theroot--2020-07-09--New Video and Audio Footage Connected to the Killing of Breonna Taylor Revealed for First Time

Months after 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by Louisville police officers , new and revealing information is still surfacing .
Newly released audio from interviews conducted during the investigation into Talyor ’ s death shows drastic differences between how one of the officers involved in the shooting was questioned and how Kenneth Walker—Taylor ’ s boyfriend who was arrested at the scene—was handled in questioning .
There ’ s also new footage showing Walker ’ s arrest that night , taken from a neighbor ’ s camera phone and shared publicly by Taylor ’ s sister .
Walker ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from two interviews conducted by investigators .
One audio file is of Walker ’ s interview , the other is that of Sgt .
Jonathan Mattingly , who was shot in the leg during the raid on Taylor ’ s apartment .
The first thing that should raise eyebrows is the timing of each interview .
According to NBC , Mattingly ’ s interview wasn ’ t conducted until almost two weeks after the shooting and with his attorney present .
Walker , on the other hand , was interviewed hours after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to an attorney .
Days after the interview , Walker was indicted on attempted murder charges which were later dismissed .
So Walker was questioned and brought up on charges , all before Mattingly was even questioned .
Then , there are the interviews themselves .
At 4 a.m. , hours after the raid , PIU Sgt .
Amanda Seelye introduces herself to Walker .
She and her colleague Sgt .
Chad Tinnell explain to a tearful Walker that their team is like “ internal affairs.
” “ We investigate officer-involved shootings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re here just to try to find out what happened.
” “ I ’ m scared about what to say , ” Walker says .
She encourages him to sign the Miranda rights waiver and talk .
“ It would be good for you to sign this and then we can get you , get your statement and then we can leave you alone , ” she tells Walker .
He ’ s compliant , later also providing his iPhone passcode when Seelye asks for it .
Walker explained to Seelye why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intruders .
“ It ’ s the middle of the night , ” he said .
“ Somebody is beating on the door and not saying who they are ... What are you going to do ?
“ I know y ’ all have guns at home .
You ’ re going to grab it and be cautious like , ‘ Okay , so what ’ s going on ?
’ You ’ re creeping towards ( the door ) ... ‘ Who is it ?
Who is it ?
’ You don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then the door flies open ?
” Walker also told Seelye that , during his arrest , an officer with a dog told him “ ‘ I ’ m going to let this dog on you , you ’ re going to jail for the rest of your life.
” He also said the officer asked , “ ‘ Did you get hit by any bullets ?
And I ’ m like , ‘ No.
’ He said , ‘ Oh , that ’ s unfortunate.
’ ” Walker also described an interaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told him , while he was in the police car , that there had been some kind of “ misunderstanding.
” “ Why ’ d he say to me that there was a misunderstanding ?
” he asked Seelye .
“ I don ’ t know , ” Seelye responded .
“ That ’ s some new information for us as well.
” “ ’ I ’ m not an idiot , ” Walker said .
“ They figured out something .
They did something wrong.
” Six days later , Seelye testified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In her testimony , she describes the shooting but doesn ’ t mention that Walker told her he thought they were intruders , not police officers .
She also didn ’ t mention anything else the two talked about .
Mattingly got a whole different kind of energy in his interview .
For much of the 40-minute interview , Seelye sat back and listened while Sgt .
Jason Vance—who wasn ’ t involved in the shooting but was , for some reason , present during Mattingly ’ s interview and described the officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way in to serve the warrant ” —told Mattingly that he didn ’ t want to put words in his mouth ... then proceeded to put words in his mouth .
On the audio of the interview , as Seelye listens , Sgt .
Vance steers Mattingly through the moments of the shooting , at times suggesting answers .
Vance asks Mattingly if he immediately dropped to the ground after Walker shot him in the leg .
Mattingly says no — he fired four times at Walker , backed out of the apartment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got out of the game , ” he says .
“ That ’ s kind of like what I was getting to because of your positioning , you know , initially when you ’ re shot — and then rightfully so , you ’ re returning fire , ” says Vance .
“ But you know you just said you made a conscious decision , you know , ‘ I ’ m now injured I need to move , so they can protect themselves and me as well , ’ ” says Vance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want to put words in your mouth ... ” Vance also offers that the apartment ’ s layout made it a “ difficult ” location .
“ You ’ ve got to nearly 20 years of police experience , would you , would you say that the positioning of that apartment , made it extremely difficult ?
” asks Vance .
So basically , one interviewee gets his hand held , while the other gets railroaded .
Anyway , on Wednesday , Taylor ’ s sister Juniyah Palmer shared on Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows Walker ’ s arrest .
According to the Courier-Journal , it ’ s one of the first videos connected to the shooting that has been revealed to the public .
“ Okay , since the police only wanted to share a small clip of what really happened in those moments ill share the full clip !
” Palmer wrote in the post .
“ Let ’ s talk about how Kenny is following orders but literally EVERY officer has their guns pointed at him !
Racism is really spelt [ sic ] @ @ @

Months after 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by Louisville police officers, new and revealing information is still surfacing. Newly released audio from interviews conducted during the investigation into Talyor’s death shows drastic differences between how one of the officers involved in the shooting was questioned and how Kenneth Walker—Taylor’s boyfriend who was arrested at the scene—was handled in questioning. There’s also new footage showing Walker’s arrest that night, taken from a neighbor’s camera phone and shared publicly by Taylor’s sister.
Walker’s attorneys provided NBC News with audio from two interviews conducted by investigators. One audio file is of Walker’s interview, the other is that of Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly, who was shot in the leg during the raid on Taylor’s apartment.
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The first thing that should raise eyebrows is the timing of each interview. According to NBC, Mattingly’s interview wasn’t conducted until almost two weeks after the shooting and with his attorney present. Walker, on the other hand, was interviewed hours after the shooting and was talked into waiving his right to an attorney. Days after the interview, Walker was indicted on attempted murder charges which were later dismissed. So Walker was questioned and brought up on charges, all before Mattingly was even questioned.
Then, there are the interviews themselves.
From NBC News:
At 4 a.m., hours after the raid, PIU Sgt. Amanda Seelye introduces herself to Walker. She and her colleague Sgt. Chad Tinnell explain to a tearful Walker that their team is like “internal affairs.” “We investigate officer-involved shootings,” Seelye says. “We’re here just to try to find out what happened.” “I’m scared about what to say,” Walker says. She encourages him to sign the Miranda rights waiver and talk. “It would be good for you to sign this and then we can get you, get your statement and then we can leave you alone,” she tells Walker. He’s compliant, later also providing his iPhone passcode when Seelye asks for it.
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Walker explained to Seelye why he fired at who he thought were intruders.
“It’s the middle of the night,” he said. “Somebody is beating on the door and not saying who they are...What are you going to do?
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“I know y’all have guns at home. You’re going to grab it and be cautious like, ‘Okay, so what’s going on?’ You’re creeping towards (the door)... ‘Who is it? Who is it?’ You don’t know who it is and then the door flies open?”
Walker also told Seelye that, during his arrest, an officer with a dog told him “‘I’m going to let this dog on you, you’re going to jail for the rest of your life.”
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He also said the officer asked, “‘Did you get hit by any bullets? And I’m like, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Oh, that’s unfortunate.’”
Walker also described an interaction with a plain clothes police officer who told him, while he was in the police car, that there had been some kind of “misunderstanding.”
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“Why’d he say to me that there was a misunderstanding?” he asked Seelye.
“I don’t know,” Seelye responded. “That’s some new information for us as well.”
“’I’m not an idiot,” Walker said. “They figured out something. They did something wrong.”
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Six days later, Seelye testified in front of a grand jury. In her testimony, she describes the shooting but doesn’t mention that Walker told her he thought they were intruders, not police officers. She also didn’t mention anything else the two talked about.
Mattingly got a whole different kind of energy in his interview.
For much of the 40-minute interview, Seelye sat back and listened while Sgt. Jason Vance—who wasn’t involved in the shooting but was, for some reason, present during Mattingly’s interview and described the officers’ approach as “the most passive way in to serve the warrant”—told Mattingly that he didn’t want to put words in his mouth...then proceeded to put words in his mouth.
On the audio of the interview, as Seelye listens, Sgt. Vance steers Mattingly through the moments of the shooting, at times suggesting answers. Vance asks Mattingly if he immediately dropped to the ground after Walker shot him in the leg. Mattingly says no — he fired four times at Walker, backed out of the apartment, fired twice more, then “got out of the game,” he says. “That’s kind of like what I was getting to because of your positioning, you know, initially when you’re shot — and then rightfully so, you’re returning fire,” says Vance. “Mm-hmm,” Mattingly responds. “But you know you just said you made a conscious decision, you know, ‘I’m now injured I need to move, so they can protect themselves and me as well,’” says Vance. “And then — I don’t want to put words in your mouth ...” “No, that’s it,” says Mattingly. Vance also offers that the apartment’s layout made it a “difficult” location. “You’ve got to nearly 20 years of police experience, would you, would you say that the positioning of that apartment, made it extremely difficult?” asks Vance. Mattingly replies, “It wasn’t ideal.”
So basically, one interviewee gets his hand held, while the other gets railroaded.
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Anyway, on Wednesday, Taylor’s sister Juniyah Palmer shared on Instagram a video taken by a neighbor that shows Walker’s arrest. According to the Courier-Journal, it’s one of the first videos connected to the shooting that has been revealed to the public.
“Okay, since the police only wanted to share a small clip of what really happened in those moments ill share the full clip!” Palmer wrote in the post. “Let’s talk about how Kenny is following orders but literally EVERY officer has their guns pointed at him! Racism is really spelt [sic] LMPD.”


