theroot--2020-08-31--'More Is More': Vogue Italia Raises the Bar on Inclusion With 100 September Covers

This September , the Vogue franchise has organized around a single message : Hope , with each global iteration of the famed fashion magazine publishing its own version of what the theme means to its team .
To that end , American Vogue enlisted acclaimed painters Kerry James Marshall and Jordan Casteel to create its September covers , which also featured Black subjects and designers .
Meanwhile , British Vogue made activism its focus , with Black editor-in-chief Edward Enninful featuring Dr. Bernice King , Angela Davis , Brittany Packnett Cunningham , Tamika Mallory , Jane t Mock and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vogue Italia said “ hold my grappa , ” opting to create 100 covers this September featuring a wide swath of representation across race , age , size , and gender expression ( albeit predominantly femme ) .
And with the diversity of beauty—which spans famous and lesser-known faces—came a challenge : to tell each cover model ’ s story in one minute .
Their stories are , at turns , inspiring , poignant , gripping , and sweet , reminding us all that cover stars are human , too .
Pioneering models @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zazie Beetz , KiKi Layne , Indya Moore ; models Paloma Elsesser , Precious Lee , Binx Walton , and many more—over of a quarter of the faces Black and far more of color—each garnered their own covers for Vogue Italia ’ s landmark issue .
Each cover star is photographed wearing black and white , and all can be seen on the magazine ’ s Instagram account .
Editor-in-chief Emanuele Farneti explained the inspiration in a post , writing : At times like these human beings can do one of two things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , when we decided to leave our cover white , we were convinced that silence was the right message of respect and reserve .
Now , instead , with the onset of a new season that will in many ways be crucial , we think this is the moment to raise our voices and talk about hope and beauty .
For the first time , we have shot and printed 100 covers .
Each of them is dedicated to an individual protagonist .
It is the portrait of a community that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making a fresh start .
The concept was reportedly the brainchild of Creative Director Ferdinando Verderi , who added : The idea is very simple : more is more ... A challenge to the canons of quantity with which fashion has always measured itself .
A celebration of diversity and uniqueness , a desire for rebirth that , once printed , becomes a collective experience ... We casted 100 people with interesting stories , talented people in the most diverse fields , icons of the past , people who have nothing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We then asked each of them to tell us the story of their life in a minute .
A project that aims to become a document of our times .

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

This September, the Vogue franchise has organized around a single message: Hope, with each global iteration of the famed fashion magazine publishing its own version of what the theme means to its team. To that end, American Vogue enlisted acclaimed painters Kerry James Marshall and Jordan Casteel to create its September covers, which also featured Black subjects and designers. Meanwhile, British Vogue made activism its focus, with Black editor-in-chief Edward Enninful featuring Dr. Bernice King, Angela Davis, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Tamika Mallory, Jane t Mock and more on its trifold cover.
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Well, Vogue Italia said “hold my grappa,” opting to create 100 covers this September featuring a wide swath of representation across race, age, size, and gender expression (albeit predominantly femme). And with the diversity of beauty—which spans famous and lesser-known faces—came a challenge: to tell each cover model’s story in one minute. Their stories are, at turns, inspiring, poignant, gripping, and sweet, reminding us all that cover stars are human, too.
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Pioneering models Pat Cleveland and Bethann Hardison; actors Zazie Beetz, KiKi Layne, Indya Moore; models Paloma Elsesser, Precious Lee, Binx Walton, and many more—over of a quarter of the faces Black and far more of color—each garnered their own covers for Vogue Italia’s landmark issue. Each cover star is photographed wearing black and white, and all can be seen on the magazine’s Instagram account. Editor-in-chief Emanuele Farneti explained the inspiration in a post, writing:
At times like these human beings can do one of two things: shut up or shout. Last April, when we decided to leave our cover white, we were convinced that silence was the right message of respect and reserve. Now, instead, with the onset of a new season that will in many ways be crucial, we think this is the moment to raise our voices and talk about hope and beauty. For the first time, we have shot and printed 100 covers. Each of them is dedicated to an individual protagonist. It is the portrait of a community that, having waited diligently, now finds itself making a fresh start.
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The concept was reportedly the brainchild of Creative Director Ferdinando Verderi, who added:
The idea is very simple: more is more...A challenge to the canons of quantity with which fashion has always measured itself. A celebration of diversity and uniqueness, a desire for rebirth that, once printed, becomes a collective experience...We casted 100 people with interesting stories, talented people in the most diverse fields, icons of the past, people who have nothing to do with fashion, of all ages. We then asked each of them to tell us the story of their life in a minute. A project that aims to become a document of our times.
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Vogue Italia’s September issue hit stands on August 28.


