theroot--2020-05-28--West Virginia Mail Carrier Charged With Election Fraud for Altering Absentee Ballot Applications

Many conservatives—including y ’ all ’ s president—have had a lot to say about mail-in voting and the potential it has to cause voter fraud .
Of course , there ’ s not much evidence supporting the idea that absentee ballots will result in fraud on the part of voters , but in West Virginia , one case of election tampering happened before voters even received their ballots .
According to TIME , West Virginia postal carrier Thomas Cooper has been charged with attempted election fraud after he allegedly altered the party affiliation sections of eight absentee ballot request forms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clerk last month .
Federal prosecutors said Tuesday that Cooper is accused of using a black ink pen to change the party affiliation status from Democrat to Republican on five of the applications .
On the other three forms , he used the pen to circle the word “ Republican.
” Here ’ s how the investigation into Cooper started as reported by TIME : Absentee ballot applications were mailed to all registered voters in West Virginia last month in a bid to encourage mail-in voting during the coronavirus pandemic .
Bennie Cogar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigator who conducted the probe on behalf of the secretary of state ’ s office , said in the affidavit that the Pendleton County clerk called some of the voters after receiving the requests because she knew they were not Republicans .
The clerk then contacted the secretary of state ’ s office to report the alterations .
According to the federal affidavit , Cooper admitted to Cogar and a postal inspector that he did alter the mail-in request forms saying it was meant “ as a joke.
” The state attorney general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it so funny .
“ Manipulating one ’ s absentee ballot or application is not a laughing matter – it ’ s a federal offense , ” Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said , according to the Miami Herald .
“ We must protect the integrity of the ballot box , and this demonstrates the aggressive action we will take to do so .
”

Many conservatives—including y’all’s president—have had a lot to say about mail-in voting and the potential it has to cause voter fraud. Of course, there’s not much evidence supporting the idea that absentee ballots will result in fraud on the part of voters, but in West Virginia, one case of election tampering happened before voters even received their ballots.
According to TIME, West Virginia postal carrier Thomas Cooper has been charged with attempted election fraud after he allegedly altered the party affiliation sections of eight absentee ballot request forms before delivering them to the Pendleton County clerk last month.
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Federal prosecutors said Tuesday that Cooper is accused of using a black ink pen to change the party affiliation status from Democrat to Republican on five of the applications. On the other three forms, he used the pen to circle the word “Republican.”
Here’s how the investigation into Cooper started as reported by TIME:
Absentee ballot applications were mailed to all registered voters in West Virginia last month in a bid to encourage mail-in voting during the coronavirus pandemic. Bennie Cogar, an attorney general’s office investigator who conducted the probe on behalf of the secretary of state’s office, said in the affidavit that the Pendleton County clerk called some of the voters after receiving the requests because she knew they were not Republicans. The clerk then contacted the secretary of state’s office to report the alterations.
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According to the federal affidavit, Cooper admitted to Cogar and a postal inspector that he did alter the mail-in request forms saying it was meant “as a joke.” The state attorney general’s office didn’t find it so funny.
“Manipulating one’s absentee ballot or application is not a laughing matter – it’s a federal offense,” Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said, according to the Miami Herald. “We must protect the integrity of the ballot box, and this demonstrates the aggressive action we will take to do so.”


theroot--2020-05-27--Find the Best Exercise Bench to Upgrade Your Home Workouts

Weights are great , and picking some up and then putting them down and picking them up again is a great way to help your fitness improv e. However , they ’ re not everything you need , a lot of exercises need you to have one of the best exercise benches to help you upgrade your workouts .
Some exercises benches are incredibly simple , and others are complex but allow for far more options .
There ’ s a place for both in the world , but you need to know which one will help you out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may end up making a purchase you regret .
With that in mind , here is our list of the best exercise benches to help you get hench ( es ) .
Hit your pecs harder than ever before Exercise benches have a lot of uses , but the first one that comes to mind for a lot of people is the bench press .
The HOMRanger Strong Bearing Weight Bench comes with everything you need to start hitting your chest hard and upgrade your home gym .
It ’ s a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All you need is some weights and you ’ ve got countless exercises at your disposal .
The perfect choice when you want to do it all The Sasina Home Gym Adjustable Weight Bed isn ’ t one you should sleep on thanks to the versatility it offers .
It ’ s not just good as an exercise bench either , it doubles as a way to work your legs via both curls and extensions as well as having some cables to boot .
It ’ s not even that pricey given how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body and your budget There ’ s a lot to be said for an adjustable bench .
The Marcy Exercise Utility Bench is a cheap op tion that can be whatever you need it to be .
The ability to flit across the spectrum of options from fully upright to declined allows you to change up your workouts regularly and always keep things new .
This is essential if you want to make sure it doesn ’ t just end up covered in clothes .
Do things a little differently for excellent results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a while understands the impact that a simple change of direction can have on your workout .
The WZR Adjustable Weight Bench is perfect for incline and decline movements , making it great for hitting your muscles in a wa y you didn ’ t realize you were missing out on .
It ’ s also great for abdominal workouts too .
Plus , if you already have lots of bright orange furniture then it ’ ll go perfectly in your living room .
Function and simplicity above all else You don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be good .
You can take that as life advice if you want , but we ’ re talking solely about this exercise bench .
The Ridkodg Adjustable Weight Exercise Bench is perfect if you ’ ve got no interest in faff but still want to upgrade your weight training .
Its lack of flair means it ’ s easy to store too , which is great if you ’ re already wishing you had more room .

Jason Coles on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Weights are great, and picking some up and then putting them down and picking them up again is a great way to help your fitness improv e. However, they’re not everything you need, a lot of exercises need you to have one of the best exercise benches to help you upgrade your workouts.
Some exercises benches are incredibly simple, and others are complex but allow for far more options. There’s a place for both in the world, but you need to know which one will help you out the most given your needs— otherwise, you may end up making a purchase you regret.
With that in mind, here is our list of the best exercise benches to help you get hench(es).
The Best For Bench Press
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Exercise benches have a lot of uses, but the first one that comes to mind for a lot of people is the bench press. The HOMRanger Strong Bearing Weight Bench comes with everything you need to start hitting your chest hard and upgrade your home gym. It’s a good first piece of equipment, too. All you need is some weights and you’ve got countless exercises at your disposal.
The Mutlitalented Pick
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The Sasina Home Gym Adjustable Weight Bed isn’t one you should sleep on thanks to the versatility it offers. It’s not just good as an exercise bench either, it doubles as a way to work your legs via both curls and extensions as well as having some cables to boot. It’s not even that pricey given how much it offers.
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A Flexible Budget Option
Advertisement
There’s a lot to be said for an adjustable bench. The Marcy Exercise Utility Bench is a cheap op tion that can be whatever you need it to be. The ability to flit across the spectrum of options from fully upright to declined allows you to change up your workouts regularly and always keep things new. This is essential if you want to make sure it doesn’t just end up covered in clothes.
The Wonky One
Advertisement
Anybody who has been working out for a while understands the impact that a simple change of direction can have on your workout. The WZR Adjustable Weight Bench is perfect for incline and decline movements, making it great for hitting your muscles in a wa y you didn’t realize you were missing out on. It’s also great for abdominal workouts too. Plus, if you already have lots of bright orange furniture then it’ll go perfectly in your living room.
Advertisement
The Minimalist Choice
Advertisement
You don’t always have to be fancy to be good. You can take that as life advice if you want, but we’re talking solely about this exercise bench. The Ridkodg Adjustable Weight Exercise Bench is perfect if you’ve got no interest in faff but still want to upgrade your weight training. Its lack of flair means it’s easy to store too, which is great if you’re already wishing you had more room.


theroot--2020-05-27--'They Want Us for Our Black Faces on Their Diversity Reports': Delroy Lindo Is Still Fighting The Go

'They Want Us for Our Black Faces on Their Diversity Reports': Delroy Lindo Is Still Fighting The Good Fight in First-Look Clip

