theroot--2020-05-15--Zoom Is Taking Too Long to Fix Its Cyberterrorism Problem

Black activists have always used every technological advance we can to organize for a safer , less hostile world for black people .
Our ancestors used songs to send messages during slavery .
Following Reconstruction , leaders like Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ida B .
Wells used newspapers to document lynching ’ s in the South .
During the civil rights movement , our parents and grandparents used TV and photographic images to show the rest of the country , and the world , the horrific violence of the segregated south .
In the ’ 70s and ’ 80s , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ souls to the polls and in the North , thereby creating a new cadre of black elected officials motivated to uplift their community .
Today ’ s change makers have continued this legacy , using video conferencing platforms to bring people together without physical boundaries and organize for a better future .
But , in 2020 , white supremacists are hiding behind computer screens instead of white hoods .
Like in our past , white supremacists are trying to interrupt this progress with racist attacks , disruption and terrorism as they have so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have started Zoombombing , a coordinated effort by anonymous cyber terrorists to hack into private meetings and disseminate hateful messages .
So Daughters of the Movement is joining the country ’ s largest online racial justice organization , Color Of Change , to demand Zoom and other video conference platforms make their platforms safe for Black people .
Daughters of the Movement are daughters of some of the most prominent leaders and contributors to civil rights movements in our country .
We are Gina Belafonte , daughter of Julie and Harry Belafonte ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Stacy Lynch , daughter of Bill Lynch ; Hasna Muhammad , daughter of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee ; Ilyasah Shabazz , daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz ; Dominique Sharpton , daughter of Reverend Al Sharpton ; and Keisha Sutton-James , granddaughter of Percy Sutton .
Last month , while co-hosting an event with For Freedoms , a weekly virtual gathering on Zoom , we were Zoombombed as we shared lessons of resilience in times of crisis , gems that were passed on to us from our parents and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when our communities were under attack by an aggressive virus , and we were working to equip our guests with the wisdom our parents accessed to help them through trying times , white racists struck .
Anonymous trolls bombarded our private chat room with racist , sexist and violent language .
They called us niggers , threatened to rape us , showed their genitals and shared live porn on our screens .
This was a straightforward attack on us as black women , and Zoom did nothing to stop it .
Dr. Dennis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Color Of Change , first drew attention to this issue after his dissertation presentation was Zoombombed by a racist cyber terrorist , who also drew crude images of genitalia on the screen , wrote expletives , and shared pictures and videos of pornography .
Since then the number of stories has only grown .
With work , education and social gatherings moving fully online in response to the spread of COVID-19 , Zoom has facilitated the targeted harassment and surveillance of Black people online .
We know Zoom knows our demands because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lynn Haaland took a meeting with Color Of Change to discuss its recommended policies .
But while the company stopped minimizing these cyberterrorists as “ party crashers ” and released a new security policy , the company has not updated security protections or hired anyone on staff to mitigate issues of discrimination and inequity onto the platform .
Their inaction speaks louder than any written words .
Zoom ’ s slow , minimal response to this phenomenon on its platform has exposed a company more concerned with protecting its financial interests than ensuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe and respected .
Zoom should focus on caring about the sensitivity of its users and protecting the rights of often targeted groups .
If Zoom cares about its bottom line , it will take care to address our demands urgently .
In the meantime , we are encouraged to hear that other video conferencing services are listening and taking steps to update their platforms to protect black people against these kinds of attacks .
Black people deserve platforms that are committed to ensuring our safety , and we will not cede the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology executives to enable their behavior while raking in millions of dollars off our usage of their platforms .
If Zoom continues to choose its profits over our lives , we will not hesitate to move our dollars elsewhere .
Our parents and grandparents taught us the power that we hold as a community when we come together for change .
In quarantine , online spaces allow our communities to gather , to share resources , and to organize a path out of our current crisis—a path that is rooted in justice and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re fighting to protect and that ’ s what we will win .
Sign the petition to demand Zoom protect black users from racist cyber attacks .
If you ’ ve been Zoombombed , you can tell your story too and help us show Zoom they have to take action NOW .
Daughters of the Movement are legacy holders .
A group of women who sat at the feet of those who were on the front lines of the civil rights movement .
They carry the oral history , cultural values , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the revolutionary leaders who turned the tide of American history .
Each week Color Of Change , the nation ’ s largest online racial justice organization will bring you frontline stories from # TheBlackResponse to COVID-19 , highlighting the ways Black people are taking action and demanding progress during the pandemic and beyond .

Black activists have always used every technological advance we can to organize for a safer, less hostile world for black people. Our ancestors used songs to send messages during slavery.
Following Reconstruction, leaders like Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ida B. Wells used newspapers to document lynching’s in the South. During the civil rights movement, our parents and grandparents used TV and photographic images to show the rest of the country, and the world, the horrific violence of the segregated south. In the ’70s and ’80s, they built and used radio stations to motivate souls to the polls and in the North, thereby creating a new cadre of black elected officials motivated to uplift their community. Today’s change makers have continued this legacy, using video conferencing platforms to bring people together without physical boundaries and organize for a better future.
Advertisement
But, in 2020, white supremacists are hiding behind computer screens instead of white hoods. Like in our past, white supremacists are trying to interrupt this progress with racist attacks, disruption and terrorism as they have so many times before. This time they have started Zoombombing, a coordinated effort by anonymous cyber terrorists to hack into private meetings and disseminate hateful messages. So Daughters of the Movement is joining the country’s largest online racial justice organization, Color Of Change, to demand Zoom and other video conference platforms make their platforms safe for Black people.
Daughters of the Movement are daughters of some of the most prominent leaders and contributors to civil rights movements in our country. We are Gina Belafonte, daughter of Julie and Harry Belafonte; Suzanne Kay, daughter of Diahann Carroll; Stacy Lynch, daughter of Bill Lynch; Hasna Muhammad, daughter of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee; Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz; Dominique Sharpton, daughter of Reverend Al Sharpton; and Keisha Sutton-James, granddaughter of Percy Sutton.
Advertisement Advertisement
Last month, while co-hosting an event with For Freedoms, a weekly virtual gathering on Zoom, we were Zoombombed as we shared lessons of resilience in times of crisis, gems that were passed on to us from our parents and grandparents. At a moment in time when our communities were under attack by an aggressive virus, and we were working to equip our guests with the wisdom our parents accessed to help them through trying times, white racists struck.
Anonymous trolls bombarded our private chat room with racist, sexist and violent language. They called us niggers, threatened to rape us, showed their genitals and shared live porn on our screens. This was a straightforward attack on us as black women, and Zoom did nothing to stop it.
Advertisement
Dr. Dennis Johnson, a doctoral candidate and member of Color Of Change, first drew attention to this issue after his dissertation presentation was Zoombombed by a racist cyber terrorist, who also drew crude images of genitalia on the screen, wrote expletives, and shared pictures and videos of pornography. Since then the number of stories has only grown. With work, education and social gatherings moving fully online in response to the spread of COVID-19, Zoom has facilitated the targeted harassment and surveillance of Black people online.
Advertisement
We know Zoom knows our demands because the company’s Global Compliance Officer Lynn Haaland took a meeting with Color Of Change to discuss its recommended policies. But while the company stopped minimizing these cyberterrorists as “party crashers” and released a new security policy, the company has not updated security protections or hired anyone on staff to mitigate issues of discrimination and inequity onto the platform. Their inaction speaks louder than any written words.
Zoom’s slow, minimal response to this phenomenon on its platform has exposed a company more concerned with protecting its financial interests than ensuring that everyone who uses the platform is safe and respected. Zoom should focus on caring about the sensitivity of its users and protecting the rights of often targeted groups.
Advertisement
If Zoom cares about its bottom line, it will take care to address our demands urgently. In the meantime, we are encouraged to hear that other video conferencing services are listening and taking steps to update their platforms to protect black people against these kinds of attacks.
Black people deserve platforms that are committed to ensuring our safety, and we will not cede the online space to white supremacists or allow technology executives to enable their behavior while raking in millions of dollars off our usage of their platforms. If Zoom continues to choose its profits over our lives, we will not hesitate to move our dollars elsewhere.
Advertisement
Our parents and grandparents taught us the power that we hold as a community when we come together for change. In quarantine, online spaces allow our communities to gather, to share resources, and to organize a path out of our current crisis—a path that is rooted in justice and love. That’s what we’re fighting to protect and that’s what we will win.
Sign the petition to demand Zoom protect black users from racist cyber attacks.
If you’ve been Zoombombed, you can tell your story too and help us show Zoom they have to take action NOW.
Advertisement
Daughters of the Movement are legacy holders. A group of women who sat at the feet of those who were on the front lines of the civil rights movement. They carry the oral history, cultural values, and wisdom passed down to us by some of the revolutionary leaders who turned the tide of American history.
Each week Color Of Change, the nation’s largest online racial justice organization will bring you frontline stories from #TheBlackResponse to COVID-19, highlighting the ways Black people are taking action and demanding progress during the pandemic and beyond.