theroot--2020-08-31--Ayo Edebiri Is Now the Voice of Missy in Big Mouth

It looks like we have a big update—as big as the mouth for Netflix ’ s Big Mouth !
According to Variety , writer , producer , comedian and actor Ayo Edebiri ( Sunnyside ) has been cast as Missy .
You may remember the original voice actress , Jenny Slate stepped down from portraying the popular and quirky character noting that Missy “ is also Black and Black characters on an animated show should be played by Black people.
” Back in July , Central Park quickly cast Emmy Raver-Lampman as Molly , who Kristen Bell previously portrayed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ child , so I think the show speaks to that and a lot of those feelings , which still resonate with me as an adult , ” Edebiri told Variety in a statement .
“ I ’ m back home in my childhood bedroom right now and on my bookshelf in between A Series of Unfortunate Events is Bill Clinton ’ s autobiography and Nelson Mandela ’ s autobiography and a translation of The Iliad in Latin .
I was a true dork .
So I don ’ t think I have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” While Slate will continue to voice Missy for the majority of the fourth season ( the premiere date of which has yet to be announced ) , Edebiri will take over the role in the penultimate episode .
She booked the role just a few weeks ago and has already recorded her Season 4 dialogue .
She also joined the writers ’ room of the show for the fifth season—a job she actually booked and began working first , given the schedule of breaking stories and penning scripts .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a person—that she has all of these different parts of who she is , ” creator Nick Kroll said , of the decision to insert Edebiri ’ s voice sooner than originally planned .
“ There ’ s the sidelines Missy and the more sexually adventurous Missy , mirror Missy , and then also this Missy that she ’ s been discovering [ in Season 4 ] through hanging out with her cousins and really taking a look at her Black identity.
” Kroll also noted that the team did have their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few folks people were suggesting on Twitter and Instagram .
Though Edebiri was in the writers ’ room , she still had to audition .
In case you want to get a feel for just how perfect this casting is , here ’ s a clip from Edebiri ’ s stand-up routine on Comedy Central : Congrats , Ayo Edebiri !
We look forward to seeing how you breathe new life to the adorably awkward Missy !

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

It looks like we have a big update—as big as the mouth for Netflix’s Big Mouth!
According to Variety, writer, producer, comedian and actor Ayo Edebiri (Sunnyside) has been cast as Missy. You may remember the original voice actress, Jenny Slate stepped down from portraying the popular and quirky character noting that Missy “is also Black and Black characters on an animated show should be played by Black people.” Back in July, Central Park quickly cast Emmy Raver-Lampman as Molly, who Kristen Bell previously portrayed.
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“I was definitely a very uncomfortable child, so I think the show speaks to that and a lot of those feelings, which still resonate with me as an adult,” Edebiri told Variety in a statement. “I’m back home in my childhood bedroom right now and on my bookshelf in between A Series of Unfortunate Events is Bill Clinton’s autobiography and Nelson Mandela’s autobiography and a translation of The Iliad in Latin. I was a true dork. So I don’t think I have to go too far to connect with Missy.”
More scoop from Variety:
While Slate will continue to voice Missy for the majority of the fourth season (the premiere date of which has yet to be announced), Edebiri will take over the role in the penultimate episode. She booked the role just a few weeks ago and has already recorded her Season 4 dialogue. She also joined the writers’ room of the show for the fifth season—a job she actually booked and began working first, given the schedule of breaking stories and penning scripts.
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“It’s about Missy’s continued evolution as a person—that she has all of these different parts of who she is,” creator Nick Kroll said, of the decision to insert Edebiri’s voice sooner than originally planned. “There’s the sidelines Missy and the more sexually adventurous Missy, mirror Missy, and then also this Missy that she’s been discovering [in Season 4] through hanging out with her cousins and really taking a look at her Black identity.” Kroll also noted that the team did have their eyes to the streets and considered a few folks people were suggesting on Twitter and Instagram. Though Edebiri was in the writers’ room, she still had to audition.
In case you want to get a feel for just how perfect this casting is, here’s a clip from Edebiri’s stand-up routine on Comedy Central:
Ayo Edebiri Taking the Stage / Comedy Central (YouTube)
Congrats, Ayo Edebiri! We look forward to seeing how you breathe new life to the adorably awkward Missy!


