theroot--2020-12-11--Euphoria and Colman Domingo Delivered the Best Phone Call Scene I've Ever Seen, and I Still Can't Ge

Euphoria and Colman Domingo Delivered the Best Phone Call Scene I've Ever Seen, and I Still Can't Get It Out of My Head

So , during my conversation w ith Ta-Nehisi Coates earlier this week , he mentioned that he wants his work to “ haunt ” those who read it , where ( paraphrasing ) it sticks in their heads and they can ’ t extract it .
I ’ ve had similar conversations with other writers—and others across the creative spectrum—and this feeling is universal among them .
Us , I guess .
Not necessarily the part about haunting .
Some want to provoke .
Or entertain .
Or enrage .
Or deconstruct .
Or enlighten .
Or tickle .
Or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But all want what they do to be felt .
To prove to be sticky .
The stickiness is the best thing .
And also the most elusive , because there ’ s no template or algorithm to determine how to create a thing that nestles inside of people .
You just , I don ’ t know , you just have to find a way to make work that feels true .
The actual truth is arbitrary—a weightless and body-less organism whose construction is dependent on sensibility , history , atmosphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you wish your truth to be , it should appear in your work .
But whether your truth feels true to the people who engage with it is the slippery part .
This nexus of truths is a destination you can spend your entire life attempting to reach ; and when I watched Euphoria and Colman Domingo get there last weekend , this is why—well , one of the reasons why—it ’ s still in my head .
For a show that exists quite firmly in a state of grimy iridescence , part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a smoke break .
It revolves around a conversation over diner pancakes with a recently-relapsed Rue ( Zendaya ) and her sponsor Ali ( Domingo ) .
There are parts of their conversation that feel too perfectly written—Ali has the perfect response to everything Rue says to him , and no one is that wise in the moment .
But the performances are blazing .
Zendaya is a superstar .
Watching her and Michaela Coel emerge with all of their gifts in the past year feels like how it must have felt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the same time .
It ’ s been a privilege to be here while they ’ re here .
But Colman Domingo owns this episode .
I don ’ t quite have the words to describe what he does here the way I want to .
If he were a hooper or a writer I would , but I ’ m not as familiar with the language of acting .
All I can say is that everything he did felt right .
Each pause , each facial tic , each line reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It didn ’ t feel like I was sitting with them .
It felt like he was sitting with me .
And then , moments after revealing that , while under the influence of crack decades ago , he was physically abusive to his wife and is now mostly estranged from his two daughters , he leaves to take a smoke and call one of them .
( It ’ s Christmas Eve , after all . )
And the five-minute stretch from the time he gets up and then comes back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as hard as any show I ’ ve seen this year .
With Moses Sumney ’ s “ Me in 20 Years ” raising the barometric pressure , we witness Ali voice all of the regret and the fear and the anxiety and the wistfulness and the love of a changed man who fucked up in a way that will maybe never be forgiven .
And probably shouldn ’ t be .
What he does with his voice and his face and his laugh and his eyes when he hears his grandson ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years felt like I was watching water ; like he ’ d conjured every dad separated from his kids for self-induced reasons , and created a composite based on them .
He ’ s been through some shit , but he put them through that same shit .
And while he ’ s clean now , the relationship ain ’ t , and he knows that .
And you feel all of that in those five minutes .
It was sticky .
Now , it ’ s stuck inside of me .

Damon Young on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Damon Young to The Root

So, during my conversation w ith Ta-Nehisi Coates earlier this week, he mentioned that he wants his work to “haunt” those who read it, where (paraphrasing) it sticks in their heads and they can’t extract it. I’ve had similar conversations with other writers—and others across the creative spectrum—and this feeling is universal among them. Us, I guess. Not necessarily the part about haunting. Some want to provoke. Or entertain. Or enrage. Or deconstruct. Or enlighten. Or tickle. Or excavate. Or some combination of each. But all want what they do to be felt. To prove to be sticky.
The stickiness is the best thing. And also the most elusive, because there’s no template or algorithm to determine how to create a thing that nestles inside of people. You just, I don’t know, you just have to find a way to make work that feels true. The actual truth is arbitrary—a weightless and body-less organism whose construction is dependent on sensibility, history, atmosphere, indigestion, and whim. Whatever you wish your truth to be, it should appear in your work. But whether your truth feels true to the people who engage with it is the slippery part. This nexus of truths is a destination you can spend your entire life attempting to reach; and when I watched Euphoria and Colman Domingo get there last weekend, this is why—well, one of the reasons why—it’s still in my head.
Advertisement
For a show that exists quite firmly in a state of grimy iridescence, part one of its two-part holiday special was a smoke break. It revolves around a conversation over diner pancakes with a recently-relapsed Rue (Zendaya) and her sponsor Ali (Domingo). There are parts of their conversation that feel too perfectly written—Ali has the perfect response to everything Rue says to him, and no one is that wise in the moment. But the performances are blazing. Zendaya is a superstar. Watching her and Michaela Coel emerge with all of their gifts in the past year feels like how it must have felt to witness Bird and Magic entering the league at the same time. It’s been a privilege to be here while they’re here. But Colman Domingo owns this episode. I don’t quite have the words to describe what he does here the way I want to. If he were a hooper or a writer I would, but I’m not as familiar with the language of acting. All I can say is that everything he did felt right. Each pause, each facial tic, each line reading, each rhythm with his responses. It didn’t feel like I was sitting with them. It felt like he was sitting with me.
And then, moments after revealing that, while under the influence of crack decades ago, he was physically abusive to his wife and is now mostly estranged from his two daughters, he leaves to take a smoke and call one of them. (It’s Christmas Eve, after all.) And the five-minute stretch from the time he gets up and then comes back in the diner hit that nexus of truths as hard as any show I’ve seen this year.
Advertisement Advertisement
With Moses Sumney’s “Me in 20 Years” raising the barometric pressure, we witness Ali voice all of the regret and the fear and the anxiety and the wistfulness and the love of a changed man who fucked up in a way that will maybe never be forgiven. And probably shouldn’t be. What he does with his voice and his face and his laugh and his eyes when he hears his grandson’s voice for the first time in years felt like I was watching water; like he’d conjured every dad separated from his kids for self-induced reasons, and created a composite based on them. He’s been through some shit, but he put them through that same shit. And while he’s clean now, the relationship ain’t, and he knows that. And you feel all of that in those five minutes.
It was sticky. Now, it’s stuck inside of me.