No one knows how to lay down the law via facial expression quite like Delroy Lindo and in the Season 4 finale of The Good Fight , he continues to be about that action .
Season Finale .
Reddick , Boseman & Lockhart are hired to investigate the death of high-profile New York inmate Jeffrey Epstein .
Back at the office , STR Laurie continues to tighten their grip on the firm by forcing Diane , Adrian and Liz to conduct layoffs .
But the enraged trio won ’ t go down that route without a fight and hatch a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporate overlords once and for all .
This one is actually pretty timely given the buzz around the recent Jeffrey Epstein documentary release on Netflix .
In an exclusive clip of the episode obtained by The Root , Adrian Boseman ( Lindo ) is attempting to convince Liz Lawrence ( Audra McDonald ) and Diane Lockhart ( Christine Baranski ) to take out a significant loan ( with an even more significant risk since Liz is a single mom ) so that they can finally escape the ownership hold of their corporate overlords @ @ @ @ @ @ @ | Season 4 Finale Exclusive Clip - The Root / CBS All Access ( YouTube ) “ They don ’ t value our work , our employees , our history or our culture !
” Adrian exclaims .
“ They want us for our black faces on their diversity reports.
” Say that , Adrian !
!
“ Diversity and inclusion ” has been long critiqued since it seems to be more about optics than true equity and there are black employees within multiple industries who can relate to Adrian ’ s impassioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not familiar , this is the same guy who broke the internet when The Good Fight clip of him resurfaced in which he challenged a white anchor to say the n-word live on-air , since white folks want to say it so damn badly .
Like I said , he ’ s always about that action .
The season 4 finale of The Good Fight , Ep .
407 , “ The Gang Discovers who Killed Jeffrey Epstein ” will be available to stream Thursday , May 27 on CBS All Access @

No one knows how to lay down the law via facial expression quite like Delroy Lindo and in the Season 4 finale of The Good Fight, he continues to be about that action.
Episode deets, via CBS All Access:
Episode 407 “The Gang Discovers who Killed Jeffrey Epstein” Season Finale. Reddick, Boseman & Lockhart are hired to investigate the death of high-profile New York inmate Jeffrey Epstein. Back at the office, STR Laurie continues to tighten their grip on the firm by forcing Diane, Adrian and Liz to conduct layoffs. But the enraged trio won’t go down that route without a fight and hatch a plan in hopes of shaking off their corporate overlords once and for all.
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This one is actually pretty timely given the buzz around the recent Jeffrey Epstein documentary release on Netflix.
In an exclusive clip of the episode obtained by The Root, Adrian Boseman (Lindo) is attempting to convince Liz Lawrence (Audra McDonald) and Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski) to take out a significant loan (with an even more significant risk since Liz is a single mom) so that they can finally escape the ownership hold of their corporate overlords, STR Laurie.
The Good Fight | Season 4 Finale Exclusive Clip - The Root / CBS All Access (YouTube)
“They don’t value our work, our employees, our history or our culture!” Adrian exclaims. “They want us for our black faces on their diversity reports.”
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Say that, Adrian!! “Diversity and inclusion” has been long critiqued since it seems to be more about optics than true equity and there are black employees within multiple industries who can relate to Adrian’s impassioned plea.
Again, if you’re not familiar, this is the same guy who broke the internet when The Good Fight clip of him resurfaced in which he challenged a white anchor to say the n-word live on-air, since white folks want to say it so damn badly. Like I said, he’s always about that action.
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The season 4 finale of The Good Fight, Ep. 407, “The Gang Discovers who Killed Jeffrey Epstein” will be available to stream Thursday, May 27 on CBS All Access.


theroot--2020-05-27--Red Table Talk Dives Deep Into a Necessary Discussion About Colorism

The ladies of Red Table Talk , Jada Pinkett Smith , Adrienne Banfield-Norris and Willow Smith , had an important conversation on their popular Facebook Watch show about colorism in the black community on May 27 .
The trio was joined by Jada ’ s lifelong friend Mia Pitts and her daughter Madison Miles to discuss their experiences with colorism throughout their lives .
Pitts revealed that others ’ issues with her ( stunning ) skin tone were recognized during her time as a Knicks City Dancer when she was told an NBA player wouldn ’ t want to marry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ultimately choose women who are lighter , ” she recounts .
“ [ My thoughts about my skin ] [ weren ’ t ] full impact until I had [ my daughter ] ... as she got darker , I was like ‘ ooh ooh , this is a problem… ’ I [ didn ’ t ] want her to have the same type of scenarios that I did , like never being told she ’ s beautiful.
” “ The hatred of our skin tone is really just the overall picture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ourselves , and it ’ s so deep-rooted , ” she continues .
Jada chimes in , discussing that she experienced quite the opposite : she was picked on for being light-skinned .
“ I remember having plenty of conversations with [ Banfield-Norris ] and Aunt Karen about not revealing other heritage in my blood .
It was like ‘ you ’ re black and that ’ s it , ’ ” she said .
“ Gammy ” says in the chat that her grandmother , who grew up in Barbados , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( “ I remember when I was really little , we had neighbors who were very very dark , and she didn ’ t want us to play with them , ” she recalls . )
As for Willow , she says that while she didn ’ t have negative feelings about her own skin tone , she did have a couple of issues about her hair texture , stating “ [ she ] would look at [ my cousin ’ s ] hair and be like ‘ I would be so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so kinky.
’ ” “ This is the secret ... even within [ the black community ] , there ’ s division , ” explains Madison , who gives an intellectual rundown about how colorism can present itself most prevalently within the black community .
“ ‘ We ’ re not supposed to bring it up… ’ I know everyone gets annoyed when we say , ‘ it begins with slavery , ’ but that ’ s where everything begins.
” Elsewhere in the conversation , the group discusses the difficulties of navigating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dark-skinned men , skin-bleaching and more .
It ’ s certainly worth the watch .

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

The ladies of Red Table Talk, Jada Pinkett Smith, Adrienne Banfield-Norris and Willow Smith, had an important conversation on their popular Facebook Watch show about colorism in the black community on May 27. The trio was joined by Jada’s lifelong friend Mia Pitts and her daughter Madison Miles to discuss their experiences with colorism throughout their lives.
Pitts revealed that others’ issues with her (stunning) skin tone were recognized during her time as a Knicks City Dancer when she was told an NBA player wouldn’t want to marry her because she was dark-skinned.
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“We ultimately choose women who are lighter,” she recounts. “[My thoughts about my skin] [weren’t] full impact until I had [my daughter]...as she got darker, I was like ‘ooh ooh, this is a problem…’ I [didn’t] want her to have the same type of scenarios that I did, like never being told she’s beautiful.”
“The hatred of our skin tone is really just the overall picture of the hatred that we have for ourselves, and it’s so deep-rooted,” she continues. Jada chimes in, discussing that she experienced quite the opposite: she was picked on for being light-skinned.
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“I remember having plenty of conversations with [Banfield-Norris] and Aunt Karen about not revealing other heritage in my blood. It was like ‘you’re black and that’s it,’” she said. “Gammy” says in the chat that her grandmother, who grew up in Barbados, “definitely did not like dark-skinned people.” (“I remember when I was really little, we had neighbors who were very very dark, and she didn’t want us to play with them,” she recalls.)
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As for Willow, she says that while she didn’t have negative feelings about her own skin tone, she did have a couple of issues about her hair texture, stating “[she] would look at [my cousin’s] hair and be like ‘I would be so much prettier if my hair wasn’t so kinky.’”
“This is the secret...even within [the black community], there’s division,” explains Madison, who gives an intellectual rundown about how colorism can present itself most prevalently within the black community. “‘We’re not supposed to bring it up…’ I know everyone gets annoyed when we say, ‘it begins with slavery,’ but that’s where everything begins.”
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Elsewhere in the conversation, the group discusses the difficulties of navigating the world and the corporate world for dark-skinned men, skin-bleaching and more. It’s certainly worth the watch.


theroot--2020-05-27--White Pride Graffiti Found in Illinois Park Days After Anti-Racism Resolution Passes

2020 is really shaping up to be a banner year for white folks being absolutely trash .
It seems as though every week throughout this hell year we are provided with yet another example of the violence , entitlement and sheer hatefulness the Brads , Chads and Karens of this country are capable of .
The Chicago Tribune reports that racist graffiti was found spray-painted on a Naperville Park District partition that separates Cantore Park from Welch Elementary School .
The words “ White Pride ” were painted on the partition along with racist gang symbols .
The graffiti comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed a resolution that states the city “ denounces all acts of racism , intolerance and unlawful discrimination and will not tolerate them of any kind.
” The partition has been covered until the graffiti can be completely removed .
“ At no time and in no way is this behavior condoned .
We have made great strides as a community in recent months to address this head-on , and we have more work to do .
Cases like these can be solved when the community and the police work together.
” Naperville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post regarding the incident .
Naperville police chief Robert Marshall released a statement saying that his department is currently investigating the crime .
“ Spray painting phrases like ‘ white pride , ’ gang symbols , and other inappropriate phrases is unacceptable and will not be tolerated , ” Marshall said in his statement .
Members of the Naperville community have also spoken out against the racist graffiti .
Naperville Neighbors United is a group of Naperville residents that promotes discussions on racial issues and has a focus on inclusion .
The group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denounces the hateful symbols , ” and details its support for the anti-racism resolution passed by the city .
This is only the latest in a series of racist incidents to occur in Naperville .
Last November , a group of black customers at a Buffalo Wild Wings were asked to move because a customer didn ’ t want to sit next to black people and within that same month a student posted a “ slave for sale ” ad on Craigslist with a photo of a black classmate .