theroot--2020-05-15--How Not to Quarantine: NFL Cornerbacks DeAndre Baker, Quinton Dunbar Accused of Robbing Partygoers a

How Not to Quarantine: NFL Cornerbacks DeAndre Baker, Quinton Dunbar Accused of Robbing Partygoers at Gunpoint

Stay-at-home orders have made a vast majority of American citizens prisoners in their own homes , yet cornerbacks DeAndre Baker of the New York Giants and Quinton Dunbar of the Seattle Seahawks have still found a way to get caught up in some bullshit .
Arrest warrants have been issued in South Florida for New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar in connection to an armed robbery investigation .
According to Miramar Police , Baker ’ s arrest warrant is for four counts of armed robbery with a firearm and four counts of aggravated assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on four counts of armed robbery with a firearm .
If you guessed that they stuck up a Target for some hand sanitizer or put a gun in someone ’ s face for refusing to stay six feet away , you would be incorrect .
Because allegedly they did something far more egregious and stupid : as in being accused of stealing money and jewelry at a party—yes , a party during a goddamn global pandemic that hopefully had nothing to do with Dak Prescott—while “ intentionally threatening victims ” with semi-automatic weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has “ no further comment ” at this time , while the Giants simply sucked their teeth and mumbled “ This nigga ” under their breath prior to issuing the following statement : “ We are aware of the situation .
We have been in contact with DeAndre .
We have no further comment at this time.
” Then sucked their teeth again .
Despite concerns about Baker ’ s questionable attitude prior to the 2019 NFL Draft , the Giants traded up and made him the 30th overall pick anyway—only for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a hot ass mess .
Meanwhile , on Thursday , Dunbar , who was just traded to the Seahawks , held a short introductory teleconference with local reporters and fixed his face to say “ I just hope to repay [ the Seahawks ] with the way I carry myself as a person ” right before his arrest warrant was issued .
You can ’ t make this up .

Stay-at-home orders have made a vast majority of American citizens prisoners in their own homes, yet cornerbacks DeAndre Baker of the New York Giants and Quinton Dunbar of the Seattle Seahawks have still found a way to get caught up in some bullshit.
From ESPN:
Arrest warrants have been issued in South Florida for New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar in connection to an armed robbery investigation. According to Miramar Police, Baker’s arrest warrant is for four counts of armed robbery with a firearm and four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. Dunbar is wanted on four counts of armed robbery with a firearm.
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If you guessed that they stuck up a Target for some hand sanitizer or put a gun in someone’s face for refusing to stay six feet away, you would be incorrect. Because allegedly they did something far more egregious and stupid: as in being accused of stealing money and jewelry at a party—yes, a party during a goddamn global pandemic that hopefully had nothing to do with Dak Prescott—while “intentionally threatening victims” with semi-automatic weapons.
Oh, and this:
According to the arrest warrant, multiple witnesses said at one point during the incident Baker ordered another suspect wearing a red mask to shoot an individual who was just entering the party.
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The NFL is investigating the matter and has “no further comment” at this time, while the Giants simply sucked their teeth and mumbled “This nigga” under their breath prior to issuing the following statement: “We are aware of the situation. We have been in contact with DeAndre. We have no further comment at this time.”
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Then sucked their teeth again.
Advertisement
Despite concerns about Baker’s questionable attitude prior to the 2019 NFL Draft, the Giants traded up and made him the 30th overall pick anyway—only for his rookie season to be best described as a hot ass mess.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Dunbar, who was just traded to the Seahawks, held a short introductory teleconference with local reporters and fixed his face to say “I just hope to repay [the Seahawks] with the way I carry myself as a person” right before his arrest warrant was issued.
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You can’t make this up.
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Please stay your asses home, y’all.


theroot--2020-05-16--Barack Obama Comments on Ahmaud Arbery Killing in Speech to 2020 HBCU Graduates

Barack Obama called on young black people to be “ warriors for justice ” and commented on the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery during a special speech he gave to 2020 HBCU graduates over the weekend .
The former president was the guest speaker in a virtual commencement ceremony for students of historically black colleges and universities that was broadcast by HBCU connect and Chase on Facebook and Youtube .
In his remarks , Obama highlighted racial injustices that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and encouraged the black graduates to not only activate online but also in real life—including by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just spotlights the underlying equalities and extra burdens that black communities have historically had to deal with in this country , ” Obama said .
“ We see it in the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on our communities , just as we see it when a black man goes for a jog and some folks feel like they can stop and question and shoot him if he doesn ’ t submit to their questioning.
” “ You ’ ve got more roadmaps , more role models , more resources than the civil rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more tools , technology , and talents than my generation did .
No generation has been better positioned to be warriors for justice and remake the world , ” Obama added .
The livestreamed event was hosted by comedian Kevin Hart and featured congratulatory messages for HBCU graduates from prominent figures like Steve Harvey , Melody Hobson , Debbie Allen , and Shaun Robinson .
The former president will also give a commencement speech for 2020 graduates as part of the Graduate Together : America Honors the High School Class of 2020 event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday May 16 .
Celebrities like Simone Biles , Cardi B , and Oprah Winfrey have also recorded messages of celebration for the class of 2020 .
“ Even though there may not be pomp because of our circumstances , never has a graduating class been called to step into the future with more purpose , vision , passion and energy and hope , ” Winfrey said .