theroot--2020-07-09--The Tale of 2 Black Chicago Police Veterans, 1 of Whom Does Not Patrol the Sunken Place

Carmella Means , an attorney and 25-year veteran Chicago police officer , has been taking a lot of heat since last month when a photo we nt viral showing her kneeling in front of the Fraternal Order of Police ’ s headquarters while holding a sign that said , “ Black Lives Matter.
” First , let ’ s acknowledge that “ Fraternal Order of Police ” is the worst supervillain crew name anyone has ever come up with—the Legion of Doom would never .
“ Just because someone wants a better police department or is standing up against corruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , doesn ’ t make them anti-police .
I am pro-police , ” Means told Fox 32 in response to questions about the backlash she ’ s received from fellow officers .
Means cited the 2014 shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald as an example of police corruption .
“ Jason Van Dyke unjustly murdered Laquan McDonald and shot him 16 times .
The FOP fully supported him and gave him a job , ” she said .
Twenty-seven-year veteran Officer Frederick Collins disagrees that an officer can be pro-police while kneeling for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Black—filed charges against Means late last month , claiming that she violated its constitution and bylaws and “ failed to create a spirit of fraternalism and mutual helpfulness among the membership , ” Fox 32 reports .
“ To have organizations that wish us dead , call us the n-word , that destroy stores in our neighborhood , that promote violence ... how could you kneel in support of that type of organization ?
” Collins told FOX 32 , conveniently ignoring the fact that the Black Lives Matter movement , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the death of police officers , that most protests have been peaceful and that protesters aren ’ t the ones commonly calling anyone the n-word .
“ I think that if she had a gripe , the lodge offers you plenty of opportunity to bring anything before the members , ” Collins continued .
“ I ’ ve been out there in the marches , I ’ ve held my fist up , but we aren ’ t going to kneel before anyone but God.
” ( actually , I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let me call him that ) ...
This confused gentleman of the house negro persuasion really needs to stop .
I refuse to believe he ’ s actually ever held his fist up for anything unless it was to punch a Black person for hurting his little fragile blue feelings .
Collins—who I ’ m almost certain was Samuel L. Jackson ’ s stunt-double in Django Unchained—has basically decided that a police officer either needs to be an unconditional part of the blue wall , or they ’ re out of the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain unconvinced that systemic racism in policing is due only to “ a few bad apples.
” Means—who told Fox 32 that she don ’ t even know this nigga ( I ’ m paraphrasing ) —only appears to want police officers in America to do better .
She seems to understand that she can ’ t truly be proud of her profession as long as the entire culture of policing remains inherently racist .
This is the kind of attitude we long to see more of coming from cops .
Instead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dares to speak out either being fired or ostracized by their fellow officers .
These charges brought against Means by Officer Bitchy McWhite-Adjacent shows us nothing different .

Carmella Means, an attorney and 25-year veteran Chicago police officer, has been taking a lot of heat since last month when a photo we nt viral showing her kneeling in front of the Fraternal Order of Police’s headquarters while holding a sign that said, “Black Lives Matter.”
First, let’s acknowledge that “Fraternal Order of Police” is the worst supervillain crew name anyone has ever come up with—the Legion of Doom would never.
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“Just because someone wants a better police department or is standing up against corruption in the police department and police brutality, doesn’t make them anti-police. I am pro-police,” Means told Fox 32 in response to questions about the backlash she’s received from fellow officers.
Means cited the 2014 shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald as an example of police corruption.
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“Jason Van Dyke unjustly murdered Laquan McDonald and shot him 16 times. The FOP fully supported him and gave him a job,” she said.
Twenty-seven-year veteran Officer Frederick Collins disagrees that an officer can be pro-police while kneeling for the cause.
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Collins—who, like Means, is Black—filed charges against Means late last month, claiming that she violated its constitution and bylaws and “failed to create a spirit of fraternalism and mutual helpfulness among the membership,” Fox 32 reports.
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“To have organizations that wish us dead, call us the n-word, that destroy stores in our neighborhood, that promote violence...how could you kneel in support of that type of organization?” Collins told FOX 32, conveniently ignoring the fact that the Black Lives Matter movement, for the most part, has not called for the death of police officers, that most protests have been peaceful and that protesters aren’t the ones commonly calling anyone the n-word.
“I think that if she had a gripe, the lodge offers you plenty of opportunity to bring anything before the members,” Collins continued. “I’ve been out there in the marches, I’ve held my fist up, but we aren’t going to kneel before anyone but God.”
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*Deep sigh*
This coo… (actually, I’m pretty sure my editors won’t let me call him that)...This confused gentleman of the house negro persuasion really needs to stop. I refuse to believe he’s actually ever held his fist up for anything unless it was to punch a Black person for hurting his little fragile blue feelings.
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Collins—who I’m almost certain was Samuel L. Jackson’s stunt-double in Django Unchained—has basically decided that a police officer either needs to be an unconditional part of the blue wall, or they’re out of the club. This is why so many people remain unconvinced that systemic racism in policing is due only to “a few bad apples.”
Means—who told Fox 32 that she don’t even know this nigga (I’m paraphrasing)—only appears to want police officers in America to do better. She seems to understand that she can’t truly be proud of her profession as long as the entire culture of policing remains inherently racist. This is the kind of attitude we long to see more of coming from cops. Instead, what we see is any cop who dares to speak out either being fired or ostracized by their fellow officers.
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These charges brought against Means by Officer Bitchy McWhite-Adjacent shows us nothing different.


theroot--2020-07-09--3 Men and 2 Male Juveniles Arrested in Connection With Killing Rapper Pop Smoke

Three men and two male juvenile s have been arrested in connection with the killing of beloved rapper Pop S moke , according to ABC Los Angeles .
The rapper was shot and killed on Feb. 19 at his Hollywood Hills home .
He was 20 years old .
Los Angeles Police Department Headquarters posted the confirmation of arrest on Twitter Thursday morning , local time .
As New York Daily News reports , LAPD did not release the names of the suspects .
“ LAPD Detectives have arrested three adult males & two juvenile males related to the Feb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York-based rapper known as Pop Smoke .
We will provide further details as they become available , ” the tweet read .
Police initially confirmed a friend of someone located in the house called 911 reporting armed intruders inside .
Authorities did not initially believe the rapper ’ s death was related to a robbery .
The home where the shooting occurred is owned by Edwin Arroyave and his wife Teddi Mellencamp , daughter of Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer John Mellencamp and a star of “ The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the couple had been notified of the shooting at their rental property but knew no more than what they had seen in media reports .
Born Bashar Barakah Jackson , Pop Smoke was laid to rest in his hometown of Brooklyn .

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

Three men and two male juvenile s have been arrested in connection with the killing of beloved rapper Pop S moke, according to ABC Los Angeles. The rapper was shot and killed on Feb. 19 at his Hollywood Hills home. He was 20 years old.
Los Angeles Police Department Headquarters posted the confirmation of arrest on Twitter Thursday morning, local time. As New York Daily News reports, LAPD did not release the names of the suspects.
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“LAPD Detectives have arrested three adult males & two juvenile males related to the Feb 19th murder of Bashar Jackson, a New York-based rapper known as Pop Smoke. We will provide further details as they become available,” the tweet read.
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Police initially confirmed a friend of someone located in the house called 911 reporting armed intruders inside.
ABC further reports:
Authorities did not initially believe the rapper’s death was related to a robbery. The home where the shooting occurred is owned by Edwin Arroyave and his wife Teddi Mellencamp, daughter of Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer John Mellencamp and a star of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Teddi Mellencamp previously said on Instagram that the couple had been notified of the shooting at their rental property but knew no more than what they had seen in media reports.
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Born Bashar Barakah Jackson, Pop Smoke was laid to rest in his hometown of Brooklyn.


theroot--2020-07-09--Trump’s Having a Pretty Rough Day

Trump’s Having a Pretty Rough Day

Trump started off his morning the way that he normally does , he woke to his favorite version of Kendrick Lamar ’ s Alright : Then he asked that South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham be brought into the kicking chamber where he proceeded to kick Graham ’ s shins bloody .
He then drank four 16-ounce ostrich eggs and asked that he be hosed down with orange Skittles paint in the presidential bathroom .
It wasn ’ t until later that things started to go awry .
First , the president learned that the Supreme Court upheld the Manhattan district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s tax return , which is a yuge blow to Trump and his secret business dealings , which are sure to be uncovered .
The court , however , ruled against allowing House Democrats to get their paws on his tax documents despite them wanting to expose his ass for more than a year .
This likely means that Trump will survive his first , and prayerfully only , term in office without showing his taxes to Congress .
CNBC notes that because the ruling is confidential , so the investigation into Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep his business dealings private .
After learning that both Trump Supreme court picks voted against him , Trump punched a kitten in the face and demanded that Kellyanne Conway be brought into his office so that he could stare death in the face .
He then took to Twitter to claim that he ’ s again the victim of a political witch hunt .
He then asked for Rep. Matt Gatez , who was unavailable as he was teaching his adult adopted son , Nestor , whom he didn ’ t adopt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Later , on the same day , New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio , who has a B lack son named Dante , closed down Fifth Avenue so that they could paint a yuge Black Lives Matter mural in the middle of the street directly in front of Trump Tower .
From the New York Times : The public art project was announced last month , and city officials have presented its location as a direct rebuke of Mr. Trump , who has repeatedly denigrated those protesting against systemic racism and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president is a disgrace to the values we cherish in New York City , ” a spokeswoman for Mr. de Blasio said in a statement to the Times .
“ He can ’ t run or deny the reality we are facing , and any time he wants to set foot in the place he claims is his hometown , he should be reminded Black Lives Matter.
” Safe to say that if there are any baby owls , chickens or protesters anywhere near the White House , they should probably evacuate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be looking for someone or something to punch .