2020 is really shaping up to be a banner year for white folks being absolutely trash. It seems as though every week throughout this hell year we are provided with yet another example of the violence, entitlement and sheer hatefulness the Brads, Chads and Karens of this country are capable of.
The Chicago Tribune reports that racist graffiti was found spray-painted on a Naperville Park District partition that separates Cantore Park from Welch Elementary School. The words “White Pride” were painted on the partition along with racist gang symbols. The graffiti comes only days after the Naperville City Council passed a resolution that states the city “denounces all acts of racism, intolerance and unlawful discrimination and will not tolerate them of any kind.” The partition has been covered until the graffiti can be completely removed.
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“At no time and in no way is this behavior condoned. We have made great strides as a community in recent months to address this head-on, and we have more work to do. Cases like these can be solved when the community and the police work together.” Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico said in a Facebook post regarding the incident. Naperville police chief Robert Marshall released a statement saying that his department is currently investigating the crime. “Spray painting phrases like ‘white pride,’ gang symbols, and other inappropriate phrases is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Marshall said in his statement.
Members of the Naperville community have also spoken out against the racist graffiti. Naperville Neighbors United is a group of Naperville residents that promotes discussions on racial issues and has a focus on inclusion. The group released a statement saying it “strongly denounces the hateful symbols,” and details its support for the anti-racism resolution passed by the city.
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This is only the latest in a series of racist incidents to occur in Naperville. Last November, a group of black customers at a Buffalo Wild Wings were asked to move because a customer didn’t want to sit next to black people and within that same month a student posted a “slave for sale” ad on Craigslist with a photo of a black classmate.


theroot--2020-05-26--The Origins of Justin Timberlake's Love Affair With Black Music

By 2002 , Justin Timberlake had tired of his reputation as an *NSYNC frontman , Micky Mouse Club alumnus , ramen noodle-haired hottie , and the-guy-in-the-ABC-TV-movie-Model-Behavior .
He didn ’ t want to be Justin Timberlake : Popstar .
He wanted to be Justin Timberlake , the white guy who belts and dances his way into becoming an R & B icon , maybe even scoring a hood pass for good measure .
With the help of Michael Jackson and mega-producer Timbaland , Timberlake embarked on a journey to pop and R & B superstardom , releasing his debut album @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acclaimed follow-up , FutureSex/LoveSounds , in 2006 .
A critic once lauded him as “ one of the few white men brave enough to make black music.
” But his fight for R & B kudos wasn ’ t without its casualties—namely , Janet Jackson ’ s career .
Not a Phase is back , baby , and we ’ re kicking off this season with a look back at Timberlake ’ s career in the 2000s and how his rise to the top on the shoulders of black artists should have come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there .

Ashley Reese on The Muse, shared by Danielle C. Belton to The Root

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Sex. Celebrity. Politics. With Teeth


theroot--2020-05-27--Save an Extra 25% off Sale Items at Anthropologie

The best Anthropologie sales for May 2020 have arrived .
You ’ ll find stellar deals throughout Anthropologie ’ s online shop right now thanks to its current promotion , which takes an additional 25 % off most sale items .
We ’ ve factored the additional savings into the prices shown before , and you ’ ll see the correct price once items are added to your cart .
Anthropologie ’ s sale items usually go fast , so be sure to snag these bargains while they last !
There ’ s free shipping on orders over $ 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for US orders .
If you ’ re in need of a desk chair upgrade right about now , this sophisticated number might do the trick .
District Eight ’ s Kalmar Desk Chair is a handsome adjustable chair with a blackened steel frame with brass-plated steel tacks , oak wood arms , and waxed cotton-polyester canvas upholstery .
With the extra savings , it ’ s more than half off the original $ 728 price point .
• None Buy it now for $ 352 Hopefully we ’ ll all still get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socially-distanced dip this summer—and if you need a new suit , Anthropologie has many on sale right now .
L Space ’ s Sydney one-piece is black number with a deep V-neck and ruched sides that ’ s down from $ 187 right now ( no additional savings ) .
• None Buy it now for $ 131 Available in both neutral and turquoise colors , the Lily Huggie hoop earring is more than half-off the regular price thanks to the extra savings .
Both feature gold-plated metal with glass stones , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it now for $ 22 If quarantine has you hating all of your old furniture ( we know the feeling ) , then it might be time for some choice upgrades .
Ethnicraft ’ s Oak Profile Dining Table certainly isn ’ t cheap , but right now it ’ s $ 878 off the list price .
It comes fully assembled from natural , renewable materials , with a sturdy build yet a very lightweight-looking footprint .
• None Buy it now for $ 1,620 Be ready for sunnier days ahead with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which packs in warm colors , a smocked bodice , and adjustable tie straps .
This one ’ s available in both standard and petite sizes ( plus-sized is sold out as of this writing ) , and it ’ s down from the usual $ 158 list price .
• None Buy it now for $ 50 This handsome , hand-carved teak bookshelf could be a perfect accent to any room , whether it ’ s by a couch , a bed , or standing on its own .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even more beautiful with use , love , and time.
” Ready to put that claim to the test ?
Just give it a few years .
It ’ s discounted from the original $ 898 price point .
• None Buy it now for $ 502 I think we ’ ve done it : we ’ ve found the most eye-catching piece of apparel on the entire Anthropologie website .
The company ’ s own Essential Slim Trousers surely are essential if you ’ re on the hunt for something truly striking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the more essential if you ’ re keen on saving $ 65 off the usual price right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 45 Save $ 73 on this bright mini skirt , a jacquard with a beautiful floral pattern and a flounced hem .
There may not be a whole lot to go out and do right now , but this would still be the perfect late spring attire for a nice , socially-distanced stroll .
• None Buy it now for $ 50 The sleeves give this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s soft and great to match with jeans or leggings .
I ’ m a sucker for a sharp black and white stripe but it comes in four other colors that will blend right into anything already in your closet .
A flirty speckled dress is a must and this one is perfect for day to night .
The deep V-neckline and cinched but giving waist make it friendly to many forms .
There ’ s definitely something vintage and modern about the black and white option .
There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and white flower print to choose from , too , which ’ ll absolutely get you ready for a spring fling .
• None Buy it now for $ 37

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

Featured Deal: Aleksi Faux Fur Throw Blanket | $90
Anthropologie has announced a great list of deals for September 2021!
The bohemian retailer is clearing through its products with bonus savings right now. For a limited time, shoppers can also get free shipping and returns, and free express shipping on app orders over $150.
At Kinja Deals, we have selected a few of our favorite items that we think you should cash in on sooner, rather than later.
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The season of getting cozy on the sofa is fast approaching and what better way to do that than with a new blanket. This luxurious faux fur throw comes in 6 colors to vibe with your decor. It’s super soft to make sure your next binge session or football Sunday is the comfiest.
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Don’t you want to say goodbye to dark circles once and for all? Then, try the Patchology Served Chilled Rose Eye Gels. They’re made with antioxidants from strawberry extract and grape-sourced resveratrol to soothe your skin. Plus, it has a dash of hyaluronic acid for a bit of hydration.
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The online exclusive Pointelle Wide-Leg Pants are a great, breezy addition to your summer wardrobe. Available in clay and blue, this garment is made with a cool, super stylish fabric that can be paired with a cami or bralette. Aside from standard sizing, it also comes in petite.
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Look cute as can be with this rose-colored smocked cami. This garment will evoke nostalgia for lazy days and can be easily be layered as fall approaches. Plus, the adjustable shoulder bow ties make for an extra sweet accessory. Note that it is recommended to hand wash this cami to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
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Who doesn’t love a good picnic? The Business & Pleasure Co. Cooler Bag can be easily taken to the park on a warm fall afternoon. It is made from leftover premium canvas, so it’s super eco-friendly. Note that this bag comes in four different color options, so you have plenty to choose from.
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The Pilcro Breezy Split-Back Tee is a beautiful, effortless shirt available in this brilliant yellow color. It comes with words embroidered in the fabric with multi-colored stitching as a whimsical touch. This piece is part of Anthropologie’s exclusive Pilcro label, known for offering versatile style in ultra-flattering silhouettes.
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Even in fall, you need a good pair of sneakers and even better if they are colorful. These beautiful platform sneakers from LA-based designer Jeff Campbell definitely fit the bill. There are still plenty of warm days and cools nights to rock a sweet pair of flowery kicks.
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It’s time to look dainty! Get the Let Me Be Lace Peplum Tank to add a little bit of lace mystery to your life. This silhouette is timeless with classic, feminine details added as the frosting on top. It has a scalloped, peplum hem for a breezy, romantic feel that can be dressed up or dressed down. And let’s not forget about that beadwork!
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Pilcro really does offer some of the best denim products at Anthropologie. This brand delivers versatile and comfy items, crafted from premium denim. This pair of jeans is no exception. Style it with a boho blouse, or a breezy button-down. And, let’s not even get started on that ultra-flattering fit!
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The Ruffled Floral Maxi Dress comes in a gorgeous, rich green fabric with a flower pattern stitched along the bottom half. Its botanical flourish is a great outfit to wear to the mall, beach, or outdoor dinner. Stylists recommend pairing it with a pair of oversized sunglasses and a silk headband for an ultra retro look.
This story was originally published by Sheilah Villari on 03/24/2020 and updated with new information by her on 09/13/2021.


