people to wipe white people ’ s ass after 400 years of shitting on us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Winfrey to fund research for a time machine that could bring back Michael Jackson , Marcus Garvey and Frederick Douglass , the statements from the mouths of these resurrected corpses wouldn ’ t mean a damn thing until white people collectively decided to stop white people-ing .
Because stories like these shouldn ’ t exist .
It ’ s a chicken-flavored cookie stuffed inside a red velvet rubber playing a banjo version of “ We Shall Overcome.
” Not even Martin Luther King would have wanted that shit .
Updated : Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
ET : This story has been updated to reflect the ethnicity of the writer .

This weekend, as I watched COVID-19’s racial disparities blow a 104,600-point lead to extrajudicial police killings, I pondered the effectiveness of nonviolent protest versus “riots.” I imagined strategies that might deter police brutality. I even considered if chaos was a good thing. But, of all the things that crossed my mind, there was never even a microsecond where I thought to myself:
“I bet Russell Wilson could solve this.”
Maybe I am stupid.
Or, perhaps, my colleagues over at Deadspin have more information than me. Apparently, someone on the crack investigative team has discovered that Russell Wilson is Batman because, apparently, he alone can bridge the racial divide that has been putting its knee on black people’s necks long before there was an NFL, an internet or the need for an NFL quarterback who didn’t have shit to do with George Floyd or the police to become the negro caped crusader.
A lot of unnecessary things exist for no particular reason.
No one wanted hot wing-flavored Oreos. Which one of you niggas wanted red velvet cake condoms? And if I find the person who okayed this acoustic version of Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright,” I can assure you that all your life, you are definitely going to have to fight. But on Monday, Deadspin submitted its submission of things no one asks for when they published the article “Where are the Voices of the Black Quarterbacks?”
Advertisement
Although we are owned by the same parent company, I am not privy to the inner workings of the site, so I am left to imagine how the article was pitched:
Someone: We have to write something about these protests.
Someone else: But what, though? Something about how the NFL tweeted that bullshit about the protests?
Advertisement Advertisement
First Someone: Nah. Think stupider.
Second Someone: How about something that removes all the responsibility for white supremacy on white people and places it squarely on the shoulders of someone black.
Advertisement
First Someone: You’re getting warmer. But who? Everyone will be expecting something about Lebron James or Colin Kae pernick.
Second Someone: How about Russell Wilson? He’s probably somewhere minding his own business.
Advertisement
First Someone: I love it. But the opening has to be so shitty that it will leave a dookie stain in your brain just from reading the opening paragraph!
And that’s how Deadspin wrote this:
Shame on Russell Wilson. Shame on Patrick Mahomes. Shame on Dak Prescott. Shame on Deshaun Watson. Shame on Lamar Jackson. Hello …. is this on? Where are you? As America burns in protests from sea to shining sea in the wake of the death of George Floyd — an unarmed black man killed by the knee of a white cop in Minneapolis — superstar athletes are lending their voices in support of the movement to end police brutality in this country. Four years ago, Colin Kaepernick, now a black ex-NFL quarterback, tried to bring this problem to light and put it on the national stage in an attempt to end the criminal police violence against black and brown people. And since all hell has broken loose, we’ve heard from quarterbacks from all over the place. There’s only one problem thus far. We’ve heard from the white ones, not the right ones. And that is sad. But it’s not that surprising. You see, some have a history of looking the other way.
Advertisement
When I saw that a black guy wrote it, the first thing I thought was: “Those guys at The Onion are on FIYAH. I can’t wait to read their take on why we also haven’t heard from George Washington Carver or the president of Wakanda.”
I am not angry at this take any more than I am angry at the person who is working feverishly in their basement to invent a pillowcase woven from the pubic hair of homeless people. People have stupid ideas all the time. I once paid for two tickets to take a date to see a Tyler Perry movie...on opening night.
Advertisement
I bet Russell Wilson was sitting at home trying to contact Al Sharpton to get some input on baiting the middle linebacker closer to the line of scrimmage on the 4-3 defense when he heard this and wondered what the hell was going on. We all know that Malcolm X would have told the Seahawks Coach to run Marshawn Lynch on fourth-and-one in the Super Bowl. Sure, Beast Mode would have gotten the ball into the end zone “by any means necessary,” but NFL coaches need advice from civil rights leaders as much as activists and protesters need support from athletes.
It is not incumbent on black people to solve white supremacy. Black people did not create racism, nor do we perpetuate it. As far as I know, there is no secret memo directing police officers nationwide to keep fucking with black people until a collective of the country’s most accurate-throwing negroes tells them to stop.
Advertisement
Nah, Deadspin, this is on white people.
If one were to amble into a room filled with Deadspin writers, I’d wager that there is at least one person (in my head, he’s wearing cargo shorts, Asics and an ironically humorous -t-shirt) who could conjure up a few suggestions on ways white people could work and solve this problem that white people created. If not, I have few suggestions on who we should seek out to solve this national crisis:
Legislators
Jesus
Queen Latifah (She’s good at everything)
Brandon Stark (He united the Seven Kingdoms)
People on juries of police officers who knee people in the neck
Police officers who knee people in the neck
People not named Russell Wilson
Even Ciara
But instead, a writer, an editor and presumably the person in charge of determining the adhesiveness of feces thrown against a wall decided to manifest the whitest thing that could possibly exist, and I’ve read some really white things, like this Deadspin article describing the experience of getting arrested that one time a white dude did something about racism
Advertisement
But Deadspin is not the only outlet which is perpetuating this nonsense. People all over the country are demanding that celebrities speak out on the violence. Don Lemon even wondered what Ellen, Oprah and Tyler Perry had to say, something that no one gives a fuck about but Don Lemon. Russell Wilson’s “voice” on white supremacy is as necessary as Donald Trump’s coronavirus medical advice or Harriet Tubman’s input on special teams onside kick coverage.
We’re good.
What the hell is Ellen supposed to do? Waltz away white supremacy? And why are you only singling out quarterbacks? Why not punters? We also haven’t heard from utility infielders and rhythmic gymnasts. Why is the competitive curling community so silent on police brutality? What’s up with the U.S. Olympic synchronized swimming team??
Advertisement
OK, maybe they have released a statement and I just don’t know about it. You know why?
Because it shouldn’t exist!
Also, stop asking black people to wipe white people’s ass after 400 years of shitting on us.
Advertisement
If Michael Jordan teamed up with Oprah Winfrey to fund research for a time machine that could bring back Michael Jackson, Marcus Garvey and Frederick Douglass, the statements from the mouths of these resurrected corpses wouldn’t mean a damn thing until white people collectively decided to stop white people-ing.
Because stories like these shouldn’t exist. It’s a chicken-flavored cookie stuffed inside a red velvet rubber playing a banjo version of “We Shall Overcome.”
Advertisement
Not even Martin Luther King would have wanted that shit.
Updated: Monday, June 1, 2020, 7:24 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to reflect the ethnicity of the writer.