theroot--2020-08-31--Save up to 70% During Huckberry's Swimwear Sale

Featured Deal : Huckberry Swimwear Sale | Up to 70 % off The best Huckberry deals of September 2020 are here .
Huckberry ’ s Swimwear Sale is in full swing right now , letting you save as much as $ 120 off the price of a wide variety of trunks .
The site has dozens of styles available , with some priced as low as $ 30 .
We ’ ve picked a few of our favorite styles from the sale below , along with other bargains from across the Huckberry catalog , including shirts and coats .
Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on orders of $ 75+ , along with free returns .
Flint and Tinder ’ s vintage-style , California-made boardshorts are perfect for those out-and-about days this summer , whether you ’ re having fun outdoors or just getting things done .
They ’ re $ 15 off the list price right now and available in Green/Navy and Rust/Charcoal as of this writing .
Many swim trunks aim to recreate the natural sights of summer , whether it ’ s flowers , palm trees , sunshine , or waves—but this is something different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trunks have a distinctive rainbow pattern on black that almost looks like a passing glance at a series of RGB gaming keyboards in a dark room .
That ’ s different .
If you ’ re not into the busy patterns seen on many swim trunks , why not keep it simple ?
This Onia Charles 7 shorts are clean cut with a tailored look , and right now they ’ re a whopping $ 90 off the list price .
This light blue Safari Sky color is currently available in all sizes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navy and Deep Sage have more limited availability .
These slip-on loafers are built from soft leather and have been handmade in Northern Italy by the same family for six generations now .
According to Huckberry , they ’ re “ eco-friendly , handsome as hell , and represent the best value on the market.
” They ’ re marked down $ 50 off the list right now , so that last part is especially true .
This handsome checkerboard button-up is made in Portugal , using a “ lightweight fabric [ that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in India to feel comfortable during their scorching summers.
” Sounds epic , and looks pretty comfy too .
Best of all , it ’ s half off the list price right now .
If you ’ re getting dressed for a summer day , then you probably don ’ t want half-day shorts , right ?
No , you want all-day shorts , and that ’ s where Faherty Brand can help .
These comfy-looking shorts are perfect for a day out or in , and available in Navy , Olive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 24 off right now , too .
It ’ s always helpful to have an absorbent towel handy while backpacking or exploring , but quality towels often take up a heap of space .
Not Turkish Towels .
The brand ’ s Herringbone towel ( 40x70 ” ) is thin enough to roll into the approximate shape and size of a burrito , yet is claimed to be as absorbent as a beach towel .
It dries quickly and gets softer with each wash , too !
Save $ 15 right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this handsome cotton-linen short sleeve shirt from Wellen , which is lightweight and breathable—perfect for summer days and nights alike .
Huckberry says it ’ s “ lighter than a breeze off ocean waves and as comfortable as hammock on a sunny day , ” which sounds pretty darn great to us .
This navy and green blanket stripe version is the cheapest of the bunch , with a salmon pinstripe version also available for a few bucks more .
Whether intended for cool summer nights or the autumn ahead , Grayers ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lightweight way to retain heat .
This nylon zip jacket is built to resist the wind without bulking you up , and right now it ’ s down $ 58 from the list price .
Save $ 67 right now on this sleek and stylish Proof Elements jacket , which looks like the perfect option for cool summer nights and then autumn beyond .
The ThermoTech fabric warms up as you wear it , keeping you comfortable despite the thin build .
Whether you need something warm for wandering your local surroundings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distance in , the Wellen Waffle Raglan Pullover looks to fit the bill .
The waffle weave design keeps it feeling soft while the front pocket will warm your hands during spring strolls , plus it ’ s $ 22 off the normal price right now .

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

Featured Deal: Alba Optics Solo | $174
Huckberry’s best deals of September 2021 are here!
After spending the better part of the calendar year in a pandemic, I bet that your co-workers have probably seen every shirt you own on your Zoom meetings. If I’m right, then there’s no better excuse to spice up your virtual workwear by cashing in on Huckberry’s best deals.
From apparel to footwear, Huckberry has everything you can think of on sale.
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Made from hemp and organic cotton, the Wellen Hemp Polo provides long-lasting wear with sustainable materials that you can wear guilt-free. It is an easy-going , ultra-flattering design that will give you plenty of room without being baggy.
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The Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts - 9" is a performance short chino that was carefully constructed from a blended fabric to create a soft, year-round garment. It’s pre-shrunk for the ideal fit right out of the box. Note that it was expertly made from a sustainable factory in Indonesia.
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I don’t know about you, but I love tie-dye. Available in mustard, navy, and tide, the Wellen Shibori Stripe Tee features a beautiful pattern, made from the shibori dyeing process which is all done by hand.
Made from 100% organic cotton, these t-shirts also have the signature Wellen softness and are environmentally friendly.
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Having a solid set of whiskey glasses is key to kicking off the summer right! When you raise a glass to toast at the next outdoor party, do it in style!
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Huckberry is selling some beautiful Whiskey Peaks glasses, including American Mountains, Grand Tetons, and International Mountains. These glasses are made from 100% lead-free handblown glass, which is lighter than leaded glass and equally durable.
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As part of the summer sale, Huckberry is offering an up to 25% discount on hybrid shorts, which can be worn either in the water or on land. Plus, the hydrophobic fabrics dry super quickly, so you’re ready to hit your local bar.
The Beardedgoat Ridgeline Short is versatile and durable. It provides a four-way stretch for maximum mobility. Made from nylon ripstop fabric, this product is lightweight, yet durable. Plus, it comes with two side hand pockets, two rear pockets, and a hidden stash pocket for valuables.
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Handmade in Northern Italy, Astorflex can guarantee quality shoes that are stylish and eco-friendly. Plus, their soles are 100% made from natural rubber to ensure that you’re walking on a cloud. For Memorial Day weekend, Huckberry is offering deals on products from this brand at up to 35% off.
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The line-up includes styles and designs that will satisfy even the pickiest of shoe shoppers. One example is the highly flexible Astorflex Patnoflex Travel, the ideal summer shoe for those on the move. Another is the Astroflex Rolflex, a great shoe to transition from one season to another.
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Linen shirts are super stylish and functional for the summertime. However, my biggest pet peeve is how easily they wrinkle. Well, no more! Introducing the Wills Wrinkle-Free Linen Shirt (Bright Navy).
This breathable, lightweight garment pairs well with chinos, slacks, and even shorts. Note that it comes with a single pocket at the left chest, which is a great place to store a handy pen.
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With temperatures rising, everyone needs to have a beach towel in their arsenal. And why not cash in on one at a discounted price? At up to 45% off, Turkish Towels are a steal this Memorial Day weekend. They are super soft and plush, regardless if you are sitting by the pool, the lake, or the ocean.
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Named after the 45 RPM, Forty Five makes classic, vintage t-shirts to pay homage to the ‘60s and ‘70s. The brand’s shirts are made from 100% USA-grown Supima cotton in Los Angeles’ Fashion District. They’ve been designed at the perfect length for tucking and untucking and with a timeless sleeve length. They’re also been garment-dyed for added softness and preshrunk to ensure that you get the perfect fit.
This weekend, buy three t-shirts at the bundled price of $95.
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Looking for a new pair of glasses? Try the Alba Optics Solo, which features stunning lenses to choose from. They are designed to withstand the rigors of hiking and provides blue light and UV protection. Its color equalizer gives beautiful clarity and temple tips are telescopic to provide a custom fit. Note that these are made it Italy, so you’re getting the best of the best fashion-wise .
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Marine Layer Banks Pullover Hoodie is a great garment for a casual outing. As a brand, Marine Layer is known for providing the ultimate comfort and quality. This fabric has a heathered look to give a vintage impression. It also has a kangaroo pouch for storage. And it has a functional drawstring hoodie to ward off a cold breeze.
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Every guy needs a smart pair of trousers to take them from the office to the cornerstore without missing a beat. Available in 10 vibrant colors, the Flint and Tinder 365 pants are now on sale at two for $175. You can put that extra $21 on a summer date night. They’re super lightweight and dyed to comfortable straight out of the box. They even come with a fifth front pocket to securely carry all of your belongings.
This story was originally written by Sheilah Villari on 03/31/2020 and updated with new information by Juliana Clark on 09/09/2021.