theroot--2020-12-11--Thrilling x Black Owned Everything: Stylist Zerina Akers Gives Black Friday a Sustainable Remix

You may have first become familiar with Zerina Akers through her long and very successful working relationship with an up-and-coming artist named Beyoncé ( or something like that ) .
But the stylist , designer and influencer is a force of fashion in her own right , both forecasting trends and consistently sharing her growing independent platform with Black designers , labels and businesses—most recently via the instantly popular Instagram page Black Owned Everything .
Soon to be launched as an e-commerce site with a handful of retailers handpicked by Akers herself ( get on that mailing list , y @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of black-owned businesses she has graciously promoted has been an indispensable bounty of resources for those of us seeking to keep our dollars in the community—including in the writing our very own Black Friday gift guide .
But far as Akers is concerned , Black Friday is far from over .
Prior to the launch of her new site , the stylist brought her editorial eye to the Black-owned and curated digital boutique Thrilling , “ to create a sustainable edit that reimagines and takes a new approach to Black Friday—the NEW Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which also reads : Speaking with The Glow Up , Thrilling co-founder Shilla Kim-Parker explained how the collaboration came about—like us , she was obsessed with Black Owned Everything , and accordingly reached out to Akers to see if there might be some way to work together .
“ This is a pinch-me moment for me , because I ’ ve long been such a fan of Zerina ’ s work , inspired by everything that she ’ s done , ” said Kim-Parker .
“ You know , I think she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she is bold and innovative .
And not only is her fashion and styling and designing kind of on another level—she ’ s always spoken directly and powerfully to the Black experience , to her Black community .
And as a Black woman with a platform of many Black-owned stores , that ’ s super meaningful .
And so for us , this is a dream come true to be able to work with Zerina , because I think , you know , everyone in our community is just so inspired and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Akers with being “ insanely gracious and generous and wonderful ” in her collaboration with Thrilling , with hosts approximately 200 secondhand or vintage stores on its platform , most of which are BIPOC-owned .
“ She ’ s very passionate about lifting up the profiles of kind of smaller , independent black-owned brands and companies , “ Kim-Parker noted before giving a deeper perspective to the benefits of shopping used and vintage .
“ We ’ re a mission-driven organization .
So first and foremost , our priority is to support the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shops across the US.
, ” she continued .
“ The other part of our mission is to help popularize secondhand and vintage shopping and make it more of a habit .
So , you know , I am really passionate about the environmental issues in apparel .
And I think that we can all play our part because , you know , we are all activists ; we all have control over our dollar , and we can vote with our dollars and choose to kind of invest in usually higher-quality items @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can get for good value and also at the same time support local mom-and-pop shops.
” For Akers ’ part , she focused much of her curation on Black-owned vintage shops on Thrilling ’ s platform , noting that in addition to being excited by the sustainable impact of the collaboration , it also provided her an unexpected opportunity to revisit the early days of her fashion career .
“ Honestly , it was kind of a playdate for me because I got to kind of go back , ” she laughed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philly and New York , and I remember living in Philly as a college student and not having a lot of money , but in fashion school and wanting to still walk in class and give you a moment .
I would buy , like , vintage prom dresses and then turn them into cool blouses and dive in and try to find all of these designer goods .
So it was really fun curating this collection.
” But of course , the collaboration also adds a new dimension to Akers ’ evolving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the broader discussion around what it means to shop responsibly .
“ I think the interesting thing about conscious consumerism is not only diversifying your spending in terms of business owners—the skin color of business owners—but there is now this pull back away from fast fashion , you know , on a very simple level , which interests me ... really , there ’ s this way to kind of tap in what ’ s happening right now in fashion and be very current , but still shop vintage and sustainable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I think shopping vintage is it at its highest point , because you ’ re not just sort of remaking ; you ’ re literally reusing , ” she later adds .
“ You know , you don ’ t have to then kind of spend the energy and the effort into even repurposing the garment per se ... [ you ’ re ] literally taking something and giving it a new life.
” Always on-trend , Akers ’ selection pulls from several eras of fashion , but she points out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resurgence , as of late—perhaps much to the chagrin of those of us who dressed through it the first time .
“ I think it ’ s hard for some of us to try to live through again , ” she laughs .
No matter what the decade , in both Black Owned Everything and her new collaboration with Thrilling , sustainability remains the focus , because neither supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs nor protecting our environment should be considered a trend .
( Notably , Black Owned Everything ’ s motto is : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) “ We ’ re always so grateful and excited , you know , for people like Zerina who can help bring new people into the fold of vintage and sustainability and local shopping and let people think about them in different and new ways , so that ’ s always really exciting , ” says Kim-Parker , adding a note of encouragement as we close a tumultuous but hopefully transformative year .
“ I think it ’ s OK to hold on to kind of all the grief and the frustration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the potential for change , ” she adds , “ because otherwise , I think it ’ s too easy to get paralyzed .
And we ’ ve got to continue to kind of get back up and fight for a better day .