Barack Obama called on young black people to be “warriors for justice” and commented on the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery during a special speech he gave to 2020 HBCU graduates over the weekend.
The former president was the guest speaker in a virtual commencement ceremony for students of historically black colleges and universities that was broadcast by HBCU connect and Chase on Facebook and Youtube.
Advertisement
In his remarks, Obama highlighted racial injustices that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and encouraged the black graduates to not only activate online but also in real life—including by voting:
“A disease like this just spotlights the underlying equalities and extra burdens that black communities have historically had to deal with in this country,” Obama said. “We see it in the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on our communities, just as we see it when a black man goes for a jog and some folks feel like they can stop and question and shoot him if he doesn’t submit to their questioning.”
“You’ve got more roadmaps, more role models, more resources than the civil rights generation did. You’ve got more tools, technology, and talents than my generation did. No generation has been better positioned to be warriors for justice and remake the world,” Obama added.
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The livestreamed event was hosted by comedian Kevin Hart and featured congratulatory messages for HBCU graduates from prominent figures like Steve Harvey, Melody Hobson, Debbie Allen, and Shaun Robinson.
The former president will also give a commencement speech for 2020 graduates as part of the Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020 event scheduled to be simulcast at 8 p.m. on Saturday May 16. Celebrities like Simone Biles, Cardi B, and Oprah Winfrey have also recorded messages of celebration for the class of 2020.
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“ Even though there may not be pomp because of our circumstances, never has a graduating class been called to step into the future with more purpose, vision, passion and energy and hope,” Winfrey said.


theroot--2020-05-13--Get a Good Night's Sleep (At Long Last) With the Finest Melatonin Gummies Around

It can be hard to sleep sometimes , and given everything that ’ s happening in the world right now , that might be doubly true for some of you .
Luckily , there ’ s a mild and effective remedy out there in the form of melatonin , a natural supplement produced within your body .
You can get it in the form of pills to swallow , but many varieties are now available in delicious , enjoyable gummies that ’ ll save you some hassle at the end of the day .
Melatonin gummies come in different potencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for kids .
Here are the best melatoin gummy deals for April 2020 .
Natrol has crafted some powerful gummies here , with 5mg per dosage .
But even though a typical dose is two gummies , you get a large 90-count bottle to save a bit of cash while maximizing the amount of nights you ’ ll benefit from a little nudge to the land of Nod .
These strawberry gummies are flavored with organic sweeteners and are non-GMO and vegan , so you can feel good about consuming them if on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
But because they contain such a large amount of melatonin , they aren ’ t recommended for beginners dipping their toes into the warm waters of sleep aids .
Vitafusion ’ s melatonin gummies are quite ubiquitous , and you can usually find them anywhere supplements are sold .
They ’ re also a great entry-level option for anyone looking to try out a new sleep aid .
You get 3mg of melatonin per 2 gummies , and each gummy is bursting with a mixture of chamomile , passion flower , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Their white peach tea flavor can be an acquired taste , but some may find it pleasant .
Most importantly , they ’ re cheap , but plentiful and effective , though you ’ ll run out quickly due to the lower dosage .
Olly ’ s products are typically pricier than alternatives , but the eye-catching packages are typically matched by great taste and effective doses .
These Olly Sleep gummies opt for a low dosage with just 3mg per two gummies , but they ’ re also boosted by amino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and body .
This 60-count package sells for $ 17 , but there are other sizes available .
These vegan and gluten-free gummies taste like a sweet , juicy strawberry , making them some of the best-tasting gummies you ’ ll find while shopping around .
Plus , they ’ ve got an extra kick to help put you to sleep and keep you snoozing away until morning thanks to their 5mg dosage .
These are all-around premium gummies that are perfect not only for those with special dietary concerns , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a bottle , they come packaged in a special bag that wastes 80 % less plastic for each one you purchase .
Not only are you doing your body a favor , but you ’ re doing the world a solid , too .
Vick ’ s ZzzQuil is already a popular sleep aid that comes in both gelcap and liquid form , but the product ’ s gummy iteration is the most powerful , by far .
While the 2-gummy serving size only contains 2mg of melatonin , it also contains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with mainstays chamomile and lemon balm as well as valerian root and lavender .
This botanical blend helps ensure your body has time to slow down , as it were , and ease itself into a restful sleep .
Their unique Wildberry Vanilla helps set them apart from the pack , and here ’ s the best part—there ’ s no grogginess the next day after taking the recommended dosage .
Affected parents won ’ t need a reminder , but sometimes kids struggle to sleep too .
If your child can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then there are kid-friendly doses of melatonin gummies available .
Zarbee ’ s all-natural sleep supplements for kids only contain 1mg of melatonin for a safe option when sleep just isn ’ t coming .
And you could even start here as an adult if you want a very small dosage to ease your way into the wondrous world of melatonin .
If you ’ re partial to the Olly brand yourself , then you might want to try Olly ’ s Kids Sleep gummies .
With a blend of melatonin , l-theanine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ought to help calm your wild ones before bedtime .
It ’ s scalable , too , with a single gummy providing just 0.5mg of melatonin while two gives the stronger 1mg dose for little guys and gals .
That way , you can start small and then bump up if a single gummy isn ’ t providing the necessary relief .
Prefer your melatonin gummies to pull double duty and go to work on beautifying your hair and skin while they ’ re at it ?
Nature ’ s Bounty ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With a potent 5mg melatonin blend containing an added 100mg of collagen , you ’ ll fall asleep fast and wake up with glowing skin—that ’ s the dream , anyway .
They ’ re berry-flavored with a pleasant fruit snack taste , and very affordable for 60 gummies , giving you a month of product at a time for less than the price of two Starbucks lattes .
It can ’ t hurt to let your supplements go to bat for you while you ’ re sleeping soundly , right ?

Jessica Booth, Brittany Vincent,  and Andrew Hayward on The Inventory, shared by Elizabeth Henges to The Root