Trump started off his morning the way that he normally does, he woke to his favorite version of Kendrick Lamar’s Alright:
Then he asked that South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham be brought into the kicking chamber where he proceeded to kick Graham’s shins bloody. He then drank four 16-ounce ostrich eggs and asked that he be hosed down with orange Skittles paint in the presidential bathroom.
It wasn’t until later that things started to go awry.
First, the president learned that the Supreme Court upheld the Manhattan district attorney’s demand for Trump’s tax return, which is a yuge blow to Trump and his secret business dealings, which are sure to be uncovered. The court, however, ruled against allowing House Democrats to get their paws on his tax documents despite them wanting to expose his ass for more than a year. This likely means that Trump will survive his first, and prayerfully only, term in office without showing his taxes to Congress.
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CNBC notes that because the ruling is confidential, so the investigation into Trump by the Manhattan DA will most likely keep his business dealings private. After learning that both Trump Supreme court picks voted against him, Trump punched a kitten in the face and demanded that Kellyanne Conway be brought into his office so that he could stare death in the face. He then took to Twitter to claim that he’s again the victim of a political witch hunt.
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He then asked for Rep. Matt Gatez, who was unavailable as he was teaching his adult adopted son, Nestor, whom he didn’t adopt, how to shave his back hair.
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Later, on the same day, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who has a B lack son named Dante, closed down Fifth Avenue so that they could paint a yuge Black Lives Matter mural in the middle of the street directly in front of Trump Tower.
From the New York Times:
The public art project was announced last month, and city officials have presented its location as a direct rebuke of Mr. Trump, who has repeatedly denigrated those protesting against systemic racism and police brutality in recent weeks. “The president is a disgrace to the values we cherish in New York City,” a spokeswoman for Mr. de Blasio said in a statement to the Times. “He can’t run or deny the reality we are facing, and any time he wants to set foot in the place he claims is his hometown, he should be reminded Black Lives Matter.”
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Safe to say that if there are any baby owls, chickens or protesters anywhere near the White House, they should probably evacuate now as the president is going to be looking for someone or something to punch.


theroot--2020-07-09--The Row Must Go On: Nike & Harlem's Fashion Row Make Their Designer Retreat Virtual With Support Fro

The Row Must Go On: Nike & Harlem's Fashion Row Make Their Designer Retreat Virtual With Support From the CFDA

The outbreak and ongoing threat of COVID-19 have taken much from us these past few months—and the future still holds much uncertainty .
But as we move forward in our still-evolving new normal , some are rising to meet the moment better than others .
Take , for instance , our friends at Harlem ’ s Fashion Row : in May , founder and CEO Brandice Daniel built upon HFR ’ s founding mission to support , elevate and provide a platform for emerging Black fashion designers and talents by launching the nonprofit initiative ICON 360 , hosting a virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling amid this ongoing crisis .
Once again proving adept at attracting and aligning major brand partners with its efforts , Icon 360 's launch was co-sponsored by Gap , Ciroc , Nike , and Shea Moisture .
“ As a fashion community , we have an incredible opportunity to help scale the businesses of designers who are thriving even in the middle of a pandemic , ” Daniel said in May of the newly-formed nonprofit .
And HFR ’ s efforts paid handsomely , garnering “ copious donations received from the largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a press release sent to The Glow Up .
The funding , which includes a $ 1 million donation from The VOGUE/CFDA Common Thread Fund is enabling HFR to make its 2nd annual Designer Retreat with partner Nike a virtual one , taking place over three days from July 15 to July 17 .
ICON 360 , the subsidiary of HFR , created to support brands through global crises , is gearing up to host 75 black and indigenous designers of color for the company ’ s second Virtual Designer Retreat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from NIKE , designers will learn key strategies to grow their businesses and compete for a grant through ICON 360 .
The exponential growth ICON 360 has experienced through the challenges of a global pandemic has also brought on much awareness .
The VOGUE/CFDA Common Thread Fund recently donated $ 1 million to the ICON 360 grant .
This will allow designers in all stages of business to seek opportunities with an organization committed to furthering the advancement of diversity in fashion .
During the virtual retreat , Brandice Daniel , Founder of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the $ 1 million donation will be distributed .
“ We have always taken pride in creating an avenue for Black designers to learn the industry by talking directly to leading fashion insiders , ” said Daniel in a statement .
“ This year is especially important because our designers will present their collections as well for a chance to win a grant to help their business even further.
” Topics on the itinerary during the three-day virtual retreat include discussions in “ Effective Marketing Post-Pandemic ” and “ Setting Brand Direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dinner with Nike , ” with the title sponsor supplying retreat guests with an appropriately socially distanced dinner via food-delivery apps .
Scheduled guest speakers include designers Ralph Lauren , Donna Karan and Tracy Reese ; fashion reporter Teri Agins ; celebrity stylist Wouri Vice ; Vogue.com Fashion Editor Chioma Nnadi ; plus many more in attendance .
Additionally , the second annual event will feature a competition in which two attending designers will each receive a $ 10,000 grant .
In addition to Nike , other supporting sponsors include Gap Inc. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designer children ’ s brand Janie and Jack , which donated an additional $ 25,000 to ICON 360 .
Modeling and creative agency IMG and the CFDA ( the Council of Fashion Designers of America ) are also continuing their support of HFR ’ s mission .
“ We are very excited about the potential of this event and how uniting it is going to be for everyone in our fashion community , ” says Daniel of the retreat ’ s new format .
“ We are encouraging those interested to tune in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminds us , “ Harlem ’ s Fashion Row has defined artistic , cultural , and social trends for the past 12 years , and helped launch the careers of countless influential designers and countless others who have made their debut with HFR.
” Interested ?
Designers can learn more about ICON 360 and its guidelines on the HFR website .

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

The outbreak and ongoing threat of COVID-19 have taken much from us these past few months—and the future still holds much uncertainty. But as we move forward in our still-evolving new normal, some are rising to meet the moment better than others. Take, for instance, our friends at Harlem’s Fashion Row: in May, founder and CEO Brandice Daniel built upon HFR’s founding mission to support, elevate and provide a platform for emerging Black fashion designers and talents by launching the nonprofit initiative ICON 360, hosting a virtual fundraiser and providing grants to industry creatives struggling amid this ongoing crisis. Once again proving adept at attracting and aligning major brand partners with its efforts, Icon 360's launch was co-sponsored by Gap, Ciroc, Nike, and Shea Moisture.
“As a fashion community, we have an incredible opportunity to help scale the businesses of designers who are thriving even in the middle of a pandemic,” Daniel said in May of the newly-formed nonprofit.
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And HFR’s efforts paid handsomely, garnering “copious donations received from the largest leaders in the fashion industry,” according to a press release sent to The Glow Up. The funding, which includes a $1 million donation from The VOGUE/CFDA Common Thread Fund is enabling HFR to make its 2nd annual Designer Retreat with partner Nike a virtual one, taking place over three days from July 15 to July 17.
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Per a statement from Harlem’s Fashion Row:
ICON 360, the subsidiary of HFR, created to support brands through global crises, is gearing up to host 75 black and indigenous designers of color for the company’s second Virtual Designer Retreat in July 2020. With generous support from NIKE, designers will learn key strategies to grow their businesses and compete for a grant through ICON 360. The exponential growth ICON 360 has experienced through the challenges of a global pandemic has also brought on much awareness. The VOGUE/CFDA Common Thread Fund recently donated $1 million to the ICON 360 grant. This will allow designers in all stages of business to seek opportunities with an organization committed to furthering the advancement of diversity in fashion. During the virtual retreat, Brandice Daniel, Founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row will announce how the $1 million donation will be distributed.
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“We have always taken pride in creating an avenue for Black designers to learn the industry by talking directly to leading fashion insiders,” said Daniel in a statement. “This year is especially important because our designers will present their collections as well for a chance to win a grant to help their business even further.”
Topics on the itinerary during the three-day virtual retreat include discussions in “Effective Marketing Post-Pandemic” and “Setting Brand Direction” and also feature a virtual “Dinner with Nike,” with the title sponsor supplying retreat guests with an appropriately socially distanced dinner via food-delivery apps. Scheduled guest speakers include designers Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan and Tracy Reese; fashion reporter Teri Agins; celebrity stylist Wouri Vice; Vogue.com Fashion Editor Chioma Nnadi; plus many more in attendance.
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Additionally, the second annual event will feature a competition in which two attending designers will each receive a $10,000 grant. In addition to Nike, other supporting sponsors include Gap Inc., Diageo, Macy’s, and designer children’s brand Janie and Jack, which donated an additional $25,000 to ICON 360. Modeling and creative agency IMG and the CFDA (the Council of Fashion Designers of America) are also continuing their support of HFR’s mission.
“We are very excited about the potential of this event and how uniting it is going to be for everyone in our fashion community,” says Daniel of the retreat’s new format. “We are encouraging those interested to tune in later this month.”
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As the release reminds us, “Harlem’s Fashion Row has defined artistic, cultural, and social trends for the past 12 years, and helped launch the careers of countless influential designers and countless others who have made their debut with HFR.” Interested? Designers can learn more about ICON 360 and its guidelines on the HFR website.


theroot--2020-07-09--Georgia U.S. Senate Candidate Rev. Raphael Warnock Explains How Trump's Presidency Challenges His Fa

Georgia U.S. Senate Candidate Rev. Raphael Warnock Explains How Trump's Presidency Challenges His Faith

As pastor of Atlanta ’ s Ebenezer Baptist Church , Rev .
Raphael Warnock often gets asked what it is like to preach in the same pulpit as Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. and his response is always the same : “ I don ’ t know what it ’ s like to fill his shoes because I ’ ve never tried.
” But one person ’ s shoes Warnock is sure he can replace , in fact , are those of current U.S .
Senator Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) , who he hopes to defeat in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in November .
It is important to note that , because this is a special election , Warnock was not on the ballot in Georgia ’ s June primary .
Loeffler was appointed to finish John Isakson ’ s term in 2020 after he resigned in 2019 for health reasons .
Now , Warnock is campaigning against her to fill that seat with current polls showing him as the top Democratic contender in a race with 20 other candidates of both parties .
If no one garners more than 50 percent of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face each other in a runoff in January 2021 .
Rep. Doug Collins , a key Trump ally , is the other top Republican in the race .
Warnock talked to The Root about how his Christian faith informs his politics around healthcare , policing , Trump the LGBTQ+ community , which he fully supports and says the church should as well , and his views around women ’ s reproductive rights , which he says she be protected .
What the full video above .