theroot--2020-06-01--Facebook Employees Stage Walkout Over Trump’s ‘When the Looting Starts, the Shooting Starts’ Post

Dozens of Facebook employees staged a virtual walkout on Monday to send a message to CEO Mark Zuckerberg as well as y ’ all ’ s president that they are not OK with giving the latter a platform to threaten or incite violence against protestors .
Many of you have seen the message President Donald Trump posted to Twitter and Facebook regarding nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd .
His statement—which includes the phrase , “ when the looting starts , the shooting starts ” —was flagged by Twitter for “ glorifying violence.
” The post wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it may be in the public ’ s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible , ” but the social media platform made its stance on the matter clear when it posted the following : “ This Tweet violates our policies regarding the glorification of violence based on the historical context of the last line , its connection to violence , and the risk it could inspire similar actions today.
” The post was handled differently on Facebook—which is to say , it wasn ’ t really handled at all .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaction to this kind of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric , ” Zuckerberg posted to his Facebook page on Friday .
“ But I ’ m responsible for reacting not just in my personal capacity but as the leader of an institution committed to free expression.
” According to the New York Times , many Facebook employees feel differently about Trump ’ s posts and are taking their own actions to address the company ’ s indifference to what they rightfully consider a dangerous message .
The employees , who said they refused to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for demonstrators across the country , added an automated message to their digital profiles and email responses saying that they were out of the office in a show of protest .
The protest group — conducting a virtual “ walkout ” of sorts since most Facebook employees are working from home because of the coronavirus pandemic — was one of a number of clusters of employees pressing Facebook executives to take a tougher stand on Mr. Trump ’ s posts .
Inside the company , staff members have circulated petitions and threatened to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote publicly about their unhappiness on Twitter and elsewhere .
More than a dozen current and former employees have described the unrest as the most serious challenge to the leadership of Mark Zuckerberg , the chief executive , since the company was founded 15 years ago .
“ The hateful rhetoric advocating violence against black demonstrators by the US President does not warrant defense under the guise of freedom of expression , ” one Facebook employee wrote in an internal message board , the Times reports .
Facebook engineer Lauren Tan tweeted her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure to protect people instead of speech .
“ Facebook ’ s inaction in taking down Trump ’ s post inciting violence makes me ashamed to work here , ” she wrote .
“ I enjoy the technical parts of my job and working alongside smart/kind people , but this isn ’ t right .
Silence is complicity.
” According to the Times , multiple senior employees have threatened to resign and , in response to their objections , Zuckerberg moved his weekly meetings up to Tuesday from Thursday so that he can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman Liz Bourgeois released a statement saying , “ We recognize the pain many of our people are feeling right now , especially our Black community .
We encourage employees to speak openly when they disagree with leadership .
”