theroot--2020-05-27--White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany aka ‘McEnanyOfTheState’ Has Voted by Mail 11 Times in 1

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany aka ‘McEnanyOfTheState’ Has Voted by Mail 11 Times in 10 Years

Well , what do we have here ?
Looks like White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany aka McEnanyofTheState has voted by mail… ( Rewind ! )
... .Voted by mail… .
( I said !
!
!
! )
Voted by mail… .
( Can everyone hear me ?
Turn my mic up !
I saiddddddddd ... ) V oted by mail ...
The same McEnanyOfTheState “ who has vehemently defended President Trump ’ s baseless tirade against mail-in voting initiatives ” has reportedly voted by mail ( boom !
boom !
boom !
—Westside Gunn voice ) several times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Memo reports .
McEnany , the latest mouthpiece for Trump ’ s deplorable administration , has cast absentee ballots in every Florida election since 2010 .
And much like her president before her , she recently voted by mail in Florida ’ s 2020 presidential primary .
But wait , what about all this voter fraud that the president has been lying about since it was clear that Thanos ’ phlegm , aka the coronavirus , was still going to be casting a cloud over voting in person ?
Where were all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote 400 times for Trump ’ s opponent ?
You ’ re telling me that McEnanyOfTheState is creating faux outrage to prevent all Americans from having a vote ?
!
I won ’ t hear of it .
This is poppycock .
I don ’ t know if you ’ ve seen her , but McEnanyOfTheState is a blonde white woman…..Yeah , I guess you might be right .
But just last week , McEnanyOfTheState , 32 , said “ vote-by-mail was OK for Trump because ‘ the president is , after all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s here in Washington .
He ’ s unable to cast his vote down in Florida , his state of residence.
’ ” From the Tampa Bay Times , which broke the story : Meanwhile , McEnany , a graduate of South Tampa ’ s Academy of the Holy Names and a Davis Islands homeowner , has voted by mail 11 times over the last 10 years .
In a statement emailed after the story published , McEnany said : “ Absentee voting has the word absent in it for a reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the jurisdiction or unable to vote in person .
President Trump is against the Democrat plan to politicize the coronavirus and expand mass mail-in voting without a reason , which has a high propensity for voter fraud .
This is a simple distinction that the media fails to grasp.
” Two things : First , the only thing that appears to be absent is McEnanyOfTheState ’ s thinking and secondly , what part of “ America is currently facing a global pandemic ” does the Trump administration have difficulty understanding ?
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to understand .
The White House press secretary literally holds press conferences with reporters in masks sitting seats apart .
Clearly , we are still in the midst of a global crisis and despite the president ’ s belief that God is a Democrat and is literally trying to hamper his reelection efforts , the rest of us ain ’ t trying to die voting .

Well, what do we have here? Looks like White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany aka McEnanyofTheState has voted by mail…(Rewind!)....Voted by mail….(I said!!!!) Voted by mail….(Can everyone hear me? Turn my mic up! I saiddddddddd...) V oted by mail...The same McEnanyOfTheState “who has vehemently defended President Trump’s baseless tirade against mail-in voting initiatives” has reportedly voted by mail (boom! boom! boom!—Westside Gunn voice) several times in the past decade, Talking Points Memo reports.
McEnany, the latest mouthpiece for Trump’s deplorable administration, has cast absentee ballots in every Florida election since 2010. And much like her president before her, she recently voted by mail in Florida’s 2020 presidential primary. But wait, what about all this voter fraud that the president has been lying about since it was clear that Thanos’ phlegm, aka the coronavirus, was still going to be casting a cloud over voting in person? Where were all the worries about someone stealing her ballot to vote 400 times for Trump’s opponent? You’re telling me that McEnanyOfTheState is creating faux outrage to prevent all Americans from having a vote?! I won’t hear of it. This is poppycock. I don’t know if you’ve seen her, but McEnanyOfTheState is a blonde white woman…..Yeah, I guess you might be right.
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But just last week, McEnanyOfTheState, 32, said “vote-by-mail was OK for Trump because ‘the president is, after all, the president, which means he’s here in Washington. He’s unable to cast his vote down in Florida, his state of residence.’”
From the Tampa Bay Times, which broke the story:
Meanwhile, McEnany, a graduate of South Tampa’s Academy of the Holy Names and a Davis Islands homeowner, has voted by mail 11 times over the last 10 years. In a statement emailed after the story published, McEnany said: “Absentee voting has the word absent in it for a reason. It means you’re absent from the jurisdiction or unable to vote in person. President Trump is against the Democrat plan to politicize the coronavirus and expand mass mail-in voting without a reason, which has a high propensity for voter fraud. This is a simple distinction that the media fails to grasp.”
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Two things: First, the only thing that appears to be absent is McEnanyOfTheState’s thinking and secondly, what part of “ America is currently facing a global pandemic” does the Trump administration have difficulty understanding?
This literally couldn’t be any easier to understand. The White House press secretary literally holds press conferences with reporters in masks sitting seats apart. Clearly, we are still in the midst of a global crisis and despite the president’s belief that God is a Democrat and is literally trying to hamper his reelection efforts, the rest of us ain’t trying to die voting.


theroot--2020-05-27--As Police Brutality Draws National Attention, Advocates and Journalists Push for Accountability in S

As Police Brutality Draws National Attention, Advocates and Journalists Push for Accountability in Shooting of Breonna Taylor

The Louisville Courier Journal is suing the city ’ s police department over its investigative file concerning the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor , the 26-year-old black EMT who was killed during a police raid in March .
Filed late Tuesday afternoon , the lawsuit argues that the public has the right to know the circumstances and details of Taylor ’ s death .
As the Courier-Journal reports , the Louisville Metro Police Department ’ s internal investigation into Taylor ’ s shooting has already been completed , which the paper believes makes the LMPD ’ s file eligible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ records laws .
“ This charade of secrecy at LMPD must stop .
The public deserves more ; it deserves answers , ” Courier-Journal editor Richard Green said , adding that the Taylor case has drawn national scrutiny “ with good reason.
” “ At this unsettled time , LMPD wants to keep private its finished investigation and pretend its work does not belong to the public and to taxpayers .
We disagree , which is why we are taking our case directly to the court for a ruling.
” As the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instance of police brutality , with thousands in Minneapolis marching to protest the in-custody death of George Floyd , Taylor ’ s family and advocates are fighting to keep attention on her case .
Around 100 people gathered on the steps of Metro Hall Tuesday , calling for the LMPD cops involved in her death to be fired and charged in her killing .
More than two months after the botched raid , the officers who barged into her home with a “ no-knock ” warrant remain on paid leave , reports WLKY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live while black , ” Taylor ’ s aunt , Bianca Austin , said at Tuesday ’ s protest .
Dr. Rev .
Frank Smith Jr. , former president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Coalition , was also among those demonstrating .
“ They are serving at the behest of tax dollars , inclusive of black tax dollars , ” Smith said , referring to the police .
“ They do not have the right to be administratively reassigned and keep drawing a check when they offended this community by incompetent policing.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the decision to terminate the officers ’ employment lies with the LMPD ’ s Professional Standards Unit , which would assess whether they violated the department ’ s policies the night of Taylor ’ s fatal shooting .
Kentucky ’ s attorney general would need to decide whether to file criminal charges against the police .
Fischer ’ s response stands in stark contrast to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey , who quickly and unequivocally condemned the officers involved in Floyd ’ s arrest .
Floyd ’ s in-custody killing drew widespread outrage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his neck for at least 8 minutes .
Floyd , who was pleading with officers to get off him , died hours later .
Within 24 hours of the Minneapolis incident , all four cops had been fired , with Frey lauding the decision as “ the right call.
” In Kentucky , the Commonwealth ’ s Attorney ’ s office filed a motion to dismiss the charges against Taylor ’ s boyfriend , Kenneth Walker , just last week .
Walker , who said he mistook the cops for home intruders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presence , fired his gun at officers as they broke down Taylor ’ s apartment door .
One officer was injured .
Walker ’ s mother , Velicia Walker , told WLKY her son remains traumatized by that night .
“ The only thing my son said to me was , ‘ I don ’ t care what happens on the end of this .
I ’ m not free because I don ’ t have Bre , ’ ” she said .

