theroot--2020-12-18--Trailer Roundup: Education Is A Recipe for Seduction

You may have not been named Time ’ s Person of the Year ( unless President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is reading this right now ) , but you get to shuffle through yet another list of trailers !
Also , because I missed you last week , you ’ re getting an extra helping of trailers this week to carry you into the holidays .
Charge it to the game .
Let ’ s get right to it ... First Impressions : This trailer is giving me J.J. Abrams directs Mad Max : Fury Road .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Good are in this joint about a group of folks who get transported to a new world full of “ dangerous and powerful monsters that rule their domain with deadly ferocity.
” At this point , I expect us to discover this world in real life before the year ends ... First Impressions : This is for the mamas !
Hosted by Abbi Crutchfield , this show also features fellow comedians such as Ophira Eisenberg ( Ask Me Another ) , Aminah Imani ( host of Wine Before Nine ) , Ester Steinberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more .
Each episode , the ladies “ dish over anonymous mom confessionals , commiserate over unsolicited advice-givers , check out the latest mom fashions and everything in-between.
” First Impressions : This is the last film in the enriching anthology series by Steve McQueen and it follows 12-year-old Kinsley , who has a “ fascination for astronauts and rockets.
” He is called to the headmaster ’ s office for disruptive behavior and transferred to a school for those with “ special needs.
” This film is a look at the systemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system .
The Facility ( On Demand , DVD and Digital ; Now Available ) First Impressions : Michael Fatogun co-stars in this thriller about a private military unit that tries to uncover whatever the fuck NATO and the Allied Forces were hiding to conduct “ secret , occult experiments in a bid to win the Arms Race.
” Lawd , I hope the Black guy survives .
First Impressions : You may have seen this by now because it ’ s readily available on the internet .
But if you haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing right now and watch , if only for the hilarious Knicks vs. Bulls shit-talking between POTUS # 44 and the two affable hosts .
Oh , and if you haven ’ t seen their Pepsi bodega ad , you need to see that , too .
Oh—and I heard Season 3 of the show will premiere Jan. 31 .
First Impressions : Spike Lee is executive producing this flick , but this is written , directed and starring Nate Parker .
It ’ s Parker ’ s film , and I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the room—his college rape charge ( which resulted in non-conviction but derailed his last film , 2016 's Birth of a Nation ) .
In what appears to be a retribution tour , Parker had begun to do press addressing that when the film premiered at the 2019 Venice Film Festival .
The movie deets , per the press release , are : “ After witnessing his son murdered by a white police officer who goes uncharged , Marine veteran Lincoln ‘ Linc ’ Jefferson ( Parker ) takes justice into his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he hopes will finally lead to justice for his son.
” Omari Hardwick , Vanessa Bell Calloway and Shane Paul McGhie also star in the film .
The Rookie ( ABC ; Season 3 Release Date : Jan. 3 , 2021 , at 10 p.m .
ET ) First Impressions : The Rookie returns in a relevant way and its third season will tackle police brutality .
In fact , the crew enlisted Arisha Hatch of Color Of Change ( also a 2020 The Root 100 honoree ) to help with the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones , Mekia Cox and Titus Makin co-star in the series and the third season will also feature guest stars Michael Beach , Harold Perrineau and Crystal Coney .
Some Kind of Christmas ( On-Demand ; Now Streaming ) First Impressions : Written by , directed by and starring Davien Harris , Some Kind of Christmas follows Gary , who brings home the perfect “ Ken ” to his family for the holidays after a break-up and constant pressures to start a family .
Lawd .
You can stream the film at its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yeah , yeah , yeah , Mario Lopez , but I ’ m here for one thing .
Like most of Black Twitter wants to know , is the Black man ( portrayed by Martin Morrow ) in the trailer the nigga who the Colonel stole the recipe from , or nah ?
If you want to get into this ridiculousness , you can watch it online now via Lifetime ’ s website .
DA YIE ( , available through Dec. 31 ; , available Jan. 6-20 , 2021 ; , available Jan. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15-23 , 2021 ; , available Jan. 30 , 2021 ) DA YIE by Anthony Nti - Trailer from Salaud Morisset on Vimeo .
First Impressions : Co-written by Anthony Nti ( who also directed ) and Chingiz Karibekov , DA YIE is described as “ is an intense day trip in sunny Ghana , that endangers the innocence of two kids.
” The film , which is Oscar-qualifying , brought together the local community by fostering a mainly Ghanaian cast and crew on set .
First Impressions : From the press release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story about a young black girl ’ s relationship with her hair and name , against the backdrop of her very British boarding school , asking the question : How do you hold on to your celebrated identity when you realize that the environment that you inhabit wasn ’ t made for you ?
” The film , directed by Ethosheia Hylton and written by Joan Iyiola and Chibundu Onuzo won the HBO Short Film Competition at the 2020 American Black Film Festival .
Will From Home ( Snapchat ; Season 2 Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First Impressions : Raise your hand if you even knew there was a first season .
Regardless , Will certainly knows how to take over every inch of the internet .
Homie is tapping into every single demographic he can .
The second season will feature folks such as Alicia Keys , DJ Khaled , Jason Derulo , Jill Scott , Lil Nas X , Liza Koshy , Ludacris , Black Thought and Master P. First Impressions : Feeling Through Experience is a coming-of-age story that “ follows Tereek , a teen wandering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a place to crash when he encounters Artie , a DeafBlind man in need of help getting home .
What begins as an awkward meeting between strangers , quickly becomes an intimate bond between friends , and a journey that forever changes Tereek.
” This Oscar-qualifying short ( made in partnership with Helen Keller Services ) is reported to be the first film to feature a DeafBlind actor ( Robert Tarango ) in a leading role .
The film , which seems to feature more disability representation , also stars Steven Prescod @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Holly ( ION Television ; Release Date : Dec. 12 at 7 p.m .
ET ) First Impressions : Yo , Holly ( Jennifer Freeman ) basically does the woman-proposes-to-man thing , but he breaks up with her for his ex .
Then , Holly has to go on their originally planned engagement trip anyway for some reason but finds serendipitous love , so all is well !
Wild .
This film also stars Johnny Pacar and Michael Copan .
Marry Me This Christmas ( ; Now Streaming ) First Impressions : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Killing ) stars as pastor Daniel English , who takes over his hometown church and falls in love anew with his childhood friend who is now his parishioner .
Ethical boundaries alert !
First Impressions : Y ’ all !
A Christmas movie starring Robin Givens and Darrin “ Dance Grooves ” Henson .
Enough said !
First Impressions : A savvy young vlogger ( Kearstin Moore ) loses her dog ( and vlog co-star ) , which runs the risk of ruining Christmas !
Oh no !
First Impressions : Clifton Powell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First Impressions : The Godfather ( Forest Whitaker ) is back !
Here ’ s the second season scoop : “ Season two will see Bumpy continue his struggle to reclaim command over Harlem from the Italian mobsters by attempting to seed internal discord and sever their vital heroin pipeline .
Meanwhile , Malcolm X will be forced to choose between violent and nonviolent response to the near-constant threats to his life and his relationship with Bumpy will be severely tested.
” First Impressions : In Catharsis , “ a Black mother in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to prosecute the NYPD officer responsible for her son ’ s death.
” Listen ... this is super relevant because many district attorneys need to be held accountable in real life when it comes to police brutality .
You can RSVP for the online premiere here .
First Impressions : E.R .
Ruiz ( Sons of Anarchy ) co-stars in this film about a man who dons a disguise to join a therapy group for disfigured patients in order to connect with his cancer-stricken mother , but after being revealed , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ m trying to grapple with the offensive nature of this plot device ( and hoping the main character experiences a true reckoning with his deception ) , though per the press release , the film explores the “ importance of facial equality and representation.
” First Impressions : Co-starring Michael Dorn , Agent Revelation is about a super soldier who can communicate with aliens and a secret organization works with him to find out why they ’ ve returned to Earth .
So basically , this is what we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the season finale of 2020 ?
Bet .
First Impressions : Starring Kamilah Marshall and Terron Brooks ( heyyy Eddie Kendricks from The Temptations movie ! )
, Holidaze Harmony is a virtual concert to get you in the holiday spirit .
You can cop tickets for the online event here .
First Impressions : Aramis Hudson co-stars in this film about a young guy who wishes to become a pro skater .
Pharrell Williams is producing this joint , which totally tracks .
First Impressions : Directed by AK Reed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to turn his life around after his stint in prison .
However , he ’ s tempted to join the game again , but he falls in love , hence the title—SEE WHAT THEY DID THERE ?
!
Written and starring Deuce King , the movie ’ s cast includes Westside Gunn and J Holiday .
Also , I heard a constipated cottage cheese casserole appears in this film , too .