It can be hard to sleep sometimes, and given everything that’s happening in the world right now, that might be doubly true for some of you.
Luckily, there’s a mild and effective remedy out there in the form of melatonin, a natural supplement produced within your body. You can get it in the form of pills to swallow, but many varieties are now available in delicious, enjoyable gummies that’ll save you some hassle at the end of the day.
Melatonin gummies come in different potencies, plus there are some made especially for kids. Here are the best melatoin gummy deals for April 2020.
Top Pick
Advertisement
Natrol has crafted some powerful gummies here, with 5mg per dosage. But even though a typical dose is two gummies, you get a large 90-count bottle to save a bit of cash while maximizing the amount of nights you’ll benefit from a little nudge to the land of Nod.
These strawberry gummies are flavored with organic sweeteners and are non-GMO and vegan, so you can feel good about consuming them if on a specialized diet or whegiving them to others. But because they contain such a large amount of melatonin, they aren’t recommended for beginners dipping their toes into the warm waters of sleep aids.
Advertisement Advertisement
The Lower Dosage Option
Advertisement
Vitafusion’s melatonin gummies are quite ubiquitous, and you can usually find them anywhere supplements are sold. They’re also a great entry-level option for anyone looking to try out a new sleep aid. You get 3mg of melatonin per 2 gummies, and each gummy is bursting with a mixture of chamomile, passion flower, and lemon balm leaf for added effectiveness.
Their white peach tea flavor can be an acquired taste, but some may find it pleasant. Most importantly, they’re cheap, but plentiful and effective, though you’ll run out quickly due to the lower dosage.
Advertisement
The L-Theanine & Botanicals Option
Olly’s products are typically pricier than alternatives, but the eye-catching packages are typically matched by great taste and effective doses.
Advertisement
These Olly Sleep gummies opt for a low dosage with just 3mg per two gummies, but they’re also boosted by amino acid l-theanine to help calm your mind and body. This 60-count package sells for $17, but there are other sizes available.
The Best-Tasting Option
Advertisement
These vegan and gluten-free gummies taste like a sweet, juicy strawberry, making them some of the best-tasting gummies you’ll find while shopping around. Plus, they’ve got an extra kick to help put you to sleep and keep you snoozing away until morning thanks to their 5mg dosage.
These are all-around premium gummies that are perfect not only for those with special dietary concerns, but the environment as well: instead of coming in a bottle, they come packaged in a special bag that wastes 80% less plastic for each one you purchase. Not only are you doing your body a favor, but you’re doing the world a solid, too.
Advertisement
The Lowest Dosage Option
Advertisement
Vick’s ZzzQuil is already a popular sleep aid that comes in both gelcap and liquid form, but the product’s gummy iteration is the most powerful, by far.
While the 2-gummy serving size only contains 2mg of melatonin, it also contains 100mg of Pure the Pure Zzzzs Blend, with mainstays chamomile and lemon balm as well as valerian root and lavender. This botanical blend helps ensure your body has time to slow down, as it were, and ease itself into a restful sleep.
Their unique Wildberry Vanilla helps set them apart from the pack, and here’s the best part—there’s no grogginess the next day after taking the recommended dosage.
Advertisement
The Best Option for Kids
Advertisement
Affected parents won’t need a reminder, but sometimes kids struggle to sleep too. If your child can’t stop tossing and turning, then there are kid-friendly doses of melatonin gummies available.
Zarbee’s all-natural sleep supplements for kids only contain 1mg of melatonin for a safe option when sleep just isn’t coming. And you could even start here as an adult if you want a very small dosage to ease your way into the wondrous world of melatonin.
Advertisement
Runner-Up, The Best Option for Kids
If you’re partial to the Olly brand yourself, then you might want to try Olly’s Kids Sleep gummies. With a blend of melatonin, l-theanine, and botanicals, this mild solution ought to help calm your wild ones before bedtime.
Advertisement
It’s scalable, too, with a single gummy providing just 0.5mg of melatonin while two gives the stronger 1mg dose for little guys and gals. That way, you can start small and then bump up if a single gummy isn’t providing the necessary relief.
The Health and Beauty Option
Advertisement
Prefer your melatonin gummies to pull double duty and go to work on beautifying your hair and skin while they’re at it? Nature’s Bounty’s 5mg Gorgeous Sleep brand offers just that. With a potent 5mg melatonin blend containing an added 100mg of collagen, you’ll fall asleep fast and wake up with glowing skin—that’s the dream, anyway.
They’re berry-flavored with a pleasant fruit snack taste, and very affordable for 60 gummies, giving you a month of product at a time for less than the price of two Starbucks lattes. It can’t hurt to let your supplements go to bat for you while you’re sleeping soundly, right?


theroot--2020-05-16--Beyoncé, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj Made Billboard History

In the midst of all the bad news that this year insists on bringing , black women have been bringing us spots of joy by being amazing and groundbreaking as usual .
Last weekend , Erykah Badu and Jill Scott reminded us the power of music and sisterhood in their Verzuz battle ( which reportedly led to a tripling of the two artists ’ usual streaming numbers ) .
On that same vein of black women getting their coins and their accolades , this week four of them accomplished a feat never before done in history by occupying the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chart .
Despite a tight race for No .
1 on the latest Billboard Hot 100 between Doja Cat ’ s “ Say So , ” featuring Nicki Minaj , and Megan Thee Stallion ’ s “ Savage , ” featuring Beyoncé , all four women combine for a share of history : This week marks the first in which four black female solo artists occupy the chart ’ s top two rungs. Before this week , the last time that multiple black women simultaneously infused the top two slots was more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the mix .
On the chart dated Jan 3 , 2009 , her “ Single Ladies ( Put a Ring on It ) “ clocked its second of four weeks at No .
1 , while former leader T.I.
’ s “ Live Your Life , ” featuring Rihanna , ranked at No .
2 .
Between that first chart week of 2009 and the latest survey , no black women doubled up in the top two as either lead or featured acts .
While this latest accomplishment may be old hat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Billboard 100 every year since 1997 ( starting with Destiny ’ s Child ) , it marks the first number 1 on the chart for rapper Nicki Minaj and the highest positions achieved by Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion , who are newcomers to the industry .
The artists celebrated their wins accordingly : If you ’ re wondering why Nicki Minaj is asking about boobs , Doja Cat had promised thirsty fans that she would show some online titties if she managed to nab the number one spot on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reneged .
Fortunately , we still have two certified bops in the form of the remixes to “ Say So ” and “ Savage ” to cope with that disappointment .

In the midst of all the bad news that this year insists on bringing, black women have been bringing us spots of joy by being amazing and groundbreaking as usual.
Last weekend, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott reminded us the power of music and sisterhood in their Verzuz battle (which reportedly led to a tripling of the two artists’ usual streaming numbers).
Advertisement
On that same vein of black women getting their coins and their accolades, this week four of them accomplished a feat never before done in history by occupying the top two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
From Billboard:
Despite a tight race for No. 1 on the latest Billboard Hot 100 between Doja Cat’s “Say So,” featuring Nicki Minaj, and Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage,” featuring Beyoncé, all four women combine for a share of history: This week marks the first in which four black female solo artists occupy the chart’s top two rungs. Before this week, the last time that multiple black women simultaneously infused the top two slots was more than a decade ago, again with Beyoncé in the mix. On the chart dated Jan 3, 2009, her “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)“ clocked its second of four weeks at No. 1, while former leader T.I.’s “Live Your Life,” featuring Rihanna, ranked at No. 2. Between that first chart week of 2009 and the latest survey, no black women doubled up in the top two as either lead or featured acts.
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While this latest accomplishment may be old hat for Queen Bey, who has charted on the Billboard 100 every year since 1997 (starting with Destiny’s Child), it marks the first number 1 on the chart for rapper Nicki Minaj and the highest positions achieved by Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion, who are newcomers to the industry.
The artists celebrated their wins accordingly:
Advertisement
If you’re wondering why Nicki Minaj is asking about boobs, Doja Cat had promised thirsty fans that she would show her titties online if she managed to nab the number one spot on the Billboard 100. Unsurprisingly, she reneged after achieving the accomplishment .
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Fortunately, we still have two certified bops in the form of the remixes to “Say So” and “Savage” to cope with that disappointment.
Shoutout to black women!


theroot--2020-05-16--NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio Says Police Will No Longer Enforce Mask-Wearing Order