The Louisville Courier Journal is suing the city’s police department over its investigative file concerning the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old black EMT who was killed during a police raid in March.
Filed late Tuesday afternoon, the lawsuit argues that the public has the right to know the circumstances and details of Taylor’s death. As the Courier-Journal reports, the Louisville Metro Police Department’s internal investigation into Taylor’s shooting has already been completed, which the paper believes makes the LMPD’s file eligible to be released under Kentucky’s open records laws.
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“This charade of secrecy at LMPD must stop. The public deserves more; it deserves answers,” Courier-Journal editor Richard Green said, adding that the Taylor case has drawn national scrutiny “with good reason.”
“At this unsettled time, LMPD wants to keep private its finished investigation and pretend its work does not belong to the public and to taxpayers. We disagree, which is why we are taking our case directly to the court for a ruling.”
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As the country is once again gripped by another high-profile instance of police brutality, with thousands in Minneapolis marching to protest the in-custody death of George Floyd, Taylor’s family and advocates are fighting to keep attention on her case.
Around 100 people gathered on the steps of Metro Hall Tuesday, calling for the LMPD cops involved in her death to be fired and charged in her killing. More than two months after the botched raid, the officers who barged into her home with a “no-knock” warrant remain on paid leave, reports WLKY TV.
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“We have a right to live while black,” Taylor’s aunt, Bianca Austin, said at Tuesday’s protest.
Dr. Rev. Frank Smith Jr., former president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Coalition, was also among those demonstrating.
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“They are serving at the behest of tax dollars, inclusive of black tax dollars,” Smith said, referring to the police. “They do not have the right to be administratively reassigned and keep drawing a check when they offended this community by incompetent policing.”
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer’s office said the decision to terminate the officers’ employment lies with the LMPD’s Professional Standards Unit, which would assess whether they violated the department’s policies the night of Taylor’s fatal shooting. Kentucky’s attorney general would need to decide whether to file criminal charges against the police.
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Fischer’s response stands in stark contrast to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who quickly and unequivocally condemned the officers involved in Floyd’s arrest. Floyd’s in-custody killing drew widespread outrage after video showed a white officer kneeling on his neck for at least 8 minutes. Floyd, who was pleading with officers to get off him, died hours later.
Within 24 hours of the Minneapolis incident, all four cops had been fired, with Frey lauding the decision as “the right call.”
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In Kentucky, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office filed a motion to dismiss the charges against Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, just last week. Walker, who said he mistook the cops for home intruders because they didn’t announce their presence, fired his gun at officers as they broke down Taylor’s apartment door. One officer was injured.
Walker’s mother, Velicia Walker, told WLKY her son remains traumatized by that night.
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“The only thing my son said to me was, ‘I don’t care what happens on the end of this. I’m not free because I don’t have Bre,’” she said.


theroot--2020-05-27--Hearing Set For the Three Men Charged in the Ahmaud Arbery Case

It ’ s been nearly three months since the senseless killing of Ahmaud Arbery .
Two months passed before charges were even brought against the men accused of killing him .
It appears there won ’ t be a similar delay in them finally going to court .
ABC News reports that a June 4 preliminary hearing has been set for Travis McMichael , Gregory McMichael and William Bryan , the men involved in Arbery ’ s killing .
Travis and Gregory McMichael followed Arbery as he was out for a jog .
They believed him responsible for a series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site near the Santilla Shores neighborhood outside of Brunswick , Ga. After Travis McMichael approached Arbery with a shotgun , a struggle occurred over the gun that resulted in Arbery being shot three times before dying .
On May 5 , a video recorded by Bryan was leaked onto social media that depicted the graphic shooting death of Arbery .
The release of the video was followed by Travis and Greg McMichael being arrested and charged with Arbery ’ s murder on May 7 by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation .
On May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with felony murder after further investigation by the GBI .
Multiple district attorneys have recused themselves from the case , citing conflict of interest due to Greg McMichael being a former Glynn County police officer .
On May 11 , Cobb County District Attorney Joyette Holmes was assigned to prosecute the case .
The men face life in prison and potentially the death penalty if convicted .

It’s been nearly three months since the senseless killing of Ahmaud Arbery. Two months passed before charges were even brought against the men accused of killing him. It appears there won’t be a similar delay in them finally going to court.
ABC News reports that a June 4 preliminary hearing has been set for Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael and William Bryan, the men involved in Arbery’s killing. Travis and Gregory McMichael followed Arbery as he was out for a jog. They believed him responsible for a series of break-ins that occurred in a construction site near the Santilla Shores neighborhood outside of Brunswick, Ga. After Travis McMichael approached Arbery with a shotgun, a struggle occurred over the gun that resulted in Arbery being shot three times before dying.
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On May 5, a video recorded by Bryan was leaked onto social media that depicted the graphic shooting death of Arbery. The release of the video was followed by Travis and Greg McMichael being arrested and charged with Arbery’s murder on May 7 by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. On May 21, Bryan was arrested and charged with felony murder after further investigation by the GBI.
Multiple district attorneys have recused themselves from the case, citing conflict of interest due to Greg McMichael being a former Glynn County police officer. On May 11, Cobb County District Attorney Joyette Holmes was assigned to prosecute the case. The men face life in prison and potentially the death penalty if convicted.


theroot--2020-05-27--Here We Go Again: Video Shows Michigan Cop Repeatedly Punching Black Woman in the Head

It seems like we can ’ t go more than a week or so without a new video popping up in our news feeds showing police officers using excessive force on black citizens .
The latest instance of this comes out of Michigan where a Washtenaw County Sheriff ’ s Deputy was reportedly caught on camera punching a black woman in the head repeatedly near the scene of a shooting on Tuesday morning .
The Associated Press reports that multiple officers were put on administrative leave after the altercation in Ypsilanti Township that ended in what dozens of protesters see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the video , the deputy can be seen lifting a woman identified as Sha ’ Teina Grady El off of her feet , getting into some kind of struggle with her and suddenly punching her three times in the head before taking her to the ground .
Another officer can be seen using a Taser on her husband .
Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton addressed the incident saying , “ There is absolutely no doubt , and no argument from me , that the images in the video are disturbing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ three dozen demonstrators marched outside the sheriff ’ s department headquarters , chanting such things as “ no justice , no peace ” following the incident in Ypsilanti Township , about 40 miles west of Detroit .
Authorities said the deputies took the action against Sha ’ Teina Grady El and her husband , Dan Grady El , after they ignored an order to leave the scene of a shooting as officers formed a perimeter to keep community members away from a potential shooter .
“ We can not continue to allow this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a protest organizer with the nonprofit Survivors Speak .
The protesters later met with Clayton in his office .
The sheriff ’ s department was called to scene on reports 30 people were arguing and shots had been fired .
Upon arrival , the responding deputies found a 34-year-old female gunshot victim who required medical attention and several bystanders observing the scene , prompting a call to other police agencies for assistance .
According to Fox 2 Detroit , Clayton spoke with community leaders about the investigation into the Grady Els ’ arrests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to evaluate this situation is we ’ re going to look and try to determine the resistant behavior that was demonstrated , ” Clayton said .
“ And then we ’ re going to look at the officer ’ s actions , see what options he had .
And if his control or force was appropriate given the situation , the whole situation and the resistant behavior of that person.
” The couple ’ s daughter Jaquisy Diggins doesn ’ t believe there is much gray area when it comes to what happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my mother three times like she was a whole guy , ” she told Fox 2 .
“ They asked her to back up and she did back up as you can see in the video she backed up with her hands like this and the officer still rushed my mom.
” Diggins also defended her father saying “ he was doing what any man , husband would do , and he was defending his wife when the [ sheriff deputy ] punched her.
” “ And then after the fact he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police officers and another officer came up and tased him , when he was being calm , ” she said .