theroot--2020-08-31--Police Union Criticizes NHL Team for Opposing Racism

I know this because I receive emails , tweets and DMs from white people who are insulted by the notion that all white people don ’ t hate Black people .
Most recently , after an article about patriotism and the NBA strike ( or this one about Ben Shapiro ... or this one about Steve Bannon ) , I was deluged with emails from people who know the rules to hacky sack explaining why I should stop loosely using the word “ racist ” to refer to their heroes .
I love when this happens because , sometimes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I will respond to their argument with a simple request : “ Hey , can you help me out ?
” I will type as I muffle my giggles with the soft click-clack of the keyboard .
“ Could you point out the sentence in the article where I called Ben Shapiro , Tucker Carlson or ‘ all white people ’ racist ?
” The phenomenon of Caucasian Creedence Clearwater Revivalists self-projecting their complicit racism was on full display this weekend when the head of the union representing 3,500 police officers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local National Hockey League franchise for turning its back on its heroic crime fighters , the Review-Journal reports In a letter to the Las Vegas Golden Knights and their owner Bill Foley , Las Vegas Police Protective Association President Steve Grammas excoriated the team for pushing the divisive narrative that blamed racist cops for the bullets that spontaneously appeared in the back of unarmed Jacob Blake , in Kenosha , Wis. “ It appears , to my law enforcement brothers and sisters , that the Golden Knights would rather jump on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than waiting for the facts of the event to be brought to light , ” wrote Grammas in the scathing letter that was stained with blue tears ( which can only be produced from the tear ducts of “ blue lives ” ) .
“ Watching the video of the incident in Kenosha , I myself have many questions about how the officer ended up using deadly force .
Rather than immediately siding with the officer , just because he and I share the same profession , I needed to wait to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this is stunning .
I ’ ve never seen a cop essentially say : “ Yeah , when I saw it , I thought it was fucked up , too.
” However , Grammas went on to manufacture alternative facts ( commonly called “ lies ” ) while simultaneously disregarding the evidence .
The union chief simultaneously questioned if Blake ’ s children were even in the car but insisted that Blake was “ armed with a knife.
” “ What if the suspect was stealing the car and kidnapping the kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with no evidence whatsoever .
“ What if he intended on a murder-suicide , which is all too common in Domestic Violence cases ?
” Grammas also posited that Blake may have “ told the officers he was going to get a firearm from his car to attempt to take their lives , ” or that the unarmed Black man ’ s ultimate goal was to get in the car to kill his children .
Finally , Grammas admitted that he might be making all of this up , explaining that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the above are true , but neither do you or the Golden Knights.
” To be honest , Grammas has a point .
For instance , no one also knows if Steve Grammas wakes up every morning and screams “ Today is a good day to go nigger hunting ” before masturbating to a recurring fantasy of himself patrolling the outskirts of an antebellum plantation until he finally massacres a group of passengers on the Underground Railroad while a single tear rolls down Harriet Tubman ’ s muddy cheek .
I have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neither do you or the Golden Knights .
“ Your organization is extremely quick to turn their back on law enforcement , which [ leads ] me to wonder , if we have an incident in Las Vegas where other sports groups or political parties say what the police did was wrong , with no facts , would you turn on us as well.
” Grammas continued before explaining an incident when the Golden Knights signed memorabilia for the family of a police officer who was shot in the line of duty .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to educate themselves “ on the issue at hand ” because “ nobody hates a bad cop more than a good cop.
” It is evident that Steve Grammas is not a “ good cop.
” His screed can only be described as the insane screams of a son of a bitch ( which is technically not a slur because all dogs are sons of bitches ) because there is one interesting detail in the Golden Knights ’ statement that caused Grammas ’ flameout : It didn ’ t have a single reference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even police officers in general .
The team only stated that they were against racial injustices and supported racial equality and activism .
They didn ’ t accuse the police of racism or even mention Kenosha , Wis .
Either Steve Grammas can ’ t read or he is infuriated that his local hockey team is against systemic racism .
Even though Las Vegas police proudly endorses racism ( and Donald Trump ) , we shouldn ’ t judge them before we know all the facts .
For instance , perhaps the Las @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a national fantasy murder league that earns points for every person they kill .
Maybe they get extra credit for each bullet they pump into a Black body and bonus points for when the victim is unarmed .
Perhaps Steve Grammas thinks it ’ s unfair that when Kyle Rittenhouse ’ s fantasy police brutality points automatically went to Kenosha ’ s team because they looked the other way when a teenager with a killing machine allegedly killed two people .
Maybe Steve Grammas is trying to inspire the members of his union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unarmed Black people if they want to reach the nigger-killing Super Bowl .
I have no idea if any of this is true… But neither do you or the Golden Knights .