Surely there is a reasonable medium between brutalizing black people for not properly adhering to COVID-19 related measures and courteously handing out masks to white people who are decidedly not observing social distancing rules ?
The NYPD hasn ’ t seemed to find that medium yet , but New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is now suggesting that they will .
On Friday he announced that police in the city will no longer be enforcing the order for people to wear masks , although it came with a caveat .
Earlier in the week De Blasio responded to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of NYPD officers arresting a black mother and forcing her face to the ground of a dirty subway for not properly donning the mask she seemed to be wearing : Despite Mayor De Blasio ’ s milquetoast criticism and black people ’ s exhaustion from viral videos of us being treated less than human , the NYPD says that their officers acted “ appropriately and with respect ” in arresting the woman in front of her child .
“ She responded to the officers with vulgar language and repeatedly refused requests to properly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mouth , ” the NYPD said .
Rozier can be heard yelling and cursing at the officers in the video as she was being escorted out of the subway station .
She and some of the officers were off-camera when she screamed , “ Don ’ t touch me.
” The video then showed Rozier slapping away one of the officers ’ hands , and that ’ s when officers moved in , took her to the ground and placed her in handcuffs. De Blasio ’ s new guidance came a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to sideline the NYPD ” despite data showing clear racial disparities in their enforcement of social distancing rules , reported AP News .
It remains to be seen if cops in New York City will be able to distinguish between “ serious danger to the public ” and “ existing while black , ” since data shows they ’ ve already spent most of the pandemic disproportionately targeting black people with policing that has frequently been violent .

Surely there is a reasonable medium between brutalizing black people for not properly adhering to COVID-19 related measures and courteously handing out masks to white people who are decidedly not observing social distancing rules?
The NYPD hasn’t seemed to find that medium yet, but New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is now suggesting that they will. On Friday he announced that police in the city will no longer be enforcing the order for people to wear masks, although it came with a caveat.
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From NBC News:
“Absent a serious danger to the public, NYPD will not take enforcement action for failing to wear face mask covering,” the mayor said. “NYPD will continue to enforce the ban on non-essential gatherings, prioritizing dispersing groups of six-plus adults.”
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Earlier in the week De Blasio responded to a video on Twitter that shows a group of NYPD officers arresting a black mother and forcing her face to the ground of a dirty subway for not properly donning the mask she seemed to be wearing:
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Despite Mayor De Blasio’s milquetoast criticism and black people’s exhaustion from viral videos of us being treated less than human, the NYPD says that their officers acted “appropriately and with respect ” in arresting the woman in front of her child.
From NBC:
“She responded to the officers with vulgar language and repeatedly refused requests to properly wear her face covering over her nose and mouth,” the NYPD said. Rozier can be heard yelling and cursing at the officers in the video as she was being escorted out of the subway station. She and some of the officers were off-camera when she screamed, “Don’t touch me.” The video then showed Rozier slapping away one of the officers’ hands, and that’s when officers moved in, took her to the ground and placed her in handcuffs.
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De Blasio’s new guidance came a day after he said he was “not going to sideline the NYPD” despite data showing clear racial disparities in their enforcement of social distancing rules, reported AP News.
It remains to be seen if cops in New York City will be able to distinguish between “serious danger to the public” and “existing while black,” since data shows they’ve already spent most of the pandemic disproportionately targeting black people with policing that has frequently been violent.


theroot--2020-05-19--Fashion Week Has Lost Its Footing, but the Show Goes on in a New Documentary by Pyer Moss

One of the hottest invites of Spring-Summer Fashion Week 2020 was Pyer Moss ’ runway tribute to rock pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe last September in Brooklyn .
Staged at the legendary King ’ s Theatre in designer Kerby Jean-Raymond ’ s native neighborhood of Flatbush , the presentation was a celebration of blackness and its indelible influence upon what America has long since claimed for its own as “ rock ‘ n roll ” .
Needless to say , Fashion Week won ’ t go as planned this September—in fact , this past February ’ s presentations may be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biannual cacophony of collections the industry has long been accustomed to ( and some of us are okay with that ) .
And as designers consider how—or even if—they should stage collections in an atmosphere that is now both marked by a public health crisis and an economic downturn , Pyer Moss is giving us a peek behind the curtain of one of their most acclaimed shows .
We won ’ t be expecting a full new collection from Pyer Moss this fall , but on Monday , the label debuted the trailer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ documenting the two years leading up to the boundary-pushing Pyer Moss spectacular ” with “ behind-the-scenes footage from the show at the historic New York landmark , ” Vogue reports .
Set to debut this September during what would ’ ve been Fashion Week , the feature film will reportedly premiere in New York City as “ a drive-in fashion happening , ” out of respect for our ongoing social distancing needs , with a series of subsequent screenings around the country .
“ As with previous Pyer Moss events , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press and friends of the brand , with a percentage of tickets available to the public , ” Vogue reports .
A capsule of clothing is expected to drop in tandem with the film .
But if the moment seems right for the moment , Jean-Raymond explains that it ’ s in stride with Pyer Moss ’ larger mission ; the label was one of the first to pivot to supplying masks and supplemental funding when the outbreak first occurred .
“ It ’ s always been our mission to show the amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting together a collection—we ’ ve been slowing down the speed of how much we produce and improving the quality of what we produce throughout the years , ” Jean-Raymond told the magazine via email .
“ This film aims to show the love and care our entire company puts into every single moment we create and will show that we appreciate fashion as an art form and communication tool that we ’ ve used to embolden a community around us .
”

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

One of the hottest invites of Spring-Summer Fashion Week 2020 was Pyer Moss’ runway tribute to rock pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe last September in Brooklyn. Staged at the legendary King’s Theatre in designer Kerby Jean-Raymond’s native neighborhood of Flatbush, the presentation was a celebration of blackness and its indelible influence upon what America has long since claimed for its own as “rock ‘n roll”.
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Needless to say, Fashion Week won’t go as planned this September—in fact, this past February’s presentations may be the last that in any way resemble the biannual cacophony of collections the industry has long been accustomed to (and some of us are okay with that). And as designers consider how—or even if—they should stage collections in an atmosphere that is now both marked by a public health crisis and an economic downturn, Pyer Moss is giving us a peek behind the curtain of one of their most acclaimed shows.
We won’t be expecting a full new collection from Pyer Moss this fall, but on Monday, the label debuted the trailer for American, Also, a film “documenting the two years leading up to the boundary-pushing Pyer Moss spectacular” with “behind-the-scenes footage from the show at the historic New York landmark,” Vogue reports. Set to debut this September during what would’ve been Fashion Week, the feature film will reportedly premiere in New York City as “a drive-in fashion happening,” out of respect for our ongoing social distancing needs, with a series of subsequent screenings around the country. “As with previous Pyer Moss events, the guestlist will be a combination of invited press and friends of the brand, with a percentage of tickets available to the public,” Vogue reports. A capsule of clothing is expected to drop in tandem with the film.
But if the moment seems right for the moment, Jean-Raymond explains that it’s in stride with Pyer Moss’ larger mission; the label was one of the first to pivot to supplying masks and supplemental funding when the outbreak first occurred.
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“It’s always been our mission to show the amount of thinking and laboring that goes behind putting together a collection—we’ve been slowing down the speed of how much we produce and improving the quality of what we produce throughout the years,” Jean-Raymond told the magazine via email. “This film aims to show the love and care our entire company puts into every single moment we create and will show that we appreciate fashion as an art form and communication tool that we’ve used to embolden a community around us.”


