theroot--2020-10-09--Trailer Roundup: The Holiday Bells Are Ringing With That Jingle Jangle—Wait, Is Fatman's Mrs. Claus

Trailer Roundup: The Holiday Bells Are Ringing With That Jingle Jangle—Wait, Is Fatman's Mrs. Claus Black?

You ’ re probably looking at the headline and thinking , “ Wait a damn minute , Halloween hasn ’ t even arrived yet , and we ’ re already talking about Christmas ?
!
” Yes .
If there is one constant in 2020 ( spoiler : there are no constants in 2020 other than the constantly unpredictable news ) it ’ s that the Christmas season trumps other holidays .
Mariah Carey already tried to tell y ’ all that Thanksgiving basically doesn ’ t exist .
Anyway , let ’ s get to this week ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all , I ’ m already in because of the name Jeronicus Jangle ( portrayed by Forest Whitaker ) .
Does this mean I already have a special holiday edition of Negro Noir ?
Stay tuned .
Jingle Jangle follows Jeronicus , a toymaker whose invention is stolen by some hater played by Keegan-Michael Key .
John Legend is one of the producers and this film stars Madalen Mills , Keegan-Michael Key , Sharon Rose , Phylicia Rashad , Anika Noni Rose , Kieron Dyer , Justin Cornwell , Lisa Davina Phillip , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear Usher and Kiana Ledé ’ s song from the film ’ s soundtrack is a holiday earworm .
Driving While Black ( PBS ; Release Date : Oct. 13 , 2020 , at 9 p.m .
ET ) First Impressions : Whether it is the historic era of The Negro Motorist Green Book or the modern era of Philando Castile , driving while Black is inherently political .
Based on the acclaimed book by Gretchen Sorin , this relevant film will explore the history of Black mobility between the 1930s and 1960s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevance to issues and dynamics at work in American society today—of race and class , gender , safety , law enforcement , automobile culture , recreation , personal freedom , and national identity.
” First Impressions : Marvel 616 , a look into Marvel ’ s rich legacy , “ will cover topics including Marvel ’ s world-spanning artists , the trailblazing women of Marvel Comics , discovering the “ forgotten ” characters of Marvel ” and more .
This anthology docuseries will follow eight different stories and yes , Black creatives within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the looks of the trailer .
First Impressions : The coming-of-age reality series from executive producer Nyle DiMarco ( America ’ s Next Top Model Season 22 winner ) follows “ a tight-knit group of deaf students at Gallaudet University , a renowned private college for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing , in Washington , D.C. ” I see two prominent Black male characters though ; I am hoping as the series progresses we see some Black women representation , as well .
Shout-out to Jade Bryan of # DeafTalent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Impressions : When a top-secret weapon falls into the hands of a mercenary , a group of ladies who wouldn ’ t otherwise team up ( a typical movie trope , of course ! )
, have to team up to save the world .
So , as you can see we have a bad-ass Black agent in the female-led CIA team , and she is Lupita Nyong ’ o .
Do you want to know her name ?
Y ’ all , it ’ s Khadijah .
You better pay homage to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rowe ( Lennie James ) portrays a father who is accused of abducting his own daughter ( whom he barely knew ) in the first season and the second season continues 17 months later with his daughter still missing .
“ I don ’ t know where I ’ m going , but I ain ’ t lost , ” Nelly utters at the end of the trailer .
Hmm , maybe I should incorporate that into my life mantra .
Friendsgiving ( Theaters , On Demand , Digital ; Release Date : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oct. 27 , 2020 ) First Impressions : Ah , Friendsgiving .
As a transplant to Los Angeles ( via Chicago ) , I am all too familiar with this concept .
In fact , I think my first one will always hold a special place in my heart because it was the first time I spent the holiday away from my fam ( shout-out to my friend Steph ! )
.
Fun times .
Now , this movie ?
Looks like chaos !
Friendsgiving , which has the tagline , “ come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallout , ” features Deon Cole , Wanda Sykes , Aisha Tyler , and more .
Iyanla Fix My Life ( OWN ; Season 7 Release Date : Oct. 31 , 2020 at 9 p.m .
ET ) First Impressions : Wow , seven seasons !
It seems like just yesterday I heard Iyanla yell , “ PENIS !
” or slam the table letting y ’ all know shenanigans aren ’ t happening on her watch .
This season will feature Shay Johnson ( Yes , “ Buckeey ” from Flavor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
First Impressions : Kevin Hart does everything .
In this new Snapchat series , Hart is described as the “ best friend/mentor/coach you didn ’ t know you needed.
” I ’ m guessing since the major traffic incident he recovered from , Hart is leaning way into his inspirational and motivational energy .
Gramercy ( through Oct. 18 , 2020 , through Oct. 14 , 2020 , and from Oct. 15 to Oct. 22 , 2020 ) First Impressions : From Jamil McGinnis and Pat Heywood comes Gramercy , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shaq ( Shaq Bynes ) with depression who returns to his hometown in New Jersey where he grapples with grief and brotherhood .
At The Root we are always supporting mental health awareness , so this is right in line with our values ( in fact , World Mental Health Day is tomorrow , October 10 ; more on that to come ) .
I ’ ll have to check this one out , as it looks beautiful .
First Impressions : A one-woman show performed by Carey Brianna Hart , I ELECT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s experience on the night of the 2016 election .
As we look back on that moment knowing where we are now in 2020 ( with a whole global pandemic , uprisings and much more ) , I ’ d say this type of hindsight is relevant .
First Impressions : As we all know , 2018 represented ( heh ! )
a pivotal and historic year for women in politics ( shout-out to The Squad ) .
Represent specifically follows three candidates of the Midwest who tackle politics on their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Bryn Bird .
Girl power !
Soul Summit : Doin ’ It in the Park ( YouTube ; Now Streaming ) Soul Summit : Doin ’ It in the Park trailer / YouTube First Impressions : OK , from the moment I heard the beginning of “ Follow Me ” by Aly Us , I was in !
Soul Summit is described as “ an intergenerational destination for house heads ; a safe haven for Black queer expression ; and an enduring Black space in gentrified Brooklyn.
” This short film celebrates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it encapsulates the Black joy we need these days .
I really do miss events like this , immensely .
Fatman ( Select Theaters on Nov. 13 , 2020 , and Digital/On Demand on Nov. 17 , 2020 ) First Impressions : OK , so a little boy gets a lump of coal for Christmas , which is pretty standard , but what ’ s not standard is he has mob ties and hires an assassin to exact revenge on Santa Claus ( Mel Gibson ) .
Yikes .
Also , yikes-worthy ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ working .
But , I even pushed that aside and was like “ OMG is that a Black Mrs. Claus opposite Gibson ’ s Santa ?
” Yes , it is , portrayed by Marianne Jean-Baptiste .
Well , alrighty then .
First Impressions : We recently reported that Whoopi Goldberg promoted this upcoming series when discussing a possible Sister Act 3 , and now we have visuals !
This is a Stephen King joint set in an apocalyptic world .
Goldberg portrays 108-year-old Mother Abigail and the fate of all mankind rests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like America .
Also , get into the creepy version of Bob Marley ’ s “ Three Little Birds ” .
This is also a good time to mention that the Marley estate will be releasing 12 limited edition vinyl LPs around the same time on Dec. 11 .
First Impressions : The long-lost documentary film by William Greaves chronicling the National Black Political Convention of 1972 is here and restored just in time for the current political era we ’ re living in .
Nationtime is narrated by Sidney Poitier with poems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will feature prominent historical figures such as Bobby Seale , Coretta Scott King , Amiri Baraka , Dr. Betty Shabazz , Rev .
Jesse Jackson , Fannie Lou Hamer , Queen Mother Moore , Ron Dellums , Charles Diggs , Walter Fauntroy , Richard Hatcher , Carl McCall , Dick Gregory , Isaac Hayes , and Richard Roundtree .
First Impressions : Saturday , Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day and as mentioned above , The Root is all about that mental health awareness .
From filmmaker Sharee Silerio , Black Girl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black women who have had or are currently tackling mental health crisis , supplemented with therapist discussions .
The short documentary seeks to unpack the “ strong Black woman ” trope and reveal our humanity and vulnerabilities on a journey toward healing and self-love .
First Impressions : In an exclusive debut for The Root , the trailer for One Story Up is a sneak peek at Roger Ross Williams ’ ( the first Black director to win an Oscar ) monthly series that showcases the most talented emerging directors and underrepresented voices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handpicks short films that will cover an array of topics , including coming-of-age stories on race and class and chronicling the journey of growing up Black in the South .
First Impressions : PRISON BAE ( real name Jeremy Meeks ) IS IN THIS .
Very Smart Brothas Senior Editor Panama Jackson already wrote about the first film , so it looks like I may have to take the baton and feature it in my Negro Noir series .
This sequel also stars Vivica A .
Fox , Andra Fuller , Erica Peeples @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Iyana Halley .
This is going to be a hot mess and I can ’ t wait .
First Impressions : Per Netflix , Rogue City is “ a complex case of rivalry between gangs and a group of cops unfolds in Marseille , where the border between personal and professional justice is blurred.
” The film stars French rapper Kaaris ( born Okou Armand Olivier Gnakouri ) .
If you ’ re in need of an action flick ( en français ! )
, this looks like it ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s all for now !
In case you missed it , YouTube has a round of trailers for its originals series as part of its # YouTubeBlack Voices Fund .
Also , did you know that cheating expert Peter Gunz is now the host of Cheaters ?
Because he is .
Goodnight and good luck !
See y ’ all next week .