Dozens of Facebook employees staged a virtual walkout on Monday to send a message to CEO Mark Zuckerberg as well as y’all’s president that they are not OK with giving the latter a platform to threaten or incite violence against protestors.
Many of you have seen the message President Donald Trump posted to Twitter and Facebook regarding nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd. His statement—which includes the phrase, “when the looting starts, the shooting starts”—was flagged by Twitter for “glorifying violence.” The post wasn’t removed because “Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible,” but the social media platform made its stance on the matter clear when it posted the following:
Advertisement
“This Tweet violates our policies regarding the glorification of violence based on the historical context of the last line, its connection to violence, and the risk it could inspire similar actions today.”
Advertisement Advertisement
The post was handled differently on Facebook—which is to say, it wasn’t really handled at all.
“Personally, I have a visceral negative reaction to this kind of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric,” Zuckerberg posted to his Facebook page on Friday. “But I’m responsible for reacting not just in my personal capacity but as the leader of an institution committed to free expression.”
Advertisement
According to the New York Times, many Facebook employees feel differently about Trump’s posts and are taking their own actions to address the company’s indifference to what they rightfully consider a dangerous message.
From the Times:
The employees, who said they refused to work in order to show their support for demonstrators across the country, added an automated message to their digital profiles and email responses saying that they were out of the office in a show of protest. The protest group — conducting a virtual “walkout” of sorts since most Facebook employees are working from home because of the coronavirus pandemic — was one of a number of clusters of employees pressing Facebook executives to take a tougher stand on Mr. Trump’s posts. Inside the company, staff members have circulated petitions and threatened to resign, and a number of employees wrote publicly about their unhappiness on Twitter and elsewhere. More than a dozen current and former employees have described the unrest as the most serious challenge to the leadership of Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive, since the company was founded 15 years ago.
Advertisement
“The hateful rhetoric advocating violence against black demonstrators by the US President does not warrant defense under the guise of freedom of expression,” one Facebook employee wrote in an internal message board, the Times reports.
Facebook engineer Lauren Tan tweeted her own frustrations over her company’s failure to protect people instead of speech.
Advertisement
“Facebook’s inaction in taking down Trump’s post inciting violence makes me ashamed to work here,” she wrote. “I enjoy the technical parts of my job and working alongside smart/kind people, but this isn’t right. Silence is complicity.”
Advertisement
According to the Times, multiple senior employees have threatened to resign and, in response to their objections, Zuckerberg moved his weekly meetings up to Tuesday from Thursday so that he can address his employees’ concerns.
Facebook spokeswoman Liz Bourgeois released a statement saying, “We recognize the pain many of our people are feeling right now, especially our Black community. We encourage employees to speak openly when they disagree with leadership.”


theroot--2020-06-01--Gregg Popovich Isn't Feeling Trump's Response to Protests Either: 'He Is a Coward. To Be in His Pres

Gregg Popovich Isn't Feeling Trump's Response to Protests Either: 'He Is a Coward. To Be in His Presence Makes You Die'