It seems like we can’t go more than a week or so without a new video popping up in our news feeds showing police officers using excessive force on black citizens. The latest instance of this comes out of Michigan where a Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Deputy was reportedly caught on camera punching a black woman in the head repeatedly near the scene of a shooting on Tuesday morning.
The Associated Press reports that multiple officers were put on administrative leave after the altercation in Ypsilanti Township that ended in what dozens of protesters see as a blatant act of police brutality. In the video, the deputy can be seen lifting a woman identified as Sha’Teina Grady El off of her feet, getting into some kind of struggle with her and suddenly punching her three times in the head before taking her to the ground. Another officer can be seen using a Taser on her husband.
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Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton addressed the incident saying, “There is absolutely no doubt, and no argument from me, that the images in the video are disturbing. It warrants a complete investigation.”
From AP:
About three dozen demonstrators marched outside the sheriff’s department headquarters, chanting such things as “no justice, no peace” following the incident in Ypsilanti Township, about 40 miles west of Detroit. Authorities said the deputies took the action against Sha’Teina Grady El and her husband, Dan Grady El, after they ignored an order to leave the scene of a shooting as officers formed a perimeter to keep community members away from a potential shooter. “We cannot continue to allow this,” said Trische’ Duckworth, a protest organizer with the nonprofit Survivors Speak. The protesters later met with Clayton in his office. The sheriff’s department was called to scene on reports 30 people were arguing and shots had been fired. Upon arrival, the responding deputies found a 34-year-old female gunshot victim who required medical attention and several bystanders observing the scene, prompting a call to other police agencies for assistance.
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According to Fox 2 Detroit, Clayton spoke with community leaders about the investigation into the Grady Els’ arrests.
“How we’re going to evaluate this situation is we’re going to look and try to determine the resistant behavior that was demonstrated,” Clayton said. “And then we’re going to look at the officer’s actions, see what options he had. And if his control or force was appropriate given the situation, the whole situation and the resistant behavior of that person.”
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The couple’s daughter Jaquisy Diggins doesn’t believe there is much gray area when it comes to what happened to her mother.
“He punched my mother three times like she was a whole guy,” she told Fox 2. “They asked her to back up and she did back up as you can see in the video she backed up with her hands like this and the officer still rushed my mom.”
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Diggins also defended her father saying “he was doing what any man, husband would do, and he was defending his wife when the [sheriff deputy] punched her.”
“And then after the fact he did calm down and tried to talk with the police officers and another officer came up and tased him, when he was being calm,” she said.


theroot--2020-05-27--How to Write About a Vaccine

How to Write About a Vaccine

An Associated Press poll published on Wednesday found that a “ surprisingly low ” number of Americans—around 50 percent—said they would get a COVID-19 vaccine if one were available .
In total , nearly a third said they weren ’ t sure if they would get vaccinated , while another 20 percent said they would outright refuse .
But , as has been the case with the coronavirus since the pandemic hit the U.S. , this is also a story about race .
The AP article noted—as did other publications—that black Americans were the group most likely to say they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent ( another 32 percent said they were not sure ) .
Latinx respondents were also less likely than white people to say they would get a vaccine : 37 percent said they would get one , while another 60 percent said they would not get vaccinated or were unsure .
Black Americans expressed less interest in getting a COVID-19 vaccine than Republicans—just over a quarter of whom said they would not get a vaccine .
Generally , support for a vaccine was strongest among Democrats , the elderly , and white people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black people are among the most likely to contract and die from the virus .
What it doesn ’ t mention—not even in passing—is why African Americans might be more skeptical of an early vaccine than other groups .
This isn ’ t just a side observation or helpful historical context ; it ’ s central to understanding the historic and systemic obstacles facing many African Americans who have sought adequate health care .
These obstacles have played out in the coronavirus pandemic itself : medical deserts , where people living in historically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a physician or a hospital .
Chronic conditions that are undiagnosed or untreated because the cost and burden of finding adequate healthcare is prohibitive .
The toll that living in a racial caste has on black people ’ s overall health and resilience .
But there ’ s also the history of hundreds of years of abuse , performed at the hands of the medical establishment , that have left some African Americans , Latinx and indigenous populations wary of medical interventions .
Enslaved Africans who ran away from plantations suffered amputations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runaway slave syndrome.
” A recent ProPublica investigation found a disproportionate number of black Americans receive amputations in those same counties to this day .
The Tuskegee syphilis study famously administered syphilis to black men without their consent , subsequently denying them treatment for the disease .
In Puerto Rico , low-income women died while participating in early testing of the birth control pill ; as the Washington Post notes , no autopsies were conducted to see if their deaths were linked to the drug , “ which was given in much higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuses extend far past these examples and are not tangential to conversations about the viability and popularity of a future COVID-19 vaccine .
By omitting it , news publications elide the basic fact that there are some American histories that are not shared , and that continue to shape people ’ s lives and perceptions in the present .
Lifehacker ’ s Beth Skwarecki also wisely cautioned against interpreting this reporting as being explicitly anti-vaccine—noting that being uncertain about being a “ guinea pig ” is a legitimate concern “ unique to brand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t necessarily be compared to other , long-established vaccines , like the one for measles .
“ The reasons for being skeptical here overlap with vaccine hesitancy as we know it , ” she tweeted , “ but they ’ re not the same.
” With the path to finding a COVID-19 vaccine likely to last months , if not well over a year , it ’ s important that our coverage of this issue consider America ’ s divided , racialized history when it comes to medical interventions .
Anything else is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from its own fraught , complicated medical history .

An Associated Press poll published on Wednesday found that a “surprisingly low” number of Americans—around 50 percent—said they would get a COVID-19 vaccine if one were available. In total, nearly a third said they weren’t sure if they would get vaccinated, while another 20 percent said they would outright refuse.
But, as has been the case with the coronavirus since the pandemic hit the U.S., this is also a story about race.
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The AP article noted—as did other publications—that black Americans were the group most likely to say they would not get vaccinated, at 40 percent (another 32 percent said they were not sure). Latinx respondents were also less likely than white people to say they would get a vaccine: 37 percent said they would get one, while another 60 percent said they would not get vaccinated or were unsure.
Black Americans expressed less interest in getting a COVID-19 vaccine than Republicans—just over a quarter of whom said they would not get a vaccine. Generally, support for a vaccine was strongest among Democrats, the elderly, and white people.
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AP’s writeup mentions that black people are among the most likely to contract and die from the virus. What it doesn’t mention—not even in passing—is why African Americans might be more skeptical of an early vaccine than other groups.
This isn’t just a side observation or helpful historical context; it’s central to understanding the historic and systemic obstacles facing many African Americans who have sought adequate health care.
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These obstacles have played out in the coronavirus pandemic itself: medical deserts, where people living in historically redlined communities do not have access to a physician or a hospital. Chronic conditions that are undiagnosed or untreated because the cost and burden of finding adequate healthcare is prohibitive. The toll that living in a racial caste has on black people’s overall health and resilience.
But there’s also the history of hundreds of years of abuse, performed at the hands of the medical establishment, that have left some African Americans, Latinx and indigenous populations wary of medical interventions. Enslaved Africans who ran away from plantations suffered amputations to treat “drapetomania,” or “runaway slave syndrome.” A recent ProPublica investigation found a disproportionate number of black Americans receive amputations in those same counties to this day. The Tuskegee syphilis study famously administered syphilis to black men without their consent, subsequently denying them treatment for the disease. In Puerto Rico, low-income women died while participating in early testing of the birth control pill; as the Washington Post notes, no autopsies were conducted to see if their deaths were linked to the drug, “which was given in much higher doses than it is today.”
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These abuses extend far past these examples and are not tangential to conversations about the viability and popularity of a future COVID-19 vaccine. By omitting it, news publications elide the basic fact that there are some American histories that are not shared, and that continue to shape people’s lives and perceptions in the present.
Lifehacker’s Beth Skwarecki also wisely cautioned against interpreting this reporting as being explicitly anti-vaccine—noting that being uncertain about being a “guinea pig” is a legitimate concern “unique to brand new vaccines,” and shouldn’t necessarily be compared to other, long-established vaccines, like the one for measles.
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“The reasons for being skeptical here overlap with vaccine hesitancy as we know it,” she tweeted, “but they’re not the same.”
With the path to finding a COVID-19 vaccine likely to last months, if not well over a year, it’s important that our coverage of this issue consider America’s divided, racialized history when it comes to medical interventions. Anything else is a disservice, shrouding the American public from its own fraught, complicated medical history.