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-07-09--Trump’s Sleazeball Former Lawyer Michael Cohen Is Going Back Home, and by Home, I Mean Prison

When Black folks talk about the power of whiteness , what they are referring to are folks like Michael Cohen .
Cohen used to be President Trump ’ s personal fixer and when that didn ’ t work for him anymore , he ratted the president out .
In 2018 , Cohen was given three years in prison for campaign finance violations , tax evasion and some other charges , but it didn ’ t matter .
A fter serving only a year of his sentence , Cohen was released early because his precious white lungs couldn ’ t dare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even without the president ’ s help , Cohen was still able to secure home confinement .
Well , all of that ended Thursday as Cohen was taken back into custody for being a dumbass and violating his early release from prison after he was spotted in New York City eating out during a fucking pandemic .
ABC News notes that “ Cohen admitted to violating campaign finance laws over payments made to women who alleged having affairs with Trump years before his 2016 presidential campaign , and he admitted lying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real estate project Trump and his company pursued while Trump was trying to secure the Republican nomination for president.
” And now this dumbass sleazeball is back in prison probably trying to remember what he ate that night and whether any of it was worth his freedom .
This story is breaking .
Please check back for updates .

When Black folks talk about the power of whiteness, what they are referring to are folks like Michael Cohen. Cohen used to be President Trump’s personal fixer and when that didn’t work for him anymore, he ratted the president out. In 2018, Cohen was given three years in prison for campaign finance violations, tax evasion and some other charges, but it didn’t matter. A fter serving only a year of his sentence, Cohen was released early because his precious white lungs couldn’t dare handle the sickness that comes with COVID-19. Even without the president’s help, Cohen was still able to secure home confinement.
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Well, all of that ended Thursday as Cohen was taken back into custody for being a dumbass and violating his early release from prison after he was spotted in New York City eating out during a fucking pandemic.
ABC News notes that “Cohen admitted to violating campaign finance laws over payments made to women who alleged having affairs with Trump years before his 2016 presidential campaign, and he admitted lying to Congress while under oath about a Moscow real estate project Trump and his company pursued while Trump was trying to secure the Republican nomination for president.”
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And now this dumbass sleazeball is back in prison probably trying to remember what he ate that night and whether any of it was worth his freedom.
This story is breaking. Please check back for updates.


theroot--2020-07-09--Classy, Bougie, Ratchet—and Anime: Megan Thee Stallion Debuts a 'Savage'-Inspired Collab With Crunch

Classy, Bougie, Ratchet—and Anime: Megan Thee Stallion Debuts a 'Savage'-Inspired Collab With Crunchyroll

If you ’ re a “ Savage , ” now you can say it with your chest .
It ’ s no secret that Megan Thee Stallion loves her some anime ; if her animated video for her hit single “ Savage ” didn ’ t tip us off , a perfunctory Google search of her name paired with “ anime ” instantly produces dozen of citations .
We ’ ve even previously documented it here at The Glow Up during Megan ’ s first “ Hot Girl Summer ” last year as she created the hybrid character “ Todoroki @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paper Magazine .
In fact , anime references are all up and through Thee Stallion ’ s growing body of work , so it shouldn ’ t come as a huge surprise that for her second Hot Girl Summer ( yes , it ’ s still on—aren ’ t you hot under these masks ? )
, she collaborated with Crunchyroll , the world ’ s most popular anime brand , to create a capsule collection of merch based on her very own animated image for their in-house streetwear line CR Loves .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Megan worked closely with their team on her exclusive “ Savage ” line from CR Loves .
“ The collection captures the animated glory of the official ‘ Savage ’ music video with six exclusively designed pieces : two t-shirts , two hoodies , one long-sleeve shirt , and one tote bag , ” they tease .
And all you Hotties can pony up for Thee Stallion right now , as the collection is available for pre-order from July 9 to July 20 .
Want to hear more about how anime has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Check out her interview with Crunchyroll—and hear about her anime crushes—below .

If you’re a “Savage,” now you can say it with your chest. It’s no secret that Megan Thee Stallion loves her some anime; if her animated video for her hit single “Savage” didn’t tip us off, a perfunctory Google search of her name paired with “anime” instantly produces dozen of citations. We’ve even previously documented it here at The Glow Up during Megan’s first “Hot Girl Summer” last year as she created the hybrid character “Todoroki Tina” for a cover story for Paper Magazine.
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In fact, anime references are all up and through Thee Stallion’s growing body of work, so it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that for her second Hot Girl Summer (yes, it’s still on—aren’t you hot under these masks?), she collaborated with Crunchyroll, the world’s most popular anime brand, to create a capsule collection of merch based on her very own animated image for their in-house streetwear line CR Loves.
As the brand told The Glow Up, Megan worked closely with their team on her exclusive “Savage” line from CR Loves. “The collection captures the animated glory of the official ‘Savage’ music video with six exclusively designed pieces: two t-shirts, two hoodies, one long-sleeve shirt, and one tote bag,” they tease. And all you Hotties can pony up for Thee Stallion right now, as the collection is available for pre-order from July 9 to July 20.
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Photo : Crunchyroll Photo : Crunchyroll Photo : Crunchyroll Photo : Crunchyroll 1 / 4
Want to hear more about how anime has influenced Thee Stallion’s outlook? Check out her interview with Crunchyroll—and hear about her anime crushes—below.


theroot--2020-07-09--A Little Help From My (Black) Friends: A Reboot of The Wonder Years Featuring a Black Family Is Comi

A Little Help From My (Black) Friends: A Reboot of The Wonder Years Featuring a Black Family Is Coming to ABC

“ What would you do if I sang outta tune ?
” Well , if I do it in front of a Black family , I ’ ll probably get roasted—followed by being accused of clapping on the 1 and 3 .
Speaking of Black families , we have another reboot on our hands !
This time , it ’ s The Wonder Years .
That ’ s right , the popular and beloved coming-of-age TV show that aired from 1988-1993 will be rebooted as a half-hour comedy and returning to its original home at ABC .
This time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following a Black family .
Here are the new show ’ s deets , from a press release via ABC sent to The Root : So , it looks like the upcoming show will be set in the same time period as the original , but of course , following a Black family during that time period means there ’ s a completely different set of aspects and themes to explore .
Saladin K. Patterson ( The Big Bang Theory , Frasier , The Bernie Mac Show ) will write the script as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also executive produce along with his Lee Daniels Entertainment banner president Marc Velez .
And for the purists out there , the original star of the show , Fred Savage , will be involved in this reboot as executive producer and director ( speaking of , Savage has been racking up TV director credits for many years now ) .
Plus , the original series co-creator Neal Marlens will serve as a consultant for the reboot .
It ’ s been nearly 30 years since The Wonder Years stopped airing after its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who need a refresher on the original show and its accomplishments , The Hollywood Reporter has got you covered : The Wonder Years ran for six seasons between 1988 and 1993 .
Savage starred as Kevin Arnold , a teen growing up with his middle-class family in the suburbs , though exactly where was never revealed .
The series earned a prestigious Peabody Award and an Emmy for best comedy after its first season .
Savage at 13 also became the youngest actor ever nominated for a lead actor in a comedy series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dan Lauria , Alley Mills , Olivia d ’ Abo , Jason Hervey and Josh Saviano co-starred , with Daniel Stern providing the show ’ s trademark narration as a grown-up Kevin .
Will we get an epic young Black romance just like Kevin and Winnie ( originally portrayed by Danica McKellar ) ?
Will the matriarch and patriarch ask the kids whether they have McDonald ’ s money or tell them that they “ smell like outside ” ?
Though I am hesitant about this trend of Hollywood hopping on a bandwagon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show or film to showcase how progressive they are ( instead of creating more opportunities for Black-created original content ) , I am , at the very least , intrigued to see how this goes , since I did watch the original series ( and believe the Joe Cocker remake of The Beatles song for the theme is far superior ) .
The Wonder Years reboot is expected to air during the 2021-22 television season .