First Impressions : Isiah Thomas , Laganja Estranja , Lauriann Gibson , Isis King , CJ Wallace gather together to discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is “ the world ’ s first and largest LGBTQ virtual cable network , accessible to over 250+ million homes and devices in over 130 countries.
” Peace of Mind With Taraji ( Facebook Watch ; Now Streaming , Every Monday and Wednesday at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m .
ET ) First Impressions : We already gave you the sneak peek of Taraji ’ s new show ( from the premiere episode ! )
based on mental health awareness and advocacy , now we have the trailer !
Taraji is joined by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue to eliminate mental health stigmas , and it ’ s definitely something we need , especially these days .
First Impressions : Gentleman Jack Culture Shakers , a program captured by Jamaican filmmaker Storm Saulter “ celebrating the contributions of Black and Latinx bartenders from around the country who have taken the extra step in continuing to make history in their own rights through cocktail making.
” First Impressions : It ’ s always extra fun to be able to see a film from its inception to its execution .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he was over at Pixar as an employee developing this film and now he has blossomed into a filmmaker/animator with his own work acquired by a major streaming platform .
And yes , this was totally worth the wait .
First Impressions : Anthony Mackie and Damson Idris star in this futuristic action flick about a drone pilot ( Idris ) and an android officer ( Mackie ) navigating a deadly militarized zone to try to locate a doomsday device before the insurgents find it .
Yikes .
First Impressions : Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say farewell to this damn year .
We got Black-ass funny folks like Tiffany Haddish ( Girls Trip ) , Natasha Rothwell ( Insecure ) and Ziwe ( Book of Ziwe ) to deliver 2020 ’ s final eulogies .
Bye , bitch !
Also , I spy Franchesca Ramsey , too !
First Impressions : Emily Cheree co-stars in this film , “ an up-close and personal look into the lives of two young women , one a runaway and the other a single mom as they navigate their way through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex trade in Los Angeles.
” Shout-out to stories from the sex workers ’ perspective .
OWN ’ s Food Programming Block : Lovely Bites , Tregaye ’ s Way , Food Fantasies , Tanya ’ s Kitchen Table ( OWN ... duh ; Saturdays through Dec. 26 ) First Impressions : OWN launched its first-ever block of original food programming this past November and in case you missed it ( like me ) , you still have time to check in during Christmas week .
Lovely Bites starring Chef Connie “ Lovely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by Tregaye ’ s Way starring Chef Tregaye Fraser at 12:30 p.m. ET/PT , Food Fantasies featuring several celebrity chefs each episode at 1 p.m. ET/PT , and Tanya ’ s Kitchen Table starring Chef Tanya Holland at 1:30 p.m. ET/PT .
First Impressions : This docu-comedy follows Pastor Richard Hartley , his wife Stacey and their children Judea and Jordan as well as Hartley ’ s hometown choir at his church in Long Island , N.Y. Hallelu !
First Impressions : Bobby Huntley II ’ s debut feature film also known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charlie and her friends Kayla and Keturah as they go along for a wild , hilariously exhilarating , and bittersweet ride—which will surely be the craziest day of Charlie ’ s life , ” navigating aspects of life such as mental health , sickle cell and female sexual empowerment .
Oliver Black ( ; Now Streaming through the holidays ) First Impressions : Oliver Black follows a young boy named Vendredi ( Friday ) who travels the deserts of Morocco with aspirations to join the circus .
However , he ’ s sold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gripping film shining a light on modern-day slavery .
First Impressions : Directed by the legendary Stanley Nelson ( Freedom Riders , Miles Davis : Birth of the Cool ) , this doc examines “ the era when crack fueled racial and economic inequality , hyper-aggressive policing , mass incarceration , and government corruption at the highest level—themes that still resonate today especially in Black and Brown communities.
” I ’ m looking forward to this one .
First Impressions : Leaning right into art and creativity , Designer Tia Adeola debuted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ label with this gorgeous fashion film which stars R & B singer/songwriter Paloma Ford , rapper and songwriter , Flo Milli and more .
First Impressions : Nikki Lynette , who has worked with Spike Lee , will be digitally debuting a theatrical performance ( which originally debuted in early 2020 at the renowned Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago ) “ that takes viewers into her world of dealing with trauma , suicide , and depression.
” Much like Taraji ’ s Facebook Watch show , we need all the mental health awareness content @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charley Pride : I ’ m Just Me ( and PBS Video App ; Streaming Now through Dec. 26 ) First Impressions : In a timely tribute to the late Charley Pride , PBS will be offering Charley Pride : I ’ m Just Me free for a limited time as part of its American Masters documentary series .
Per the press release , the doc “ traces the improbable journey of Charley Pride , from his humble beginnings as a sharecropper ’ s son on a cotton farm in segregated Sledge , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League baseball player and his meteoric rise as a trailblazing country music superstar.
” First Impressions : Hosted by Shaun Robinson , 90 Day Bares All is a backstage peek into the “ 90 Day Universe ” —yes , at this point , there is a whole cinematic universe for the popular franchise .
Per the press release , “ each week she will be joined by several special guests , ranging from individuals featured in the current season of 90 Day Fiancé to seasoned , familiar faces addressing the most notorious , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snacks !
First Impressions : From director Abraham Adeyemi and producer Abiola Rufai-Awojide , No More Wings follows two South London men who , as boys , “ hang out at the same chicken shop everyday and fancy the same girls ” but when they grow up ?
Well , you know how life is ... the two have been taken in very different directions .
First Impressions : Directed by Sheila Nortley ( David is Dying , Zion , Victim ) and written Kay Jegede ( Lara and The Beat ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a mysterious stranger at the house of a mother who has fled a hostile regime and is now living in exile with her young son.
” You can now watch the full film , which stars Raksha Hoost and Colette Dalal Tchatncho ( Domina , The Witcher ) , here .
How to Ruin Christmas : The Wedding ( Netflix ; Now Streaming ) How to Ruin Christmas : The Wedding trailer / YouTube First Impressions : The series ’ tagline : “ What ’ s worse than having to spend Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wedding at the same time.
” This looks like a holiday full of family drama and shenanigans , which is a good time to experience ... from afar .
Cardi Tries___ ( Facebook Messenger ; Now Streaming Every Thursday through Feb. 4 , 2021 ) First Impressions : Recently debuting via Facebook Messenger ’ s new Watch Together feature , Cardi Tries___ will follow Cardi B as she literally tries out an array of adventures with celebrities including Michelle Rodriguez from the Fast & Furious franchise , Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mickey Guyton and more .
In the premiere episode , she ’ s trying ballet with Debbie Allen .
Okurrt !
First Impressions : This film follows comedian Ron Waters ’ ( who is a Richard Pryor type ) return to the stage after a self-imposed exile from Hollywood .
Troubled Waters stars Harry Lennix , Rick Fox , Gina Torres and more .
SportsCenter Presents : 2020 – Heroes , History and Hope ( ESPN ; Release Date : Dec. 24 at 8 p.m .
ET ) First Impressions : Hosted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series will be a retrospective of 2020 , including a look at highlights which affected the sports industry , such as the death of Kobe Bryant , Black Lives Matter movement and COVID-19 .
The series will also look ahead to 2021 .
First Impressions : From executive producer Malcolm Spellman , Hip Hop Uncovered is a six-part documentary series directed by Rashidi Natara Harper which “ takes a deep dive into the paradox of America ’ s criminalization of the genre and its fascination with the street culture that created it and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the story from “ the streets up ” instead of the top-down .
Ash Land ( via its digital platform O !
; Now Streaming ) First Impressions : If you ’ re like me , you barely know any folks who live in Oregon , let alone Black folks .
In the short film Ash Land , we see a portrait of a Black woman living in Ashland , Oregon during the global pandemic and the various mental challenges that come with it .
Director Sharrifa Ali summed it up best , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Look at us.
” Produced by The Roots ’ Tariq “ Black Thought ” Trotter , you can view the film online here .
First Impressions : Acquired by Ava DuVernay ’ s ARRAY after a very successful film festival run , Alaska Is a Drag stars Martin L. Washington Jr. as Leo , “ a glam-obsessed young man with dreams of being a drag superstar , while working in a fish cannery in Alaska and defending himself against homophobic attacks.
” That ’ s not all !
Leo then enlists the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back against those bigoted bullies .
I ’ m all the way here for this and can ’ t wait to check it out .
First Impressions : Zoey and the gang are returning after their break .
Last time we left the undergrad portrayed by Yara Shahidi , she ’ d decided to drop out of school to pursue her fashion aspirations full time .
Oh , and they ’ re continuing the teasing energy over at Instagram , too .
We got babies , ( shirtless ) baes and besos ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ language to keep up the alliteration ) .
So much to catch up on !
!
And with that ( “ that ” being 50-odd trailers ) , I bid you adieu for the weekend ... to take many naps .
‘ Til next time !