theroot--2020-05-18--Five Books (That Aren't Homework) You'll Want to Read Cover to Cover

We ’ re at home .
Some people are using this time to become cultured .
Others are more focused on feel-good entertainment to while away the time .
But what if I told you there was a way to get both ?
Introducing books : Entertainment You Can Feel Smug About .
Let ’ s get into it .
I ’ m starting with the greatest book of modern American history , a banned-for-obscenity masterpiece by the late , great Phillip Roth .
Published in 1969 , Portnoy ’ s Complaint is a darkly comic , sexually obscene and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brisk read carried on the strength on perhaps the greatest work by perhaps our greatest author .
I ’ ve bought this book countless times .
I read aloud from it : I use monologues and quotes when I need to .
I stake my reputation : this is the single best book I ’ ve ever read .
It is beautiful and uproarious and layered and strange , and a recording of the Jewish-American psyche that is both timely and timeless .
It ’ s also so , so fun .
Oh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book I ’ ve ever read .
Portnoy ’ s Complaint is sharp , brilliant , and acidic , a masterwork of fast-paced genius with daring and inventive structuring .
White Teeth , meanwhile , trades the rapid-fire and insular , naval-gazing protagonist for a beautiful , layered , and multi-generational story that spans decades between two families in England .
It ’ s fun as hell , immersive as any world-building game you touch ( hello , Animal Crossing ) , and oddly comforting .
White Teeth is a celebration and exploration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beautiful , brilliant , poignant , and hilarious—a quick read with all the pathos and artistry of the greatest works .
Zadie Smith is one of the greatest writers alive .
Take a moment and enjoy her .
The two novels above are the best I ’ ve ever read , but this is one of the most fun .
The White Tiger is the best-selling , Man-Booker Prize winning-debut of Aravind Adiga , which follows the rise of the brilliant , darkly ambitious Balram Halwai––one of the rural poor from “ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to the position of “ driver ” in a wealthy household .
The White Tiger : A Novel by Aravind Adiga If you liked the Oscar-winning Parasite , The White Tiger is its natural ( albeit spiritual ) successor .
It ’ s light , brisk , and will linger with you .
For those of you who want the absolute easiest read on the list , this is that .
A prize-winning beach-read is a rare treat—indulge with it .
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin James Baldwin is often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a writer .
However , the sheer weight of his genius can have the counter-productive effect of intimidating people—keeping them from actually reading his work .
So , let me tell you a secret : Baldwin is perhaps the best writer in American history—not as a chore , but as a delight .
James Baldwin is so brilliant that he dovetails back to simplicity in his prose .
There is clarity , moral and textual , in his work .
Baldwin has clarity , empathy , and artistry and he makes you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I promise you can handle him—the first essay in The Fire Next Time is written to his 14-year-old nephew .
Get started with this national treasure .
Because—grimly—he ’ s as timely as ever .
Sapiens : A Brief History of Mankind by Yuval Noah Harari Fine , this one is homework .
But it ’ s a masterclass on human history—Sapiens : A Brief History of Humankind is one of those “ real books ” you usually see in hardcover for a premium at airports .
Yuval Noah Harari dives into humanity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and meaning behind even those definitions .
Reading the other books will teach you quite a lot about humanity : this will teach you about mankind .

Lev Novak on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

When we’re at home some people become cultured while others are more focused on feel-good entertainment to pass the time. But what if I told you there was a way to get both? Introducing books: Entertainment You Can Feel Smug About. Let’s get into it.
Top Pick
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I’m starting with the greatest book of modern American history, a banned-for-obscenity masterpiece by the late, great Phillip Roth.
Published in 1969, Portnoy’s Complaint is a darkly comic, sexually obscene and unquestionably brilliant monologue—making it a fast, brisk read carried on the strength on perhaps the greatest work by perhaps our greatest author.
I’ve bought this book countless times. I read aloud from it: I use monologues and quotes when I need to.
Advertisement Advertisement
I stake my reputation: this is the single best book I’ve ever read. It is beautiful and uproarious and layered and strange, and a recording of the Jewish-American psyche that is both timely and timeless.
It’s also so, so fun.
Advertisement
Runner Up
Advertisement
Oh wait, maybe THIS is the best book I’ve ever read.
Portnoy’s Complaint is sharp, brilliant, and acidic, a masterwork of fast-paced genius with daring and inventive structuring.
White Teeth, meanwhile, trades the rapid-fire and insular, naval-gazing protagonist for a beautiful, layered, and multi-generational story that spans decades between two families in England.
Advertisement
It’s fun as hell, immersive as any world-building game you touch (hello, Animal Crossing), and oddly comforting.
White Teeth is a celebration and exploration of authentic humanity. It’s beautiful, brilliant, poignant, and hilarious—a quick read with all the pathos and artistry of the greatest works.
Zadie Smith is one of the greatest writers alive. Take a moment and enjoy her.
The two novels above are the best I’ve ever read, but this is one of the most fun.
Advertisement
The White Tiger is the best-selling, Man-Booker Prize winning-debut of Aravind Adiga, which follows the rise of the brilliant, darkly ambitious Balram Halwai––one of the rural poor from “the darkness” in India who claws his way to the position of “driver” in a wealthy household.
The Easy-to-Read Option
Advertisement
If you liked the Oscar-winning Parasite, The White Tiger is its natural (albeit spiritual) successor. It’s light, brisk, and will linger with you.
Advertisement
For those of you who want the absolute easiest read on the list, this is that.
A prize-winning beach-read is a rare treat—indulge with it.
Advertisement
The Intellectual Option
Advertisement
James Baldwin is often lionized for his moral clarity and brilliance as a writer. However, the sheer weight of his genius can have the counter-productive effect of intimidating people—keeping them from actually reading his work.
So, let me tell you a secret: Baldwin is perhaps the best writer in American history—not as a chore, but as a delight.
James Baldwin is so brilliant that he dovetails back to simplicity in his prose. There is clarity, moral and textual, in his work. Baldwin has clarity, empathy, and artistry and he makes you feel smarter for having read him.
Advertisement
I promise you can handle him—the first essay in The Fire Next Time is written to his 14-year-old nephew.
Get started with this national treasure. Because—grimly—he’s as timely as ever.
Advertisement
The Essential Read Option
Advertisement
Fine, this one is homework. But it’s a masterclass on human history—Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind is one of those “real books” you usually see in hardcover for a premium at airports.
Yuval Noah Harari dives into humanity, mankind, and the enormous history and meaning behind even those definitions.
Reading the other books will teach you quite a lot about humanity: this will teach you about mankind.


theroot--2020-05-18--Lawsuit Filed in 2019 Against Cop Involved in Breonna Taylor’s Death Claims He Was Vindictive, Plant

Lawsuit Filed in 2019 Against Cop Involved in Breonna Taylor’s Death Claims He Was Vindictive, Planted Evidence