By a show of hands , who likes Donald Trump ?
I sure as hell didn ’ t raise mine and I ’ m 1,000 percent sure that San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich didn ’ t raise his either .
Trump , a man whose logic and leadership capabilities are easily dwarfed by the size of his hands , has spent the last several years providing a master class on how not to lead our ailing country through unprecedented crisis after unprecedented crisis .
And after protests have ripped apart America in response to the death of George Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump with the perfect opportunity to be divisive and deranged per usual—Pop is fed the fuck up with Trump ’ s shit .
Sooooooo he called up his boy Dave Zirin , a sportswriter at The Nation , and let the chopper spray .
On White America ’ s role in these protests : “ The thing that strikes me is that we all see this police violence and racism , and we ’ ve seen it all before , but nothing changes .
That ’ s why these protests have been so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding of what the problem is , there will never be change .
And white Americans have avoided reckoning with this problem forever , because it ’ s been our privilege to be able to avoid it .
That also has to change.
” “ It ’ s unbelievable .
If Trump had a brain , even if it was 99 percent cynical , he would come out and say something to unify people .
But he doesn ’ t care about bringing people together .
Even now .
That ’ s how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all about him .
It ’ s all about what benefits him personally .
It ’ s never about the greater good .
And that ’ s all he ’ s ever been.
” On the leadership that America needs : “ It ’ s so clear what needs to be done .
We need a president to come out and say simply that ‘ black lives matter.
’ Just say those three words .
But he won ’ t and he can ’ t .
He can ’ t because it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the small group of followers who validate his insanity .
But it ’ s more than just Trump .
The system has to change .
I ’ ll do whatever I can do to help , because that ’ s what leaders do .
But he can ’ t do anything to put us on a positive path , because he ’ s not a leader .
On Senator Mitch McConnell wreaking havoc on America and Republicans not having the courage to check Trump : “ It ’ s like what Lindsay Graham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had the courage to say it : He ’ s unfit .
But they have chosen instead to be invisible and obsequious in the face of this carnage .
In the end , what we have is a fool in place of a president , while the person who really runs the country , Senator Mitch McConnell , destroys the United States for generations to come .
McConnell has destroyed and degraded our judicial system .
He has tried to destroy heath care .
He ’ s destroyed the environment .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the stooge , and what ’ s funny is that Trump doesn ’ t even know it .
Trump ’ s always wanted to be part of the in-group , but McConnell is an in-group of one and Trump plays the fool.
” On Trump trumping instead of providing actual guidance and composure : “ He ’ s not just divisive .
He ’ s a destroyer .
To be in his presence makes you die .
He will eat you alive for his own purposes .
I ’ m appalled that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t say ‘ black lives matter.
’ That ’ s why he hides in the White House basement .
He is a coward .
He creates a situation and runs away like a grade-schooler .
Actually , I think it ’ s best to ignore him .
There is nothing he can do to make this better because of who he is : a deranged idiot.
” On protests throughout the country needing to be better organized : “ They are very necessary , but they need to be organized better .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did a protest , you knew when to show , when to come back the next day .
But if you ’ re just organizing protests and everyone is coming and going in every direction , it doesn ’ t work that way .
If it was nonviolent , they knew to be nonviolent , but this is muddled .
More leadership would be very welcome so these incredible mass demonstrations can ’ t be used by people for other means .
We can limit the bad , but only if things are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the moment , this sounds like a fantastic opportunity for the UFC or some boxing promoter to put the money up and let Pop and Trump throw hands .
“ There , ” Pop told Zirin after he finished airing out the entire clip .
“ Do you think that ’ s enough to get me in trouble ?
”