Racist white people hate being called racist white people.
I know this because I receive emails, tweets and DMs from white people who are insulted by the notion that all white people don’t hate Black people. Most recently, after an article about patriotism and the NBA strike (or this one about Ben Shapiro...or this one about Steve Bannon), I was deluged with emails from people who know the rules to hacky sack explaining why I should stop loosely using the word “racist” to refer to their heroes. I love when this happens because, sometimes, when I am in a playful mood, I will respond to their argument with a simple request:
“Hey, can you help me out?” I will type as I muffle my giggles with the soft click-clack of the keyboard. “Could you point out the sentence in the article where I called Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson or ‘all white people’ racist?”
“A hit dog will holler.”
-Ancient usher board proverb.
The phenomenon of Caucasian Creedence Clearwater Revivalists self-projecting their complicit racism was on full display this weekend when the head of the union representing 3,500 police officers in Las Vegas issued a scorching statement condemning the local National Hockey League franchise for turning its back on its heroic crime fighters, the Review-Journal reports
In a letter to the Las Vegas Golden Knights and their owner Bill Foley, Las Vegas Police Protective Association President Steve Grammas excoriated the team for pushing the divisive narrative that blamed racist cops for the bullets that spontaneously appeared in the back of unarmed Jacob Blake, in Kenosha, Wis.
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“It appears, to my law enforcement brothers and sisters, that the Golden Knights would rather jump on the bandwagon of attacking the police profession rather than waiting for the facts of the event to be brought to light,” wrote Grammas in the scathing letter that was stained with blue tears (which can only be produced from the tear ducts of “blue lives”). “Watching the video of the incident in Kenosha, I myself have many questions about how the officer ended up using deadly force. Rather than immediately siding with the officer, just because he and I share the same profession, I needed to wait to get the FACTS of the incident.”
Wow, this is stunning. I’ve never seen a cop essentially say: “Yeah, when I saw it, I thought it was fucked up, too.” However, Grammas went on to manufacture alternative facts (commonly called “lies”) while simultaneously disregarding the evidence. The union chief simultaneously questioned if Blake’s children were even in the car but insisted that Blake was “armed with a knife.”
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“What if the suspect was stealing the car and kidnapping the kids from the mother?” Grammas pondered, with no evidence whatsoever. “What if he intended on a murder-suicide, which is all too common in Domestic Violence cases?”
Grammas also posited that Blake may have “told the officers he was going to get a firearm from his car to attempt to take their lives,” or that the unarmed Black man’s ultimate goal was to get in the car to kill his children. Finally, Grammas admitted that he might be making all of this up, explaining that he had “no idea if any of the above are true, but neither do you or the Golden Knights.”
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To be honest, Grammas has a point. For instance, no one also knows if Steve Grammas wakes up every morning and screams “Today is a good day to go nigger hunting” before masturbating to a recurring fantasy of himself patrolling the outskirts of an antebellum plantation until he finally massacres a group of passengers on the Underground Railroad while a single tear rolls down Harriet Tubman’s muddy cheek.
I have no idea if any of this is true—but neither do you or the Golden Knights.
“Your organization is extremely quick to turn their back on law enforcement, which [leads] me to wonder, if we have an incident in Las Vegas where other sports groups or political parties say what the police did was wrong, with no facts, would you turn on us as well.” Grammas continued before explaining an incident when the Golden Knights signed memorabilia for the family of a police officer who was shot in the line of duty.
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Grammas closed by advising the NHL players to educate themselves “on the issue at hand” because “nobody hates a bad cop more than a good cop.”
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It is evident that Steve Grammas is not a “good cop.” His screed can only be described as the insane screams of a son of a bitch (which is technically not a slur because all dogs are sons of bitches) because there is one interesting detail in the Golden Knights’ statement that caused Grammas’ flameout:
It didn’t have a single reference to Jacob Blake, police brutality or even police officers in general.
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The team only stated that they were against racial injustices and supported racial equality and activism. They didn’t accuse the police of racism or even mention Kenosha, Wis. Either Steve Grammas can’t read or he is infuriated that his local hockey team is against systemic racism. Even though Las Vegas police proudly endorses racism (and Donald Trump), we shouldn’t judge them before we know all the facts.
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For instance, perhaps the Las Vegas Police Protective Association is part of a national fantasy murder league that earns points for every person they kill. Maybe they get extra credit for each bullet they pump into a Black body and bonus points for when the victim is unarmed. Perhaps Steve Grammas thinks it’s unfair that when Kyle Rittenhouse’s fantasy police brutality points automatically went to Kenosha’s team because they looked the other way when a teenager with a killing machine allegedly killed two people. Maybe Steve Grammas is trying to inspire the members of his union to get out there and shoot more unarmed Black people if they want to reach the nigger-killing Super Bowl.
I have no idea if any of this is true…
But neither do you or the Golden Knights.