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

You’re probably looking at the headline and thinking, “Wait a damn minute, Halloween hasn’t even arrived yet, and we’re already talking about Christmas?!” Yes. If there is one constant in 2020 (spoiler: there are no constants in 2020 other than the constantly unpredictable news) it’s that the Christmas season trumps other holidays. Mariah Carey already tried to tell y’all that Thanksgiving basically doesn’t exist. Anyway, let’s get to this week’s trailers...
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix; Release Date: Nov. 13, 2020)
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: First of all, I’m already in because of the name Jeronicus Jangle (portrayed by Forest Whitaker). Does this mean I already have a special holiday edition of Negro Noir? Stay tuned. Jingle Jangle follows Jeronicus, a toymaker whose invention is stolen by some hater played by Keegan-Michael Key. John Legend is one of the producers and this film stars Madalen Mills, Keegan-Michael Key, Sharon Rose, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Kieron Dyer, Justin Cornwell, Lisa Davina Phillip, and Hugh Bonneville. Also, I hear Usher and Kiana Ledé’s song from the film’s soundtrack is a holiday earworm.
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Driving While Black (PBS; Release Date: Oct. 13, 2020, at 9 p.m. ET)
Driving While Black trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Whether it is the historic era of The Negro Motorist Green Book or the modern era of Philando Castile, driving while Black is inherently political. Based on the acclaimed book by Gretchen Sorin, this relevant film will explore the history of Black mobility between the 1930s and 1960s and “displays the urgent and powerful relevance to issues and dynamics at work in American society today—of race and class, gender, safety, law enforcement, automobile culture, recreation, personal freedom, and national identity.”
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Marvel 616 (Disney+; Release Date: Nov. 20, 2020)
Marvel 616 trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Marvel 616, a look into Marvel’s rich legacy, “will cover topics including Marvel’s world-spanning artists, the trailblazing women of Marvel Comics, discovering the “forgotten” characters of Marvel” and more. This anthology docuseries will follow eight different stories and yes, Black creatives within the Marvel universe are included in this from the looks of the trailer.
Advertisement
Deaf U (Netflix; Now Streaming)
Deaf U trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: The coming-of-age reality series from executive producer Nyle DiMarco (America’s Next Top Model Season 22 winner) follows “a tight-knit group of deaf students at Gallaudet University, a renowned private college for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, in Washington, D.C.” I see two prominent Black male characters though; I am hoping as the series progresses we see some Black women representation, as well. Shout-out to Jade Bryan of #DeafTalent, who keeps that representation going.
Advertisement
The 355 (Theaters; Release Date: Jan. 15, 2021)
The 355 trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: When a top-secret weapon falls into the hands of a mercenary, a group of ladies who wouldn’t otherwise team up (a typical movie trope, of course!), have to team up to save the world. So, as you can see we have a bad-ass Black agent in the female-led CIA team, and she is Lupita Nyong’o. Do you want to know her name? Y’all, it’s Khadijah. You better pay homage to Living Single!
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Save Me Too (Peacock; Season 2 Release Date: Nov. 5, 2020)
Save Me Too trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Nelly Rowe (Lennie James) portrays a father who is accused of abducting his own daughter (whom he barely knew) in the first season and the second season continues 17 months later with his daughter still missing. “I don’t know where I’m going, but I ain’t lost,” Nelly utters at the end of the trailer. Hmm, maybe I should incorporate that into my life mantra.
Advertisement
Friendsgiving (Theaters, On Demand, Digital; Release Date: Oct. 23, 2020/Blu-Ray and DVD on Oct. 27, 2020)
Friendsgiving trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Ah, Friendsgiving. As a transplant to Los Angeles (via Chicago), I am all too familiar with this concept. In fact, I think my first one will always hold a special place in my heart because it was the first time I spent the holiday away from my fam (shout-out to my friend Steph!). Fun times. Now, this movie? Looks like chaos! Friendsgiving, which has the tagline, “come for the friends; stay for the fallout,” features Deon Cole, Wanda Sykes, Aisha Tyler, and more.
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Iyanla Fix My Life (OWN; Season 7 Release Date: Oct. 31, 2020 at 9 p.m. ET)
Iyanla Fix My Life S7 trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Wow, seven seasons! It seems like just yesterday I heard Iyanla yell, “PENIS!” or slam the table letting y’all know shenanigans aren’t happening on her watch. This season will feature Shay Johnson (Yes, “Buckeey” from Flavor of Love) and comedian Luenell, among others.
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Coach Kev (Snapchat; Release Date: Oct. 10, 2020)
Coach Kev trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Kevin Hart does everything. In this new Snapchat series, Hart is described as the “best friend/mentor/coach you didn’t know you needed.” I’m guessing since the major traffic incident he recovered from, Hart is leaning way into his inspirational and motivational energy.
Advertisement
Gramercy trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: From Jamil McGinnis and Pat Heywood comes Gramercy, a short film following a Black man named Shaq (Shaq Bynes) with depression who returns to his hometown in New Jersey where he grapples with grief and brotherhood. At The Root we are always supporting mental health awareness, so this is right in line with our values (in fact, World Mental Health Day is tomorrow, October 10; more on that to come). I’ll have to check this one out, as it looks beautiful.
Advertisement
I ELECT ( YouTube
I ELECT trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: A one-woman show performed by Carey Brianna Hart, I ELECT is a recollection of a Black woman’s experience on the night of the 2016 election. As we look back on that moment knowing where we are now in 2020 (with a whole global pandemic, uprisings and much more), I’d say this type of hindsight is relevant.
Advertisement
Represent (PBS; Release Date: Oct. 26, 2020, at 10 p.m. ET)
Represent trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: As we all know, 2018 represented (heh!) a pivotal and historic year for women in politics (shout-out to The Squad). Represent specifically follows three candidates of the Midwest who tackle politics on their own terms: Myya Jones, Julie Cho and Bryn Bird. Girl power!
Advertisement
Soul Summit: Doin’ It in the Park (YouTube; Now Streaming)
Soul Summit: Doin’ It in the Park trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: OK, from the moment I heard the beginning of “Follow Me” by Aly Us, I was in! Soul Summit is described as “an intergenerational destination for house heads; a safe haven for Black queer expression; and an enduring Black space in gentrified Brooklyn.” This short film celebrates the legendary house music dance party and it encapsulates the Black joy we need these days. I really do miss events like this, immensely.
Advertisement
Fatman (Select Theaters on Nov. 13, 2020, and Digital/On Demand on Nov. 17, 2020)
Fatman trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: OK, so a little boy gets a lump of coal for Christmas, which is pretty standard, but what’s not standard is he has mob ties and hires an assassin to exact revenge on Santa Claus (Mel Gibson). Yikes. Also, yikes-worthy? The fact that Mel Gibson is still working. But, I even pushed that aside and was like “OMG is that a Black Mrs. Claus opposite Gibson’s Santa?” Yes, it is, portrayed by Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Well, alrighty then.
Advertisement
The Stand (CBS All Access; Release Date: Dec. 17, 2020)
The Stand trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: We recently reported that Whoopi Goldberg promoted this upcoming series when discussing a possible Sister Act 3, and now we have visuals! This is a Stephen King joint set in an apocalyptic world. Goldberg portrays 108-year-old Mother Abigail and the fate of all mankind rests on her shoulders. Wow, sounds like America. Also, get into the creepy version of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds”. This is also a good time to mention that the Marley estate will be releasing 12 limited edition vinyl LPs around the same time on Dec. 11.
Advertisement
Nationtime (Theaters, Drive-Ins and Virtual Cinemas; Release Date: Oct. 23, 2020)
Nationtime trailer./ YouTube
First Impressions: The long-lost documentary film by William Greaves chronicling the National Black Political Convention of 1972 is here and restored just in time for the current political era we’re living in. Nationtime is narrated by Sidney Poitier with poems recited by Harry Belafonte. The film will feature prominent historical figures such as Bobby Seale, Coretta Scott King, Amiri Baraka, Dr. Betty Shabazz, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Fannie Lou Hamer, Queen Mother Moore, Ron Dellums, Charles Diggs, Walter Fauntroy, Richard Hatcher, Carl McCall, Dick Gregory, Isaac Hayes, and Richard Roundtree.
Advertisement
Black Girl, Bleu ( Digital
Black Girl Bleu trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Saturday, Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day and as mentioned above, The Root is all about that mental health awareness. From filmmaker Sharee Silerio, Black Girl, Bleu is an intimate look at Black women who have had or are currently tackling mental health crisis, supplemented with therapist discussions. The short documentary seeks to unpack the “strong Black woman” trope and reveal our humanity and vulnerabilities on a journey toward healing and self-love.
Advertisement
One Story Up ( Topic
ONE STORY UP trailer One Story Up trailer / Courtesy of Topic and First Look Media
First Impressions: In an exclusive debut for The Root, the trailer for One Story Up is a sneak peek at Roger Ross Williams’ (the first Black director to win an Oscar) monthly series that showcases the most talented emerging directors and underrepresented voices in film. Every month, Williams handpicks short films that will cover an array of topics, including coming-of-age stories on race and class and chronicling the journey of growing up Black in the South.
Advertisement
True to the Game 2 (Theaters; Nov. 6, 2020)
True to the Game 2 trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: PRISON BAE (real name Jeremy Meeks) IS IN THIS. Very Smart Brothas Senior Editor Panama Jackson already wrote about the first film, so it looks like I may have to take the baton and feature it in my Negro Noir series. This sequel also stars Vivica A. Fox, Andra Fuller, Erica Peeples, Niatia “Lil Mama” Kirkland, and Iyana Halley. This is going to be a hot mess and I can’t wait.
Advertisement
Rogue City (Netflix; Release Date: Oct. 30, 2020)
Rogue City trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Per Netflix, Rogue City is “a complex case of rivalry between gangs and a group of cops unfolds in Marseille, where the border between personal and professional justice is blurred.” The film stars French rapper Kaaris (born Okou Armand Olivier Gnakouri). If you’re in need of an action flick (en français!), this looks like it’ll satisfy that appetite. Bon appétit!
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That’s all for now! In case you missed it, YouTube has a round of trailers for its originals series as part of its #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund. Also, did you know that cheating expert Peter Gunz is now the host of Cheaters? Because he is. Goodnight and good luck! See y’all next week.