“What would you do if I sang outta tune?” Well, if I do it in front of a Black family, I’ll probably get roasted—followed by being accused of clapping on the 1 and 3.
Speaking of Black families, we have another reboot on our hands! This time, it’s The Wonder Years. That’s right, the popular and beloved coming-of-age TV show that aired from 1988-1993 will be rebooted as a half-hour comedy and returning to its original home at ABC. This time, though, the newer version will be following a Black family.
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Here are the new show’s deets, from a press release via ABC sent to The Root:
How a B lack middle class family in Montgomery, Alabama in the turbulent late 1960’s, the same era as the original series, made sure it was The Wonder Years for them too.
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So, it looks like the upcoming show will be set in the same time period as the original, but of course, following a Black family during that time period means there’s a completely different set of aspects and themes to explore. Saladin K. Patterson (The Big Bang Theory, Frasier, The Bernie Mac Show) will write the script as well as executive produce. Lee Daniels will also executive produce along with his Lee Daniels Entertainment banner president Marc Velez. And for the purists out there, the original star of the show, Fred Savage, will be involved in this reboot as executive producer and director (speaking of, Savage has been racking up TV director credits for many years now). Plus, the original series co-creator Neal Marlens will serve as a consultant for the reboot.
It’s been nearly 30 years since The Wonder Years stopped airing after its six-season run. For those of you who need a refresher on the original show and its accomplishments, The Hollywood Reporter has got you covered:
The Wonder Years ran for six seasons between 1988 and 1993. Savage starred as Kevin Arnold, a teen growing up with his middle-class family in the suburbs, though exactly where was never revealed. The series earned a prestigious Peabody Award and an Emmy for best comedy after its first season. Savage at 13 also became the youngest actor ever nominated for a lead actor in a comedy series Emmy in 1988. Danica McKellar, Dan Lauria, Alley Mills, Olivia d’Abo, Jason Hervey and Josh Saviano co-starred, with Daniel Stern providing the show’s trademark narration as a grown-up Kevin.
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Will we get an epic young Black romance just like Kevin and Winnie (originally portrayed by Danica McKellar)? Will the matriarch and patriarch ask the kids whether they have McDonald’s money or tell them that they “smell like outside”? Though I am hesitant about this trend of Hollywood hopping on a bandwagon to “Blackify” an originally white-led show or film to showcase how progressive they are (instead of creating more opportunities for Black-created original content), I am, at the very least, intrigued to see how this goes, since I did watch the original series (and believe the Joe Cocker remake of The Beatles song for the theme is far superior).
The Wonder Years reboot is expected to air during the 2021-22 television season.


theroot--2020-07-09--Other States Are Leading America in the Number of COVID-19 Cases. Florida: Hold My Beer!

Florida doesn ’ t just lead American in inventiveness , like the 450-pound Florida man who hid coke and pot under his own fat folds , or the Florida man who hid $ 400 in his rectum .
Florida just couldn ’ t stand that other states were leading America in the number of COVID-19 cases , so Florida does what Florida always does : It got busy losing .
Florida is now the global epicenter in the latest coronavirus surge and it has its governor , Ron DeSantis , a real-life version of Gomer Pyle except not as bright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump lackey .
He hangs from the president ’ s fat tie just waiting to show him how much of a team player he is .
As coronavirus was running through America like a timed NASCAR lap , DeSantis was one of the last states to issue a stay-at-home order and one of the first to reopen .
Trump praised Gomer DeSantis for not allowing fear to prevent him from reopening his state and its beaches .
And on Wednesday , Florida reported nearly 10,000 new cases , the Hill reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the test positivity rate has been above 14 percent for more than a week , ” according to the Hill .
“ Adding to the trouble , hospitals across the state are running out of beds in the intensive care units , although state officials say there is still plenty of capacity and hospitals have the ability to add surge beds.
” Because DeSantis is what happens when you allow a state like Florida , which leads the world in women claiming to be from imaginary nations and therefore allowed “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hold elections , DeSantis refuses to “ release data on daily hospitalizations , despite pledging to do so , ” making Florida another leader as the only state that doesn ’ t publicly release that information , the Hill reports .
The Hill notes that while Florida isn ’ t the only state to see an uptick in its coronavirus numbers , the state has had one of the worst outbreaks the country has seen since COVID-19 came through and crushed the buildings .
DeSantis , surely taking his cues from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seriousness of the virus and the impact the outbreak is having on his state , noting that many of the new cases are young people who have the ability to overcome the illness .
“ There ’ s no need to be fearful , ” DeSantis said Monday , according to the Hill .
“ Young people don ’ t live in a bubble , ” Richard Oberhelman , associate dean for global health at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans told the Hill .
“ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have interactions with work colleagues , and so there are opportunities for spread .
And we know that there ’ s a lot of a more asymptomatic transmission than we appreciate , ” Oberhelman said .

Florida doesn’t just lead American in inventiveness, like the 450-pound Florida man who hid coke and pot under his own fat folds, or the Florida man who hid $400 in his rectum. Florida just couldn’t stand that other states were leading America in the number of COVID-19 cases, so Florida does what Florida always does: It got busy losing.
Florida is now the global epicenter in the latest coronavirus surge and it has its governor, Ron DeSantis, a real-life version of Gomer Pyle except not as bright, to blame. DeSantis is a Trump lackey. He hangs from the president’s fat tie just waiting to show him how much of a team player he is. As coronavirus was running through America like a timed NASCAR lap, DeSantis was one of the last states to issue a stay-at-home order and one of the first to reopen.
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Trump praised Gomer DeSantis for not allowing fear to prevent him from reopening his state and its beaches. And on Wednesday, Florida reported nearly 10,000 new cases, the Hill reports.
“There are nearly 220,500 positive cases statewide, and the test positivity rate has been above 14 percent for more than a week,” according to the Hill.
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“Adding to the trouble, hospitals across the state are running out of beds in the intensive care units, although state officials say there is still plenty of capacity and hospitals have the ability to add surge beds.”
Because DeSantis is what happens when you allow a state like Florida, which leads the world in women claiming to be from imaginary nations and therefore allowed “diplomatic immunity” from traffic laws, to hold elections, DeSantis refuses to “release data on daily hospitalizations, despite pledging to do so,” making Florida another leader as the only state that doesn’t publicly release that information, the Hill reports.
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The Hill notes that while Florida isn’t the only state to see an uptick in its coronavirus numbers, the state has had one of the worst outbreaks the country has seen since COVID-19 came through and crushed the buildings.
DeSantis, surely taking his cues from the president, continues to downplay both the seriousness of the virus and the impact the outbreak is having on his state, noting that many of the new cases are young people who have the ability to overcome the illness.
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“There’s no need to be fearful,” DeSantis said Monday, according to the Hill.
“Young people don’t live in a bubble,” Richard Oberhelman, associate dean for global health at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans told the Hill.
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“They have interactions with their parents, they have interactions with work colleagues, and so there are opportunities for spread. And we know that there’s a lot of a more asymptomatic transmission than we appreciate,” Oberhelman said.


theroot--2020-07-09--‘Y’all, I’m Going to Die Here’: New Transcripts Reveal That George Floyd Repeatedly Warned Officers

‘Y’all, I’m Going to Die Here’: New Transcripts Reveal That George Floyd Repeatedly Warned Officers They Were Killing Him

Here ’ s a thing that the “ Blue Lives Matter ” advocates simply don ’ t understand or choose to ignore : We live in a country where trained police officers are afforded the benefit of the doubt when using excessive force as long as they claim they were in fear for their lives , while untrained Black civilians are expected to be composed and immediately cooperative no matter how afraid we are .
Fear on Black people looks like suspicious behavior while , for a cop , it ’ s considered a part of the job that officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been nearly two months since George Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody , sparking one of the largest waves of Black Lives Matter protests the world has ever seen .
Transcripts from the body camera footage taken that day were released Wednesday , and what they reveal is that Floyd was terrified from the moment officers confronted him .
It also shows that he warned officers many , many times that he couldn ’ t breathe , that he had trauma-induced fear after being shot by a cop in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 and that he was certain he was about to die .
The Washington Post reports that transcripts were taken from the body-cams worn by former officers J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas K. Lane—two of the three officers who are charged with aiding and abetting murder in the second-degree for helping Derek Chauvin restrain Floyd in a way that allegedly caused his death .
The footage was disclosed in court Wednesday as Lane ’ s attorney argued there isn ’ t sufficient evidence that his client committed a crime .
As you may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 911 call from Cup Foods reporting that Floyd tried to pay the grocery store with a counterfeit $ 20 bill .
When they arrived at the scene , Floyd was in a car with two others .
The audio transcript shows that Lane ordered Floyd to show his hands multiple times before drawing his gun .
Floyd responded , “ I ’ m sorry , I ’ m sorry !
I didn ’ t do nothing !
What did I do though ?
What did we do , Mr .
Officer ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m so sorry , ” Floyd continued .
“ God dang man .
Man , I got shot .
I got shot the same way , Mr .
Officer , before .
Mr .
Officer , please don ’ t shoot me .
Please man.
” “ I ’ m not going to shoot you , ” Lane responded .
As Floyd stepped out of the car , Shawanda Renee Hill , one of the witnesses who were in the car , warned Floyd to stop resisting .
Lane reportedly asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squirrelly and not showing us his hands and just being all weird like that ?
” Hill told Lane Floyd had been shot by police before .
“ No , he got a thing going on , I ’ m telling you , about the police , ” Hill told Lane after being asked if Floyd was under the influence of anything .
“ He have problems all the time when they come , especially when that man put that gun like that.
” Floyd repeatedly begged Lane and Kueng not to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s “ claustrophobic ” and had “ anxiety.
” “ Y ’ all , I ’ m going to die in here , ” Floyd told them .
“ I just had COVID man , don ’ t want to go back to that.
” Things got worse once Chauvin and former officer Tou Thao arrived on the scene .
Floyd began to bleed from the mouth , after bumping his head inside the vehicle , and Lane called emergency medical help to the scene .
Floyd began to complain that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just had COVID , man , ” Floyd said .
“ I can ’ t breathe .
I can ’ t breathe .
Please one of you listen to me.
” Chauvin asked whether Floyd was going to jail , and the officers pulled him from the car .
“ Get him down on the ground , ” Chauvin said .
The transcripts show Floyd continued to complain that he couldn ’ t breathe and called out for his mother .
The officers restrained him on the ground — Lane at his feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at his head .
“ You ’ re under arrest guy , ” Chauvin told him .
“ All right , all right .
Oh my god .
I can ’ t believe this .
I can ’ t believe this , ” Floyd said .
“ Mama , I love you .
.
.
Tell my kids I love them .
I ’ m dead.
” As the officers held Floyd to the ground , Chauvin asked the other officers whether Floyd was “ high.
” Kueng told him they ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd again told the officers he couldn ’ t breathe .
“ You ’ re doing fine .
You ’ re talking fine , ” Kueng said , as Lane told him to take a “ deep breath ” and Chauvin told him to “ relax.
” “ Uh huh , ” Chauvin replied .
“ You ’ re doing a lot of talking , a lot of yelling.
” “ They going to kill me , ” Floyd said .
“ They ’ re going to kill me man.
” “ Takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say that , ” Chauvin said .
So while Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd ’ s neck for almost nine minutes , Floyd told him over and over again that he couldn ’ t breathe .
Chauvin basically told him his ability to speak proved he could .
Last month , The Root reported that a study conducted by the New York Times showed at least 70 people—most of whom were Black—complained that they couldn ’ t breathe before dying in police custody .
The study shows that in many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleas were ignored because cops decided that if they can talk , they can breathe .
What the newly released transcripts show is that Floyd had no intention of resisting arrest , but he was terrified that he was going to be killed—a fear that is completely understandable considering the fact that it ’ s exactly what happened .