theroot--2020-05-27--'We Belong Here': Racist Central Park Video Shows Why We Need Diversity Outdoors

The outdoors were never made for people of color .
Since the forced removal of indigenous people to create today ’ s national parks , white people have dominated outdoor activities in the U.S .
While the racist history around who has access to parks and wilderness has contributed to the current lack of diversity in green spaces and environmental organizations , so does the ongoing racism people of color—especially black people—experience when they try to enjoy the outdoors .
This racism lives on today , even in New York City ’ s Central Park .
A now-viral video shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling the cops on Christian Cooper , a black man , who was birdwatching Monday morning .
He had asked that she leash her dog , per the park ’ s rules .
Dogs must always be leashed in the Ramble , the 36-acre wooded portion of Central Park home to some 230 bird species where their exchange occurred .
Amy didn ’ t listen , though .
Instead , she weaponized her alleged fear to assert her power as a white woman .
After all , she fits the bill of who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This stereotype of who spends time outdoors can be dangerous and outright deadly for black people .
That ’ s , in part , why we need to make outdoor spaces more inclusive and diverse .
People of color often don ’ t feel safe in white-dominated spaces .
Their skin color is enough to be seen as a threat by some white people .
The irony of it all is that Amy told CNN after the video went viral that she was “ scared ” being alone in the woods .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everywhere .
“ That is exactly how black people and people of color feel just going throughout daily life , ” Nailah Blades Wylie , the founder of Color Outside , a group that focuses on bringing women of color into the outdoors , told Earther .
“ That is a large reason why I started Color Outside .
Because I think there is power in people of color being able to live their lives—their full , colorful lives—and be themselves and do all the things that they want to do and take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re not traditionally supposed to be.
” Traditionally , the outdoors—and the environmental movement , at large—has been for white people .
The woods were not historically a place black people would go to find peace or solace .
For some black people , exploring the woods may trigger past traumas around the lynching their ancestors suffered , often under the cover of a forested night sky .
Outdoors spaces were subject to the same systematic exclusion as other public spaces during segregation .
Many national parks once featured “ negro areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ whites only ” signs designating where black people were not .
This level of overt segregation no longer exists , of course , but its legacy lives on through the discomfort many people of color feel trying to navigate these foreign landscapes where people of color have never felt welcome .
After all , people of color are concentrated in urban areas where they ’ re largely kept out of green spaces by default .
Parks are often too far from their homes for them to enjoy , and those parks that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pollutants from local industrial facilities or gang violence , its own form of environmental hazard .
How are communities supposed to care about nature if their main interaction with wildlife is the pigeon shit outside their window ?
Nature offers positive physical and mental health benefits that these communities simply don ’ t have access to right now .
For those that do , these benefits simply aren ’ t worth the risk with the Karens of the world around .
When people of color venture outside their neighborhoods to explore true wilderness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncomfortable reality : suspicious white people .
Wylie spends plenty of time outdoors yet still faces regular questioning from white people hoping to assess whether she belongs .
Typical trail questions like , “ Where are you from ?
” may seem innocent , but they can become more loaded when more personal questions follow .
“ I ’ ve had lots of experiences where it ’ s clear that people are questioning why I ’ m there , and they are trying to make sure that I belong there , ” Wylie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in itself .
” She recalled a snowshoeing trip with her family two winters ago where an officer stopped them .
He couldn ’ t believe they were headed to go snowshoeing until the family showed him the gear they had packed .
A black family is a rare sight in our national forests : According to a 2016 Forest Service report , just 1 percent of visitors are black .
Other group are equally underrepresented , with Latinx making up 6 percent of visitors while just 3 percent were Asian and 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Park Service report found that Latinx and black visitors were more likely to view the parks as “ unsafe.
” “ As the environmental movement , I think we really need to recognize the risks that different people in our community of advocates and supporters and staff face sometimes just by participating and , certainly , by speaking out in the way that a lot of the community feels perfectly comfortable doing , ” Rebeccah Sanders , senior vice president for state programs at the Audubon Society , which condemned the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When Christian asked Amy to leash her dog , he was speaking out to protect the wildlife in the park he was there to observe and enjoy .
He was rewarded with a direct threat to his life .
These days , a call to the police can be especially deadly to black men across the U.S .
In 2019 , black people made up 24 percent of police deaths despite making up only 13 percent of the U.S. population .
On Monday night—hours after Christian ’ s encounter with Amy—officers with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a black man , after answering a call for an alleged forgery .
Floyd was allegedly resisting arrest , though another viral Facebook video , shows an officer holding Floyd down with his knee on his neck while Floyd said , “ I can ’ t breathe.
” This is the reality black men and people of color face when encountering police .
Do I need to remind you of how law enforcement persecutes people of color ?
To make matters worse , park rangers have recently been enlisted to double as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color—particularly immigrant families—from visiting the parks that are there for the “ enjoyment , education , and inspiration of this and future generations ” regardless of background .
“ It really goes back to remembering that we belong here , ” Wylie said .
“ We built this country , and we deserve to be able to take part in all of the richness of life that everyone else is allowed to without being terrified for our lives .
” It ’ s time for the environmental movement to open up to everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the outdoors friendlier for communities of color , advocates and organizers need to come from diverse backgrounds .
Right now , white people hold power in these spaces .
They sit on the boards of top environmental organizations and run the show .
Cooper may sit on the board of the New York City Audubon Society , but he ’ s the exception , not the rule .
This dynamic needs to change both in offices and on the trail .
In our modern society , racism manifests in different ways .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be the difference between life or death .
What happened Monday in Central Park exemplifies that .
Christian ’ s typical morning of birdwatching devolved into a terrifying example of the realities black people face outdoors .
If we ’ re to succeed in protecting our delicate ecosystems , we need to find ways for people of color to safely enjoy them .
Until the environmental movement can work with communities to figure that out , the outdoors—and , in turn , environmental advocacy—will continue to be a source of discomfort and @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Yessenia Funes on Earther, shared by Danielle C. Belton to The Root