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

You may have first become familiar with Zerina Akers through her long and very successful working relationship with an up-and-coming artist named Beyoncé (or something like that). But the stylist, designer and influencer is a force of fashion in her own right, both forecasting trends and consistently sharing her growing independent platform with Black designers, labels and businesses—most recently via the instantly popular Instagram page Black Owned Everything. Soon to be launched as an e-commerce site with a handful of retailers handpicked by Akers herself (get on that mailing list, y’all), the growing list of black-owned businesses she has graciously promoted has been an indispensable bounty of resources for those of us seeking to keep our dollars in the community—including in the writing our very own Black Friday gift guide.
Advertisement
But far as Akers is concerned, Black Friday is far from over. Prior to the launch of her new site, the stylist brought her editorial eye to the Black-owned and curated digital boutique Thrilling, “to create a sustainable edit that reimagines and takes a new approach to Black Friday—the NEW Black Friday!” boasts a press release, which also reads:
Launching this December, Thrilling’s third-ever collaboration, titled, “Thrilling x Black Owned Everything – A Sustainable Edit by Zerina Akers” was inspired by the 90’s female unity in Hip Hop and R&B, the collection includes signature 90’s styles such as monochromatic dressing, sportwear pieces with athletic details, styles in animal prints and pop of color, leather pieces, bra tops, oversized suiting, and mini dresses, all ranging in price from $20 to $1,000.
Advertisement Advertisement
Speaking with The Glow Up, Thrilling co-founder Shilla Kim-Parker explained how the collaboration came about—like us, she was obsessed with Black Owned Everything, and accordingly reached out to Akers to see if there might be some way to work together.
“This is a pinch-me moment for me, because I’ve long been such a fan of Zerina’s work, inspired by everything that she’s done,” said Kim-Parker. “You know, I think she’s a visionary in fashion; she is bold and innovative. And not only is her fashion and styling and designing kind of on another level—she’s always spoken directly and powerfully to the Black experience, to her Black community. And as a Black woman with a platform of many Black-owned stores, that’s super meaningful. And so for us, this is a dream come true to be able to work with Zerina, because I think, you know, everyone in our community is just so inspired and in awe of her.”
Advertisement
Kim-Parker further credited Akers with being “insanely gracious and generous and wonderful” in her collaboration with Thrilling, with hosts approximately 200 secondhand or vintage stores on its platform, most of which are BIPOC-owned. “She’s very passionate about lifting up the profiles of kind of smaller, independent black-owned brands and companies, “ Kim-Parker noted before giving a deeper perspective to the benefits of shopping used and vintage.
“We’re a mission-driven organization. So first and foremost, our priority is to support the viability of second-hand and vintage small mom-and-pop shops across the US.,” she continued. “The other part of our mission is to help popularize secondhand and vintage shopping and make it more of a habit. So, you know, I am really passionate about the environmental issues in apparel. And I think that we can all play our part because, you know, we are all activists; we all have control over our dollar, and we can vote with our dollars and choose to kind of invest in usually higher-quality items that will last you longer, but you can get for good value and also at the same time support local mom-and-pop shops.”
Advertisement
For Akers’ part, she focused much of her curation on Black-owned vintage shops on Thrilling’s platform, noting that in addition to being excited by the sustainable impact of the collaboration, it also provided her an unexpected opportunity to revisit the early days of her fashion career.
Advertisement
“Honestly, it was kind of a playdate for me because I got to kind of go back,” she laughed. “I went to college in Philly and New York, and I remember living in Philly as a college student and not having a lot of money, but in fashion school and wanting to still walk in class and give you a moment. I would buy, like, vintage prom dresses and then turn them into cool blouses and dive in and try to find all of these designer goods. So it was really fun curating this collection.”
But of course, the collaboration also adds a new dimension to Akers’ evolving work with Black Owned Everything, and to the broader discussion around what it means to shop responsibly. “I think the interesting thing about conscious consumerism is not only diversifying your spending in terms of business owners—the skin color of business owners—but there is now this pull back away from fast fashion, you know, on a very simple level, which interests me...really, there’s this way to kind of tap in what’s happening right now in fashion and be very current, but still shop vintage and sustainable. And you get this well-rounded conversation.
Advertisement
“I think shopping vintage is it at its highest point, because you’re not just sort of remaking; you’re literally reusing,” she later adds. “You know, you don’t have to then kind of spend the energy and the effort into even repurposing the garment per se...[you’re] literally taking something and giving it a new life.”
Always on-trend, Akers’ selection pulls from several eras of fashion, but she points out the ‘90s as one seeing the most resurgence, as of late—perhaps much to the chagrin of those of us who dressed through it the first time. “I think it’s hard for some of us to try to live through again,” she laughs.
Advertisement
Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything Photo : Thrilling x Black Owned Everything 1 / 111
No matter what the decade, in both Black Owned Everything and her new collaboration with Thrilling, sustainability remains the focus, because neither supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs nor protecting our environment should be considered a trend. (Notably, Black Owned Everything’s motto is: “For when the trend is over.”)
Advertisement
“We’re always so grateful and excited, you know, for people like Zerina who can help bring new people into the fold of vintage and sustainability and local shopping and let people think about them in different and new ways, so that’s always really exciting,” says Kim-Parker, adding a note of encouragement as we close a tumultuous but hopefully transformative year. “I think it’s OK to hold on to kind of all the grief and the frustration of the year but marry it with hope and the potential for change,” she adds, “because otherwise, I think it’s too easy to get paralyzed. And we’ve got to continue to kind of get back up and fight for a better day.