theroot--2020-08-31--Always Hope That You Remember…If You Don’t Know Shit About Sade, Shut Up

You know , as a rule , I tend not to curse a lot in my posts here at The Root , despite having free rein to do so , as do all of our staff .
That ’ s mainly because I like to consider myself something of a lady—and , as the editor of all things lifestyle here at the site , tend not to find profanity terribly necessary .
Also , because my parents read much of my work , and I ’ d rather spare myself the grief .
That said , there is some shit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , and I ’ ve got time today .
Avert your eyes , Mom and Dad ( though I have a feeling you ’ ll both back me up on this one ) .
You see , as we speak , some poor , unfortunate , clearly uninformed soul has got Sade—she of the love deluxe—trending on Twitter by making an absolutely asinine comparison between the 61-year-old singer and ( of all people ) Jhene Aiko .
First of all , it is 2020 , the year of COVID and our antichrist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unexpectedly lost our beloved Chadwick Boseman on Friday .
Please stop making folks trend without cause—and definitely not for no bullshit like this .
I have no doubt both of these lovely , talented women were somewhere minding their own damned musical business when their names were unceremoniously brought up by someone who has likely never set foot in a recording booth in her life ( and before you try to come for me , yes I have , with a Grammy nod to prove it ) .
But in case you were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children well before you let them lead the way ( miss you , Nippy ) , dumb shit like this is why .
Girl , what ?
And why ?
This is the epitome of “ nobody asked for this.
” Literally nobody .
Not even Aretha , who likely also doesn ’ t want her name brought into this slanderous mess .
And that ’ s all it is ; mess for the sake of being messy because you ’ re bored ( which I must be too , since I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you ’ re not bored enough to fire up Spotify and see why your entire premise is flawed .
Kids , it ’ s okay to not like things .
To try to delegitimize a career that likely outdated your existence on this earth ?
Not so much , Sis .
Sade ’ s voice and stylings may not be common ; but since we ’ re making unnecessary comparisons , neither were Billie Holiday or Nina Simone ’ s .
Arguably , that ’ s what makes each of them iconic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is this what happens when they cut arts education in schools ?
In fact , I ’ m not sure which part was wilder ; the part where the OP acted like Sade doesn ’ t have albums ’ worth of highly recognizable hits , or the part where she credited the woman ’ s success to the fact that she is “ thin & light skinned ” and “ humming ” —while comparing her to the equally thin , light-skinned ( both women are biracial ) , and hum-adjacent Aiko .
Again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nope , still won ’ t .
As a result , not only is this comparison insulting to Sade and everyone who has adored her music for the last 35-plus years but if I ’ m Jhene Aiko , I ’ m cussing you out for even bringing my name into this shit—especially in the name of so-called fandom .
Beloved , if your version of supporting a perfectly good artist is setting her up to be dragged by inexplicably comparing her to a beloved icon , you are neither a friend nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fool .
But sometimes , when you seek dumb attention , that ’ s exactly what you get .
( Thankfully , I get paid for my opinions .
What ’ s your excuse ? )
Sade ’ s exhaustive bona fides are readily available to anyone with internet access , so I won ’ t list them here—besides we already did that in part last year , when the eternal muse turned 60 .
Apparently , her detractor has an e-book of keto recipes to sell , so , there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know about the light-skinned part , but those make you thin , right ? )
But for the rest of you , please think before you tweet—and Google before you come out here looking goofy .