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

You may have not been named Time’s Person of the Year (unless President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is reading this right now), but you get to shuffle through yet another list of trailers! Also, because I missed you last week, you’re getting an extra helping of trailers this week to carry you into the holidays. Charge it to the game. Let’s get right to it...
Monster Hunter (Theaters; Release Date: Dec. 18)
Monster Hunter trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: This trailer is giving me J.J. Abrams directs Mad Max: Fury Road. Tip “T.I.” Harris and Meagan Good are in this joint about a group of folks who get transported to a new world full of “dangerous and powerful monsters that rule their domain with deadly ferocity.” At this point, I expect us to discover this world in real life before the year ends...
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Up Early Tonight (Hulu; Release Date: Dec. 17)
Up Early Tonight trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: This is for the mamas! Hosted by Abbi Crutchfield, this show also features fellow comedians such as Ophira Eisenberg (Ask Me Another), Aminah Imani (host of Wine Before Nine), Ester Steinberg (Stand Up Mom), and more. Each episode, the ladies “dish over anonymous mom confessionals, commiserate over unsolicited advice-givers, check out the latest mom fashions and everything in-between.”
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Small Axe: Education (Amazon Prime Video; Now Streaming)
Education trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: This is the last film in the enriching anthology series by Steve McQueen and it follows 12-year-old Kinsley, who has a “fascination for astronauts and rockets.” He is called to the headmaster’s office for disruptive behavior and transferred to a school for those with “special needs.” This film is a look at the systemic effects of Black children in the education system.
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The Facility (On Demand, DVD and Digital; Now Available)
The Facility trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Michael Fatogun co-stars in this thriller about a private military unit that tries to uncover whatever the fuck NATO and the Allied Forces were hiding to conduct “secret, occult experiments in a bid to win the Arms Race.” Lawd, I hope the Black guy survives.
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Desus & Mero: The Obama Interview (Showtime; Now Streaming)
Desus & Mero: The Obama Interview trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: You may have seen this by now because it’s readily available on the internet. But if you haven’t, stop what you’re doing right now and watch, if only for the hilarious Knicks vs. Bulls shit-talking between POTUS #44 and the two affable hosts. Oh, and if you haven’t seen their Pepsi bodega ad, you need to see that, too. Oh—and I heard Season 3 of the show will premiere Jan. 31.
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American Skin (Digital; Release Date: Jan. 15, 2021)
First Impressions: Spike Lee is executive producing this flick, but this is written, directed and starring Nate Parker. It’s Parker’s film, and I can’t go without mentioning the elephant in the room—his college rape charge (which resulted in non-conviction but derailed his last film, 2016's Birth of a Nation). In what appears to be a retribution tour, Parker had begun to do press addressing that when the film premiered at the 2019 Venice Film Festival. The movie deets, per the press release, are: “After witnessing his son murdered by a white police officer who goes uncharged, Marine veteran Lincoln ‘Linc’ Jefferson (Parker) takes justice into his own hands in a series of events he hopes will finally lead to justice for his son.” Omari Hardwick, Vanessa Bell Calloway and Shane Paul McGhie also star in the film.
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The Rookie (ABC; Season 3 Release Date: Jan. 3, 2021, at 10 p.m. ET)
The Rookie S3 trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: The Rookie returns in a relevant way and its third season will tackle police brutality. In fact, the crew enlisted Arisha Hatch of Color Of Change (also a 2020 The Root 100 honoree) to help with the new season’s storylines. Richard T. Jones, Mekia Cox and Titus Makin co-star in the series and the third season will also feature guest stars Michael Beach, Harold Perrineau and Crystal Coney.
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Some Kind of Christmas (On-Demand; Now Streaming)
First Impressions: Written by, directed by and starring Davien Harris, Some Kind of Christmas follows Gary, who brings home the perfect “Ken” to his family for the holidays after a break-up and constant pressures to start a family. Lawd. You can stream the film at its official website here.
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A Recipe for Seduction (Lifetime; Now Streaming)
A Recipe for Seduction trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Yeah, yeah, yeah, Mario Lopez, but I’m here for one thing. Like most of Black Twitter wants to know, is the Black man (portrayed by Martin Morrow) in the trailer the nigga who the Colonel stole the recipe from, or nah? If you want to get into this ridiculousness, you can watch it online now via Lifetime’s website.
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DA YIE by Anthony Nti - Trailer from Salaud Morisset on Vimeo.
First Impressions: Co-written by Anthony Nti (who also directed) and Chingiz Karibekov, DA YIE is described as “is an intense day trip in sunny Ghana, that endangers the innocence of two kids.” The film, which is Oscar-qualifying, brought together the local community by fostering a mainly Ghanaian cast and crew on set.
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Dọlápọ̀ Is Fine (Coming Soon)
Dọlápọ̀ Is Fine trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: From the press release, Dọlápọ̀ Is Fine “is a story about a young black girl’s relationship with her hair and name, against the backdrop of her very British boarding school, asking the question: How do you hold on to your celebrated identity when you realize that the environment that you inhabit wasn’t made for you?” The film, directed by Ethosheia Hylton and written by Joan Iyiola and Chibundu Onuzo won the HBO Short Film Competition at the 2020 American Black Film Festival.
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Will From Home (Snapchat; Season 2 Now Streaming, New Episodes Air Daily)
Will From Home S2 trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Raise your hand if you even knew there was a first season. Regardless, Will certainly knows how to take over every inch of the internet. Homie is tapping into every single demographic he can. The second season will feature folks such as Alicia Keys, DJ Khaled, Jason Derulo, Jill Scott, Lil Nas X, Liza Koshy, Ludacris, Black Thought and Master P.
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First Impressions: Feeling Through Experience is a coming-of-age story that “follows Tereek, a teen wandering the streets of New York, desperate for a place to crash when he encounters Artie, a DeafBlind man in need of help getting home. What begins as an awkward meeting between strangers, quickly becomes an intimate bond between friends, and a journey that forever changes Tereek.” This Oscar-qualifying short (made in partnership with Helen Keller Services) is reported to be the first film to feature a DeafBlind actor (Robert Tarango) in a leading role. The film, which seems to feature more disability representation, also stars Steven Prescod (who is blind).
Beaus of Holly (ION Television; Release Date: Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. ET)
Beaus of Holly trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Yo, Holly (Jennifer Freeman) basically does the woman-proposes-to-man thing, but he breaks up with her for his ex. Then, Holly has to go on their originally planned engagement trip anyway for some reason but finds serendipitous love, so all is well! Wild. This film also stars Johnny Pacar and Michael Copan.
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Marry Me This Christmas ( Brown Sugar App
Marry Me This Christmas trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Brandon Jay McLaren (Graceland, The Killing) stars as pastor Daniel English, who takes over his hometown church and falls in love anew with his childhood friend who is now his parishioner. Ethical boundaries alert!
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A Christmas to Remember (Brown Sugar App; Now Streaming)
A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER trailer
First Impressions: Y’all! A Christmas movie starring Robin Givens and Darrin “Dance Grooves” Henson. Enough said!
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Clara’s Ultimate Christmas (Brown Sugar App; Now Streaming)
CLARA'S ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS trailer
First Impressions: A savvy young vlogger (Kearstin Moore) loses her dog (and vlog co-star), which runs the risk of ruining Christmas! Oh no!
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The Perfect Gift (Brown Sugar App; Now Streaming)
The Perfect Gift trailer
First Impressions: Clifton Powell. Again, ‘nuff said.
Godfather of Harlem (Epix; Season 2 Release Date: April 2021)
Godfather of Harlem S2 trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: The Godfather (Forest Whitaker) is back! Here’s the second season scoop: “Season two will see Bumpy continue his struggle to reclaim command over Harlem from the Italian mobsters by attempting to seed internal discord and sever their vital heroin pipeline. Meanwhile, Malcolm X will be forced to choose between violent and nonviolent response to the near-constant threats to his life and his relationship with Bumpy will be severely tested.”
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Catharsis (Facebook Live: Online Premiere Date: Dec. 23 at 9 p.m. ET)
CATHARSIS trailer
First Impressions: In Catharsis, “a Black mother in mourning confronts the ambitious District Attorney who refused to prosecute the NYPD officer responsible for her son’s death.” Listen...this is super relevant because many district attorneys need to be held accountable in real life when it comes to police brutality. You can RSVP for the online premiere here.
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Happy Face (On Demand and Digital; Release Date. Jan. 1, 2021)
Happy Face trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: E.R. Ruiz (Sons of Anarchy) co-stars in this film about a man who dons a disguise to join a therapy group for disfigured patients in order to connect with his cancer-stricken mother, but after being revealed, he helps the members gain confidence in themselves. I’m trying to grapple with the offensive nature of this plot device (and hoping the main character experiences a true reckoning with his deception), though per the press release, the film explores the “importance of facial equality and representation.”
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Agent Revelation (Digital; Release Date: Jan 22, 2021)
Agent Revelation trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Co-starring Michael Dorn, Agent Revelation is about a super soldier who can communicate with aliens and a secret organization works with him to find out why they’ve returned to Earth. So basically, this is what we can expect to actually happen in real life during the season finale of 2020? Bet.
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Holidaze Harmony (On-Demand through Dec. 20)
HOLIDAZE HARMONY trailer
First Impressions: Starring Kamilah Marshall and Terron Brooks (heyyy Eddie Kendricks from The Temptations movie!), Holidaze Harmony is a virtual concert to get you in the holiday spirit. You can cop tickets for the online event here.
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North Hollywood (Coming Soon)
North Hollywood trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Aramis Hudson co-stars in this film about a young guy who wishes to become a pro skater. Pharrell Williams is producing this joint, which totally tracks.
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Conflicted (Pay Per View; Release Date: Jan. 15, 2021)
Conflicted trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Directed by AK Reed, Conflicted follows Benny the Butcher who tries to turn his life around after his stint in prison. However, he’s tempted to join the game again, but he falls in love, hence the title—SEE WHAT THEY DID THERE?! Written and starring Deuce King, the movie’s cast includes Westside Gunn and J Holiday. Also, I heard a constipated cottage cheese casserole appears in this film, too.
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Amplify Voices ( Revry
Amplify Voices trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Isiah Thomas, Laganja Estranja, Lauriann Gibson, Isis King, CJ Wallace gather together to discuss queer and BIPOC intersectionality on Revry, which is “the world’s first and largest LGBTQ virtual cable network, accessible to over 250+ million homes and devices in over 130 countries.”