By a show of hands, who likes Donald Trump?
I sure as hell didn’t raise mine and I’m 1,000 percent sure that San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich didn’t raise his either.
Trump, a man whose logic and leadership capabilities are easily dwarfed by the size of his hands, has spent the last several days months years providing a master class on how not to lead our ailing country through unprecedented crisis after unprecedented crisis. And after protests have ripped apart America in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers—providing Trump with the perfect opportunity to be divisive and deranged per usual—Pop is fed the fuck up with Trump’s shit.
Advertisement
Sooooooo he called up his boy Dave Zirin, a sportswriter at The Nation, and let the chopper spray.
On White America’s role in these protests:
“The thing that strikes me is that we all see this police violence and racism, and we’ve seen it all before, but nothing changes. That’s why these protests have been so explosive. But without leadership and an understanding of what the problem is, there will never be change. And white Americans have avoided reckoning with this problem forever, because it’s been our privilege to be able to avoid it. That also has to change.”
Advertisement Advertisement
On Trump’s failures as a leader:
“It’s unbelievable. If Trump had a brain, even if it was 99 percent cynical, he would come out and say something to unify people. But he doesn’t care about bringing people together. Even now. That’s how deranged he is. It’s all about him. It’s all about what benefits him personally. It’s never about the greater good. And that’s all he’s ever been.”
Advertisement
On the leadership that America needs:
“It’s so clear what needs to be done. We need a president to come out and say simply that ‘black lives matter.’ Just say those three words. But he won’t and he can’t. He can’t because it’s more important to him to mollify the small group of followers who validate his insanity. But it’s more than just Trump. The system has to change. I’ll do whatever I can do to help, because that’s what leaders do. But he can’t do anything to put us on a positive path, because he’s not a leader.
Advertisement
On Senator Mitch McConnell wreaking havoc on America and Republicans not having the courage to check Trump:
“It’s like what Lindsay Graham and Ted Cruz used to say when they had the courage to say it: He’s unfit. But they have chosen instead to be invisible and obsequious in the face of this carnage. In the end, what we have is a fool in place of a president, while the person who really runs the country, Senator Mitch McConnell, destroys the United States for generations to come. McConnell has destroyed and degraded our judicial system. He has tried to destroy heath care. He’s destroyed the environment. He’s the master and Trump’s the stooge, and what’s funny is that Trump doesn’t even know it. Trump’s always wanted to be part of the in-group, but McConnell is an in-group of one and Trump plays the fool.”
Advertisement
On Trump trumping instead of providing actual guidance and composure:
“He’s not just divisive. He’s a destroyer. To be in his presence makes you die. He will eat you alive for his own purposes. I’m appalled that we have a leader who can’t say ‘black lives matter.’ That’s why he hides in the White House basement. He is a coward. He creates a situation and runs away like a grade-schooler. Actually, I think it’s best to ignore him. There is nothing he can do to make this better because of who he is: a deranged idiot.”
Advertisement
On protests throughout the country needing to be better organized:
“They are very necessary, but they need to be organized better. It’s frustrating. When Dr. King did a protest, you knew when to show, when to come back the next day. But if you’re just organizing protests and everyone is coming and going in every direction, it doesn’t work that way. If it was nonviolent, they knew to be nonviolent, but this is muddled. More leadership would be very welcome so these incredible mass demonstrations can’t be used by people for other means. We can limit the bad, but only if things are organized better.”
Advertisement
With sports on pause at the moment, this sounds like a fantastic opportunity for the UFC or some boxing promoter to put the money up and let Pop and Trump throw hands.
“There,” Pop told Zirin after he finished airing out the entire clip. “Do you think that’s enough to get me in trouble?”
Advertisement
Somebody cut the check!


theroot--2020-06-01--JACHS NY Is Elevating Classic Spring Fashion With 60% Off Sitewide