The outdoors were never made for people of color. Since the forced removal of indigenous people to create today’s national parks, white people have dominated outdoor activities in the U.S. While the racist history around who has access to parks and wilderness has contributed to the current lack of diversity in green spaces and environmental organizations, so does the ongoing racism people of color—especially black people—experience when they try to enjoy the outdoors. This racism lives on today, even in New York City’s Central Park.
A now-viral video shows Amy Cooper, a white woman, calling the cops on Christian Cooper, a black man, who was birdwatching Monday morning. He had asked that she leash her dog, per the park’s rules. Dogs must always be leashed in the Ramble, the 36-acre wooded portion of Central Park home to some 230 bird species where their exchange occurred. Amy didn’t listen, though. Instead, she weaponized her alleged fear to assert her power as a white woman. After all, she fits the bill of who belongs on a birdwatching trail—not Christian. This stereotype of who spends time outdoors can be dangerous and outright deadly for black people. That’s, in part, why we need to make outdoor spaces more inclusive and diverse.
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People of color often don’t feel safe in white-dominated spaces. Their skin color is enough to be seen as a threat by some white people. The irony of it all is that Amy told CNN after the video went viral that she was “scared” being alone in the woods. For black people, that fear follows them everywhere.
“That is exactly how black people and people of color feel just going throughout daily life,” Nailah Blades Wylie, the founder of Color Outside, a group that focuses on bringing women of color into the outdoors, told Earther. “That is a large reason why I started Color Outside. Because I think there is power in people of color being able to live their lives—their full, colorful lives—and be themselves and do all the things that they want to do and take up that space in places that they’re not traditionally supposed to be.”
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Traditionally, the outdoors—and the environmental movement, at large—has been for white people. The woods were not historically a place black people would go to find peace or solace. For some black people, exploring the woods may trigger past traumas around the lynching their ancestors suffered, often under the cover of a forested night sky.
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Outdoors spaces were subject to the same systematic exclusion as other public spaces during segregation. Many national parks once featured “negro areas” where black people were allowed and “whites only” signs designating where black people were not.
This level of overt segregation no longer exists, of course, but its legacy lives on through the discomfort many people of color feel trying to navigate these foreign landscapes where people of color have never felt welcome. After all, people of color are concentrated in urban areas where they’re largely kept out of green spaces by default. Parks are often too far from their homes for them to enjoy, and those parks that are nearby may be riddled with toxic pollutants from local industrial facilities or gang violence, its own form of environmental hazard.
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How are communities supposed to care about nature if their main interaction with wildlife is the pigeon shit outside their window? Nature offers positive physical and mental health benefits that these communities simply don’t have access to right now. For those that do, these benefits simply aren’t worth the risk with the Karens of the world around.
When people of color venture outside their neighborhoods to explore true wilderness, they’re confronted with another uncomfortable reality: suspicious white people. Wylie spends plenty of time outdoors yet still faces regular questioning from white people hoping to assess whether she belongs. Typical trail questions like, “Where are you from?” may seem innocent, but they can become more loaded when more personal questions follow.
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“We built this country, and we deserve to be able to take part in all of the richness of life that everyone else is allowed to without being terrified for our lives .”
“I’ve had lots of experiences where it’s clear that people are questioning why I’m there, and they are trying to make sure that I belong there,” Wylie said. “That’s aggression in itself .”
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She recalled a snowshoeing trip with her family two winters ago where an officer stopped them. He couldn’t believe they were headed to go snowshoeing until the family showed him the gear they had packed. A black family is a rare sight in our national forests: According to a 2016 Forest Service report, just 1 percent of visitors are black. Other group are equally underrepresented, with Latinx making up 6 percent of visitors while just 3 percent were Asian and 2 percent were Native American. A 2011 National Park Service report found that Latinx and black visitors were more likely to view the parks as “unsafe.”
“As the environmental movement, I think we really need to recognize the risks that different people in our community of advocates and supporters and staff face sometimes just by participating and, certainly, by speaking out in the way that a lot of the community feels perfectly comfortable doing,” Rebeccah Sanders, senior vice president for state programs at the Audubon Society, which condemned the incident in a public statement, told Earther.
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When Christian asked Amy to leash her dog, he was speaking out to protect the wildlife in the park he was there to observe and enjoy. He was rewarded with a direct threat to his life. These days, a call to the police can be especially deadly to black men across the U.S. In 2019, black people made up 24 percent of police deaths despite making up only 13 percent of the U.S. population. On Monday night—hours after Christian’s encounter with Amy—officers with the Minneapolis Police Department killed George Floyd, a black man, after answering a call for an alleged forgery. Floyd was allegedly resisting arrest, though another viral Facebook video, shows an officer holding Floyd down with his knee on his neck while Floyd said, “I can’t breathe.”
This is the reality black men and people of color face when encountering police. Do I need to remind you of how law enforcement persecutes people of color? To make matters worse, park rangers have recently been enlisted to double as border patrol, further discouraging people of color—particularly immigrant families—from visiting the parks that are there for the“enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations” regardless of background.
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“It really goes back to remembering that we belong here,” Wylie said. “We built this country, and we deserve to be able to take part in all of the richness of life that everyone else is allowed to without being terrified for our lives .”
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It’s time for the environmental movement to open up to everyone. If we’re going to make the outdoors friendlier for communities of color, advocates and organizers need to come from diverse backgrounds. Right now, white people hold power in these spaces. They sit on the boards of top environmental organizations and run the show. Cooper may sit on the board of the New York City Audubon Society, but he’s the exception, not the rule. This dynamic needs to change both in offices and on the trail.
In our modern society, racism manifests in different ways. For black people, the slightest interaction could be the difference between life or death. What happened Monday in Central Park exemplifies that. Christian’s typical morning of birdwatching devolved into a terrifying example of the realities black people face outdoors.
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If we’re to succeed in protecting our delicate ecosystems, we need to find ways for people of color to safely enjoy them. Until the environmental movement can work with communities to figure that out, the outdoors—and, in turn, environmental advocacy—will continue to be a source of discomfort and even danger among people of color.


theroot--2020-05-27--Purify Air in Rooms up to 430 Square Feet for $129

Today at MorningSave , a large room air purifier by Holmes is down to $ 129 .
Usually $ 200 @ @ @ @ @ be effective from any wall or corner in the room .
Its True HEPA filter @ @ @ @ @ nearly 100 % of any airborne particle up to 0.3 microns large , which covers @ @ @ @ @ common allergens that have destroyed countless mornings .
You ’ ll get a digital display @ @ @ @ @ make operation easy , and its size and power allow it to stay effective in @ @ @ @ @ feet .

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

Holmes Large Room Air Purifier | $129 | MorningSave
Today at MorningSave, a large room air purifier by Holmes is down to $129. Usually $200, this dual-position model can be effective from any wall or corner in the room. Its True HEPA filter should be able to catch nearly 100% of any airborne particle up to 0.3 microns large, which covers just about all the most common allergens that have destroyed countless mornings.
You’ll get a digital display and three different speeds to make operation easy, and its size and power allow it to stay effective in rooms up to 430 square feet.


theroot--2020-05-27--Put Her Name in Ice: Beyoncé Is Only the 2nd Artist to Score #1 on Billboard in 4 Distinct Decades

In “ Savage Remix , ” Bey did say her “ whole team [ will ] eat ” —and she didn ’ t lie !
Not only did Meg secure her first-ever # 1 spot on Billboard ’ s Hot 100 list , but Beyoncé has reached a historic milestone of her own .
According to Billboard , Bey is only the second artist to appear in the top spot on the platform ’ s Hot 100 list in four separate decades : the 1990s , 2000s , ‘ 10s and ‘ 20s ) .
The first artist to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here ’ s where we get into technicalities : While Mariah made history solely through her solo career , Beyonce ’ s tally includes her work with Destiny ’ s Child .
If you only include Bey ’ s solo work , she ’ s still the 2nd artist to have reached # 1 on the Hot 100 in the 2000s , ‘ 10s and ‘ 20s .
Billboard also confirmed yet another feat of Bey ’ s : Continuing their unwavering support of each other , Bey sent Meg a bouquet of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s first # 1 triumph with a cute note that read , “ Congrats on your number one , Queen.
” Speaking of sisterhood , Meg and Bey are twinning .
Though we mentioned how significant it was for Meg to land her first # 1 on Pam Grier ’ s birthday , Bey ’ s milestone happening on that very same day isn ’ t lost on us , either , given her Grier-esque role of “ Foxxy Cleopatra ” in the 2002 film Austin Powers in Goldmember .

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

In “Savage Remix,” Bey did say her “whole team [will] eat”—and she didn’t lie!
Not only did Meg secure her first-ever #1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 list, but Beyoncé has reached a historic milestone of her own. According to Billboard, Bey is only the second artist to appear in the top spot on the platform’s Hot 100 list in four separate decades: the 1990s, 2000s, ‘10s and ‘20s). The first artist to do so? Mariah Carey!
Now, here’s where we get into technicalities: While Mariah made history solely through her solo career, Beyonce’s tally includes her work with Destiny’s Child. If you only include Bey’s solo work, she’s still the 2nd artist to have reached #1 on the Hot 100 in the 2000s, ‘10s and ‘20s.
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Billboard also confirmed yet another feat of Bey’s:
Beyoncé becomes the 21st artist with at least seven Hot 100 No. 1s. Here is a recap of her leaders: Title, Date Reached No. 1 “Crazy in Love,” feat. Jay-Z, July 12, 2003 “Baby Boy,” feat. Sean Paul, Oct. 4, 2003 “Check On It,” feat. Slim Thug, Feb. 4, 2006 “Irreplaceable,” Dec. 16, 2006 “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” Dec. 13, 2008 “Perfect,” Ed Sheeran feat. Beyoncé, Dec. 23, 2017 “Savage,” Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé, May 30, 2020
Continuing their unwavering support of each other, Bey sent Meg a bouquet of flowers to celebrate the young artist’s first #1 triumph with a cute note that read, “Congrats on your number one, Queen.”
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We love sisterhood!
Speaking of sisterhood, Meg and Bey are twinning. Though we mentioned how significant it was for Meg to land her first #1 on Pam Grier’s birthday, Bey’s milestone happening on that very same day isn’t lost on us, either, given her Grier-esque role of “Foxxy Cleopatra” in the 2002 film Austin Powers in Goldmember.
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Congrats to Bey!


theroot--2020-05-27--3 Tips You Can Try Right Now to Improve Your Mental Health

Not only have lives been lost , but millions of jobs have evaporated as we ’ ve struggled to regain @ @ @ @ @ a society .
It also doesn ’ t help that with stay-at-home orders in place @ @ @ @ @ suffered through this experience in solitude .
Thankfully , author Justin Michael Williams—go snatch up @ @ @ @ @ Guide for the Rest of Us and thank me later—is here to break down what @ @ @ @ @ provide some tips on how to preserve yours during this pandemic .

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