theroot--2020-12-11--Even Before FKA Twigs Came Forward, Shia LaBeouf Was Allegedly Predatory For Years

Singer FKA Twigs has filed a lawsuit against actor Shia LaBeouf , accusing him of sexual battery , physical assault , and emotional distress over the course of their year long relationship .
The New York Times reports that the lawsuit , filed in Los Angeles Superior Court , also accuses LaBeouf of purposefully giving Twigs , born Tahliah Debrett Barnett , a sexually transmitted disease during his campaign of “ relentless abuse.
” Twigs told the New York Times that she came forward to make a point : That despite having money , fame , and a strong support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an abusive relationship .
In other words , if it can happen to her , it can happen to anyone .
“ I ’ d like to be able to raise awareness on the tactics that abusers use to control you and take away your agency , ” she said .
Just after Valentine ’ s Day in 2019 , the musician FKA twigs was in a car speeding toward Los Angeles .
At the wheel was her boyfriend , the actor Shia LaBeouf .
He was driving recklessly , she said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his seatbelt and threatening to crash unless she professed her love for him .
They were returning from the desert , where Mr. LaBeouf , the star of “ Transformers , ” had raged at her throughout the trip , FKA twigs said in the lawsuit , once waking her up in the middle of the night , choking her .
After she begged to be let out of the car , she said he pulled over at a gas station and she took her bags from the trunk .
But Mr. LaBeouf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her against the car while screaming in her face , according to the suit .
He then forced her back in the car .
The lawsuit also cites an incident alleged by another former girlfriend of LaBeouf , stylist Karolyn Pho , who dated LaBeouf from 2010 to 2012 .
The suit states that LaBeouf once “ drunkenly pinned her to a bed and head-butted her , enough that she bled.
” The relationship between Pho and LaBeouf was characterized in tabloids as tumultuous , with Pho depicted as teary , jealous , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LaBeouf ’ s method acting .
It ’ s now evident that something sinister may have occurred behind the scenes instead .
But these aren ’ t the first allegations to be made against LaBeouf .
While LaBeouf ’ s battles with alcoholism have taken center stage in the press , rumors of abuse have made the rounds for years .
In 2015 , a German tabloid reported that LaBeouf injured his then-girlfriend , actress and model Mia Goth , during a fight .
One witness told Bild that Goth was pulling on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay , and LaBeouf told her that he did not want to become aggressive with her .
LaBeouf appeared to be under the influence , the witness said .
After breaking up the fight , a group of locals drove LaBeouf to the airport , Bild reported .
While in the car , he allegedly said that if he had stayed , he would have killed Goth , the tabloid reported .
German press reported that Goth was spotted with a black eye the next day .
A flurry of other legal entanglements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s career , including arrests for disorderly conduct in 2014 and 2017 .
One incident included a drunken LaBeouf making a racist remark against a Black police officer .
LaBeouf has attributed these incidents , including the allegations of abuse , to his alcoholism .
On Thursday , in a vague email to the Times about his alleged misconduct , LaBeouf wrote : “ I ’ m not in any position to tell anyone how my behavior made them feel .
I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression , only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself and everyone around me for years .
I have a history of hurting the people closest to me .
I ’ m ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt .
There is nothing else I can really say.
” But when confronted with specific allegations made against him , LaBeouf backtracked .
In a separate email , he wrote , “ many of these allegations are not true ” but that his accusers deserved “ the opportunity to air their statements publicly ” and that he must “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite rumors and press reports regarding LaBeouf ’ s alleged abuse , Hollywood has , predictably , continued to embrace him with open arms .
In September , he joined Brad Pitt , Jennifer Aniston , Morgan Freeman , Julia Roberts and others in a charity virtual table reading of Fast Times At Ridgemont High .
His antics stole the show , and the beloved actor promptly became meme fodder .
Will he be allowed to come back from this too ?