These are the best JACHS NY deals of June 2020 .
Memorial Day weekend may have passed , but the sales are still raging on at JACHS NY .
You can use the promo code MD60 to still save 60 % acrosss the entire site excluding final sale items , which are typically already discounted much more than that .
You can use that promo code on all non-final sale shirts , shorts , hoodies , and women ’ s apparel .
These are the best JACHS NY deals right now , and don ’ t forget that there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site .
This looks like exactly the kind of cozy shirt I want to wear right now , whether out and about or just chilling with the dog on the couch .
It ’ s a classic fit tri-blend shirt with red stripes , and you can save 60 % off right now with promo code MD60 .
• None Buy it now for $ 24 Embrace distinctively-placed stripes with this lightweight women ’ s Black Bell sleeve pullover sweater , which has a boat neck collar , striped bell sleeves , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and polyester .
Use promo code MD60 to drop the price down even further from its $ 78 list .
• None Buy it now for $ 22 It ’ s high time to begin making additions to your summer wardrobe , and here ’ s one appealing option .
This twin-pocketed poplin short sleeve shirt has charming little flamingos all around it , and it ’ s 60 % off the $ 80 list price when you use the Kinja Deals exclusive promo code MD60 .
• None Buy it now for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these Mint Hula print stretch chino shorts strike a similar look , this time with little hula dancers and guitars on the green cotton surface .
We probably wouldn ’ t pair those two particular items together , but hey , you do you .
It ’ s down from $ 89 with the promo code .
• None Buy it now for $ 36 All of JACHS NY ’ s new-season hoodies are 60 % off with the promo code MD60 , including this handsome varsity hooded henley .
This three-button , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 89 with the promo code .
• None Buy it now for $ 36 With the weather warming up , you ’ ll definitely want some fresh shorts for the rest of spring and the advent of summer .
These busy-looking pull-on shorts have an elastic waistband and drawstring and a leaf print all over the place , and they ’ re down from $ 89 right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 36 You ’ ll pop in this single-pocketed poplin button-up , which has pink fabric adorned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like razor blades .
Huh .
This one will only set you back $ 36 after the 60 % discount using the promo code above .
• None Buy it now for $ 36 Don ’ t miss the massive savings on this zip-up shawl cardigan , which is $ 120 off the list price right now using the promo code above .
Also available in grey , as shown , this layering option will be perfect for cool spring days and summer nights .
• None Buy it now for $ 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This cozy Stone Waffle Sherpa Lined Hoodie is on final sale for just $ 20 , a massive discount from its original $ 99 price .
Even if you ’ re not likely to use it much in the months ahead , this is a perfect hoodie to stick in your closet for autumn and beyond .
Whether for work or play , JACHS NY ’ s Khaki Stretch Corduroy Pants are well suited for the task .
They ’ re 98 % cotton with just a hint of spandex to give you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ item is down to just $ 23 now .
I used to think kimonos were just for lounging until I saw my best friend rock one on a night out on the town .
Much like this color scheme , she pairs it with black jeans and a black silky tank top .
Fashion goddess !
This has to be the height of fabulous and if Schmidt can pull one off and date models you can absolutely one-up him .
This beautiful floral print would look amazing over a simple LBD too .

Sheilah Villari, Andrew Hayward,  and Molly Horan on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Featured Deal: Labor Day Sale
With Labor Day upon us, JACHS NY is bringing you one of the best sales year-round. For the annual Labor Day Sale, prices are being slashed on over 270 styles for up to 85% off sitewide! You can even get some styles starting at $10. And if the item doesn’t work out, then you can return it for FREE!
Why not snag items that are versatile enough to go from the office to your local bar (when it reopens that is) without missing a beat?
Advertisement
The Grey Striped Linen TriBlend Short Sleeve Henley is made from a super soft, lightweight fabric. It has three buttons, so you have a variety of different ways to wear the garment. Plus, the henley body is such a classic look.
Advertisement Advertisement
The White Micro Print Stretch Poplin Short Sleeve Shirt is an ultra-flattering one-pocket short sleeve. With a button-down collar and inner chambray trimmings, this shirt is a great look to round out the summer. Note that the fabric stretches for comfort.
Advertisement
Every guy needs a smart blazer. The Micro Brushed Stretch Herringbone Blazer has a double vent back and notch lapels. It also comes with shoulder padding and is half-lined with chambray. Note that it comes with six pockets overall and has functional buttonholes.
Advertisement
JACHS NY is bringing you the Light Wash Stretch Denim from the online exclusive Denim Capsule Collection. It’s a stretch slim straight fit with a 13.5-inch leg opening. It even has custom metal hardware! Pair this with a button-down for a super sharp look.
Advertisement
The Tan Stretch Chino Short is a classic cotton twill short cut in a standard fit. This pair is made with stretchable fabric for the shoppers’ comfort and mobility. Note that it is a Bleeker fit and thus has a nine-inch inseam.
Advertisement
An update to the classic Oxford shirt? Hell yeah! JACHS NY’s Red Knit Oxford Polo has fabric that was engineered to create the perfect stretch and make you feel like you’re wearing the world’s most comfortable t-shirt. Note that this popover polo is accented with snaps, rather than buttons, and was cut with a classic fit.
Advertisement
The Navy Straight Fit Stretch Bowie Chino is made with unique sateen finished stretch cotton fabric for the ultimate soft feel. The Bowie Chino also has a straight fit and is mid-rise with a slim, straight leg. Pair it with a polo to for a casual day on the weekend.
Advertisement
The Light Blue Stretch Slub Chambray Shirt has the texture and versatility of denim but in a lighter fabric. Chambray is a plain weave fabric that is woven with colored and white yarn with threads alternating as they’re being woven. This shirt is the causal anecdote the casual button shirt but with added stretch and comfort for the summer.
Advertisement
A short-sleeve button-down shirt is a casual, yet versatile wardrobe essential. The Green Block Print Stretch Short Sleeve Shirt is a classic, super comfortable piece that will be a great asset to you come spring. It’s 98% cotton for breathability and 2% spandex for stretch.
This story was originally published by Sheilah Villari on 03/27/2020 and updated with new information by Juliana Clark on 08/26/2021.