Here’s a thing that the “Blue Lives Matter” advocates simply don’t understand or choose to ignore: We live in a country where trained police officers are afforded the benefit of the doubt when using excessive force as long as they claim they were in fear for their lives, while untrained Black civilians are expected to be composed and immediately cooperative no matter how afraid we are. Fear on Black people looks like suspicious behavior while, for a cop, it’s considered a part of the job that officers should be commended for enduring.
It’s been nearly two months since George Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody, sparking one of the largest waves of Black Lives Matter protests the world has ever seen. Transcripts from the body camera footage taken that day were released Wednesday, and what they reveal is that Floyd was terrified from the moment officers confronted him. It also shows that he warned officers many, many times that he couldn’t breathe, that he had trauma-induced fear after being shot by a cop in the past, that he was previously sick from COVID-19 and that he was certain he was about to die.
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The Washington Post reports that transcripts were taken from the body-cams worn by former officers J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas K. Lane—two of the three officers who are charged with aiding and abetting murder in the second-degree for helping Derek Chauvin restrain Floyd in a way that allegedly caused his death. The footage was disclosed in court Wednesday as Lane’s attorney argued there isn’t sufficient evidence that his client committed a crime.
As you may already know, the officers responded to a 911 call from Cup Foods reporting that Floyd tried to pay the grocery store with a counterfeit $20 bill. When they arrived at the scene, Floyd was in a car with two others. The audio transcript shows that Lane ordered Floyd to show his hands multiple times before drawing his gun. Floyd responded, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I didn’t do nothing! What did I do though? What did we do, Mr. Officer?”
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“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” Floyd continued. “God dang man. Man, I got shot. I got shot the same way, Mr. Officer, before. Mr. Officer, please don’t shoot me. Please man.”
“I’m not going to shoot you,” Lane responded.
As Floyd stepped out of the car, Shawanda Renee Hill, one of the witnesses who were in the car, warned Floyd to stop resisting. Lane reportedly asked Hill why Floyd was “getting all squirrelly and not showing us his hands and just being all weird like that?” Hill told Lane Floyd had been shot by police before.
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“No, he got a thing going on, I’m telling you, about the police,” Hill told Lane after being asked if Floyd was under the influence of anything. “He have problems all the time when they come, especially when that man put that gun like that.”
Floyd repeatedly begged Lane and Kueng not to put him in the police car because he’s “claustrophobic” and had “anxiety.”
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“Y’all, I’m going to die in here,” Floyd told them. “I just had COVID man, don’t want to go back to that.”
Things got worse once Chauvin and former officer Tou Thao arrived on the scene.
From the Post:
Floyd began to bleed from the mouth, after bumping his head inside the vehicle, and Lane called emergency medical help to the scene. Floyd began to complain that he couldn’t breathe. “I just had COVID, man,” Floyd said. “I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe. Please one of you listen to me.” Chauvin asked whether Floyd was going to jail, and the officers pulled him from the car. “Get him down on the ground,” Chauvin said. The transcripts show Floyd continued to complain that he couldn’t breathe and called out for his mother. The officers restrained him on the ground — Lane at his feet, Kueng at his back and Chauvin at his head. “You’re under arrest guy,” Chauvin told him. “All right, all right. Oh my god. I can’t believe this. I can’t believe this,” Floyd said. “Mama, I love you . . . Tell my kids I love them. I’m dead.” “You’re doing a lot of talking, man,” Chauvin replied. As the officers held Floyd to the ground, Chauvin asked the other officers whether Floyd was “high.” Kueng told him they’d found “a pipe on him.” Floyd again told the officers he couldn’t breathe. “You’re doing fine. You’re talking fine,” Kueng said, as Lane told him to take a “deep breath” and Chauvin told him to “relax.” “My neck hurts,” Floyd said. “Uh huh,” Chauvin replied. “You’re doing a lot of talking, a lot of yelling.” “They going to kill me,” Floyd said. “They’re going to kill me man.” “Takes a heck of a lot of oxygen to say that,” Chauvin said.
So while Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes, Floyd told him over and over again that he couldn’t breathe. Chauvin basically told him his ability to speak proved he could.
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Last month, The Root reported that a study conducted by the New York Times showed at least 70 people—most of whom were Black—complained that they couldn’t breathe before dying in police custody. The study shows that in many of those cases, the suspect’s pleas were ignored because cops decided that if they can talk, they can breathe.
What the newly released transcripts show is that Floyd had no intention of resisting arrest, but he was terrified that he was going to be killed—a fear that is completely understandable considering the fact that it’s exactly what happened.


theroot--2020-07-09--Mariah Carey to Release her Memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, Later This Year

Mariah Carey is a living legend we ’ re sure has a ton of stories to tell , and she ’ s going to open up about her life experiences with the release of her memoir—of an “ imperfect angel , ” we presume .
The Meaning of Mariah Carey is slated to drop on September 29th on Andy Cohen ’ s imprint at Henry Holt & Company , while the audiobook , undoubtedly read by “ Mimi ” herself , will be released on Audible , according to Rolling Stone .
In an Instagram post sent out on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detail her life story for her fans , writing that it took her “ a lifetime to have the courage and the clarity ” to lay it all out on the table .
“ I want to tell the story of the moments—the ups and downs , the triumphs and traumas , the debacles and the dreams that contributed to the person I am today , ’ she continues .
“ Though there have been countless stories about me throughout my career and very public personal life , it ’ s been impossible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my experience in any single magazine article or a ten-minute television interview.
” Carey rose to fame as a singer and songwriter in 1990 with the release of her self-titled debut album .
Since then , her name has become a household one , thanks to her impressive vocal range and string of No .
1 ’ s in four distinct decades , including “ Hero , ” “ One Sweet Day , ” “ We Belong Together , ” and “ All I Want For Christmas Is You , ” which topped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 25 years after its release .
She has the most No .
1 singles of any female solo artist , female producer , and female songwriter in history , with 19 .
It was announced earlier this year that she will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame .
Outside of her musical achievements , during her rise , Carey ’ s personal life has also frequently been the subject of conversation .
She suffered a highly-publicized hospitalization in 2001 , the result of an “ emotional and physical breakdown.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was widely regarded as a critical and commercial flop .
She has also been accused of diva-like behavior throughout the decades .
“ Writing this memoir was incredibly hard , humbling , and healing , ” she wrote of her forthcoming release , written in collaboration with veteran fashion journalist and activist Michaela Angela Davis .
“ My sincere hope is that you are moved to a new understanding , not only about me , but also about the resilience of the human spirit.
” When this book hits shelves , trust that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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

Mariah Carey is a living legend we’re sure has a ton of stories to tell, and she’s going to open up about her life experiences with the release of her memoir—of an “imperfect angel,” we presume. The Meaning of Mariah Carey is slated to drop on September 29th on Andy Cohen’s imprint at Henry Holt & Company, while the audiobook, undoubtedly read by “Mimi” herself, will be released on Audible, according to Rolling Stone.
In an Instagram post sent out on Wednesday, Carey posted about her decision to detail her life story for her fans, writing that it took her “a lifetime to have the courage and the clarity” to lay it all out on the table.
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“I want to tell the story of the moments—the ups and downs, the triumphs and traumas, the debacles and the dreams that contributed to the person I am today,’ she continues. “Though there have been countless stories about me throughout my career and very public personal life, it’s been impossible to communicate the complexities and depths of my experience in any single magazine article or a ten-minute television interview.”
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Carey rose to fame as a singer and songwriter in 1990 with the release of her self-titled debut album. Since then, her name has become a household one, thanks to her impressive vocal range and string of No. 1’s in four distinct decades, including “Hero,” “One Sweet Day,” “We Belong Together,” and “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2019, 25 years after its release. She has the most No. 1 singles of any female solo artist, female producer, and female songwriter in history, with 19. It was announced earlier this year that she will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Outside of her musical achievements, during her rise, Carey’s personal life has also frequently been the subject of conversation. She suffered a highly-publicized hospitalization in 2001, the result of an “emotional and physical breakdown.” That same year, her film Glitter was widely regarded as a critical and commercial flop. She has also been accused of diva-like behavior throughout the decades.
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“Writing this memoir was incredibly hard, humbling, and healing,” she wrote of her forthcoming release, written in collaboration with veteran fashion journalist and activist Michaela Angela Davis. “My sincere hope is that you are moved to a new understanding, not only about me, but also about the resilience of the human spirit.”
When this book hits shelves, trust that we’ll be standing in line.