Ashley Reese on Jezebel, shared by Monique Judge to The Root

Singer FKA Twigs has filed a lawsuit against actor Shia LaBeouf, accusing him of sexual battery, physical assault, and emotional distress over the course of their year long relationship. The New York Times reports that the lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, also accuses LaBeouf of purposefully giving Twigs, born Tahliah Debrett Barnett, a sexually transmitted disease during his campaign of “relentless abuse.”
Twigs told the New York Times that she came forward to make a point: That despite having money, fame, and a strong support system, she still ended up in an abusive relationship. In other words, if it can happen to her, it can happen to anyone.
Advertisement
“I’d like to be able to raise awareness on the tactics that abusers use to control you and take away your agency,” she said.
From the Times:
Just after Valentine’s Day in 2019, the musician FKA twigs was in a car speeding toward Los Angeles. At the wheel was her boyfriend, the actor Shia LaBeouf. He was driving recklessly, she said in a lawsuit filed on Friday, removing his seatbelt and threatening to crash unless she professed her love for him. They were returning from the desert, where Mr. LaBeouf, the star of “Transformers,” had raged at her throughout the trip, FKA twigs said in the lawsuit, once waking her up in the middle of the night, choking her. After she begged to be let out of the car, she said he pulled over at a gas station and she took her bags from the trunk. But Mr. LaBeouf followed, and assaulted her, throwing her against the car while screaming in her face, according to the suit. He then forced her back in the car.
Advertisement Advertisement
The lawsuit also cites an incident alleged by another former girlfriend of LaBeouf, stylist Karolyn Pho, who dated LaBeouf from 2010 to 2012. The suit states that LaBeouf once “drunkenly pinned her to a bed and head-butted her, enough that she bled.” The relationship between Pho and LaBeouf was characterized in tabloids as tumultuous, with Pho depicted as teary, jealous, and unable to handle “hot-tempered” LaBeouf’s method acting. It’s now evident that something sinister may have occurred behind the scenes instead.
But these aren’t the first allegations to be made against LaBeouf. While LaBeouf’s battles with alcoholism have taken center stage in the press, rumors of abuse have made the rounds for years. In 2015, a German tabloid reported that LaBeouf injured his then-girlfriend, actress and model Mia Goth, during a fight.
Advertisement
From Buzzfeed News:
One witness told Bild that Goth was pulling on LaBeouf’s backpack for him to stay, and LaBeouf told her that he did not want to become aggressive with her. LaBeouf appeared to be under the influence, the witness said. After breaking up the fight, a group of locals drove LaBeouf to the airport, Bild reported. While in the car, he allegedly said that if he had stayed, he would have killed Goth, the tabloid reported.
Advertisement
German press reported that Goth was spotted with a black eye the next day.
A flurry of other legal entanglements have peppered the last decade of LaBeouf’s career, including arrests for disorderly conduct in 2014 and 2017. One incident included a drunken LaBeouf making a racist remark against a Black police officer. LaBeouf has attributed these incidents, including the allegations of abuse, to his alcoholism.
Advertisement
On Thursday, in a vague email to the Times about his alleged misconduct, LaBeouf wrote: “I’m not in any position to tell anyone how my behavior made them feel. I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalizations. I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years. I have a history of hurting the people closest to me. I’m ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt. There is nothing else I can really say.”
But when confronted with specific allegations made against him, LaBeouf backtracked. In a separate email, he wrote, “many of these allegations are not true” but that his accusers deserved “the opportunity to air their statements publicly” and that he must “accept accountability” for his actions.
Advertisement
Despite rumors and press reports regarding LaBeouf’s alleged abuse, Hollywood has, predictably, continued to embrace him with open arms. In September, he joined Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Morgan Freeman, Julia Roberts and others in a charity virtual table reading of Fast Times At Ridgemont High. His antics stole the show, and the beloved actor promptly became meme fodder.
Will he be allowed to come back from this too?


theroot--2020-12-11--'It's Not That Much to Write a Novel': The Root Presents It's Lit! Unlocks the Mystery of Writing Wi