theroot--2020-10-09--The Root's Clapback Mailbag: Yesterday

The Root's Clapback Mailbag: Yesterday

Today , there is no lede .
Yesterday , the staff at The Root received this email I love The Root , and you ’ ve got a great community of regular commenters on your site , but ( as I ’ m sure you ’ ve heard plenty about ) you have quite a few regular and not-so-regular trolls stirring up all kinds of hate in your comment sections .
I understand the internet is largely made of garbage like those hateful trolls ( because people are also not showing a great track record , especially in this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be done about seriously concerning problems ?
I ’ m writing specifically for one comment I ’ m attaching a picture of , with the comment date stamp and the article link included in the pic .
Please , if anything can be done about this , please take action .
This comment sounds only a step or two removed from a direct death threat , and I would hope your site would be able to do something about THAT , if not the myriad hate-filled comments that seem to be moderated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and flag these trolls .
Thanks for the always great content !
I hope for a future filled with less hateful nonsense trying to drag your greatness down .
Yesterday , I walked the dog , worked , went to Home Depot , talked to my daughter and called my cousin .
Because I am having some work done in my kitchen , I took the dog for a walk while listening to the latest episode of This American Life about Dr. Michael LaPaglia , whose medical license had been suspended multiple times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also caught with illegal drugs , was busted for letting another doctor use his prescription pad , allegedly beat his girlfriend and ran an illegal opioid prescribing scam out of a McDonald ’ s parking lot .
Ultimately , the doctor lost his medical license and had to go in front of the Tennessee licensing board to see if he could get it back .
For some reason , the doctor ’ s name sounded familiar but I didn ’ t think anything of it because I didn ’ t finish the podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
My daughter called me while I was at work .
I could hear music in the background , which upset me a little until I realized she was calling me from the car .
Last weekend , I helped her move into an apartment in the town where she attends college .
When we were moving in , her next-door neighbor , who is white , opened the door and politely asked if they could keep the noise to a minimum because she was studying for the bar exam .
She wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed reasonable .
But all week , in the back of my mind , I have been thinking : “ I hope my daughter doesn ’ t get too loud and that woman calls the cops.
” My daughter casually asked me what I was doing , and I told her that I was writing a story about Breonna Taylor .
Late yesterday , I received an email with documents about the Breonna Taylor case .
I assumed that the documents came through the tip line and that one of my coworkers would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t , I realized that they were emailed to me , so I shared them with our other writers .
Because it was the end of the day , I offered to write the story .
Like me , most people were outraged to learn that the entire episode—the no-knock warrant that led to the raid , which led to a shootout , which led to Breonna Taylor being killed—was based on “ misleading evidence , ” which is commonly called a lie .
But even those who mourn Breonna Taylor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is evidence of systemic racism .
Sure , the police fucked up but , to most people , the incident was a series of unfortunate events that had nothing to do with the disregard for Black lives .
However , there was a small quote from an interview with Joshua Jaynes that infuriated me because it was absolute proof of how bias kills Black people .
Despite assurances from the post office , other cops and police officers who actually monitored Taylor ’ s mail that she was not receiving packages for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was so insistent on searching Breonna Taylor ’ s apartment : While explaining the new developments to my daughter , I got choked up .
She could probably hear it in my voice .
To make the conversation less awkward , she asked me if I had talked to “ my lil friend.
” I instantly knew she was talking about Sen. Kamala Harris , but , instead of explaining that I don ’ t randomly text back and forth with the next vice president , I just said that I had forgotten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she had done a good job at the debate .
But my daughter wasn ’ t talking about the debate .
She had read the story about the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer and figured : If white supremacists were that upset about Whitmer ’ s stay-at-home orders , what would they do to Sen. Harris ?
Yes , Kamala Harris has my phone number .
In March , months before Joe Biden chose her as his running mate , Sen. Harris contacted The Root about a story .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning to notice the coronavirus ’ disproportionate impact on Black communities , and I thought Harris would be a good person to interview for the story .
She agreed but during our subsequent interview , she didn ’ t focus on COVID-19 at all .
Instead , she kept turning the conversation toward an entirely different subject— specifically that The Root needed to start writing about how Black America needs to embrace mail-in voting for the 2020 election , which I thought was a strange subject for her to keep focusing on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our conversation : You know , part of what I want to talk with you about , and to talk with others about through you is voting by mail .
It is actually really easy and it ’ s really convenient and you just , you sit at your kitchen table , you can still create a ceremony around it and have the kids around and maybe you know , have asked them questions and let them fill it in with you .
So we want to talk with folks about trusting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s create some new traditions around voting by mail .
So there ’ s that piece of my bill .
But the other piece of it is for people who are , who are , you know , in places where there ’ s not going to be full by mail or we can ’ t get that done because the state doesn ’ t want to do it .
Well , we need to make sure that there are non-vote by mail options .
And so part of what I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure that , for example , 26 % of native Americans in Arizona don ’ t have a postal address .
So they ’ re not going to be able to vote by mail , right .
Voters with disabilities or language needs , you know , they , they , they rely on in-person voting .
And then of course , back to the black community where historically there ’ s a tradition that is not voting by mail and , and , and to some extent on this trust of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed to get a few quotes about coronavirus policy , but after our conversation , I couldn ’ t help but reflect on how awkward the conversation was .
It was like she was giving me homework .
“ Why is the senator so adamant about this issue ?
” I wondered .
“ It ’ s almost like she thinks someone is going to steal votes.
” Anyway , I told my daughter that I was sure Kamala Harris had things covered .
But that made me remember to tell my daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the election .
I didn ’ t have time to talk about it because I was writing the Breonna Taylor story but my request dates back to a few months ago when I was “ summoned.
” I don ’ t know if you ’ ve ever been “ summoned ” by someone important , but prominent people rarely tell you why they are summoning you .
This person asked me to meet them at a literal secret location .
When I arrived , this person , one of the most prominent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained that this upcoming election was gon na be scary and bloody for Black America .
I ’ m talking Reconstruction bad .
I don ’ t know what the hell they wanted me to do about it ; maybe they were looking out for my well-being , but I listened and went home .
After I finished writing the story , I drove to Home Depot .
During the drive , I called my cousin , Joy .
Joy ’ s mother passed away a few weeks ago from COVID-19 .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walking distance from where our family was enslaved .
Fortunately , the coronavirus case rate in Lee County isn ’ t unusually high .
Unfortunately , the majority-Black county ’ s case rate isn ’ t high because the county ’ s COVID cases are usually attributed to the neighboring counties .
There is a good reason for this .
Lee County , S.C. , is one of eight South Carolina counties without a single hospital bed .
She ’ s in the hospital with COVID .
Since I couldn ’ t talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the episode of This American Life .
It turns out , the shady doctor escaped punishment because the Tennessee licensing board had sympathy for him .
He fed them a bullshit story , and the board , which is composed of other physicians , bought it .
One even said he considered how the doctor would feed his family .
Another board member said he didn ’ t consider the doctor a danger to the community .
The episode bothered me—not because the doctor benefitted from white privilege but because the doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was sure that I had written about this dude .
So , sitting in the parking lot of Home Depot , I googled LaPaglia ’ s name .
In 2017 , Torrance Jackson woke up in jail and wondered how he got there and why there was blood in his underwear .
It turns out , doctors in Syracuse , N.Y. , performed a nonconsensual anal probe on Jackson after cops accused him of being in possession of illegal drugs .
They handcuffed him , anesthetized him and searched his rectum with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they put Jackson in jail anyway .
The next day , he was released while he was still unconscious .
After writing the story .
I received an email saying that there was another doctor who had done something even worse to multiple Black men .
According to the email , this doctor medicinally paralyzed Black patients at police officer ’ s requests .
Because the men couldn ’ t breathe when paralyzed , they had to intubate the suspects and conduct a rectal exam .
This story was fascinating to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But , according to the person who emailed me , there was no documentation because the physician was never disciplined for his actions , even when they were made public .
That doctor ’ s name was Dr. Michael LaPaglia .
This is why some of us at The Root ( I can ’ t speak for all of us ) don ’ t police the comment section like some of our sister and brother sites .
Imagine being raped and jailed for not wanting to be raped and jailed .
Imagine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this and more was still practicing .
Imagine lying in bed while bullets rain on you based on a police officer ’ s racist assumptions .
Imagine that police officer still being able to patrol your neighborhood .
Imagine a global pandemic coming to kill you .
Imagine someone with power and inside knowledge “ summoning you ” to tell you that the global pandemic that ’ s coming to kill you is not even the worst-case scenario .
Now imagine living in a country where all these threats and more hang over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what that country will do to your children .
Imagine knowing it will steal your children ’ s votes , rape them and murder them in their sleep at the random whimsy of someone whose whiteness endows them with the privilege of being seen as a human being .
Imagine having to imagine dying every day .
Now , imagine a fucktroll coward typing a grammatically incorrect summary of the shit you already know many of them they are thinking already .
Imagine being afraid of that .
When my daughter called back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yesterday .
In response , I eloquently recounted my day of ingesting America ’ s unrelenting violence against Black lives .
“ Well , ” I said .
“ I walked the dog , worked , went to Home Depot and called my cousin .
“ You know ...
Same ol ’ same ol ’ .
”