theroot--2020-07-09--Garcelle Beauvais Has Been Working in Hollywood for Over 20 Years, Yet Her 'White Counterparts Get P

Garcelle Beauvais Has Been Working in Hollywood for Over 20 Years, Yet Her 'White Counterparts Get Paid 1000% More'

Pay Black women what we ’ re worth .
As far as sentence structure , it ’ s a simple declaration , but when it comes to execution—this misogynoir-filled system would rather make it extremely difficult .
Sounds like the life ( and work ) of a Black woman .
We ’ ve certainly been discussing the topic of pay equity , from The Glow Up to The Grapevine and beyond—and we will keep discussing and calling out the issue , as long as it is an issue .
In a recent interview on Variety ’ s After-Show , Garcelle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and how she ’ s bringing her candid personality to the show .
Racking up credits such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air , Family Matters , The Jamie Foxx Show , NYPD Blue , Curb Your Enthusiasm , Arrested Development and much more , the actress and model has been working in this industry for over 20 years .
But , does her pay reflect that ?
Well ... what do you think ?
“ It ’ s all about being treated equally .
I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beauvais revealed .
“ I want to be compensated the same way ...
I ’ ve been in Hollywood over 20-something years , which is a feat in itself , to continue working—and I ’ m so grateful .
But I do feel that so many times , my white counterparts get paid 1000 % more than I do .
I know it for sure , and that really sucks .
We ’ re not valued as we should be .
I just feel like it ’ s been happening for a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not putting up with it .
You don ’ t see my value , you don ’ t get to have me in your project .
Simple as that.
” Simple as that , indeed .
In fact , pay equity and value has been a topic of the week , with Michaela Coel revealing that she turned down $ 1 million from Netflix for her new hit show I May Destroy You ( which is now on HBO ) because the network wouldn ’ t allow her to retain any percentage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Knowing her damn worth ( and the worth of her intellectual property ) , Coel walked away .
When directly asked about whether Beauvais makes the same amount as fellow first-time Housewife Sutton Stracke , she replied with a smile , “ That ’ s awesome .
I don ’ t know .
But Sutton doesn ’ t need the money ; that ’ s the thing !
” In addition to having to deal with lower pay as a Black woman , Beauvais also opened up about having to live as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police brutality that could potentially affect her and her three sons .
The 53-year-old actress recounted a time she was pulled over by police for making an illegal turn , and her son Jax , 12 , was in the car with her at the time .
“ I ’ m so grateful that he was in the backseat because he got to see my interaction .
He got to see that my hands were at the wheel .
He actually heard me say , ‘ I ’ m reaching for my wallet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beauvais , it was a raw example of why she has had to have thorough discussions with each of her sons about how to interact with police ( commonly known as “ The Talk ” within the Black community ) .
“ The fact that I have to say , ‘ I ’ m reaching for my wallet now ’ —if I was with [ a white girlfriend ] and she was driving , she wouldn ’ t think to do that , ” she added .
Other than her new reality TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coming 2 America , which still has a current release date of December 18 , 2020 , pending any potential delays due to the unpredictable global pandemic .

Tonja Renée Stidhum on The Glow Up, shared by Tonja Renée Stidhum to The Root

Pay Black women what we’re worth. As far as sentence structure, it’s a simple declaration, but when it comes to execution—this misogynoir-filled system would rather make it extremely difficult. Sounds like the life (and work) of a Black woman.
We’ve certainly been discussing the topic of pay equity, from The Glow Up to The Grapevine and beyond—and we will keep discussing and calling out the issue, as long as it is an issue.
Advertisement
In a recent interview on Variety’s After-Show, Garcelle Beauvais talked about Season 10 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and how she’s bringing her candid personality to the show. Racking up credits such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Family Matters, The Jamie Foxx Show, NYPD Blue, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development and much more, the actress and model has been working in this industry for over 20 years. But, does her pay reflect that? Well...what do you think?
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“It’s all about being treated equally. I want to be promoted the same way,” Beauvais revealed. “I want to be compensated the same way...I’ve been in Hollywood over 20-something years, which is a feat in itself, to continue working—and I’m so grateful. But I do feel that so many times, my white counterparts get paid 1000% more than I do. I know it for sure, and that really sucks. We’re not valued as we should be. I just feel like it’s been happening for a long time, and now, I’m not putting up with it. You don’t see my value, you don’t get to have me in your project. Simple as that.”
Simple as that, indeed. In fact, pay equity and value has been a topic of the week, with Michaela Coel revealing that she turned down $1 million from Netflix for her new hit show I May Destroy You (which is now on HBO) because the network wouldn’t allow her to retain any percentage of the copyright for the deal. Knowing her damn worth (and the worth of her intellectual property), Coel walked away.
Advertisement
When directly asked about whether Beauvais makes the same amount as fellow first-time Housewife Sutton Stracke, she replied with a smile, “That’s awesome. I don’t know. But Sutton doesn’t need the money; that’s the thing!”
In addition to having to deal with lower pay as a Black woman, Beauvais also opened up about having to live as a Black mom in the midst of the police brutality that could potentially affect her and her three sons. The 53-year-old actress recounted a time she was pulled over by police for making an illegal turn, and her son Jax, 12, was in the car with her at the time.
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“I’m so grateful that he was in the backseat because he got to see my interaction. He got to see that my hands were at the wheel. He actually heard me say, ‘I’m reaching for my wallet,’” she recalled.
For Beauvais, it was a raw example of why she has had to have thorough discussions with each of her sons about how to interact with police (commonly known as “The Talk” within the Black community).
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“The fact that I have to say, ‘I’m reaching for my wallet now’—if I was with [a white girlfriend] and she was driving, she wouldn’t think to do that,” she added.
Other than her new reality TV show gig, Beauvais was cast in Coming 2 America, which still has a current release date of December 18, 2020, pending any potential delays due to the unpredictable global pandemic.


theroot--2020-07-09--Surveillance Video Prompts Call for All Youth Facility Employees Involved in Cornelius Fredericks’ D

Surveillance Video Prompts Call for All Youth Facility Employees Involved in Cornelius Fredericks’ Death to be Charged

On April 29 , 16-year-old Cornelius Fredericks died of restraint asphyxia at the Lakeside Academy youth facility in Kalamazoo , Mich. , after several Lakeside employees pinned him to the ground for more than 10 minutes after he threw a sandwich at another resident .
At least one of those employees reportedly used their full body weight to restrain Fredericks , and after he fell unconscious , staff members waited an additional 12 minutes to call 911 .
As a result of this horrific incident , nearly a dozen Lakeside staff members were fired , and in late June , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Cornelius ’ s death ” were charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse .
Now , surveillance footage of the incident has been released , and it shows the sheer cruelty of what transpired that day .
An attorney who represents the Fredericks estate is calling for all employees involved in Fredericks ’ death to be charged with crimes .
BuzzFeed News reports that attorney Geoffrey Fieger held a press conference Tuesday to urge prosecutors to charge the additional staff members who can be seen in the video restraining Fredericks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that far more people were involved in his killing , and I ’ m calling on the Kalamazoo prosecutor to charge those additional people , ” Fieger said .
According to a civil lawsuit filed by Fredericks ’ s family last month , the teen screamed “ I can ’ t breathe ” as the employees restrained him .
At one point in the video , they are also seen trying to lift Fredericks ’ s limp body into a sitting position , but he falls back on the floor .
After several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the floor , some employees are seen administering CPR .
“ He was suffocated for an excess of 10 mins and left to lie on the floor lifeless with no one providing any medical care or treatment , including the nurse , ” Fieger said Tuesday .
“ The nurse just stood over his lifeless body and provided no help whatsoever to Cornelius other than calling 911.
” Last month , The Root reported on Fredericks ’ tragic story and included part of a press release sent to us by Marko Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is handling the lawsuit on behalf of Fredericks ’ estate .
In the release , attorney Jon Marko claimed Lakeside has been plagued with “ complaints of problems ” for years and that “ nobody seemed to listen.
” Marko Law also mentioned that it was discovered at the hospital where Fredericks went into cardiac arrest and died two days after the incident , that Fredericks tested positive for COVID-19 .
After this revelation , it was discovered that almost forty other residents and nine staff members of Lakeside Academy were also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release .
The law firm put the spread of the virus at the facility on Lakeside ’ s failure to respond properly once news of the pandemic broke world wide .
In Tuesday ’ s press conference , Fieger echoed sentiments that Fredericks ’ death was only the last incident in a long history of abusive and negligent practices at Lakeside .
Fieger claimed that “ suffocation was regularly practiced ” at the facility as a form of discipline .
According to BuzzFeed , Fredericks became a resident at Lakeside after his mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison .
Lakeside ’ s license was suspended by the state and all other children in their care were moved to other facilities when the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services began their investigation into Fredericks ’ death .
You can view the surveillance footage of the incident below .