'It's Not That Much to Write a Novel': The Root Presents It's Lit! Unlocks the Mystery of Writing With Walter Mosley

Walter Mosley may be best known for writing mysteries—though his bestselling Easy Rawlins series are among the dozens of works across genres that he ’ s produced in the past 30 years .
But the prolific author doesn ’ t believe there ’ s any mystery to writing—nor any core requirements to become a writer .
“ I think that , you know , because the university has to such a great degree tried to own writing—one , because they teach literature , and two , because they make so much money off writing programs—that you know , they come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re educators ” and well , you know , maybe you are , ” Mosley tells us during this week ’ s episode of The Root Presents : It ’ s Lit !
“ But writers aren ’ t educated .
You know , writers are writers .
You know , writers can be hanging out on the street corner in Atlanta .
You know , writers are—prisons are filled with writers—people just writing their stories down.
” The poet Etheridge Knight was one such writer—formerly incarcerated and heroin-addicted—and one Mosley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which didn ’ t start in earnest until he was in his mid-30s .
“ Etheridge [ said ] , ‘ When I became a poet , I was in the penitentiary .
When I was in the penitentiary , I defined myself as a poet .
And once I defined myself as a poet , I went to the library to figure out what it was I had become , ’ ” recalls Mosley of the late poet .
“ And that ’ s kind of the freedom of writing , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was free to write whenever he wanted to write and say whatever he wanted to say .
And that ’ s the thing that I love about being a writer .
“ I write about the world .
You know , I write about the world I live in , the people I ’ ve known , where I wanted to go , what I hope for , what I don ’ t understand , ” he later adds .
Mosley has a lot of insight to share about being a writer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the masses via his recently launched 10-part MasterClass ( which is currently offering a 2 for 1 special on memberships ) .
And though he ’ s written well over 50 books since , he ’ s not of the commonly held belief that great writers are inherently avid readers .
“ I don ’ t necessarily equate writing and reading—I mean , I think they ’ re two completely different things , ” he says .
But Mosley clearly is an avid reader , also making a distinction between the power of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite having his own debut novel , Devil in a Blue Dress , adapted for film , and currently being a writer and executive producer on FX ’ s Snowfall ( as well as having famously departed the writers ’ room of Star Trek : Discovery last year after being censured for use of “ the n-word ” ) .
“ I don ’ t find the fact of watching a movie , growing me intellectually or spiritually , the way reading a book will .
Because you make up the book while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film is telling you everything you should be looking at , what you should be thinking , how people sound , everything ...
I ’ m not trying to say it ’ s useless .
But it ’ s not as , for me , as powerful as the written word.
” Hear more of the enigmatic Walter Mosley on Episode 12 of The Root Presents : It ’ s Lit : Unlocking the Mystery of Writing , With Walter Mosley , now available on Apple , Spotify , Stitcher , iHeart Radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One , TuneIn , and Radio Public .
Also available is a transcript of this week ’ s episode .

Walter Mosley may be best known for writing mysteries—though his bestselling Easy Rawlins series are among the dozens of works across genres that he’s produced in the past 30 years. But the prolific author doesn’t believe there’s any mystery to writing— or any core requirements to become a writer.
“I think that, you know, because the university has to such a great degree tried to own writing—one, because they teach literature, and two, because they make so much money off writing programs—that you know, they come from a place where “well, we’re educators” and well, you know, maybe you are,” Mosley tells us during this week’s episode of The Root Presents: It’s Lit! “But writers aren’t educated. You know, writers are writers. You know, writers can be hanging out on the street corner in Atlanta. You know, writers are—prisons are filled with writers—people just writing their stories down.”
Advertisement
The poet Etheridge Knight was one such writer—formerly incarcerated and heroin-addicted—and one Mosley credits for inspiring his own career, which didn’t start in earnest until he was in his mid-30s.
“Etheridge [said], ‘When I became a poet, I was in the penitentiary. When I was in the penitentiary, I defined myself as a poet. And once I defined myself as a poet, I went to the library to figure out what it was I had become,’” recalls Mosley of the late poet. “And that’s kind of the freedom of writing, you know? Etheridge was right. He was free to write whenever he wanted to write and say whatever he wanted to say. And that’s the thing that I love about being a writer.
Advertisement Advertisement
“I write about the world. You know, I write about the world I live in, the people I’ve known, where I wanted to go, what I hope for, what I don’t understand,” he later adds.
Advertisement
Mosley has a lot of insight to share about being a writer, much of which is now available to the masses via his recently launched 10-part MasterClass (which is currently offering a 2 for 1 special on memberships). And though he’s written well over 50 books since, he’s not of the commonly held belief that great writers are inherently avid readers. “I don’t necessarily equate writing and reading—I mean, I think they’re two completely different things,” he says. But Mosley clearly is an avid reader, also making a distinction between the power of books and narratives for the screen, despite having his own debut novel, Devil in a Blue Dress, adapted for film, and currently being a writer and executive producer on FX’s Snowfall (as well as having famously departed the writers’ room of Star Trek: Discovery last year after being censured for use of “the n-word”).
“I don’t find the fact of watching a movie, growing me intellectually or spiritually, the way reading a book will. Because you make up the book while you’re reading it; the film is telling you everything you should be looking at, what you should be thinking, how people sound, everything...I’m not trying to say it’s useless. But it’s not as, for me, as powerful as the written word.”
Advertisement
Hear more of the enigmatic Walter Mosley on Episode 12 of The Root Presents: It’s Lit: Unlocking the Mystery of Writing, With Walter Mosley, now available on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Amazon, NPR One, TuneIn, and Radio Public. Also available is a transcript of this week’s episode.