A civil lawsuit filed last year against one of the officers who raided 26-year-old Breonna Taylor ’ s Louisville , Ky. , home in March accused him of being a vindictive , “ dirty ” cop who had no qualms about planting drugs on suspects .
According to USA Today , Kendrick Wilson filed a federal lawsuit against narcotics detective Brett Hankison in October 2019 , accusing the officer of harassing him and planting drugs on him in two separate arrests .
Hankison is one of three Louisville Metropolitan officers being investigated for their part in the March 13 shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jonathan Mattingly and Officer Myles Cosgrove were serving a “ no-knock ” warrant at Taylor ’ s home just before 1 a.m. the night they fatally shot her .
The police claim they announced their presence at the EMT ’ s apartment before taking a battering ram to her door .
Her boyfriend , Kenneth Walker , says he thought intruders were trying to break into the home and fired a shot that injured Sgt .
Mattingly in the leg .
Taylor , who had been upstairs asleep , was shot eight times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found at her apartment .
The 2019 complaint , which contains only Wilson ’ s side of the story , lays out three separate occasions in which Hankison targeted and arrested Wilson in 2016 and 2018 , “ all of which originated at bars where Hankison sometimes worked as off-duty security , ” writes USA Today : The first arrest was in 2016 at the Tin Roof bar , when Hankinson arrested Wilson on suspicion of assault .
The charges were dismissed in November .
In June 2018 , outside the Tin Roof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The arrest citation Hankison wrote states that a police dog indicated the “ presence of a narcotic odor ” in Wilson ’ s pocket .
Wilson empties his pockets , which the lawsuit said showed they contained only money .
The citation said Hankison recovered a plastic bag of suspected powder cocaine on the ground and arrested Wilson .
But the lawsuit , citing body camera footage , said Hankison located the bag “ on the sidewalk several feet away from where the altercation took place.
” “ He then jokes with other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Mr. Wilson expressed shock over the locating of these drugs , ” the suit says .
“ Also visible on the body camera is an unnamed civilian , who can be heard communicating with Mr. Wilson that he saw an officer drop the drugs on the sidewalk before he retrieved them , ” the suit says .
Several months later , Wilson filed a report about Hankison ’ s behavior to the LMPD ’ s Internal Affairs division claiming he had been unfairly targeted .
But Wilson had to discontinue the complaint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pending , and he did not have a legal rep with him at the time .
It wasn ’ t long before Hankison and Wilson met again : just one month later , at another bar , Sullivan ’ s Tap House .
( The suit mentions that Wilson and Hankison had a history outside of the arrests , including “ a relationship with the same woman.
” ) In that third arrest , Hankison reported that he had uncovered a “ large bag of powder cocaine ” weighing more than 5 grams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video of the arrest showed the narcotics detective “ taunting ” Wilson ’ s girlfriend , telling her that “ he was planting ‘ dope ’ again , ” the lawsuit said .
The charges against Wilson were dropped two months later , USA Today reports .
Wilson was actually arrested an additional time—one year later , at his home and barbershop .
According to the suit , Louisville narcotics officers kicked down the door of his home and pointed their firearms at his girlfriend .
The police ended up seizing a gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his license and cell phone .
While Hankison wasn ’ t one of the arresting officers in that encounter , Wilson suspects that he played “ a role in the issuance of these warrants , ” the suit says .
If what Wilson alleges in the lawsuit is true , the problems in LMPD ’ s narcotics division are systemic and potentially far-reaching .
Kentucky Gov .
Andy Beshear has called for a federal investigation into Taylor ’ s shooting .
All three officers are still employed by LPMD and are on administrative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues .

A civil lawsuit filed last year against one of the officers who raided 26-year-old Breonna Taylor’s Louisville, Ky., home in March accused him of being a vindictive, “dirty” cop who had no qualms about planting drugs on suspects.
According to USA Today, Kendrick Wilson filed a federal lawsuit against narcotics detective Brett Hankison in October 2019, accusing the officer of harassing him and planting drugs on him in two separate arrests.
Advertisement
Hankison is one of three Louisville Metropolitan officers being investigated for their part in the March 13 shooting of Taylor. Hankison, Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and Officer Myles Cosgrove were serving a “no-knock” warrant at Taylor’s home just before 1 a.m. the night they fatally shot her. The police claim they announced their presence at the EMT’s apartment before taking a battering ram to her door.
Her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, says he thought intruders were trying to break into the home and fired a shot that injured Sgt. Mattingly in the leg. Taylor, who had been upstairs asleep, was shot eight times by the officers. No drugs were found at her apartment.
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The 2019 complaint, which contains only Wilson’s side of the story, lays out three separate occasions in which Hankison targeted and arrested Wilson in 2016 and 2018, “all of which originated at bars where Hankison sometimes worked as off-duty security,” writes USA Today:
The first arrest was in 2016 at the Tin Roof bar, when Hankinson arrested Wilson on suspicion of assault. The charges were dismissed in November. In June 2018, outside the Tin Roof bar, Hankinson arrested Wilson again. The arrest citation Hankison wrote states that a police dog indicated the “presence of a narcotic odor” in Wilson’s pocket. Wilson empties his pockets, which the lawsuit said showed they contained only money. The citation said Hankison recovered a plastic bag of suspected powder cocaine on the ground and arrested Wilson. But the lawsuit, citing body camera footage, said Hankison located the bag “on the sidewalk several feet away from where the altercation took place.” “He then jokes with other LMPD officers about ‘planting dope’ when Mr. Wilson expressed shock over the locating of these drugs,” the suit says. “Also visible on the body camera is an unnamed civilian, who can be heard communicating with Mr. Wilson that he saw an officer drop the drugs on the sidewalk before he retrieved them,” the suit says.
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Several months later, Wilson filed a report about Hankison’s behavior to the LMPD’s Internal Affairs division claiming he had been unfairly targeted. But Wilson had to discontinue the complaint because he still had a legal case pending, and he did not have a legal rep with him at the time.
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It wasn’t long before Hankison and Wilson met again: just one month later, at another bar, Sullivan’s Tap House. (The suit mentions that Wilson and Hankison had a history outside of the arrests, including “a relationship with the same woman.”)
In that third arrest, Hankison reported that he had uncovered a “large bag of powder cocaine” weighing more than 5 grams on Wilson. A bystander’s video of the arrest showed the narcotics detective “taunting” Wilson’s girlfriend, telling her that “he was planting ‘dope’ again,” the lawsuit said. The charges against Wilson were dropped two months later, USA Today reports.
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Wilson was actually arrested an additional time—one year later, at his home and barbershop. According to the suit, Louisville narcotics officers kicked down the door of his home and pointed their firearms at his girlfriend. The police ended up seizing a gun Wilson lawfully purchased, as well as his license and cell phone. While Hankison wasn’t one of the arresting officers in that encounter, Wilson suspects that he played “a role in the issuance of these warrants,” the suit says.
If what Wilson alleges in the lawsuit is true, the problems in LMPD’s narcotics division are systemic and potentially far-reaching. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has called for a federal investigation into Taylor’s shooting. All three officers are still employed by LPMD and are on administrative duty as the probe into the case continues.


theroot--2020-05-18--NFL Teams Could Receive Better Draft Picks As Incentive to Hire Non-White Coaches Under New Proposal

In recent months , a renewed focus has been placed on the lack of diversity among NFL coaching staffs .
In a league where 70 percent of players are black , very little of that diversity is reflected in the front office .
Now , new proposals from the NFL hope to incentivize teams to try and consider diversifying their coaching staffs .
According to NBC News , this week NFL team owners are reviewing proposals that would provide incentives should they actually hire minorities in front office positions .
These incentives mostly come in the form of draft picks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a head coach , they will move up six draft spots before that coach ’ s second season .
If they hire a minority as a general manager , they could move up 10 spots .
If they mess around and hire a minority in both positions , they could potentially move up 16 draft spots .
Additionally , the league is also proposing getting rid of the anti-tampering rule .
This would allow assistant coaches to interview with other teams for coordinator positions .
This is typically seen as a pivotal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The league currently has the Rooney Rule , which requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate for front office positions .
There are no real penalties for not following the rule , however .
There are only four non-white head coaches and two black general managers in the league .
So far , the only non-white head coach hired this year was Ron Rivera for the Washington Redskins .
The owners are expected to vote on the new resolutions during a virtual conference on Tuesday .
The rules must be approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order for them to pass .