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Peace of Mind With Taraji (Facebook Watch; Now Streaming, Every Monday and Wednesday at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET)
Peace of Mind with Taraji trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: We already gave you the sneak peek of Taraji’s new show (from the premiere episode!) based on mental health awareness and advocacy, now we have the trailer! Taraji is joined by her best friend and co-host Tracie Jade to continue to eliminate mental health stigmas, and it’s definitely something we need, especially these days.
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Gentleman Jack Culture Shakers (Coming Soon)
Gentleman Jack Culture Shakers trailer
First Impressions: Gentleman Jack Culture Shakers, a program captured by Jamaican filmmaker Storm Saulter “celebrating the contributions of Black and Latinx bartenders from around the country who have taken the extra step in continuing to make history in their own rights through cocktail making.”
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Canvas (Netflix; Now Streaming)
Canvas trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: It’s always extra fun to be able to see a film from its inception to its execution. I was honored to speak with Frank Abney when he was over at Pixar as an employee developing this film and now he has blossomed into a filmmaker/animator with his own work acquired by a major streaming platform. And yes, this was totally worth the wait.
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Outside the Wire (Netflix; Release Date: Jan. 15, 2021)
Outside the Wire trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Anthony Mackie and Damson Idris star in this futuristic action flick about a drone pilot (Idris) and an android officer (Mackie) navigating a deadly militarized zone to try to locate a doomsday device before the insurgents find it. Yikes.
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Yearly Departed (Amazon Prime Video; Release Date: Dec. 30)
Yearly Departed trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Because of course, we need to formally say farewell to this damn year. We got Black-ass funny folks like Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip), Natasha Rothwell (Insecure) and Ziwe (Book of Ziwe) to deliver 2020’s final eulogies. Bye, bitch! Also, I spy Franchesca Ramsey, too!
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Girl Lost: A Hollywood Story (Amazon Prime Video; Now Streaming)
Girl Lost: A Hollywood Story trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Emily Cheree co-stars in this film, “an up-close and personal look into the lives of two young women, one a runaway and the other a single mom as they navigate their way through the unforgiving and often brutal world of the sex trade in Los Angeles.” Shout-out to stories from the sex workers’ perspective.
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OWN’s Food Programming Block: Lovely Bites, Tregaye’s Way, Food Fantasies, Tanya’s Kitchen Table (OWN... duh; Saturdays through Dec. 26)
OWN Food Programming Block trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: OWN launched its first-ever block of original food programming this past November and in case you missed it (like me), you still have time to check in during Christmas week. Lovely Bites starring Chef Connie “Lovely” Jackson airs 12 p.m. ET/PT, followed by Tregaye’s Way starring Chef Tregaye Fraser at 12:30 p.m. ET/PT, Food Fantasies featuring several celebrity chefs each episode at 1 p.m. ET/PT, and Tanya’s Kitchen Table starring Chef Tanya Holland at 1:30 p.m. ET/PT.
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The Rev (USA; Release Date: Jan. 21, 2021, at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
The Rev trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: This docu-comedy follows Pastor Richard Hartley, his wife Stacey and their children Judea and Jordan as well as Hartley’s hometown choir at his church in Long Island, N.Y. Hallelu!
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La Vie Magnifique de Charlie ( KweliTV
La Vie Magnifique de Charlie trailer La Vie Magnifique de Charlie trailer / Courtesy of KweliTV
First Impressions: Bobby Huntley II’s debut feature film also known as The Charlie Movie, follows “Charlie and her friends Kayla and Keturah as they go along for a wild, hilariously exhilarating, and bittersweet ride—which will surely be the craziest day of Charlie’s life,” navigating aspects of life such as mental health, sickle cell and female sexual empowerment.
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Oliver Black trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Oliver Black follows a young boy named Vendredi (Friday) who travels the deserts of Morocco with aspirations to join the circus. However, he’s sold to ISIS in what looks to be a gripping film shining a light on modern-day slavery.
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Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy (Netflix; Release Date: Jan. 11)
Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Directed by the legendary Stanley Nelson (Freedom Riders, Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool), this doc examines “the era when crack fueled racial and economic inequality, hyper-aggressive policing, mass incarceration, and government corruption at the highest level—themes that still resonate today especially in Black and Brown communities.” I’m looking forward to this one.
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Black Is Beautiful aka Le Noir Est Beau ( Vogue
Black Is Beautiful trailer
First Impressions: Leaning right into art and creativity, Designer Tia Adeola debuted her Spring/Summer 2021 collection for her namesake label with this gorgeous fashion film which stars R&B singer/songwriter Paloma Ford, rapper and songwriter, Flo Milli and more.
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Get Out Alive ( Digital
Get Out Alive trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Nikki Lynette, who has worked with Spike Lee, will be digitally debuting a theatrical performance (which originally debuted in early 2020 at the renowned Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago) “that takes viewers into her world of dealing with trauma, suicide, and depression.” Much like Taraji’s Facebook Watch show, we need all the mental health awareness content we can get.
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American Masters – Charley Pride: I’m Just Me ( PBS.org
American Masters – Charley Pride: I’m Just Me trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: In a timely tribute to the late Charley Pride, PBS will be offering Charley Pride: I’m Just Me free for a limited time as part of its American Masters documentary series. Per the press release, the doc “traces the improbable journey of Charley Pride, from his humble beginnings as a sharecropper’s son on a cotton farm in segregated Sledge, Mississippi to his career as a Negro League baseball player and his meteoric rise as a trailblazing country music superstar.”
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90 Day Bares All (Discovery+; Release Date: Jan. 2, 2021)
90 Day Bares All trailer
First Impressions: Hosted by Shaun Robinson, 90 Day Bares All is a backstage peek into the “90 Day Universe”—yes, at this point, there is a whole cinematic universe for the popular franchise. Per the press release, “each week she will be joined by several special guests, ranging from individuals featured in the current season of 90 Day Fiancé to seasoned, familiar faces addressing the most notorious, unanswered rumors.” Get y’all snacks!
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No More Wings ( FlickerFest
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First Impressions: From director Abraham Adeyemi and producer Abiola Rufai-Awojide, No More Wings follows two South London men who, as boys, “hang out at the same chicken shop everyday and fancy the same girls” but when they grow up? Well, you know how life is...the two have been taken in very different directions.
I Am Mary (Digital; Now Streaming)
I Am Mary trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Directed by Sheila Nortley (David is Dying, Zion, Victim) and written Kay Jegede (Lara and The Beat), I Am Mary “follows the arrival of a mysterious stranger at the house of a mother who has fled a hostile regime and is now living in exile with her young son.” You can now watch the full film, which stars Raksha Hoost and Colette Dalal Tchatncho (Domina, The Witcher), here.
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How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (Netflix; Now Streaming)
How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: The series’ tagline: “What’s worse than having to spend Christmas with your entire family? Having a wedding at the same time.” This looks like a holiday full of family drama and shenanigans, which is a good time to experience...from afar.
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Cardi Tries___ (Facebook Messenger; Now Streaming Every Thursday through Feb. 4, 2021)
Cardi Tries trailer Cardi Tries__ trailer / Courtesy of Facebook Messenger
First Impressions: Recently debuting via Facebook Messenger’s new Watch Together feature, Cardi Tries___ will follow Cardi B as she literally tries out an array of adventures with celebrities including Michelle Rodriguez from the Fast & Furious franchise, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, country music singer and songwriter Mickey Guyton and more. In the premiere episode, she’s trying ballet with Debbie Allen. Okurrt!
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Troubled Waters (BET+; Now Streaming)
Troubled Waters trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: This film follows comedian Ron Waters’ (who is a Richard Pryor type) return to the stage after a self-imposed exile from Hollywood. Troubled Waters stars Harry Lennix, Rick Fox, Gina Torres and more.
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SportsCenter Presents: 2020 – Heroes, History and Hope (ESPN; Release Date: Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. ET)
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First Impressions: Hosted by Jeremy Schaap and Lisa Salters, this series will be a retrospective of 2020, including a look at highlights which affected the sports industry, such as the death of Kobe Bryant, Black Lives Matter movement and COVID-19. The series will also look ahead to 2021.
Hip Hop Uncovered (FX; Release Date: Feb. 12, 2021, at 10 p.m. ET/PT)
Hip Hop Uncovered trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: From executive producer Malcolm Spellman, Hip Hop Uncovered is a six-part documentary series directed by Rashidi Natara Harper which “takes a deep dive into the paradox of America’s criminalization of the genre and its fascination with the street culture that created it and still exists within it,” telling the story from “the streets up” instead of the top-down.
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ASH LAND trailer
First Impressions: If you’re like me, you barely know any folks who live in Oregon, let alone Black folks. In the short film Ash Land, we see a portrait of a Black woman living in Ashland, Oregon during the global pandemic and the various mental challenges that come with it. Director Sharrifa Ali summed it up best, “We Black. We in Oregon. Look at us.” Produced by The Roots’ Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, you can view the film online here.
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Alaska Is a Drag (Netflix; Release Date: Dec. 31)
Alaska Is A Drag trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Acquired by Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY after a very successful film festival run, Alaska Is a Drag stars Martin L. Washington Jr. as Leo, “a glam-obsessed young man with dreams of being a drag superstar, while working in a fish cannery in Alaska and defending himself against homophobic attacks.” That’s not all! Leo then enlists the help of an amateur boxer to fight back against those bigoted bullies. I’m all the way here for this and can’t wait to check it out.
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Grown-ish (Freeform; Season 3 Return Date: Jan. 21, 2021, at 8 p.m. ET)
Grown-ish trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Zoey and the gang are returning after their break. Last time we left the undergrad portrayed by Yara Shahidi, she’d decided to drop out of school to pursue her fashion aspirations full time. Oh, and they’re continuing the teasing energy over at Instagram, too. We got babies, (shirtless) baes and besos (yeah, had to pivot to another language to keep up the alliteration). So much to catch up on!!
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And with that (“that” being 50-odd trailers), I bid you adieu for the weekend...to take many naps. ‘Til next time!