Today, there is no lede.
Yesterday, the staff at The Root received this email
From: Matt
To: The Root Good afternoon, I love The Root, and you’ve got a great community of regular commenters on your site, but (as I’m sure you’ve heard plenty about) you have quite a few regular and not-so-regular trolls stirring up all kinds of hate in your comment sections. I understand the internet is largely made of garbage like those hateful trolls (because people are also not showing a great track record, especially in this country), but is there anything that can be done about seriously concerning problems? I’m writing specifically for one comment I’m attaching a picture of, with the comment date stamp and the article link included in the pic. Please, if anything can be done about this, please take action. This comment sounds only a step or two removed from a direct death threat, and I would hope your site would be able to do something about THAT, if not the myriad hate-filled comments that seem to be moderated by only the commenters able to dismiss and flag these trolls. Thanks for the always great content! I hope for a future filled with less hateful nonsense trying to drag your greatness down. Regards, Matt
Dear Matt:
Yesterday, I walked the dog, worked, went to Home Depot, talked to my daughter and called my cousin.
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Because I am having some work done in my kitchen, I took the dog for a walk while listening to the latest episode of This American Life about Dr. Michael LaPaglia, whose medical license had been suspended multiple times for drug violations. The doctor was also caught with illegal drugs, was busted for letting another doctor use his prescription pad, allegedly beat his girlfriend and ran an illegal opioid prescribing scam out of a McDonald’s parking lot.
Ultimately, the doctor lost his medical license and had to go in front of the Tennessee licensing board to see if he could get it back. For some reason, the doctor’s name sounded familiar but I didn’t think anything of it because I didn’t finish the podcast. I had to go to work.
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My daughter called me while I was at work. I could hear music in the background, which upset me a little until I realized she was calling me from the car.
Last weekend, I helped her move into an apartment in the town where she attends college. When we were moving in, her next-door neighbor, who is white, opened the door and politely asked if they could keep the noise to a minimum because she was studying for the bar exam. She wasn’t rude about it and it seemed reasonable. But all week, in the back of my mind, I have been thinking: “I hope my daughter doesn’t get too loud and that woman calls the cops.”
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My daughter casually asked me what I was doing, and I told her that I was writing a story about Breonna Taylor.
Late yesterday, I received an email with documents about the Breonna Taylor case. I assumed that the documents came through the tip line and that one of my coworkers would pick it up. When they didn’t, I realized that they were emailed to me, so I shared them with our other writers. Because it was the end of the day, I offered to write the story.
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Like me, most people were outraged to learn that the entire episode—the no-knock warrant that led to the raid, which led to a shootout, which led to Breonna Taylor being killed—was based on “misleading evidence,” which is commonly called a lie.
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But even those who mourn Breonna Taylor’s death don’t see how this is evidence of systemic racism. Sure, the police fucked up but, to most people, the incident was a series of unfortunate events that had nothing to do with the disregard for Black lives.
However, there was a small quote from an interview with Joshua Jaynes that infuriated me because it was absolute proof of how bias kills Black people. Despite assurances from the post office, other cops and police officers who actually monitored Taylor’s mail that she was not receiving packages for her ex-boyfriend, Jaynes explained why he was so insistent on searching Breonna Taylor’s apartment:
Ultimately, Jaynes said he felt confident in his suspicions that Glover was using Taylor’s apartment in his drug trafficking business. “They get other people involved, and it’s usually females,” he said in his interview. “It’s usually baby-mamas or one child in common or it’s girlfriends that they can trust. They can trust them with their money and their stuff.”
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Just racism. That’s it.
While explaining the new developments to my daughter, I got choked up. She could probably hear it in my voice. To make the conversation less awkward, she asked me if I had talked to “my lil friend.” I instantly knew she was talking about Sen. Kamala Harris, but, instead of explaining that I don’t randomly text back and forth with the next vice president, I just said that I had forgotten to text Kamala Harris to tell her that she had done a good job at the debate.
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But my daughter wasn’t talking about the debate. She had read the story about the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and figured: If white supremacists were that upset about Whitmer’s stay-at-home orders, what would they do to Sen. Harris?
Yes, Kamala Harris has my phone number.
In March, months before Joe Biden chose her as his running mate, Sen. Harris contacted The Root about a story. At the time, the media was beginning to notice the coronavirus’ disproportionate impact on Black communities, and I thought Harris would be a good person to interview for the story. She agreed but during our subsequent interview, she didn’t focus on COVID-19 at all. Instead, she kept turning the conversation toward an entirely different subject— specifically that The Root needed to start writing about how Black America needs to embrace mail-in voting for the 2020 election, which I thought was a strange subject for her to keep focusing on.
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Here is part of the actual transcript of our conversation:
You know, part of what I want to talk with you about, and to talk with others about through you is voting by mail. It is actually really easy and it’s really convenient and you just, you sit at your kitchen table, you can still create a ceremony around it and have the kids around and maybe you know, have asked them questions and let them fill it in with you. So we want to talk with folks about trusting the vote by mail process and let’s create some new traditions around voting by mail. So there’s that piece of my bill. But the other piece of it is for people who are, who are, you know, in places where there’s not going to be full by mail or we can’t get that done because the state doesn’t want to do it. Well, we need to make sure that there are non-vote by mail options. And so part of what I’m pushing for is we need to make sure that, for example, 26% of native Americans in Arizona don’t have a postal address. So they’re not going to be able to vote by mail, right. Voters with disabilities or language needs, you know, they, they, they rely on in-person voting. And then of course, back to the black community where historically there’s a tradition that is not voting by mail and, and, and to some extent on this trust of voting by mail.
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Luckily, I managed to get a few quotes about coronavirus policy, but after our conversation, I couldn’t help but reflect on how awkward the conversation was. It was like she was giving me homework.
“Why is the senator so adamant about this issue?” I wondered. “It’s almost like she thinks someone is going to steal votes.”
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Anyway, I told my daughter that I was sure Kamala Harris had things covered. But that made me remember to tell my daughter that I wanted her to come here for the election. I didn’t have time to talk about it because I was writing the Breonna Taylor story but my request dates back to a few months ago when I was “summoned.”
I don’t know if you’ve ever been “summoned” by someone important, but prominent people rarely tell you why they are summoning you. This person asked me to meet them at a literal secret location. When I arrived, this person, one of the most prominent civil rights authorities of our time, explained that this upcoming election was gonna be scary and bloody for Black America. I’m talking Reconstruction bad. I don’t know what the hell they wanted me to do about it; maybe they were looking out for my well-being, but I listened and went home.
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After I finished writing the story, I drove to Home Depot. During the drive, I called my cousin, Joy. Joy’s mother passed away a few weeks ago from COVID-19. They both live in Lee County, S.C.—within walking distance from where our family was enslaved. Fortunately, the coronavirus case rate in Lee County isn’t unusually high. Unfortunately, the majority-Black county’s case rate isn’t high because the county’s COVID cases are usually attributed to the neighboring counties. There is a good reason for this.
Lee County, S.C., is one of eight South Carolina counties without a single hospital bed.
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Joy wasn’t home, so she couldn’t talk.
She’s in the hospital with COVID.
Since I couldn’t talk to my cousin, I finished listening to the episode of This American Life. It turns out, the shady doctor escaped punishment because the Tennessee licensing board had sympathy for him. He fed them a bullshit story, and the board, which is composed of other physicians, bought it. One even said he considered how the doctor would feed his family. Another board member said he didn’t consider the doctor a danger to the community.
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The episode bothered me—not because the doctor benefitted from white privilege but because the doctor’s name sounded so familiar. I was sure that I had written about this dude. So, sitting in the parking lot of Home Depot, I googled LaPaglia’s name.
I was wrong.
Kinda.
In 2017, Torrance Jackson woke up in jail and wondered how he got there and why there was blood in his underwear. It turns out, doctors in Syracuse, N.Y., performed a nonconsensual anal probe on Jackson after cops accused him of being in possession of illegal drugs. They handcuffed him, anesthetized him and searched his rectum with a colonoscope. When they found nothing, they put Jackson in jail anyway. The next day, he was released while he was still unconscious.
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After writing the story. I received an email saying that there was another doctor who had done something even worse to multiple Black men.
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According to the email, this doctor medicinally paralyzed Black patients at police officer’s requests. Because the men couldn’t breathe when paralyzed, they had to intubate the suspects and conduct a rectal exam. This story was fascinating to me and I wanted to write about it. But, according to the person who emailed me, there was no documentation because the physician was never disciplined for his actions, even when they were made public.
That doctor’s name was Dr. Michael LaPaglia.
This is why some of us at The Root (I can’t speak for all of us) don’t police the comment section like some of our sister and brother sites.
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Imagine being raped and jailed for not wanting to be raped and jailed. Imagine learning that the doctor who allegedly did this and more was still practicing. Imagine lying in bed while bullets rain on you based on a police officer’s racist assumptions. Imagine that police officer still being able to patrol your neighborhood. Imagine a global pandemic coming to kill you. Imagine someone with power and inside knowledge “summoning you” to tell you that the global pandemic that’s coming to kill you is not even the worst-case scenario.
Now imagine living in a country where all these threats and more hang over your head every day. Now imagine what that country will do to your children. Imagine knowing it will steal your children’s votes, rape them and murder them in their sleep at the random whimsy of someone whose whiteness endows them with the privilege of being seen as a human being.
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Imagine dying.
Imagine having to imagine dying every day.
Now, imagine a fucktroll coward typing a grammatically incorrect summary of the shit you already know many of them they are thinking already.
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Imagine being afraid of that.
When my daughter called back, she asked me what I did yesterday. In response, I eloquently recounted my day of ingesting America’s unrelenting violence against Black lives.
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“Well,” I said. “I walked the dog, worked, went to Home Depot and called my cousin.
“You know... Same ol’ same ol’.”


theroot--2020-10-09--Another Day, Another NFL Team Incurs the Wrath of the Coronavirus as New York Jets Shut Down Team Fa

Another Day, Another NFL Team Incurs the Wrath of the Coronavirus as New York Jets Shut Down Team Facilities

Stephen A. Crockett Jr. , your s enior e ditor at this very website , and I have a running bet that the NFL won ’ t last until Week 8—I mean , Week 7—due to its inability to circumvent COVID-19 .
And if today ’ s news is any indication , we should probably bump that up to Week 6 .
The New York Jets had a positive COVID-19 test for a player and sent all their players and coaches home Friday , a source told ESPN ’ s Adam Schefter .
The Jets player who tested positive has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known at some point Friday , a source told ESPN ’ s Rich Cimini .
Players were in the building on Friday morning when the team became aware , and everyone was sent home immediately as the facility was shut down .
Jets players and coaches will conduct their meetings virtually on Friday .
The Jets ( 0-4 ) are scheduled to face the Cardinals on Sunday , but I think it ’ s safe to say that much like Jets coach Adam Gase ’ s job , that game is now in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cardinals are keeping their fingers crossed that they ’ ll have the opportunity to whoop the Jets asses on Sunday and are “ preparing as normal ” but will “ adjust as necessary , ” per Cardinals general manager Steve Keim .
In recent weeks , we ’ ve seen both the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans have their own wars with the coronavirus , as Pro Bowlers Cam Newton and Stephon Gilmore will miss the Pats ’ Week 5 matchup against the Broncos ( it was rescheduled to Monday after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and the Titans have so many players and staff members who ’ ve tested positive—at least 24 total and counting—that they might as well volunteer as tribute for the vaccine trials .
All of this has become a big ass mess that only gets bigger by the day , but I guess that ’ s what happens when you insist on playing a contact sport during a global pandemic .
It also seems right on-brand for the Jets , who couldn ’ t win a pea-knuckle war against a dude with no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I will give the NFL until Week 6 before they pull the plug .