In recent months, a renewed focus has been placed on the lack of diversity among NFL coaching staffs. In a league where 70 percent of players are black, very little of that diversity is reflected in the front office. Now, new proposals from the NFL hope to bribe incentivize teams to try and consider diversifying their coaching staffs.
According to NBC News, this week NFL team owners are reviewing proposals that would provide incentives should they actually hire minorities in front office positions. These incentives mostly come in the form of draft picks. If a team hires a minority as a head coach, they will move up six draft spots before that coach’s second season. If they hire a minority as a general manager, they could move up 10 spots. If they mess around and hire a minority in both positions, they could potentially move up 16 draft spots.
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Additionally, the league is also proposing getting rid of the anti-tampering rule. This would allow assistant coaches to interview with other teams for coordinator positions. This is typically seen as a pivotal step in becoming a head coach. The league currently has the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate for front office positions. There are no real penalties for not following the rule, however.
There are only four non-white head coaches and two black general managers in the league. So far, the only non-white head coach hired this year was Ron Rivera for the Washington Redskins. The owners are expected to vote on the new resolutions during a virtual conference on Tuesday. The rules must be approved by 24 of the 32 team owners in order for them to pass.


theroot--2020-05-18--Search Continues After Ex-WWE Star Shad Gaspard Goes Missing During Beach Swim

Shad Gaspard has had a storied career both in and out of the World Wrestling Entertainment .
Unfortunately , an afternoon swim with his son has resulted in potentially tragic circumstances .
TMZ reports the 39- year- old Gaspard went missing on Sunday after going for a swim at Venice Beach with his 10- year- old son .
A strong rip current came through around 4 p. m. that resulted in lifeguards rushing in to evacuate the swimmers .
Gaspard instructed the lifeguards to save his son before him , which they did .
When they went back they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been searching the area and helicopters searched from above .
An official working with the Los Angeles Fire Department told reporters that they believe Gaspard did submerge .
Gaspard achieved fame in the WWE in the mid-late 2000 ’ s as part of the tag team stable Cryme Tyme with JTG .
Since leaving the WWE he ’ s gone on to act in films such as Think Like A Man Too , Get Hard and tv shows such as The Game .
An outpouring of support has come from the wrestling community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made headlines in 2016 after surveillance footage was released showing him stopping an armed robbery .
Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time .

Shad Gaspard has had a storied career both in and out of the World Wrestling Entertainment. Unfortunately, an afternoon swim with his son has resulted in potentially tragic circumstances.
TMZ reports the 39-year-old Gaspard went missing on Sunday after going for a swim at Venice Beach with his 10-year-old son. A strong rip current came through around 4 p.m. that resulted in lifeguards rushing in to evacuate the swimmers. Gaspard instructed the lifeguards to save his son before him, which they did. When they went back they were unable to find him. Divers have been searching the area and helicopters searched from above. An official working with the Los Angeles Fire Department told reporters that they believe Gaspard did submerge.
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Gaspard achieved fame in the WWE in the mid-late 2000’s as part of the tag team stable Cryme Tyme with JTG. Since leaving the WWE he’s gone on to act in films such as Think Like A Man Too, Get Hard and tv shows such as The Game. An outpouring of support has come from the wrestling community hoping for his safe return.
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Gaspard made headlines in 2016 after surveillance footage was released showing him stopping an armed robbery. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.


theroot--2020-05-18--South Carolina Teacher Quits After Being Accused of Being a Neo-Nazi

Racism in American schools is , unfortunately , not all that uncommon .
Whether it ’ s a teacher calling the cops on a student for not switching seats , telling a student to go back to their country or a 6-year-old black girl being sent to a mental institution , teachers have a surprisingly long track record of being trash .
That doesn ’ t make the accusations being levied against a teacher in Lexington , S.C. any less concerning .
Post and Courier reports teacher Tim Manning Jr. , quit his job at Pleasant Hill Middle School after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neo-Nazi ties .
The thread alleged that Manning helped organize the 2017 “ Unite the Right ” rally in Charlottesville , Va .
The Lexington One School District placed Manning on leave last Thursday , a day after the accusations were put online .
Mary Beth Hill , a spokeswoman for the district , said that officials were “ thoroughly investigating ” the claims .
An attorney for Manning has denied the allegations as did his wife , Melissa .
“ They have absolutely nothing to do with the repugnant Twitter account referenced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media .
They are not members of , nor do they sympathize in any way with , fringe or otherwise prejudicial groups or associations.
” Elizabeth Millender , a lawyer for the family , said in a statement .
The Twitter thread accused Manning of helping make travel arrangements for protestors attending the rally .
This allegedly included helping book flights and make hotel reservations .
The gathering was made up of white supremacists as well as far-right extremists and resulted in the death of counter-protester Heather He yer .
Paul Porter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Manning had quit last Friday .

Racism in American schools is, unfortunately, not all that uncommon. Whether it’s a teacher calling the cops on a student for not switching seats, telling a student to go back to their country or a 6-year-old black girl being sent to a mental institution, teachers have a surprisingly long track record of being trash. That doesn’t make the accusations being levied against a teacher in Lexington, S.C. any less concerning.
Post and Courier reports teacher Tim Manning Jr., quit his job at Pleasant Hill Middle School after a Twitter thread accused him of having neo-Nazi ties. The thread alleged that Manning helped organize the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Va. The Lexington One School District placed Manning on leave last Thursday, a day after the accusations were put online. Mary Beth Hill, a spokeswoman for the district, said that officials were “thoroughly investigating” the claims.
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An attorney for Manning has denied the allegations as did his wife, Melissa. “They have absolutely nothing to do with the repugnant Twitter account referenced in recent blog articles and on social media. They are not members of, nor do they sympathize in any way with, fringe or otherwise prejudicial groups or associations.” Elizabeth Millender, a lawyer for the family, said in a statement.
The Twitter thread accused Manning of helping make travel arrangements for protestors attending the rally. This allegedly included helping book flights and make hotel reservations. The gathering was made up of white supremacists as well as far-right extremists and resulted in the death of counter-protester Heather He yer. Paul Porter, another attorney for the family, confirmed that Manning had quit last Friday.