theroot--2020-12-18--Step on a Eufy Smart Scale C1 for $19

Step on a Eufy Smart Scale C1 for $19

No one ever said getting in shape was easy , but it can be affordable , as evidenced by this Eufy C1 smart scale deal .
For $ 19 right now , you can start tracking your weight in a healthy way—from the comfort of a Bluetooth-connected smartphone .
Just clip the coupon on the page and you ’ re set for a whopping 42 % discount at checkout .
A bespoke companion app breaks down granular metrics including overall weight , percent body fat , BMI , bone mass , muscle mass , and more .
While not as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale due to its less exact sensors , its results are equally comprehensive .
Plus , one account supports up to 16 users , so even the biggest households can keep tabs on their fitness gains .
And if you ’ re already invested in another app like Apple Health , Google Fit , or Fitbit , you ’ ll be happy to know that the Eufy C1 smart scale is compatible with all three .
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey in February 2020 and updated with new information on @ @

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

Eufy Smart Sc ale C1 | $21 | Amazon | Clip coupon
No one ever said getting in shape was easy, but it can be affordable, as evidenced by this Eufy Smart Scale C1 deal. For just $21 right now, you can start tracking your weight in a healthy way—from the comfort of a Bluetooth-connected smartphone. That’s a solid savings from the $33 list price. Just clip the coupon on the page.
A bespoke companion app breaks down granular metrics including overall weight, percent body fat, BMI, bone mass, muscle mass, and more. Plus, one account supports up to 16 users, so even the biggest households can keep tabs on their fitness gains. And if you’re already invested in another app like Apple Health, Google Fit, or Fitbit, you’ll be happy to know that the Eufy Smart Scale C1 is compatible with all three.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey in February 2020 and updated by Sheilah Villari with new information on 08/25/2021.


theroot--2020-12-18--The Root's Clapback Mailbag: The Unreasonable Black Man

I believe most people are reasonable .
In fact , there is an objective legal test called the “ reasonable man ” theory .
Basically , when a judge or jury is trying to determine whether or not someone is guilty of a crime—especially negligence—the judge or jury must ask themselves if a reasonable man would act this way .
If the accused person ’ s conduct is unreasonable , they are guilty .
The “ reasonable man ” test derives from the description of a nondescript English character called the “ man on the Clapham omnibus , ” —a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a London bus route whose actions are defined as “ ordinary.
” For instance , the reason why police are often acquitted of killing citizens is that juries determine that a “ reasonable ” police officer would have fired at the victim even if the officer turned out to be wrong and the victim was unarmed When I first heard this principle , the first thing I thought was : “ A white person came up with this.
” Because all of our opinions are shaped and colored by our experiences.
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Only white people get to have their perceptions made into a reality that everyone else must abide by .
Think about how much privilege one must enjoy to have their feelings become an actual law that governs the actions of people everywhere .
Except in the Clapback Mailbag .
Here , it is the white people who are unreasonable .
And I am just a Black man on the American omnibus .
Our first two letters are about the incessant bias towards Black Lives Matter : Yesterday , I attended the committee meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and read your email aloud .
We would love for you to come address our group but there ’ s one problem : Our membership is so low .
For years , BLMT has been trying to recruit more thugs into our organization , but for some reason we can ’ t figure out , no one ever comes .
I have suggested to our governing board that these thugtivists don ’ t routinely join organized advocacy groups but they always shout me down and point to letters like yours , insisting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who are interested in committing violent acts in the name of Black Lives Matter .
Of course , if white people say it , it must be true .
So I decided to find someone who knows .
I found some tape of the head of the FBI , the largest law enforcement agency in America .
If anyone knew about the Blacktifa movement , they would .
Here is the exchange between FBI counterterrorism chief Michael McGarrity and Rep Ayanna Pressley ( D-Mass ) : “ Well damn , ” I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t be wrong.
” Then I read John ’ s letter and decided to see why Black Lives Matter was so silent about this boy ’ s murder .
I went to the group ’ s web page and was just about to send the message when I read that BLM ’ s mission is “ to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.
” “ Goddammit !
” I screamed .
“ Why would Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t fall under their mission statement ?
” It ’ s like asking why the fire department didn ’ t have anything to say about a murder .
Why is the post office so silent about the opioid problem ?
And why won ’ t the March of Dimes say anything about police brutality ?
” A reasonable person wouldn ’ t call you stupid .
They might , however , hypothesize that you are posing these irrelevant questions to demonize a movement that you don ’ t support .
Anyone looking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposed to Black Lives Matter must not want to “ eradicate white supremacy ” and agrees with “ violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.
” Therefore , it seems perfectly reasonable for me to assume that you are stupid or that you are a violent , white supremacist who likes when Black people are killed by police officers or vigilantes .
But , because I am not a reasonable person , I don ’ t think this about you .
I already assumed it from the number “ 1488 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a reasonable explanation from the comment section about the article on Trumpism : So , I voted Republican even though it would benefit me more personally to vote Democrat .
Here is how I see it , say you have 2 families , 1 D and 1 R , both in debt .
The Democrat dad lets his family talk him in to using their credit cards to get what they want now benefitting them more , the Republican dad says no and they use their money wisely getting out of debt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know this is over simplification of the real subject but the basic concept seems to be how politics are in our country .
Democrats want tax funded things like college debt relief etc .
while Republicans want to strengthen our economy for a more rewarding future .
This is a great analogy that needs to be workshopped a little bit .
Here ’ s how I see it : You have two families , one Democrat , one Republican , both in debt .
The Democrat dad lets his family talk him into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they want now benefitting them more .
But the Democrat family knows that the dad is paying the credit card with their paycheck .
So when the Democrat mom gets sick , she thinks dad should pay her medical bill with her credit card .
Democrat son wonders why his school is so shitty when dad is using the credit card to fund schools in white neighborhoods .
Democrat daughter wonders why dad won ’ t use the card to repay a loan to a state college that she funded .
Why doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stop the interest from killing her ?
They ’ re broke anyway !
Meanwhile , Republican dad is running up a higher debt while making is family think he ’ s fiscally conservative .
His family is paying his bills , too .
But he ’ s taking their money and giving it to a wealthier corporation .
Dad says that he ’ d rather Republican wife stay sick than pay her medical bills .
Dad sends Republican son to a charter school and calls it “ school choice.
” Republican dad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she should do with her vagina but Republican dad believes in “ religious freedom ” and “ individual liberty.
” Then , one day , Republican dad comes home and finds the entire family sitting in the living room in front of a pile of money .
“ Well , there ’ s something I should have told you , ” Republican dad begins .
“ We ’ re actually very rich .
I ’ ve been keeping all the money we make and paying for everything with the credit card.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the son asks .
“ Oh , I put it on the Democrat family ’ s credit card ” Republican dad replies .
“ But what about my healthcare ?
” asks Republican mom .
“ You said we couldn ’ t afford it.
” “ Well actually , I found out that they put unpaid bills on the Democrats ’ credit card , too !
” dad explains .
“ But that isn ’ t very Christian , ” the Republican daughter says .
“ I thought we believed in family values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other families can ’ t pay it ?
” the son asks .
“ Won ’ t they pass that debt onto us by increasing our interest rate and making us pay more fees ?
Won ’ t the Democrats have to resort to crime to pay their bills if they don ’ t have education or money ?
Won ’ t that make our community less safe ?
What will we do when we are face-to-face with these problems ?
” The dad paused for a second .
It was obvious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Well , ” he finally said .
“ I guess we ’ ll just blame the niggers .
”