Stephen A. Crockett Jr., your s enior e ditor at this very website, and I have a running bet that the NFL won’t last until Week 8—I mean, Week 7—due to its inability to circumvent COVID-19. And if today’s news is any indication, we should probably bump that up to Week 6.
From ESPN:
The New York Jets had a positive COVID-19 test for a player and sent all their players and coaches home Friday, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Jets player who tested positive has been retested, and results should be known at some point Friday, a source told ESPN’s Rich Cimini. Players were in the building on Friday morning when the team became aware, and everyone was sent home immediately as the facility was shut down. Jets players and coaches will conduct their meetings virtually on Friday.
The Jets (0-4) are scheduled to face the Cardinals on Sunday, but I think it’s safe to say that much like Jets coach Adam Gase’s job, that game is now in serious jeopardy.
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For their part, the Cardinals are keeping their fingers crossed that they’ll have the opportunity to whoop the Jets asses on Sunday and are “preparing as normal” but will “adjust as necessary,” per Cardinals general manager Steve Keim.
In recent weeks, we’ve seen both the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans have their own wars with the coronavirus, as Pro Bowlers Cam Newton and Stephon Gilmore will miss the Pats’ Week 5 matchup against the Broncos (it was rescheduled to Monday after both players tested positive for #ThatRona) and the Titans have so many players and staff members who’ve tested positive—at least 24 total and counting—that they might as well volunteer as tribute for the vaccine trials.
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All of this has become a big ass mess that only gets bigger by the day, but I guess that’s what happens when you insist on playing a contact sport during a global pandemic.
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It also seems right on-brand for the Jets, who couldn’t win a pea-knuckle war against a dude with no thumbs.
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Yeeeeeeeeeah, I think Stephen and I will give the NFL until Week 6 before they pull the plug.


theroot--2020-10-09--Republicans Rejoice As NBA TV Ratings Swirl Around the Toilet Bowl, but All Is Not As It Seems

So after getting derailed by a global pandemic and pouring over $ 150 million into an NBA bubble to resume the season—all while hemorrhaging money from lost ticket sales , concessions and other lucrative sources of income—the absolute last thing NBA commissioner Adam Silver expected was shitty TV ratings .
And calling the league ’ s ratings shitty doesn ’ t even begin to describe how horrific they actually are .
Because as Yahoo Sports notes , the NBA is facing its worse NBA Finals ratings in almost 40 years : That , ladies and gentlemen , is what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the aftermath of the officer-related death of George Floyd , the NBA has used its platform to address racial inequality and police accountability .
Players and coaches have spoken out against police brutality in the press and you literally can ’ t even watch a basketball game without seeing “ Black Lives Matter ” etched on the court .
So with the league ’ s ratings in the toilet , Trump ’ s acolytes have taken to Twitter to denounce the NBA for “ diluting ” the game they love with politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ intrusive ” social justice campaigns .
“ Get woke-go broke !
” former Arkansas governor and current dickhead Mike Huckabee tweeted .
“ Game 3 of NBA finals plunged to 4.08 million from record-low 4.5 million who watched Game 2 , which shattered record low of 7.41 million who watched Game 1 .
At this rate , if there ’ s Game 7 , it will be beaten in the ratings by reruns of ‘ Green Acres ’ on ME-TV.
” While the NBA ’ s ratings are shit , Huckabee and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for breakfast are conveniently omitting the fact that damn near every sport is suffering a similar fate during this pandemic .
Ratings for the Stanley Cup Finals were down 61 % from last year , averaging 2.1 million viewers .
The final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament had 3.2 million viewers , by far the fewest going back more than 30 years .
The U.S. Open tennis tournament viewership fell sharply on ESPN , down 45 % from the year before .
The French Open is down 57 % so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which normally gets around 15 million viewers , only had 9.3 million at its rescheduled slot in September .
Even the NFL , which has had some bright spots in the ratings thus far and seems to be holding steady , has had trouble getting viewers in certain windows like Thursday night , which has recorded consecutive lows for prime-time games .
But tell me more about how speaking out against racial injustice is the reason the NBA is pulling in such bad ratings .
Because guess what ?
That actually has very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dumb-asses .
For one , with the coronavirus throwing regular sports schedules out the window , all of our favorite sports are now competing against each other .
How many times have you had to choose between Thursday Night Football or the NBA playoffs ?
Or a baseball game and the WNBA or NHL ?
All of this shit is on at the exact same time and it ’ s forcing us to reluctantly play a game of One Got ta Go like an Instagram meme .
There ’ s also the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at nearly any of these sporting events , which naturally impacts our interest level .
If we aren ’ t buying jerseys at arenas , can ’ t tailgate and can ’ t link up with our friends to catch games at the bar , we probably ain ’ t watching either .
Plus a lot of these games have been broadcast at bizarre times .
As much as we love March Madness , I wanted no parts of watching my Orlando Magic play during lunchtime .
No thanks !
But most importantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election coming up that ’ s kind of a big goddamn deal .
And in case you haven ’ t noticed , not only is everyone watching that shit—between the debates , press conferences and the news—but they ’ re flooding your social media timelines with it too .
Trump , Biden , and Kamala Harris have been trending topics for how many weeks now ?
Simply put , sports just really isn ’ t a priority at the moment .
Hell , most of us are too busy just trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global economy .
With that said , Adam Silver is still a bit surprised that the NBA ’ s ratings are this bad , and admitted that the games we see next season could look radically different than the ones we ’ ve seen in the NBA bubble .
“ I would say , in terms of the messages you see on the court and our jerseys , this was an extraordinary moment in time when we began these discussions with the players and what we all lived through this summer , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Countdown earlier this week .
“ My sense is there ’ ll be somewhat a return to normalcy—that those messages will largely be left to be delivered off the floor.
” Had George Floyd not lost his life at the hands of Minneapolis police officers , it ’ s highly likely that the league ’ s social justice campaigns never happen .
And considering that next season will proceed under an entirely different set of circumstances , it ’ s unrealistic to expect the league to present itself in the same manner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people like Ted Cruz , but it shouldn ’ t be .
Because as Silver said , while the approach will be different next season , the NBA will remain committed to taking more action as opposed to focusing on generating awareness .
I mean , it is a business , right ?

The NBA is a business.
So after getting derailed by a global pandemic and pouring over $150 million into an NBA bubble to resume the season—all while hemorrhaging money from lost ticket sales, concessions and other lucrative sources of income—the absolute last thing NBA commissioner Adam Silver expected was shitty TV ratings.
And calling the league’s ratings shitty doesn’t even begin to describe how horrific they actually are. Because as Yahoo Sports notes, the NBA is facing its worse NBA Finals ratings in almost 40 years:
Game 3’s 5.9 million viewers were the fewest for an NBA Finals game ever (at least since 1984 when they started tracking Finals numbers). The second-lowest was Game 2 of these 2020 NBA Finals.
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That, ladies and gentlemen, is what we call “an unsustainable business model.”
In the aftermath of the officer-related death of George Floyd, the NBA has used its platform to address racial inequality and police accountability. Players and coaches have spoken out against police brutality in the press and you literally can’t even watch a basketball game without seeing “Black Lives Matter” etched on the court.
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So with the league’s ratings in the toilet, Trump’s acolytes have taken to Twitter to denounce the NBA for “diluting” the game they love with politics and attribute its poor ratings to its “intrusive” social justice campaigns.
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“Get woke-go broke!” former Arkansas governor and current dickhead Mike Huckabee tweeted. “Game 3 of NBA finals plunged to 4.08 million from record-low 4.5 million who watched Game 2, which shattered record low of 7.41 million who watched Game 1. At this rate, if there’s Game 7, it will be beaten in the ratings by reruns of ‘Green Acres’ on ME-TV.”
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While the NBA’s ratings are shit, Huckabee and other stupid motherfuckers that lick wall outlets for breakfast are conveniently omitting the fact that damn near every sport is suffering a similar fate during this pandemic.
From USA Today:
Ratings for the Stanley Cup Finals were down 61% from last year, averaging 2.1 million viewers. The final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament had 3.2 million viewers, by far the fewest going back more than 30 years. The U.S. Open tennis tournament viewership fell sharply on ESPN, down 45% from the year before. The French Open is down 57% so far on NBC. The Kentucky Derby, which normally gets around 15 million viewers, only had 9.3 million at its rescheduled slot in September. Even the NFL, which has had some bright spots in the ratings thus far and seems to be holding steady, has had trouble getting viewers in certain windows like Thursday night, which has recorded consecutive lows for prime-time games.
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But tell me more about how speaking out against racial injustice is the reason the NBA is pulling in such bad ratings. Because guess what? That actually has very little to do with it, you dumb-asses.
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For one, with the coronavirus throwing regular sports schedules out the window, all of our favorite sports are now competing against each other. How many times have you had to choose between Thursday Night Football or the NBA playoffs? Or a baseball game and the WNBA or NHL? All of this shit is on at the exact same time and it’s forcing us to reluctantly play a game of One Gotta Go like an Instagram meme.
There’s also the fact that fans aren’t in attendance at nearly any of these sporting events, which naturally impacts our interest level. If we aren’t buying jerseys at arenas, can’t tailgate and can’t link up with our friends to catch games at the bar, we probably ain’t watching either. Plus a lot of these games have been broadcast at bizarre times. As much as we love March Madness, I wanted no parts of watching my Orlando Magic play during lunchtime. No thanks!
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But most importantly, there’s a whole ass presidential election coming up that’s kind of a big goddamn deal. And in case you haven’t noticed, not only is everyone watching that shit—between the debates, press conferences and the news—but they’re flooding your social media timelines with it too. Trump, Biden, and Kamala Harris have been trending topics for how many weeks now?
Simply put, sports just really isn’t a priority at the moment. Hell, most of us are too busy just trying to survive a pandemic that has crippled our global economy.
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With that said, Adam Silver is still a bit surprised that the NBA’s ratings are this bad, and admitted that the games we see next season could look radically different than the ones we’ve seen in the NBA bubble.
“I would say, in terms of the messages you see on the court and our jerseys, this was an extraordinary moment in time when we began these discussions with the players and what we all lived through this summer,” Silver said on ESPN’s NBA Countdown earlier this week. “My sense is there’ll be somewhat a return to normalcy—that those messages will largely be left to be delivered off the floor.”
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He’s right.
Had George Floyd not lost his life at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, it’s highly likely that the league’s social justice campaigns never happen. And considering that next season will proceed under an entirely different set of circumstances, it’s unrealistic to expect the league to present itself in the same manner.
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This is probably music to the ears of people like Ted Cruz, but it shouldn’t be. Because as Silver said, while the approach will be different next season, the NBA will remain committed to taking more action as opposed to focusing on generating awareness.
I mean, it is a business, right?