You know, as a rule, I tend not to curse a lot in my posts here at The Root, despite having free rein to do so, as do all of our staff. That’s mainly because I like to consider myself something of a lady—and, as the editor of all things lifestyle here at the site, tend not to find profanity terribly necessary. Also, because my parents read much of my work, and I’d rather spare myself the grief.
That said, there is some shit that irks the ever-loving fuck out of me, and I’ve got time today. Avert your eyes, Mom and Dad (though I have a feeling you’ll both back me up on this one).
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You see, as we speak, some poor, unfortunate, clearly uninformed soul has got Sade—she of the love deluxe and lover’s rock—trending on Twitter by making an absolutely asinine comparison between the 61-year-old singer and (of all people) Jhene Aiko.
I know: Make it make sense.
First of all, it is 2020, the year of COVID and our antichrist, Donald Trump, and we just unexpectedly lost our beloved Chadwick Boseman on Friday. Please stop making folks trend without cause—and definitely not for no bullshit like this. I have no doubt both of these lovely, talented women were somewhere minding their own damned musical business when their names were unceremoniously brought up by someone who has likely never set foot in a recording booth in her life (and before you try to come for me, yes I have, with a Grammy nod to prove it). But in case you were wondering why you need to teach the children well before you let them lead the way (miss you, Nippy), dumb shit like this is why.
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Girl, what? And why? This is the epitome of “nobody asked for this.” Literally nobody. Not even Aretha, who likely also doesn’t want her name brought into this slanderous mess.
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And that’s all it is; mess for the sake of being messy because you’re bored (which I must be too, since I’m entertaining this nonsense). But clearly, you’re not bored enough to fire up Spotify and see why your entire premise is flawed. Kids, it’s okay to not like things. To try to delegitimize a career that has likely outdated your existence on this earth? Not so much, Sis. Sade’s voice and stylings may not be common; but since we’re making unnecessary comparisons, neither were Billie Holiday or Nina Simone’s. Arguably, that’s what makes each of them iconic, inimitable, and instantly recognizable. Is this what happens when they cut arts education in schools?
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In fact, I’m not sure which part was wilder; the part where the OP acted like Sade doesn’t have albums’ worth of highly recognizable hits, or the part where she credited the woman’s success to the fact that she is “thin & light skinned” and “humming”—while comparing her to the equally thin, light-skinned (both women are biracial), and hum-adjacent Aiko.
Again, please make it make sense. Nope, still won’t.
As a result, not only is this comparison insulting to Sade and everyone who has adored her music for the last 35-plus years, but if I’m Jhene Aiko, I’m cussing you out for even bringing my name into this shit—especially in the name of so-called fandom. Beloved, if your idea of supporting a perfectly good artist is setting her up to be dragged by inexplicably comparing her to a beloved icon, you are neither a friend nor a fan. You are simply a fool.
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But sometimes, when you seek dumb attention, that’s exactly what you get. (Thankfully, I get paid for my opinions. What’s your excuse?)
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Sade’s exhaustive bona fides are readily available to anyone with internet access, so I won’t list them here—besides, we already did that in part last year, when the eternal muse turned 60. Apparently, her detractor has an e-book of keto recipes to sell, so, there’s that. (I don’t know about the light-skinned part, but those make you thin, right?) But for the rest of you, please think before you tweet—and Google before you come out here looking goofy.


theroot--2020-08-31--Seattle Seahawks’ Pete Carroll Calls on Other Head Coaches, White People to Tackle Systemic Racism:

Seattle Seahawks’ Pete Carroll Calls on Other Head Coaches, White People to Tackle Systemic Racism: ‘This Is a White People’s Issue’