I believe most people are reasonable.
In fact, there is an objective legal test called the “reasonable man” theory. Basically, when a judge or jury is trying to determine whether or not someone is guilty of a crime—especially negligence—the judge or jury must ask themselves if a reasonable man would act this way. If the accused person’s conduct is unreasonable, they are guilty.
The “reasonable man” test derives from the description of a nondescript English character called the “man on the Clapham omnibus,”—a reasonably educated but average, hypothetical passenger on a London bus route whose actions are defined as “ordinary.” For instance, the reason why police are often acquitted of killing citizens is that juries determine that a “reasonable” police officer would have fired at the victim even if the officer turned out to be wrong and the victim was unarmed
Advertisement
When I first heard this principle, the first thing I thought was:
“A white person came up with this.”
Because all of our opinions are shaped and colored by our experiences.“Reasonable” is a subjective notion. Only white people get to have their perceptions made into a reality that everyone else must abide by. Think about how much privilege one must enjoy to have their feelings become an actual law that governs the actions of people everywhere.
Advertisement Advertisement
Except in the Clapback Mailbag.
Here, it is the white people who are unreasonable.
And I am just a Black man on the American omnibus.
Our first two letters are about the incessant bias towards Black Lives Matter:
From: C.M.
To: Danielle Belton I find the article written by Anne Braigin is very bias and racist towards other groups expressing their beliefs, they did not burn down business like blm did! They did not push over statues and spray paint all over everything like blm did! So what makes them so different? Shame on all you journalist that are bias and spread false truth to get what you want! I truly hope America wakes up and stops reading listening too or believing anything that journalist print!
From: John P.
To: Michael Harriot:
SILENCE from silly “BLM”, maybe because black on black crime does not matter!!! It don’t count. Whatever that’s supposed to mean!!!
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Dear CM and John P.
Yesterday, I attended the committee meeting of Black Lives Matter Thugs, Inc. and read your email aloud. We would love for you to come address our group but there’s one problem:
Our membership is so low.
For years, BLMT has been trying to recruit more thugs into our organization, but for some reason we can’t figure out, no one ever comes. I have suggested to our governing board that these thugtivists don’t routinely join organized advocacy groups but they always shout me down and point to letters like yours, insisting that there must be a large contingent of people who are interested in committing violent acts in the name of Black Lives Matter.
Advertisement
Of course, if white people say it, it must be true.
So I decided to find someone who knows. I found some tape of the head of the FBI, the largest law enforcement agency in America. If anyone knew about the Blacktifa movement, they would. Here is the exchange between FBI counterterrorism chief Michael McGarrity and Rep Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass):
Pressley: How many extremist murders has the FBI linked to Black Lives Matter or similar Black activist groups? McGarrity: We don’t work Black Lives Matter. It’s a movement. It’s an ideology. We don’t work that. Pressley: So the answer is none. Can you just say that for the record? There has been no killing that the FBI can link to Black Lives Matter or similar Black activist groups, to your knowledge. McGarrity: To my knowledge—I’d have to go back—but to my knowledge, right now, no.
“Well damn,” I said. “All those white people can’t be wrong.”
Then I read John’s letter and decided to see why Black Lives Matter was so silent about this boy’s murder. I went to the group’s web page and was just about to send the message when I read that BLM’s mission is “to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.”
Advertisement
“Goddammit!” I screamed. “Why would Black Lives Matter be involved in something that didn’t fall under their mission statement?”
It’s like asking why the fire department didn’t have anything to say about a murder. Why is the post office so silent about the opioid problem? And why won’t the March of Dimes say anything about police brutality?”
Advertisement
A reasonable person wouldn’t call you stupid. They might, however, hypothesize that you are posing these irrelevant questions to demonize a movement that you don’t support. Anyone looking at this objectively would assume someone so vehemently opposed to Black Lives Matter must not want to “eradicate white supremacy” and agrees with “violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.”
Therefore, it seems perfectly reasonable for me to assume that you are stupid or that you are a violent, white supremacist who likes when Black people are killed by police officers or vigilantes.
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But, because I am not a reasonable person, I don’t think this about you.
I think you’re just white.
This made people mad:
The 2020 Wypipo Awards In 2018, The Root embarked upon a mission to prove our commitment to the “It’s OK to be White”… Read more
From: Joda Tai
To: Michael Harriot I’m a niggerologist, you good with that right?
Yep.
I already assumed it from the number “1488" in your email address anyway
Here is a reasonable explanation from the comment section about the article on Trumpism:
From: Tryingtounderstand
To: Michael Harriot So, I voted Republican even though it would benefit me more personally to vote Democrat. Here is how I see it, say you have 2 families, 1 D and 1 R, both in debt. The Democrat dad lets his family talk him in to using their credit cards to get what they want now benefitting them more, the Republican dad says no and they use their money wisely getting out of debt and securing a brighter future. I know this is over simplification of the real subject but the basic concept seems to be how politics are in our country. Democrats want tax funded things like college debt relief etc. while Republicans want to strengthen our economy for a more rewarding future.
Advertisement
Dear Tryingtounderstand
This is a great analogy that needs to be workshopped a little bit. Here’s how I see it:
You have two families, one Democrat, one Republican, both in debt. The Democrat dad lets his family talk him into using their credit cards to get what they want now benefitting them more.
Advertisement
But the Democrat family knows that the dad is paying the credit card with their paycheck. So when the Democrat mom gets sick, she thinks dad should pay her medical bill with her credit card. Democrat son wonders why his school is so shitty when dad is using the credit card to fund schools in white neighborhoods. Democrat daughter wonders why dad won’t use the card to repay a loan to a state college that she funded. Why doesn’t he just pay it off and stop the interest from killing her? They’re broke anyway!
Meanwhile, Republican dad is running up a higher debt while making is family think he’s fiscally conservative. His family is paying his bills, too. But he’s taking their money and giving it to a wealthier corporation. Dad says that he’d rather Republican wife stay sick than pay her medical bills. Dad sends Republican son to a charter school and calls it “school choice.” Republican dad tells Republican daughter that Jesus knows what she should do with her vagina but Republican dad believes in “religious freedom” and “individual liberty.”
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Then, one day, Republican dad comes home and finds the entire family sitting in the living room in front of a pile of money.
“Where’d this money come from?” asks Republican wife.
“Well, there’s something I should have told you,” Republican dad begins. “We’re actually very rich. I’ve been keeping all the money we make and paying for everything with the credit card.”
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“But what about my school?” the son asks.
“Oh, I put it on the Democrat family’s credit card” Republican dad replies.
“But what about my healthcare?” asks Republican mom. “You said we couldn’t afford it.”
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“Well actually, I found out that they put unpaid bills on the Democrats’ credit card, too!” dad explains.
“But that isn’t very Christian,” the Republican daughter says. “I thought we believed in family values?”
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“And what happens when the other families can’t pay it?” the son asks. “Won’t they pass that debt onto us by increasing our interest rate and making us pay more fees? Won’t the Democrats have to resort to crime to pay their bills if they don’t have education or money? Won’t that make our community less safe? What will we do when we are face-to-face with these problems?”
The dad paused for a second. It was obvious that he is deep in thought.
“Well,” he finally said. “I guess we’ll just blame the niggers.”
The end.


theroot--2020-12-18--The Petty Continues: Trump’s Defense Secretary Orders ‘Holiday Pause’ on Briefings to Biden’s Transi

The Petty Continues: Trump’s Defense Secretary Orders ‘Holiday Pause’ on Briefings to Biden’s Transition Team

Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller is following in the president ’ s petty footsteps as he ’ s ordered a “ holiday pause ” on briefings with President-elect Joe Biden ’ s transition team because the goal of this administration must be to annoy the fuck out everyone .
After the Trump administration had to be shamed into giving Biden the President ’ s Daily Brief after the election—in which , Congress , both Republicans and Democrats , were like , “ Why the fuck aren ’ t you sharing the intelligence briefings with the president-elect ?
” —the Defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with just over a month before Biden ’ s inauguration on Jan. 20 , Bloomberg reports .
Miller was appointed Nov. 9 after Trump fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper right after the election , because petty AF .
Miller reportedly canceled all transition meetings between the failed Trump administration and the incoming Biden administration , according to Axios , which broke the story .
Many in Biden ’ s team believe that the “ holiday pause ” is retaliation , noting that a Washington Post story published Wednesday night revealed how much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be saved if Biden ’ s administration just stopped building Trump ’ s dumb-ass border wall that no one wants .
Miller ’ s move reportedly stunned officials in the Defense Department as no one was aware that a holiday pause in Biden ’ s transition was coming .
“ We had fewer than two dozen remaining meetings on the schedule today and next week , ” a senior Defense Department official told Axios , adding that “ the DoD staff working the meetings were overwhelmed by the number of meetings.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do their day jobs and were being consumed by transition activities .
... With the holidays we are taking a knee for two weeks .
We are still committed to a productive transition.
” Hopefully that knee wasn ’ t taken on a NFL playing field or they would be out of a job .
“ As of today , we have supported 139 interviews sessions , more than 200 DoD personnel , 161 requests for information , and disclosed thousands of pages of non-public and classified documents , exceeding prior transitions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ At no time has the department canceled or declined any interview.
” Petty is as the petty president does .

Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller is following in the president’s petty footsteps as he’s ordered a “holiday pause” on briefings with President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team because the goal of this administration must be to annoy the fuck out everyone.
After the Trump administration had to be shamed into giving Biden the President’s Daily Brief after the election—in which, Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, were like, “Why the fuck aren’t you sharing the intelligence briefings with the president-elect?”—the Defense Department announced this petty-ass move on Friday, with just over a month before Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20, Bloomberg reports.
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Miller was appointed Nov. 9 after Trump fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper right after the election, because petty AF. Miller reportedly canceled all transition meetings between the failed Trump administration and the incoming Biden administration, according to Axios, which broke the story.
Many in Biden’s team believe that the “holiday pause” is retaliation, noting that a Washington Post story published Wednesday night revealed how much money (some $2.6 billion) would be saved if Biden’s administration just stopped building Trump’s dumb-ass border wall that no one wants.
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Miller’s move reportedly stunned officials in the Defense Department as no one was aware that a holiday pause in Biden’s transition was coming.
“We had fewer than two dozen remaining meetings on the schedule today and next week,” a senior Defense Department official told Axios, adding that “the DoD staff working the meetings were overwhelmed by the number of meetings.”
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“These same senior leaders needed to do their day jobs and were being consumed by transition activities. ... With the holidays we are taking a knee for two weeks. We are still committed to a productive transition.”
Hopefully that knee wasn’t taken on a NFL playing field or they would be out of a job.
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“As of today, we have supported 139 interviews sessions, more than 200 DoD personnel, 161 requests for information, and disclosed thousands of pages of non-public and classified documents, exceeding prior transitions,” Miller said in his statement. “At no time has the department canceled or declined any interview.”
Petty is as the petty president does.


theroot--2020-12-18--Auntie Unfiltered Catches Up With the Legendary MC Lyte

Have I got a treat for you this week .
How many of you are fans of hip- hop ?
I mean real fans , like you know the history and who came when and that type of stuff ?
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Ms. Lana Michelle Moorer , known the world over by her stage name , MC Lyte .
Yes , she who uttered the legendary bars : Must I say it again , I said it before Move out the way when I ’ m comin through the door Me , heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watch , even some of girls clock Step back , it ain ’ t that type of party No reply if you ain ’ t somebody Get out my face , don ’ t wan na hear no more If you hate rejection , don ’ t try to score First base ?
you ain ’ t got what it takes You smile , you wink , you big fake flake You ’ re so pathetic you make my stomach turn You beg , you borrow , now you have to learn Yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the game , and she still doing big things !
We had a chance to talk about a new initiative she has with Red Bull , the Choice M ix , where she curated a playlist full of lady emcees like herself ; we chatted about the “ I Wan na Be Down ” remix she appeared on with Brandy , Yo-Yo and Queen Latifah , and we talked about the history of hip hop and how she broke so many barriers at the time she came up .
This was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspect it will be for you , too .
As always , I want to hear from you .
If you have questions , comments , concerns , if you need advice , or if you have a topic you think I should discuss , please hit me up at AuntieSubmissions @ TheRoot.com .
I hope you enjoy the holidays , and I ’ ll see y ’ all back here on Jan. 8 .