theroot--2020-10-09--The 10 Best Deals of October 9, 2020

The 10 Best Deals of October 9, 2020

It ’ s October 9 , and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day .
Get your softest skin yet with Tree Hut ’ s Shea Sugar Scrub .
Work off the quarantine 15 with this adjustable dumbbell set .
And snag some spooky decorations from Wayfair ’ s Batty Sale .
Don ’ t miss out on that one thing you ’ ve always wanted to buy but couldn ’ t justify on a budget in Friday ’ s best deals overall .
Amazon ’ s Gold Box today features @ @ @ @ @ @ @ configurations for up to 30 % off .
This 44-pound set is the cheapest at $ 148 , and you ’ ll only jump to $ 205 if you need the to stretch up to 88 pounds , which is the heaviest .
Find the full selection here .
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer .
Apple ’ s new Watch SE is a pretty nifty watch .
At $ 270 for the 40mm edition and $ 300 for the 44mm edition , you can now get an Apple Watch with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ features without paying the premium .
Today , you can get the 40mm model for $ 10 off , bringing the price down to $ 270 , and the 44mm model is down from $ 310 to $ 300 .
Those prices only count if you go for the Sport Band , though , so be wary of any customizations beyond that if you ’ re worried about racking up the costs .
This article was originally published by Jordan McMahon .
For most of us , it ’ s still not safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much .
Still , with things like leases , waivers , or any forms you ’ ve been meaning to fill out , many of us are stuck in our home offices without an easy way to get things to paper .
Since venturing into the local library of FedEx isn ’ t a great option right now , getting yourself a good printer will solve your woes while keeping you safe .
Right now , you can get HP ’ s Neverstop Laserjet Printer for $ 30 off on Amazon as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal was originally published by Jordan McMahon .
There ’ s no way being shot in the face with an infrared thermometer will ever be comfortable .
I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art a few weeks ago and immediately when you walk in they take your temperate like this .
In fact , there have been several establishments I ’ ve been in that are doing this .
If you ’ re in looking for a way to find out if someone is running a fever without touching them this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this Infrared Thermometer from Boncare for the next days .
All you have to do is use this code 584QOUMU at checkout .
This forehead and ear thermometer is great for all ages and sizes so it ’ ll work for the whole family .
Works within seconds for an accurate reading with minimal fuss which is great for squirmy babies or children .
And because it ’ s all external its much more hygienic and allows for few germs to be spread .
You can even save readings in case you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is getting sick or that someone is recovering .
There is actually a fever warning system that will sound if the person in the question is running a little warm but the LCD screening is pretty easy to read as well .
It comes with a one-year warranty but just remember to grab two AAA Batteries .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Bake your heart out with a KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer .
It ’ s $ 20 off its original list price , bringing it to $ 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easily mix that cookie and cake batter and comes with a cute charger that ’ ll allow you to make up to 200 cookies on a full battery .
What are you waiting for ?
Get to cooking !
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
For a short time , if you spend $ 30 on beauty and grooming products , you can save $ 10 at Amazon .
They ’ re featuring a collection of Tree Hut sugar scrubs , Eco gel styler , Dove body wash and so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d go crazy , but the hand sanitizer is the best bang for your buck !
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
When Xbox Design Lab launched back in 2016 , it arrived with instantaneous fanfare .
A first-party controller you can colorize yourself , by region , including the front , back , bumpers , triggers , thumbsticks , and ABXY face and View/Menu buttons—where do I sign up ?
Turns out the answer is here on the Xbox Design Lab landing page , where you yourself can come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your personality .
Above you ’ ll find the one I created , complete with a baby blue body , a coral rear shell , and front-facing controls perhaps best described as Spongebob yellow .
The Design Lab controllers are $ 10 off right now , but only until October 14 when the whole program gets shut down until next year .
With under a week to spare , if you were already considering mocking up a bespoke standard Xbox Wireless controller , now is the time to do it .
Unfortunately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from this program , though you can grab that one in a variety of colors on Amazon from a small custom controller shop fittingly known as Custom Controllerzz .
This Baby Pink edition , for example , is sorta reminiscent of the one I designed , even if it isn ’ t quite a perfect match .
For those horror fans out there , the Scary Party version features familiar faces such as Chucky , Jigsaw , and Jason Vorhees .
However , while a custom Elite Series 2 will set you back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Xbox Design Lab controllers are just $ 60 for a limited time .
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey .
Whether you ’ re a vampire lover or a fan of the winged rats , October is these creatures ’ time to rise an greet the world once again .
Halloween decor is filthy with skeletons , witches , and black cats but I say the bat does that real heavy lifting .
There are over 800 batty decoration on sale at Wayfair but I picked out three that really stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lampshade drapes ( $ 34 ) .
Just place them over any lamp you already have to enhance the level of spookiness .
The bat design is also super subtle so this is exactly the kind of thing you could leave up all year if you wanted .
The gauge lace is actually pretty classy and easy to clean in the washer .
I ’ m a sucker for a cute and clever accent pillow and honestly , I ’ ll probably be buying this Bat Lumbar Pillow ( $ 39 ) to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polyester blend is just the right touch of cute and creepy .
Again , if you wanted you could totally let the eerie cheer ride all year long and leave it out .
Spot treat it if you have a supernatural oopsies .
Where my vamp lovers at ?
This one is for you .
The Nihan Table Lamp ( $ 106 ) is made from resin and has just the right amount of camp and macabre .
The detail is pretty spectacular so you can really see the vampire slumping in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can really party .
The lampshade is black fabric with bat silhouettes to add to the chilling scene it ’ s setting .
And it actually comes with a 40-watt bulb .
How nice .
Free shipping on all orders over $ 35 .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Another one of Amazon ’ s crazy combo deals is on tap with an Echo Show 5 that ships with a Blink Mini indoor security camera for $ 50 .
This is one of the bigger Prime Day deals going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know already , requires an Amazon Prime membership ( get a free 30-day trial here ) .
If you ’ re signed into a Prime account , you ’ ll just need to cart one to see the discount at checkout .
This combo is normally $ 125 , and an Echo Show 5 alone typically sits around $ 60 and the Blink is usually $ 35 , so this is a rare discount for sure .
The Blink Mini offers a 1080p wide angle feed to monitor your home ’ s most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board to alert you whenever there ’ s movement about .
You ’ ll need a subscription if you want to record those moments and save them to the cloud for later viewing , but you currently get service through December 2020 with every purchase , which is more than enough time to decide whether it ’ s worth the long-term investment .
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer .
Comic-Con exclusives are coveted items and Funko has been at the top of those lists for a very long time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ exclusives have shifted to different companies and distributors .
GameStop got , in my opinion , one of the very best for NYCC .
This t-shirt/Funko of the beloved corgi Ein from Cowboy Bebop will surely be a fan favorite in no time .
As a huge lover of Ein , this is one I was really looking forward to .
These versions are flocked also !
I collect mostly dog Funkos so once they announced this cutey I knew I would be first in line for it .
Funko does these combo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ POP !
line and they usually vibe really well together .
This shirt not only features the space fluffer but also kid phenome Radical Edward .
This is a great gift for Bepop enthusiasts or even doggo lovers because let ’ s be real , how could you not love that sweet little pooch ?
!
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .

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

Friday’s Best Deals | Kinja Deals
It’s October 9, and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day. Get your softest skin yet with Tree Hut’s Shea Sugar Scrub. Work off the quarantine 15 with this adjustable dumbbell set. And snag some spooky decorations from Wayfair’s Batty Sale.
Don’t miss out on that one thing you’ve always wanted to buy but couldn’t justify on a budget in Friday’s best deals overall.
#1: Adjustable dumbbell set
Amazon’s Gold Box today features Shanchar adjustable dumbbells in a variety of configurations for up to 30% off. This 44-pound set is the cheapest at $148, and you’ll only jump to $205 if you need the to stretch up to 88 pounds, which is the heaviest. Find the full selection here.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer.
#2: apple watch se
Apple’s new Watch SE is a pretty nifty watch. At $270 for the 40mm edition and $300 for the 44mm edition, you can now get an Apple Watch with the latest guts and most of the features without paying the premium. Today, you can get the 40mm model for $10 off, bringing the price down to $270, and the 44mm model is down from $310 to $300. Those prices only count if you go for the Sport Band, though, so be wary of any customizations beyond that if you’re worried about racking up the costs.
This article was originally published by Jordan McMahon.
#3: Hp laserjet neverstop printer
For most of us, it’s still not safe to be going out and about too much. Still, with things like leases, waivers, or any forms you’ve been meaning to fill out, many of us are stuck in our home offices without an easy way to get things to paper. Since venturing into the local library of FedEx isn’t a great option right now, getting yourself a good printer will solve your woes while keeping you safe. Right now, you can get HP’s Neverstop Laserjet Printer for $30 off on Amazon as well as the official HP store.
This deal was originally published by Jordan McMahon.
#4: infared forehead thermometer
There’s no way being shot in the face with an infrared thermometer will ever be comfortable. I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art a few weeks ago and immediately when you walk in they take your temperate like this. In fact, there have been several establishments I’ve been in that are doing this. If you’re in looking for a way to find out if someone is running a fever without touching them this is for you. Save $23 on this Infrared Thermometer from Boncare for the next days. All you have to do is use this code 584QOUMU at checkout.
This forehead and ear thermometer is great for all ages and sizes so it’ll work for the whole family. Works within seconds for an accurate reading with minimal fuss which is great for squirmy babies or children. And because it’s all external its much more hygienic and allows for few germs to be spread. You can even save readings in case you are keeping track to make sure no one is getting sick or that someone is recovering. There is actually a fever warning system that will sound if the person in the question is running a little warm but the LCD screening is pretty easy to read as well. It comes with a one-year warranty but just remember to grab two AAA Batteries.
This deal runs until October 12. Prime members enjoy free one-day shipping.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#5: Kitchenaid hand mixer
Bake your heart out with a KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer. It’s $20 off its original list price, bringing it to $80. It had seven speeds and can easily mix that cookie and cake batter and comes with a cute charger that’ll allow you to make up to 200 cookies on a full battery. What are you waiting for? Get to cooking!
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#6: amazon beauty and grooming sale
For a short time, if you spend $30 on beauty and grooming products, you can save $10 at Amazon. They’re featuring a collection of Tree Hut sugar scrubs, Eco gel styler, Dove body wash and so much more. Honestly, I’d go crazy, but the hand sanitizer is the best bang for your buck!
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#7: xbox design lab controllers
When Xbox Design Lab launched back in 2016, it arrived with instantaneous fanfare. A first-party controller you can colorize yourself, by region, including the front, back, bumpers, triggers, thumbsticks, and ABXY face and View/Menu buttons—where do I sign up? Turns out the answer is here on the Xbox Design Lab landing page, where you yourself can come up with a color scheme that suits your personality. Above you’ll find the one I created, complete with a baby blue body, a coral rear shell, and front-facing controls perhaps best described as Spongebob yellow. The Design Lab controllers are $10 off right now, but only until October 14 when the whole program gets shut down until next year.
With under a week to spare, if you were already considering mocking up a bespoke standard Xbox Wireless controller, now is the time to do it. Unfortunately, the Elite Series 2 controller is exempt from this program, though you can grab that one in a variety of colors on Amazon from a small custom controller shop fittingly known as Custom Controllerzz. This Baby Pink edition, for example, is sorta reminiscent of the one I designed, even if it isn’t quite a perfect match. For those horror fans out there, the Scary Party version features familiar faces such as Chucky, Jigsaw, and Jason Vorhees. However, while a custom Elite Series 2 will set you back a whole $250, the Microsoft-made Xbox Design Lab controllers are just $60 for a limited time.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#8: wayfair halloween decorations
Whether you’re a vampire lover or a fan of the winged rats, October is these creatures’ time to rise an greet the world once again. Halloween decor is filthy with skeletons, witches, and black cats but I say the bat does that real heavy lifting. There are over 800 batty decoration on sale at Wayfair but I picked out three that really stand out.
I really love these batty lampshade drapes ($34). Just place them over any lamp you already have to enhance the level of spookiness. The bat design is also super subtle so this is exactly the kind of thing you could leave up all year if you wanted. The gauge lace is actually pretty classy and easy to clean in the washer.
I’m a sucker for a cute and clever accent pillow and honestly, I’ll probably be buying this Bat Lumbar Pillow ($39) to go with my Halloween bedspread. This polyester blend is just the right touch of cute and creepy. Again, if you wanted you could totally let the eerie cheer ride all year long and leave it out. Spot treat it if you have a supernatural oopsies.
Where my vamp lovers at? This one is for you. The Nihan Table Lamp ($106) is made from resin and has just the right amount of camp and macabre. The detail is pretty spectacular so you can really see the vampire slumping in his coffin, waiting for dusk so he can really party. The lampshade is black fabric with bat silhouettes to add to the chilling scene it’s setting. And it actually comes with a 40-watt bulb. How nice.
Free shipping on all orders over $35.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#9: amazon echo show 5 + blink mini
Another one of Amazon’s crazy combo deals is on tap with an Echo Show 5 that ships with a Blink Mini indoor security camera for $50. This is one of the bigger Prime Day deals going which, if you don’t know already, requires an Amazon Prime membership (get a free 30-day trial here). If you’re signed into a Prime account, you’ll just need to cart one to see the discount at checkout.
This combo is normally $125, and an Echo Show 5 alone typically sits around $60 and the Blink is usually $35, so this is a rare discount for sure.
The Blink Mini offers a 1080p wide angle feed to monitor your home’s most important areas, with motion detection on board to alert you whenever there’s movement about.
You’ll need a subscription if you want to record those moments and save them to the cloud for later viewing, but you currently get service through December 2020 with every purchase, which is more than enough time to decide whether it’s worth the long-term investment.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer.
#10: cowboy bebop funko
Comic-Con exclusives are coveted items and Funko has been at the top of those lists for a very long time. With all cons going online this year exclusives have shifted to different companies and distributors. GameStop got, in my opinion, one of the very best for NYCC. This t-shirt/Funko of the beloved corgi Ein from Cowboy Bebop will surely be a fan favorite in no time.
As a huge lover of Ein, this is one I was really looking forward to. These versions are flocked also! I collect mostly dog Funkos so once they announced this cutey I knew I would be first in line for it. Funko does these combo packs every now and then with the POP! line and they usually vibe really well together. This shirt not only features the space fluffer but also kid phenome Radical Edward. This is a great gift for Bepop enthusiasts or even doggo lovers because let’s be real, how could you not love that sweet little pooch?!
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.


theroot--2020-10-09--Black Jogger Who Was Stopped by ICE in Boston Speaks Out; Mayor and Lawmakers Call for Accountabilit

Black Jogger Who Was Stopped by ICE in Boston Speaks Out; Mayor and Lawmakers Call for Accountability

A Black man was jogging in Boston when he said he was racially profiled and stopped by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement .
After viewing video footage of the incident the man recorded , the city ’ s mayor and lawmakers are calling for accountability .
29-year-old Bena Apreala told NBC Boston that the ICE agents didn ’ t identify themselves before they stopped and questioned him about who he was and what he was doing .
“ The police officer started walking towards me , and he said , ‘ Hey , stop , ’ and without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for identification , asking me where I was from , asking me who I was , what my business was around the area , ” Apreala said .
“ They never introduced themselves , they never identified themselves , they never said I was being detained because of an immigration violation.
” The 29-year-old real estate agent and father says the frightening experience left him nervous for what could come next .
“ I said , ‘ What am I being detained for ?
’ ” Apreala recalled .
“ He said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone we ’ re investigating.
” “ As I was watching this thing , I wasn ’ t sure until I got to call him if he had been arrested , ” said his mother , Patricia Apreala , who explained that she feared for her son after seeing the video .
“ I have too many videos running in my head about young Black males with law enforcement , and it was not a pretty sight , I can tell you.
” A spokesperson for ICE ’ s Enforcement and Removal Operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped because he apparently looks like someone the agency is after .
“ ICE officers were conducting surveillance as part of a targeted enforcement action Wednesday in West Roxbury , Mass.
, looking for a previously deported Haitian national with multiple criminal convictions and pending cocaine and fentanyl trafficking charges that may have been residing in the area , ” the spokesperson said .
The agency also denied that the officers didn ’ t announce themselves .
After the agents questioned Apreala they determined that he wasn ’ t the person they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave , NBC reports .
In the video , one officer can be heard asking Apreala , “ Do you have any tattoos on your left or right arm ?
” “ Am I free to go ?
Do I have to show you ?
If I ’ m free to go , then I ’ m not showing you anything , ” Apreala responds .
“ Thank you .
Have a great day , guys.
” Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is having none of it .
During a Wednesday press conference , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the situation and said he was asking the city ’ s police department to find out more information about the incident , ” NBC reports .
Walsh also tweeted that he had spoken to Apreala and that “ racial profiling and stops like these are wrong , unjustified , and will not be tolerated.
” West Roxbury City Council member Matt O ’ Malley expressed similar sentiments calling the stop “ unlawful ” and saying that racial profiling “ should not happen here or anywhere else.
” And , of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through with a word .
“ For too long , ICE and CBP have acted with impunity—emboldened by a xenophobic Administration and the Occupant of this White House , ” Pressley tweeted Wednesday .
“ We will not stand by and watch them intimidate , harass and racially profile our Black and Brown communities in Boston or anywhere in the country.
” She also tweeted that she ’ s “ calling for an immediate investigation ” into the incident adding that “ We must understand what they were doing and rationale behind their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not an investigation into the stop is actually underway .

A Black man was jogging in Boston when he said he was racially profiled and stopped by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. After viewing video footage of the incident the man recorded, the city’s mayor and lawmakers are calling for accountability.
29-year-old Bena Apreala told NBC Boston that the ICE agents didn’t identify themselves before they stopped and questioned him about who he was and what he was doing.
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“The police officer started walking towards me, and he said, ‘Hey, stop,’ and without identifying himself, he started asking me for identification, asking me where I was from, asking me who I was, what my business was around the area,” Apreala said. “They never introduced themselves, they never identified themselves, they never said I was being detained because of an immigration violation.”
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From NBC Boston:
The 29-year-old real estate agent and father says the frightening experience left him nervous for what could come next. “I said, ‘What am I being detained for?’” Apreala recalled. “He said, ‘Because you fit the description of someone we’re investigating.” “As I was watching this thing, I wasn’t sure until I got to call him if he had been arrested,” said his mother, Patricia Apreala, who explained that she feared for her son after seeing the video. “I have too many videos running in my head about young Black males with law enforcement, and it was not a pretty sight, I can tell you.”
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A spokesperson for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations division told NBC News that Apreala was stopped because he apparently looks like someone the agency is after.
“ICE officers were conducting surveillance as part of a targeted enforcement action Wednesday in West Roxbury, Mass., looking for a previously deported Haitian national with multiple criminal convictions and pending cocaine and fentanyl trafficking charges that may have been residing in the area,” the spokesperson said. The agency also denied that the officers didn’t announce themselves.
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After the agents questioned Apreala they determined that he wasn’t the person they were looking for and he was allowed to leave, NBC reports. In the video, one officer can be heard asking Apreala, “Do you have any tattoos on your left or right arm?”
“Am I free to go? Do I have to show you? If I’m free to go, then I’m not showing you anything,” Apreala responds. “Thank you. Have a great day, guys.”
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Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is having none of it. During a Wednesday press conference, Walsh “admonished ICE’s handling of the situation and said he was asking the city’s police department to find out more information about the incident,” NBC reports.
Walsh also tweeted that he had spoken to Apreala and that “racial profiling and stops like these are wrong, unjustified, and will not be tolerated.”
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West Roxbury City Council member Matt O’ Malley expressed similar sentiments calling the stop “unlawful” and saying that racial profiling “should not happen here or anywhere else.”
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And, of course, Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass) came through with a word.
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“For too long, ICE and CBP have acted with impunity—emboldened by a xenophobic Administration and the Occupant of this White House,” Pressley tweeted Wednesday. “We will not stand by and watch them intimidate, harass and racially profile our Black and Brown communities in Boston or anywhere in the country.”
She also tweeted that she’s “calling for an immediate investigation” into the incident adding that “We must understand what they were doing and rationale behind their employment.”
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It’s unclear whether or not an investigation into the stop is actually underway.