Though short-lived , the Milwaukee Bucks ’ wildcat strike last week has recalibrated many people ’ s expectations of what is possible when it comes to professional athletes speaking out on social justice issues .
Over the last week , teams from various professional sports leagues , including the NFL and MLB , canceled practices or games .
For some , it was a necessary time for reflection ; for others , it was a moment to call greater attention to systemic racism and a lack of police accountability over the deaths of Black Americans .
Among the teams that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seattle Seahawks .
During a Zoom conference call with reporters over the weekend , head coach Pete Carroll called on his fellow coaches to be more vocal about racial injustice , reports the Washington Post .
“ All coaches .
Let ’ s step up .
No more being quiet , no more being afraid to talk [ about ] the topics , no more , ‘ I ’ m a little bit uncomfortable ; I might lose my job over this because I ’ ve taken a stand here or there.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We can ’ t do that anymore .
Maybe if we do , we can be a leadership group that stands out , and maybe others will follow us .
But it ’ s not just for coaches .
I just know that I might have a better ear listening to me when I ’ m talking to coaches .
It ’ s about education .
It really is .
Education .
It ’ s not about education in the book so much anymore .
We all know the history was screwed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have to learn really what ’ s going on so we can feel our people , so that we can respond .
We know all the issues that we need to address .
Okay , so what do we do about it ?
How do we act on it ?
How do we help ?
” The shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake in Kenosha , Wis. , on Aug. 23 has been a tipping point for a lot of professional athletes , who have been more vocal about police brutality and systemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the NBA have already made racial justice messaging front and center in their games— “ Black Lives Matter ” signage has been painted onto courts , and some athletes have been wearing uniforms and shoes bearing the names of prominent victims of police killings , including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor .
The NFL has recently followed suit , with the league allowing its players to similarly display on their helmets the names of people killed by violent vigilantes or law enforcement .
But with racist violence going unabated throughout the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and commentators in American sports are publicly grappling with their personal role and responsibilities to the movement for racial equality .
Carroll , for his part , emphasized the need for white people , in particular , to step up , pointing out that America ’ s “ system of slavery ... we ’ ve never left it , really .
It has never gone away.
” “ [ White people ] need to be coached up and they need to be educated about what the heck is going on in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ ve been unwilling to accept the real history .
We ’ ve been taught a false history of what happened in this country .
We ’ ve been basing things on false premises .
And it has not been about equality for all .
It has not been about freedom for all .
Not been [ an ] opportunity for all .
And it needs to be because this is a humanity issue that we ’ re dealing with .
This is a white people ’ s issue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s going on and to figure it out and start loving everybody that is part of our country and that wants to come to our country.
” While white players are being educated , he says , his Black players are “ living scared to death.
” “ It never was okay ; just now that we see so vividly what ’ s going on , we have to get it stopped now , ” continued Carroll , who put the onus back on the NFL ’ s head coaches to spark change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I hope somebody ’ s listening , because we have to create the change and we ’ ve got to be the change to get that done .
Coaches , let ’ s let us be the ones .
Lead in your communities .
We ’ re in communities everywhere across this country ; we ’ re all over the place in all the different sports .
Hear me .
Let ’ s go .
Let ’ s get this done .
”

Though short-lived, the Milwaukee Bucks’ wildcat strike last week has recalibrated many people’s expectations of what is possible when it comes to professional athletes speaking out on social justice issues. Over the last week, teams from various professional sports leagues, including the NFL and MLB, canceled practices or games. For some, it was a necessary time for reflection; for others, it was a moment to call greater attention to systemic racism and a lack of police accountability over the deaths of Black Americans.
Among the teams that canceled practice this past weekend were the Seattle Seahawks. During a Zoom conference call with reporters over the weekend, head coach Pete Carroll called on his fellow coaches to be more vocal about racial injustice, reports the Washington Post.
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“All coaches. Let’s step up. No more being quiet, no more being afraid to talk [about] the topics, no more, ‘I’m a little bit uncomfortable; I might lose my job over this because I’ve taken a stand here or there.’ Screw it,” said Carroll.
“We can’t do that anymore. Maybe if we do, we can be a leadership group that stands out, and maybe others will follow us. But it’s not just for coaches. I just know that I might have a better ear listening to me when I’m talking to coaches. It’s about education. It really is. Education. It’s not about education in the book so much anymore. We all know the history was screwed up. We all know that. We have to learn really what’s going on so we can feel our people, so that we can respond. We know all the issues that we need to address. Okay, so what do we do about it? How do we act on it? How do we help?”
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The shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis., on Aug. 23 has been a tipping point for a lot of professional athletes, who have been more vocal about police brutality and systemic racism in recent months. The WNBA and the NBA have already made racial justice messaging front and center in their games—“Black Lives Matter” signage has been painted onto courts, and some athletes have been wearing uniforms and shoes bearing the names of prominent victims of police killings, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. The NFL has recently followed suit, with the league allowing its players to similarly display on their helmets the names of people killed by violent vigilantes or law enforcement.
But with racist violence going unabated throughout the country, the most prominent athletes, coaches and commentators in American sports are publicly grappling with their personal role and responsibilities to the movement for racial equality.
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Carroll, for his part, emphasized the need for white people, in particular, to step up, pointing out that America’s “system of slavery...we’ve never left it, really. It has never gone away.”
“[White people] need to be coached up and they need to be educated about what the heck is going on in the world,” said the outspoken head coach. “We’ve been unwilling to accept the real history. We’ve been taught a false history of what happened in this country. We’ve been basing things on false premises. And it has not been about equality for all. It has not been about freedom for all. Not been [ an] opportunity for all. And it needs to be because this is a humanity issue that we’re dealing with. This is a white people’s issue to get over it and learn what’s going on and to figure it out and start loving everybody that is part of our country and that wants to come to our country.”
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While white players are being educated, he says, his Black players are “living scared to death.”
“It never was okay; just now that we see so vividly what’s going on, we have to get it stopped now,” continued Carroll, who put the onus back on the NFL’s head coaches to spark change in their locker rooms and communities. “I hope somebody’s listening, because we have to create the change and we’ve got to be the change to get that done. Coaches, let’s let us be the ones. Lead in your communities. We’re in communities everywhere across this country; we’re all over the place in all the different sports. Hear me. Let’s go. Let’s get this done.”