theroot--2020-06-01--Outrage in Phoenix After Dion Johnson Shot by State Trooper Who Wasn't Wearing a Body Camera

This weekend , protests were held nationwide protesting police violence in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of police .
Unfortunately , another black life has been added to the list of those taken by law enforcement .
AZ Family reports that Dion Johnson , a 28-year-old black man , was shot by a state trooper .
The trooper noticed Johnson ’ s car was parked in the gore point off the Loop 101 freeway and was partially blocking traffic .
The trooper found Johnson asleep in the driver ’ s seat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggle ensued that resulted in him firing his weapon at Johnson .
A second officer arrived at the scene and helped remove Johnson from the car .
Johnson was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead .
On Friday , Sgt .
Maggie Cox , a spokesman for the Department of Public Safety , said that there is no footage of the shooting as the officer wasn ’ t wearing a body camera at the time .
The identity of the officer has yet to be revealed , but he is reportedly a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took place in downtown Phoenix over the weekend in response to both Johnson ’ s death and the death of George Floyd that happened during the same week .
Protestors are demanding more information be released surrounding Johnson ’ s death .
Johnson ’ s mother , Erma , has questions about what led to her son ’ s death .
“ I want to know where was his body camera ?
I want to know why did he not call for back up ?
If he was so threatened , why didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
It ’ s a lot of questions that are unanswered .
It ’ s a lot of things that I want to know that happened to my son in the last minutes of his life.
” Johnson told AZ Central .
The protests started peacefully on Friday with only sporadic instances of aggressive behavior on behalf of those protesting .
Things escalated when , without warning , the police declared the protest to be an unlawful demonstration and began firing rubber bullets and pepper spray into the crowd .
Another protest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with police using rubber bullets and pepper spray to disperse the crowds .
That same night in downtown Scottsdale a group of rioters broke into Scottsdale Fashion Square and began looting .
This led Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey , to declare a s tate of e mergency , authorize the National Guard and institute a week-long curfew .

This weekend, protests were held nationwide protesting police violence in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of police. Unfortunately, another black life has been added to the list of those taken by law enforcement.
AZ Family reports that Dion Johnson, a 28-year-old black man, was shot by a state trooper. The trooper noticed Johnson’s car was parked in the gore point off the Loop 101 freeway and was partially blocking traffic. The trooper found Johnson asleep in the driver’s seat. According to the officer, a struggle ensued that resulted in him firing his weapon at Johnson. A second officer arrived at the scene and helped remove Johnson from the car. Johnson was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. On Friday, Sgt. Maggie Cox, a spokesman for the Department of Public Safety, said that there is no footage of the shooting as the officer wasn’t wearing a body camera at the time. The identity of the officer has yet to be revealed, but he is reportedly a 15-year veteran of the force.
Advertisement
Protests took place in downtown Phoenix over the weekend in response to both Johnson’s death and the death of George Floyd that happened during the same week. Protestors are demanding more information be released surrounding Johnson’s death. Johnson’s mother, Erma, has questions about what led to her son’s death. “I want to know where was his body camera? I want to know why did he not call for back up? If he was so threatened, why didn’t he call for some backup? It’s a lot of questions that are unanswered. It’s a lot of things that I want to know that happened to my son in the last minutes of his life.” Johnson told AZ Central.
The protests started peacefully on Friday with only sporadic instances of aggressive behavior on behalf of those protesting. Things escalated when, without warning, the police declared the protest to be an unlawful demonstration and began firing rubber bullets and pepper spray into the crowd.
Advertisement Advertisement
Another protest in Downtown Phoenix Saturday started peacefully and ended with police using rubber bullets and pepper spray to disperse the crowds. That same night in downtown Scottsdale a group of rioters broke into Scottsdale Fashion Square and began looting. This led Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, to declare a s tate of e mergency, authorize the National Guard and institute a week-long curfew.