theroot--2020-10-09--'The Work Is in the Valley': Courtney B. Vance and Dr. Robin Smith Join Forces on World Mental Healt

'The Work Is in the Valley': Courtney B. Vance and Dr. Robin Smith Join Forces on World Mental Health Day

“ The tapes are in our minds .
It ’ s my responsibility to change the tape in my head because it ’ s a mind game .
It is a battle .
The battleground is the mind…And that ’ s why there are suicides , because we just want to stop the tape.
” — Courtney B. Vance , Actor In a world where Black people are faced with racism , injustice and ongoing affronts to our dignity , it is as imperative that we maintain our mental health .
Actor Courtney B. Vance , who lost his father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too well about the importance of mental soundness .
The award-winning actor says that in our respective mental health journeys , we will no doubt , face peeks and valleys .
“ Martin Luther King Jr. said when he was on top of the mountain , ‘ The valley calls me.
’ The work is in the valley.
” This year World Mental Health Day is on Oct. 10 .
Vance and psychologist Dr. Robin Smith ( known as Dr. Robin ) partnered with the National Alliance of Mental Illness to join the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their interview with The Root , the duo shared a bit of their “ highs , ” and “ lows ” but most importantly , how they got back to center .
“ Courtney , I wanted to make sure that this myopic view of mental health—whether it ’ s Mental Health Week or World Mental Health Day—we want everyone to begin to think about their mental health every day , ” Dr. Robin said .
See a snippet from their conversation above .

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-10-09--This Infrared Forehead Thermometer Is Just $17 for the Next Three Days

There ’ s no way being shot in the face with an infrared thermometer will ever be comfortable .
I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art a few weeks ago and immediately when you walk in they take your temperate like this .
In fact , there have been several establishments I ’ ve been in that are doing this .
If you ’ re in looking for a way to find out if someone is running a fever without touching them this is for you .
Save $ 23 on this Infrared Thermometer from Boncare for the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is use this code 584QOUMU at checkout .
This forehead and ear thermometer is great for all ages and sizes so it ’ ll work for the whole family .
Works within seconds for an accurate reading with minimal fuss which is great for squirmy babies or children .
And because it ’ s all external its much more hygienic and allows for few germs to be spread .
You can even save readings in case you are keeping track to make sure no one is getting sick or that someone is recovering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system that will sound if the person in the question is running a little warm but the LCD screening is pretty easy to read as well .
It comes with a one-year warranty but just remember to grab two AAA Batteries .

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

Boncare Infrared Thermometer | $17 | Amazon | Use Code 584QOUMU
There’s no way being shot in the face with an infrared thermometer will ever be comfortable. I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art a few weeks ago and immediately when you walk in they take your temperate like this. In fact, there have been several establishments I’ve been in that are doing this. If you’re in looking for a way to find out if someone is running a fever without touching them this is for you. Save $23 on this Infrared Thermometer from Boncare for the next days. All you have to do is use this code 584QOUMU at checkout.
This forehead and ear thermometer is great for all ages and sizes so it’ll work for the whole family. Works within seconds for an accurate reading with minimal fuss which is great for squirmy babies or children. And because it’s all external its much more hygienic and allows for few germs to be spread. You can even save readings in case you are keeping track to make sure no one is getting sick or that someone is recovering. There is actually a fever warning system that will sound if the person in the question is running a little warm but the LCD screening is pretty easy to read as well. It comes with a one-year warranty but just remember to grab two AAA Batteries.
This deal runs until October 12. Prime members enjoy free one-day shipping.


theroot--2020-10-09--Maya Wiley Announces Run for NYC Mayor, Shades Bill de Blasio's Tragic Run for the White House: 'You

Maya Wiley Announces Run for NYC Mayor, Shades Bill de Blasio's Tragic Run for the White House: 'You Will Never Have to Wonder Whether I'm in Iowa'

Maya Wiley , civil rights activist and attorney , has made her candidacy official , announcing it Thursday with a play on a frozen video call that she ’ s officially running for mayor of New York City .
Wiley came out swinging against her former boss , Mayor Bill de Blasio ( Wiley worked as de Blasio ’ s counsel for two years ) , telling a group of supporters gathered outside the Brooklyn Museum that she doesn ’ t have any experience being afraid to make decisions , an obvious shot at de Blasio , who ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yorkers .
“ I don ’ t have experience accepting bad deals .
I don ’ t have experience campaigning across all boroughs of this city but only showing up when it ’ s convenient , ” Wiley said , Politico reports .
“ I don ’ t have experience being so afraid to make a wrong decision that I make no decision at all.
” Wiley provided legal guidance to the mayor when his fundraising activities were the subject of multiple investigations .
“ She also devised a workaround to public disclosure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ external advisers that was eventually struck down in court , ” Politico reports .
While Wiley didn ’ t call de Blasio out by name , she was clearly referring to the father of Dante ( Bill de Blasio has a Black son named Dante ) unhappiness with being mayor and his disastrous run for the White House last year .
“ If I ’ m mayor you will never have to wonder who ’ s in charge .
You will never have to question whether anyone is listening , whether the mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ You will never have to ask yourself whether you matter .
You will never have to wonder whether I ’ m in Iowa.
” After two years in City Hall , Wiley chaired the city ’ s Civilian Complaint Review Board — a police accountability panel — until August of 2017 .
During her tenure , the officer responsible for killing an unarmed Black man in 2014 remained on the force and wasn ’ t fired until 2019 , two years after she left the board .
Wiley claimed she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a process by which he would eventually be let go , even though it did not happen on her watch .
She also indicated she would have handled the matter differently than de Blasio , who said he could not take action against the officer , Daniel Pantaleo , until federal authorities completed a drawn-out investigation into the death of Eric Garner .
And she said she disapproved of the mayor ’ s handling of a state statute that his administration reinterpreted to protect law enforcement officers from disclosure of their disciplinary records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those battles from her prominent position , Wiley said , “ As an attorney who worked for the public , I am obligated to keep the confidences .
But I will tell you what I would have done and what I would have done would have been to take aggressive action much sooner.
” Politico notes that while Wiley may be a first-time candidate , she ’ s already receiving big-time support from political mainstays including : New York State Sen. Mike Gianaris , the deputy majority leader ; City Council Members Steve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Member and former Democratic National Committee Vice Chair Michael Blake .
Rumblings around Wiley possibly considering a run for mayor began being whispered around July when she left her post as a legal analyst for MSNBC .
If elected , Wiley would become the first woman to become mayor of New York and only the second Black person to hold that position .

Maya Wiley, civil rights activist and attorney, has made her candidacy official, announcing it Thursday with a play on a frozen video call that she’s officially running for mayor of New York City.
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Wiley came out swinging against her former boss, Mayor Bill de Blasio (Wiley worked as de Blasio’s counsel for two years), telling a group of supporters gathered outside the Brooklyn Museum that she doesn’t have any experience being afraid to make decisions, an obvious shot at de Blasio, who’s indecision has widely been criticized by New Yorkers.
“I don’t have experience accepting bad deals. I don’t have experience campaigning across all boroughs of this city but only showing up when it’s convenient,” Wiley said, Politico reports. “I don’t have experience being so afraid to make a wrong decision that I make no decision at all.”
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Wiley provided legal guidance to the mayor when his fundraising activities were the subject of multiple investigations. “She also devised a workaround to public disclosure of emails between the mayor and his external advisers that was eventually struck down in court,” Politico reports.
While Wiley didn’t call de Blasio out by name, she was clearly referring to the father of Dante (Bill de Blasio has a Black son named Dante) unhappiness with being mayor and his disastrous run for the White House last year.
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“If I’m mayor you will never have to wonder who’s in charge. You will never have to question whether anyone is listening, whether the mayor even wants the job,” Wiley said. “You will never have to ask yourself whether you matter. You will never have to wonder whether I’m in Iowa.”
Boom!
From Politico:
After two years in City Hall, Wiley chaired the city’s Civilian Complaint Review Board — a police accountability panel — until August of 2017. During her tenure, the officer responsible for killing an unarmed Black man in 2014 remained on the force and wasn’t fired until 2019, two years after she left the board. Wiley claimed she used her perch to put in place a process by which he would eventually be let go, even though it did not happen on her watch. She also indicated she would have handled the matter differently than de Blasio, who said he could not take action against the officer, Daniel Pantaleo, until federal authorities completed a drawn-out investigation into the death of Eric Garner. And she said she disapproved of the mayor’s handling of a state statute that his administration reinterpreted to protect law enforcement officers from disclosure of their disciplinary records. Asked what she did to fight those battles from her prominent position, Wiley said, “As an attorney who worked for the public, I am obligated to keep the confidences. But I will tell you what I would have done and what I would have done would have been to take aggressive action much sooner.”
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Politico notes that while Wiley may be a first-time candidate, she’s already receiving big-time support from political mainstays including: New York State Sen. Mike Gianaris, the deputy majority leader; City Council Members Steve Levin and Helen Rosenthal; and Assembly Member and former Democratic National Committee Vice Chair Michael Blake.
Rumblings around Wiley possibly considering a run for mayor began being whispered around July when she left her post as a legal analyst for MSNBC. If elected, Wiley would become the first woman to become mayor of New York and only the second Black person to hold that position.