We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-12-18--Rep. Barbara Lee: To Mend African American Distrust in COVID-19 Vaccine, Let Black Communities Lead

Rep. Barbara Lee: To Mend African American Distrust in COVID-19 Vaccine, Let Black Communities Lead the Way

As the historic campaign to distribute COVID-19 vaccines across the country kicked off this week , many lawmakers , public health experts , and newsrooms across the country have paid special attention to Black Americans ’ distrust in a coronavirus vaccine .
That distrust has been well-documented , as have its origins : American medicine has a long history of dismissing Black pain , turning away Black patients , and experimenting on Black bodies .
The appeals to change African Americans ’ attitudes toward the vaccine in recent weeks have acknowledged this history while also trying to demonstrate the safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being distributed .
Last Friday , Dr. Anthony Fauci spotlighted that the Moderna vaccine , soon to be endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration , was developed by a Black woman , Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett , in an effort to help win trust in the treatment among African Americans .
While actions like publicly taking the vaccine certainly help , Rep. Barbara Lee ( D-Calif. ) is trying to push Congress to go even further—urging lawmakers working on a last-minute stimulus package to fund grassroots organizations who will work directly with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ That ’ s the only way this is going to work , ” the congresswoman told The Root on Thursday .
But while the vaccine and the long-delayed stimulus package are at the forefront of many minds , Lee also emphasized that restoring African Americans ’ trust in medical institutions can not happen without attempting to restore trust in government itself—and thus require much more ambitious , and much more further-reaching , policies to undo a long history of racist policies .
Black people have earned their skepticism of government institutions—and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a $ 600 check to rebuild what has been broken .
“ We have to hit this on all fronts : policy , public education , funding priorities , ” said Lee .
“ Because health disparities have been with us , especially in the Black community , from day one .
And we ’ ve never had a full-blown funded strategy to address it.
” The first hurdle to clear is ensuring that this next stimulus package—which will be only the second Congress has passed since March—is equitable , and truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus recession has had on marginalized communities .
For Lee , this means urging her colleagues to plug provisions from her Community Cares Act into the latest stimulus package , to ensure that local community and faith-based organizations are funded so they can do outreach necessary to stop the spread of the virus .
This provision would train and pay community leaders—from healthcare workers to formerly incarcerated gang members—to educate their communities on vaccinations , as well as testing and contact tracing .
Of particular concern to Lee is making sure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the information they need to be safe .
This community-based and community-led effort is an essential step in ensuring the health and safety of marginalized communities , says Lee .
She also points to the many Black-owned businesses that have shut down in the last year— “ a large percentage [ of which ] will never come back.
” Any equitable stimulus package must not only have a substantial relief check—or , “ survival checks , ” as she and other progressive Democrats have called them—but specific investment in minority-owned businesses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Eight million more people have fallen into the ranks of the poor , ” Lee noted , with poverty rising the most for Black Americans .
This precarious position is precisely why convincing Americans across the country to get a COVID-19 vaccine is so important .
Having an effective treatment won ’ t matter if people don ’ t take it , and if people don ’ t take the vaccine , infection rates are likely to stay high .
This is terrible news for all Americans as hospitals are stretched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even worse news for African Americans , who have seen both higher infection rates and higher death rates take a tremendous toll on their communities .
But what can not be lost in this conversation is that , even before the pandemic , Black Americans experienced a very different economy—and a different healthcare system—than the rest of America .
African Americans have long faced higher rates of housing and food insecurity , along with higher unemployment rates .
Black Americans are much more likely to incur medical debt , and accessing medical care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighborhoods , which were systemically disinvested from .
Any policy that rectifies these problems , then , would have a much greater impact on Black communities than it would white ones .
This is part of the call Congressional lawmakers need to answer , Lee says .
“ I think now we have to use this window of opportunity ... to address systemic racism in our public health system , ” she explained .
“ And we have to begin to repair the damage of the past.
” This can be done through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Community Cares act and the “ Anti-Racism in Public Health Act , ” which Lee , along with Rep. Ayanna Pressley ( D-Mass . )
and Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
introduced in September .
This historic legislation would name systemic racism a public health crisis and charge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with researching how systemic racism impacts health and proposing solutions .
Lee also referenced the Health Equity Act , which the Tri-Caucus—comprising the Congressional Black Caucus , the Hispanic Caucus and the Asian Pacific American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bills like these have seen increasing support in Congress , though a GOP-led Senate majority has denied these resolutions an honest chance at becoming law .
If passed , however , they would present a massive shift in how the nation talks about and attempts to redress systemic racism .
But the issue of rebuilding trust goes even deeper than healthcare .
As a widely-referenced poll recently found , Black Americans who said the government could never or could only rarely be trusted to look after their interests were far more likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine .
This doesn ’ t surprise Lee , a longtime public servant .
“ We see systemic racism in every single policy .
I mean , you can look at the wage gap , the wealth gap , the disparities in education and suspensions and mass incarceration and housing , ” Lee said .
“ Certainly racism is , I always say , in the DNA of this country.
” Addressing racial equity is a charge that the incoming Biden-Harris administration will certainly need to take up , considering the role voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ticket ’ s victory .
But what is clear to Lee—as well as other policy experts and organizers—is that trust in the government can ’ t truly be rebuilt until institutional racism is addressed .
This includes seriously taking up the issue of reparations .
Lee is one of 169 Democrats who have backed H.R .
40 , which would authorize a commission to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans .
She has also introduced her own bill committed to racial redress , H.R .
100 , which would take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memorializing the deliberate harm inflicted on generations of Black Americans .
“ We ’ ve never had this day of reckoning in the United States as it relates to the historical context of systemic racism , tracing back to the middle passage , ” said Lee , noting that more than 400 countries have done such public reckonings over their historical atrocities , including slavery and genocide campaigns .
“ This country has never done that.
” This acknowledgment , paired with comprehensive and substantial policies that center African Americans and other marginalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will carry America toward the inclusivity it has always professed to strive for , but has never achieved—not in its electoral politics , not in its wealth distribution , not in its courts , and certainly not in its healthcare system .
“ We have to put in historical context what we ’ re experiencing today before this country can move forward , ” she said .
“ I think this truth-telling moment is upon us now .
”

As the historic campaign to distribute COVID-19 vaccines across the country kicked off this week, many lawmakers, public health experts, and newsrooms across the country have paid special attention to Black Americans’ distrust in a coronavirus vaccine.
That distrust has been well-documented, as have its origins: American medicine has a long history of dismissing Black pain, turning away Black patients, and experimenting on Black bodies. The appeals to change African Americans’ attitudes toward the vaccine in recent weeks have acknowledged this history while also trying to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines currently being distributed. Last Friday, Dr. Anthony Fauci spotlighted that the Moderna vaccine, soon to be endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration, was developed by a Black woman, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, in an effort to help win trust in the treatment among African Americans.
Advertisement
While actions like publicly taking the vaccine certainly help, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) is trying to push Congress to go even further—urging lawmakers working on a last-minute stimulus package to fund grassroots organizations who will work directly with their communities to foster faith in the vaccine.
“That’s the only way this is going to work,” the congresswoman told The Root on Thursday.
Advertisement Advertisement
But while the vaccine and the long-delayed stimulus package are at the forefront of many minds, Lee also emphasized that restoring African Americans’ trust in medical institutions cannot happen without attempting to restore trust in government itself—and thus require much more ambitious, and much more further-reaching, policies to undo a long history of racist policies. Black people have earned their skepticism of government institutions—and it will take more than a vaccine and a $600 check to rebuild what has been broken.
“We have to hit this on all fronts: policy, public education, funding priorities,” said Lee. “Because health disparities have been with us, especially in the Black community, from day one. And we’ve never had a full-blown funded strategy to address it.”
Advertisement
The first hurdle to clear is ensuring that this next stimulus package—which will be only the second Congress has passed since March—is equitable, and truly accounts for the disproportionate toll COVID-19 and the coronavirus recession has had on marginalized communities. For Lee, this means urging her colleagues to plug provisions from her Community Cares Act into the latest stimulus package, to ensure that local community and faith-based organizations are funded so they can do outreach necessary to stop the spread of the virus. This provision would train and pay community leaders—from healthcare workers to formerly incarcerated gang members—to educate their communities on vaccinations, as well as testing and contact tracing. Of particular concern to Lee is making sure that people who speak languages aside from English get the information they need to be safe.
This community-based and community-led effort is an essential step in ensuring the health and safety of marginalized communities, says Lee. She also points to the many Black-owned businesses that have shut down in the last year—“a large percentage [of which] will never come back.” Any equitable stimulus package must not only have a substantial relief check—or, “survival checks,” as she and other progressive Democrats have called them—but specific investment in minority-owned businesses, alongside enhanced unemployment compensation and rent relief.
Advertisement
“Eight million more people have fallen into the ranks of the poor,” Lee noted, with poverty rising the most for Black Americans.
This precarious position is precisely why convincing Americans across the country to get a COVID-19 vaccine is so important. Having an effective treatment won’t matter if people don’t take it, and if people don’t take the vaccine, infection rates are likely to stay high. This is terrible news for all Americans as hospitals are stretched to capacity, but it’s even worse news for African Americans, who have seen both higher infection rates and higher death rates take a tremendous toll on their communities.
Advertisement
But what cannot be lost in this conversation is that, even before the pandemic, Black Americans experienced a very different economy—and a different healthcare system—than the rest of America. African Americans have long faced higher rates of housing and food insecurity, along with higher unemployment rates. Black Americans are much more likely to incur medical debt, and accessing medical care has long been an issue in redlined neighborhoods, which were systemically disinvested from. Any policy that rectifies these problems, then, would have a much greater impact on Black communities than it would white ones.
This is part of the call Congressional lawmakers need to answer, Lee says.
“I think now we have to use this window of opportunity...to address systemic racism in our public health system,” she explained. “And we have to begin to repair the damage of the past.”
Advertisement
This can be done through comprehensive healthcare bills, like Lee’s Community Cares act and the “Anti-Racism in Public Health Act,” which Lee, along with Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) introduced in September. This historic legislation would name systemic racism a public health crisis and charge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with researching how systemic racism impacts health and proposing solutions. Lee also referenced the Health Equity Act, which the Tri-Caucus—comprising the Congressional Black Caucus, the Hispanic Caucus and the Asian Pacific American Caucus—has been working on since 2018.
Bills like these have seen increasing support in Congress, though a GOP-led Senate majority has denied these resolutions an honest chance at becoming law. If passed, however, they would present a massive shift in how the nation talks about and attempts to redress systemic racism. But the issue of rebuilding trust goes even deeper than healthcare. As a widely-referenced poll recently found, Black Americans who said the government could never or could only rarely be trusted to look after their interests were far more likely to say they would not take a COVID-19 vaccine. This doesn’t surprise Lee, a longtime public servant.
Advertisement
“We see systemic racism in every single policy. I mean, you can look at the wage gap, the wealth gap, the disparities in education and suspensions and mass incarceration and housing,” Lee said. “Certainly racism is, I always say, in the DNA of this country.”
Addressing racial equity is a charge that the incoming Biden-Harris administration will certainly need to take up, considering the role voters of color—specifically, Black voters—played in securing the ticket’s victory. But what is clear to Lee—as well as other policy experts and organizers—is that trust in the government can’t truly be rebuilt until institutional racism is addressed. This includes seriously taking up the issue of reparations.
Advertisement
Lee is one of 169 Democrats who have backed H.R. 40, which would authorize a commission to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans. She has also introduced her own bill committed to racial redress, H.R. 100, which would take the first step in properly acknowledging and memorializing the deliberate harm inflicted on generations of Black Americans.
“We’ve never had this day of reckoning in the United States as it relates to the historical context of systemic racism, tracing back to the middle passage,” said Lee, noting that more than 400 countries have done such public reckonings over their historical atrocities, including slavery and genocide campaigns. “This country has never done that.”
Advertisement
This acknowledgment, paired with comprehensive and substantial policies that center African Americans and other marginalized communities, is the path Lee believes will carry America toward the inclusivity it has always professed to strive for, but has never achieved—not in its electoral politics, not in its wealth distribution, not in its courts, and certainly not in its healthcare system.
“We have to put in historical context what we’re experiencing today before this country can move forward,” she said. “I think this truth-telling moment is upon us now.”