On April 29, 16-year-old Cornelius Fredericks died of restraint asphyxia at the Lakeside Academy youth facility in Kalamazoo, Mich., after several Lakeside employees pinned him to the ground for more than 10 minutes after he threw a sandwich at another resident. At least one of those employees reportedly used their full body weight to restrain Fredericks, and after he fell unconscious, staff members waited an additional 12 minutes to call 911.
As a result of this horrific incident, nearly a dozen Lakeside staff members were fired, and in late June, the three employees “most closely responsible for Cornelius’s death” were charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse. Now, surveillance footage of the incident has been released, and it shows the sheer cruelty of what transpired that day. An attorney who represents the Fredericks estate is calling for all employees involved in Fredericks’ death to be charged with crimes.
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BuzzFeed News reports that attorney Geoffrey Fieger held a press conference Tuesday to urge prosecutors to charge the additional staff members who can be seen in the video restraining Fredericks.
“You will see on the videotape that far more people were involved in his killing, and I’m calling on the Kalamazoo prosecutor to charge those additional people,” Fieger said.
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From BuzzFeed:
According to a civil lawsuit filed by Fredericks’s family last month, the teen screamed “I can’t breathe” as the employees restrained him. At one point in the video, they are also seen trying to lift Fredericks’s limp body into a sitting position, but he falls back on the floor. After several minutes of restraining him and leaving him on the floor, some employees are seen administering CPR. “He was suffocated for an excess of 10 mins and left to lie on the floor lifeless with no one providing any medical care or treatment, including the nurse,” Fieger said Tuesday. “The nurse just stood over his lifeless body and provided no help whatsoever to Cornelius other than calling 911.”
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Last month, The Root reported on Fredericks’ tragic story and included part of a press release sent to us by Marko Law, the Michigan civil rights law firm that is handling the lawsuit on behalf of Fredericks’ estate. In the release, attorney Jon Marko claimed Lakeside has been plagued with “complaints of problems” for years and that “nobody seemed to listen.”
Marko Law also mentioned that it was discovered at the hospital where Fredericks went into cardiac arrest and died two days after the incident, that Fredericks tested positive for COVID-19. After this revelation, it was discovered that almost forty other residents and nine staff members of Lakeside Academy were also positive,” according to the press release. The law firm put the spread of the virus at the facility on Lakeside’s failure to respond properly once news of the pandemic broke world wide.
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In Tuesday’s press conference, Fieger echoed sentiments that Fredericks’ death was only the last incident in a long history of abusive and negligent practices at Lakeside. Fieger claimed that “suffocation was regularly practiced” at the facility as a form of discipline.
According to BuzzFeed, Fredericks became a resident at Lakeside after his mother died and his father was sent to prison.
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Lakeside’s license was suspended by the state and all other children in their care were moved to other facilities when the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services began their investigation into Fredericks’ death.
You can view the surveillance footage of the incident below.
WARNING : It’s graphic and very disturbing.


theroot--2020-07-09--A World of Impunity: How Police Unions Block Meaningful Change and Exert Control

Police unions are some of the most powerful entities in America .
Just to name a few ways how and why that ’ s the case , consider that police officers have : • from accountability on the job .
This may seem farfetched , but welcome to the reality of the strength of police unions .
“ No other union is afforded that type of exemption from the regular criminal process , ” says human rights lawyer and law professor Justin Hansford .
Research conducted by the Racial Uprisings Lab and the University of Oxford found that when officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killings increased in a ‘ substantial ’ way .
For example , once sheriffs in Florida gained collective bargaining rights , there was a “ 40 percent increase in complaints of violent officer misconduct.
” And in a country where police are three times as likely to kill a B lack person than a white person , this is all proof of the larger issue of white supremacy in every part of this country .
“ Where labor unions empower working people , police unions disempower working people .
Because what they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break up opportunities for people to organize .
They have disproportionately used violence against B lack people and they disproportionately use violence against poor people , ” says Hansford .
In the video above , Professor Hansford explains in more detail how police unions vary from other unions and shares why they should be abolished .
Check it out .


theroot--2020-07-09--Resist Heading to the Bar and Check Out Some Weekend Events and Activities

Unfortunately , the nation ’ s COVID-19 crisis continues to wage on as the summer sun makes going outside all the more tempting .
Despite the desire to break the rules , we have to stay strong , friends !
If you don ’ t have any plans to keep yourself occupied this weekend , social media is chock full of entertainment at your fingertips , and The Root is here with options .
Not only do these events cover the entertainment aspect we need , but many of them are philanthropic , as well .
Check out a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re looking for a little something to do .
Also , make sure to take a walk and drink some water !
We ’ re going to blink and November will be here .
California Senator Kamala Harris is hosting a dance party and conversation with some of the country ’ s biggest DJs and producers—including DJ Beverly Bond , Jermaine Dupri and D-Nice—to benefit the presidential campaign of Joe Biden .
The event takes place at 7:00 p.m .
ET , and in order to watch , one must donate to Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Brooklyn Bowl , a live music venue and bowling alley with locations around the country , celebrates its 11th anniversary Friday with an 11-hour live-stream music event .
Starting at 11:11 a.m .
ET , re-broadcasted sets from Big Freedia , Tank and the Bangas and more are slated to play during the stream , and those watching are encouraged to donate to the Jazz Foundation of America .
More info about the event can be found here .
LA ’ s Museum of Natural History is holding “ Summer Nights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families to enjoy their surroundings from the comfort of their backyards .
The first session will be held Friday and will feature a DJ set from Suga Shay on YouTube Live at 7:00 p.m. PT/ 10 p.m .
ET .
Before the music starts , there will be a conversation called “ Garden Talk : Home Gardening with Fruits and Vegetables.
” No time like the present to make sure your garden is looking fresh .
Big Freedia and Shea Diamond are two of the artists performing in the Unique Woman ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trans Organizations .
Unique Woman ’ s Coalition Community Celebration will be held at 3 p.m. PT/ 6 p.m .
ET and will be hosted by the founder of the UWC Chela Demuir and Gia Gunn , an alumna of the popular reality show RuPaul ’ s Drag Race .
The event will be streamed on YouTube with all proceeds going to the Unique Woman ’ s Coalition .
“ The Unique Woman ’ s Coalition Community Celebration will celebrate the 20+ years of coordinated efforts the organization has made to increase awareness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” a press release for the event obtained by The Root reads .
Drive-in movies have been popping up all over the country , with various cinemas in Massachusetts , Connecticut , New York , New Jersey , Houston , and Los Angeles .
Check out a few locations below , and if you ’ re close to any of them , see if you ’ d be interested in their selection .

Unfortunately, the nation’s COVID-19 crisis continues to wage on as the summer sun makes going outside all the more tempting. Despite the desire to break the rules, we have to stay strong, friends! If you don’t have any plans to keep yourself occupied this weekend, social media is chock full of entertainment at your fingertips, and The Root is here with options. Not only do these events cover the entertainment aspect we need, but many of them are philanthropic, as well.
Check out a few events happening this weekend if you’re looking for a little something to do. Also, make sure to take a walk and drink some water!
Advertisement
JULY 9
Campaign Stuff
We’re going to blink and November will be here. California Senator Kamala Harris is hosting a dance party and conversation with some of the country’s biggest DJs and producers—including DJ Beverly Bond, Jermaine Dupri and D-Nice—to benefit the presidential campaign of Joe Biden. The event takes place at 7:00 p.m. ET, and in order to watch, one must donate to Biden’s campaign.
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JULY 10
Music
New York City’s Brooklyn Bowl, a live music venue and bowling alley with locations around the country, celebrates its 11th anniversary Friday with an 11-hour live-stream music event. Starting at 11:11 a.m. ET, re-broadcasted sets from Big Freedia, Tank and the Bangas and more are slated to play during the stream, and those watching are encouraged to donate to the Jazz Foundation of America. More info about the event can be found here.
Advertisement
Family Time
LA’s Museum of Natural History is holding “Summer Nights at Home,” an event for families to enjoy their surroundings from the comfort of their backyards. The first session will be held Friday and will feature a DJ set from Suga Shay on YouTube Live at 7:00 p.m. PT/ 10 p.m. ET. Before the music starts, there will be a conversation called “Garden Talk: Home Gardening with Fruits and Vegetables.” No time like the present to make sure your garden is looking fresh.
Advertisement
JULY 11
Charity
Big Freedia and Shea Diamond are two of the artists performing in the Unique Woman’s Coalition’s Virtual Fundraiser for Black Trans Organizations. Unique Woman’s Coalition Community Celebration will be held at 3 p.m. PT/ 6 p.m. ET and will be hosted by the founder of the UWC Chela Demuir and Gia Gunn, an alumna of the popular reality show RuPaul’s Drag Race. The event will be streamed on YouTube with all proceeds going to the Unique Woman’s Coalition.
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“The Unique Woman’s Coalition Community Celebration will celebrate the 20+ years of coordinated efforts the organization has made to increase awareness to issues affecting Black Trans community,” a press release for the event obtained by The Root reads.
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Drive-In Movies
Drive-in movies have been popping up all over the country, with various cinemas in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Houston, and Los Angeles. Check out a few locations below, and if you’re close to any of them, see if you’d be interested in their selection.
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Astoria, Queens (N.Y.)
Newtown, Conn.
Vineland, N.J.
Montclair, Calif.
Mendon, Mass.
Downtown Houston, TX