theroot--2020-12-11--Time Magazine Gets It Right, Names LeBron James Athlete of the Year

As the Grammys have proven time and time again , the winner isn ’ t always the most deserving .
But when it comes to Time Magazine ’ s Athlete of the Year , this year at least , they hit the nail on the head .
On Thursday , Time Magazine made the big announcement and commended King James for not only leading the Los Angeles Lakers to their 17th championship , but leading against voter suppression efforts off the court too .
In June , James launched the voting initiative More Than a Vote , which seeks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in America .
In the time since , he ’ s been more vocal than ever about the role systemic racism plays in our voting system , all while using his connections and resources to pull strings like helping turn Dodger Stadium into a polling center in order to help get Trump the hell out of here during the 2020 presidential election .
He ’ s also partnered with organizations such as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund .
After nearly two decades in the NBA , James has fully embraced that his talent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieving something greater off it .
And this year , more than in any before it , he showed why he is unrivaled in both .
Despite misgivings , James played on in the bubble and led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA championship—his first with the team and fourth overall .
By staying , James increased his leverage and influence , and got deep-pocketed owners , fellow athletes and fans the world over engaged directly with democracy .
And through it all , he spoke personally to the anguish of Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plan of action .
On Sunday , James was also named one of Sports Illustrated ’ s Sportspersons of the Year .
He became the first athlete to do so on three separate occasions , previously winning in 2012 and 2016 .
“ [ It ’ s ] being able to go out there and not only perform at a high level in what we do as far as our profession , but also being able to change lives and create opportunities , empower people and inspire people off the floor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the world , ” James said this week when asked about being honored by Sports Illustrated .
“ It means a lot to be a part of that group , to be the first-ever three-time winner of this award .
I ’ m very humbled .
It means a lot to my family and my friends and the kids in my foundation and my school back home and my city of Akron where I come from.
” James has long said that his legacy off the floor is much more important than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and between his pursuits in player empowerment , entertainment , and social justice , it shouldn ’ t come as a surprise why so many have called James the greatest professional athlete of all-time .

As the Grammys have proven time and time again, the winner isn’t always the most deserving. But when it comes to Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year, this year at least, they hit the nail on the head.
On Thursday, Time Magazine made the big announcement and commended King James for not only leading the Los Angeles Lakers to their 17th championship, but leading against voter suppression efforts off the court too. In June, James launched the voting initiative More Than a Vote, which seeks to protect the voting rights of Black folks in America.
Advertisement
In the time since, he’s been more vocal than ever about the role systemic racism plays in our voting system, all while using his connections and resources to pull strings like helping turn Dodger Stadium into a polling center in order to help get Trump the hell out of here during the 2020 presidential election. He’s also partnered with organizations such as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
Advertisement Advertisement
From Time:
After nearly two decades in the NBA, James has fully embraced that his talent on the court is a means to achieving something greater off it. And this year, more than in any before it, he showed why he is unrivaled in both. Despite misgivings, James played on in the bubble and led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA championship—his first with the team and fourth overall. By staying, James increased his leverage and influence, and got deep-pocketed owners, fellow athletes and fans the world over engaged directly with democracy. And through it all, he spoke personally to the anguish of Black Americans, channeling pain and outrage into a plan of action.
Advertisement
On Sunday, James was also named one of Sports Illustrated’s Sportspersons of the Year. He became the first athlete to do so on three separate occasions, previously winning in 2012 and 2016.
“[It’s] being able to go out there and not only perform at a high level in what we do as far as our profession, but also being able to change lives and create opportunities, empower people and inspire people off the floor, not only in our communities but all over the world,” James said this week when asked about being honored by Sports Illustrated. “It means a lot to be a part of that group, to be the first-ever three-time winner of this award. I’m very humbled. It means a lot to my family and my friends and the kids in my foundation and my school back home and my city of Akron where I come from.”
Advertisement
James has long said that his legacy off the floor is much more important than anything he will ever accomplish on it, and between his pursuits in player empowerment, entertainment, and social justice, it shouldn’t come as a surprise why so many have called James the greatest professional athlete of all-time.


theroot--2020-12-11--Get Apple’s AirPods for $110 Today at Amazon

If you ’ ve been itching to up your audio game , or just need something to drown out the @ @ @ @ @ office , consider Apple ’ s AirPods , which you can get for $ 110 @ @ @ @ @ They ’ re still listed as $ 130 , but you ’ ll get an @ @ @ @ @ checkout .
They ’ re portable , so you can carry them with you around @ @ @ @ @ pull out when you need to chat with someone , and they easily pair with @ @ @ @ @ you don ’ t have to keep futzing with Bluetooth settings all day .
This @ @ @ @ @ Jordan McMahon on 4/30/2020 and updated with new information on 12/11/2020 .