theroot--2020-12-18--Soap & Glory's Entire Line Is Buy One, Get One 50% off at Ulta Until Christmas Eve

Buy One , Get One 50 % off Soap & Glory | Ulta Beauty While visiting the UK in 2007 I ran into Boots ( an awesome drug store chain ) because I was looking for lotion .
The flat I was staying in made my skin so dry but lucky for me I discovered The Righteous Butter from Soap & Glory and we ’ ve been together since .
From now until December 24 grab two of your faves and get 50 % off one .
from one of the best brands I ’ ve ever tried .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now is Hand Food ( $ 8 ) .
If you ’ re compulsively washing your hands and noticing they ’ re going through the wringer treat them to some silky soft relief .
It ’ s non-greasy and is made with shea butter , macadamia oil , and marshmallow .
It ’ s slightly scented but in no way overwhelming .
I usually have a travel size of this in my bag .
Exfoliating is important to achieving soft skin .
Cleaning away dead skin , dirt , and grim is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use Scrub Of Your Life ( $ 12 ) when I want something a little more heavy-duty .
This is usually when I plan on using a tattoo balm and the only way to make those pieces sing is by really scrubbing them first .
This buffs each tattoo , but also scrubs dry elbows in winter , and deep cleans my pores when needed .
It has as the classic “ pink fragrance , ” again not too much but just a hit of floral and fruit .
This will leave your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moisturizing .
Say hello to my new favorite product .
My face has never been so soft in my life .
The Glow Your Mind Nourishing Cleansing Balm ( $ 14 ) far exceeded my expectations .
It ’ s velvety and gentle but still finds away to get rid of makeup remnants .
Whatever Soap & Glory is doing with this product , keep doing it .
I actually get excited to use this every day .
They call it a balm-to-milk formula that ’ s got vitamin C and 4 loving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and jojoba .
This one is virtually scentless but total perfection .
Free shipping on all orders over $ 35 .

Sheilah Villari on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

2 0% Off - Soap & Glory | Ulta Beauty
While visiting the UK in 2007, I ran into Boots (an awesome drug store chain) because I was looking for lotion. The flat I was staying in made my skin so dry, but lucky for me, I discovered The Righteous Butter from Soap & Glory, and we’ve been together ever since. Right now, get the next for 2 0% off your next order.
Another old favorite that we can all use right now is Hand Food ($6). Treat them to some silky soft relief if you’re compulsively washing your hands and noticing they’re going through the wringer. It’s non-greasy and is made with shea butter, macadamia oil, and marshmallow. It’s slightly scented but in no way overwhelming. I usually have a travel size of this in my bag.
Exfoliating is important to achieving soft skin. Cleaning away dead skin, dirt, and grim is the way to get there. I use Scrub Of Your Life ($10) when I want something a little more heavy-duty. This is usually when I plan on using a tattoo balm, and the only way to make those pieces sing is by scrubbing them first. This buffs each tattoo but also scrubs dry skin and deep cleans my pores when needed. It has the classic “pink fragrance,” again not too much but just a hit of floral and fruit. This will leave your skin in the perfect spot for ultimate moisturizing.
Advertisement
Say hello to one of my favorite products. My face has never been so soft in my life. The Glow Your Mind Nourishing Cleansing Balm ($11) far exceeded my expectations. It’s velvety and gentle but still finds a way to get rid of makeup remnants. Whatever Soap & Glory is doing with this product, keep doing it. I actually get excited to use this every day. They call it a balm-to-milk formula that’s got vitamin C and 4 loving oils: marula, avocado, apricot, and jojoba. This one is virtually scentless but total perfection.


theroot--2020-12-18--Barack Obama Revealed His Fave Books, TV and Film He Consumed in 2020 While Chillin' on A Promised L

Barack Obama Revealed His Fave Books, TV and Film He Consumed in 2020 While Chillin' on A Promised Land

2020 is almost over .
Soon , we ’ ll be embarking on a new year .
Now that ’ s change we can believe in .
Who knows what the next year will bring but now ’ s the time to reflect on the year that was .
That ’ s right , it ’ s time for end-of-year lists .
One of the most anticipated lists of the year has arrived : Barack Obama ’ s Favorite Books , TV Shows and Movies of 2020 .
On Thursday , the 44th president of the United States and author @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ As 2020 comes to a close , I wanted to share my annual lists of favorites , ” Obama tweeted .
“ I ’ ll start by sharing my favorite books this year , deliberately omitting what I think is a pretty good book—A Promised Land—by a certain 44th president .
I hope you enjoy reading these as much as I did.
” Let ’ s just point out that it is peak Leo to humbly leave your own book off of a retrospective list while still promoting it .
I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some Black-ass author love on the list including Raven Leilani ’ s Luster , Isabel Wilkerson ’ s Caste , James McBride ’ s Deacon King Kong , Brit Bennett ’ s The Vanishing Half and Kawai Strong Washburn ’ s The Ministry For the Future .
The following Friday , Obama also dropped his list of Favorite Movies and TV Shows of 2020 : As for movies , Obama is really into Ma Rainey ’ s Black Bottom , Soul , Lovers Rock , Time and Selah and the Spades .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May Destroy You , City So Real and The Last Dance .
“ Like everyone else , we were stuck inside a lot this year , and with streaming further blurring the lines between theatrical movies and television features , I ’ ve expanded the list to include visual storytelling that I ’ ve enjoyed this year , regardless of format , ” he tweeted .
Anyone would freak out if the man who was once the highest-ranked person in the country and maintained a super-sizable platform consumed something you created or had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter : And with that , I guess we all have some reading and watching to catch up on for the holiday break !

2020 is almost over. Soon, we’ll be embarking on a new year. Now that’s change we can believe in.
Who knows what the next year will bring but now’s the time to reflect on the year that was. That’s right, it’s time for end-of-year lists. One of the most anticipated lists of the year has arrived: Barack Obama’s Favorite Books, TV Shows and Movies of 2020.
Advertisement
On Thursday, the 44th president of the United States and author shared his Favorite Books of 2020:
Advertisement Advertisement
“As 2020 comes to a close, I wanted to share my annual lists of favorites,” Obama tweeted. “I’ll start by sharing my favorite books this year, deliberately omitting what I think is a pretty good book—A Promised Land—by a certain 44th president. I hope you enjoy reading these as much as I did.”
Let’s just point out that it is peak Leo to humbly leave your own book off of a retrospective list while still promoting it. I know my people.
Advertisement
Anyway! There was some Black-ass author love on the list including Raven Leilani’s Luster, Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste, James McBride’s Deacon King Kong, Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half and Kawai Strong Washburn’s The Ministry For the Future.
The following Friday, Obama also dropped his list of Favorite Movies and TV Shows of 2020:
Advertisement
As for movies, Obama is really into Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Soul, Lovers Rock, Time and Selah and the Spades. On the TV/bingeing front, Obama enjoyed I May Destroy You, City So Real and The Last Dance.
“Like everyone else, we were stuck inside a lot this year, and with streaming further blurring the lines between theatrical movies and television features, I’ve expanded the list to include visual storytelling that I’ve enjoyed this year, regardless of format,” he tweeted.
Advertisement
Anyone would freak out if the man who was once the highest-ranked person in the country and maintained a super-sizable platform consumed something you created or had a part in—so creators were absolutely reacting on Twitter:
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And with that, I guess we all have some reading and watching to catch up on for the holiday break!