Jordan McMahon and Quentyn Kennemer on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Apple AirPods (Wired Charging Case) | $119 | Amazon
Apple AirPods (Wireless Charging Case) | $160 | Amazon
If you’ve been itching to up your audio game, or just need something to drown out the noise in your makeshift home office, consider Apple’s AirPods, which you can get for $119 on Amazon right now. That’s a $40 savings off the list price, and about $10 less than we’ve seen them lately at Amazon.
Want a case you can toss onto a wireless charging pad for an effortless power boost? The same AirPods with a wireless charging case are $160 right now, or $39 off the list price.
In either case, they’re incredibly portable, so you can carry them with you around the house, easy to pull out when you need to chat with someone, and they easily pair with all your Apple devices so you don’t have to keep futzing with Bluetooth settings all day.
And if you don’t mind paying a bit more, upgrade to the fancier AirPods Pro with active noise canceling, silicone tips, and a wireless charging case for $180 ($69 off).
This article was originally published by Jordan McMahon on 4/30/2020 and updated by Joe Tilleli with new information on 10/14/2021.


theroot--2020-12-11--Chadwick Boseman Can't Be Replaced and Won't Be in Black Panther 2—Plus, Other Highlights From Disne

Chadwick Boseman Can't Be Replaced and Won't Be in Black Panther 2—Plus, Other Highlights From Disney's Huge Investor Event

The wonderful world of Disney was full of wealthy investors on Thursday night , but it was also an exciting time for potential consumers and fans of Disney franchises .
Hosted by Bob Chapek , Chief Executive Officer , The Walt Disney Company and Bob Iger , Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board , The Walt Disney Company Investor Day was pretty much like sprinkling an Apple Event with Tinkerbell ’ s pixie dust .
“ This incredible slate of new original content reflects our continuing commitment to harness the resources and immense creativity across our company to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the market , ” Iger said in a statement via press release .
“ We ’ re proud that the unparalleled quality of our storytelling from our iconic brands remains evident across all distribution platforms , from movie theaters to our direct-to-consumer services.
” But , let ’ s skip all of that boring exec talk and get into this upcoming Black-ass content that me and you , your mama , and your cousin , too were all geeking out over .
Seriously , Disney has the numbers to back it up—the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its direct-to-consumer services .
Well damn .
The vast slate of content from Disney , Pixar , Marvel , Star Wars , and National Geographic will all live on Disney+ and ... oh my God , it ’ s a lot .
Here are some highlights from the event : • We have more official Black Panther 2 news !
Having recently stated that T ’ Challa will not be digitized following Chadwick Boseman ’ s death , Disney further confirmed that “ Honoring Chadwick Boseman ’ s legacy & portrayal of T @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recast the character , but will explore the world of Wakanda & the rich characters introduced in the first film.
” Black Panther 2 is scheduled to be released on July 8 , 2022 .
• Nia DaCosta ( Candyman ) is directing Captain Marvel 2 !
Sure , we already knew about it , but now she can actually publicly speak on it !
Captain Marvel 2 is scheduled to be released on Nov. 11 , 2022 , and Teyonah Parris will be taking over the role of Monica Rambeau ( portrayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Parris also portrays Rambeau in the upcoming TV series .
• Similar to DaCosta ’ s sentiment , one of the actors from the upcoming live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid ( with Halle Bailey as Ariel ) , Daveed Diggs said , “ OK , now I can talk about it.
” So , in my hyper-imaginative mind , I ’ m picturing a Disney rep stalking the cast/crew of their upcoming projects and hiding in the bushes with a silent dart until the exact date and time they can make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Donald Glover will return as young Lando Calrissian in a “ brand-new event series ” for Disney+ .
Justin Simien ( Dear White People ) is currently in early stages of development for the project .
• Whoopi Goldberg —and Disney is making it happen !
Sister Act 3 is now in development and will premiere on Disney+ .
Goldberg will star and produce , plus Tyler Perry was announced as a producer on the upcoming project .
• Lucasfilm ( in partnership with 20th Century Studios ) is developing Tomi Adeyemi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Children of Blood & Bone .
• Ahsoka , a new original series starring Rosario Dawson that is set within the Mandolorian timeline , is coming to Disney+ .
• Gugu Mbatha-Raw ( Beyond the Lights ) and Wunmi Mosaku ( Lovecraft Country ) will co-star in the upcoming series Loki .
• One of the most exciting projects is Disney Animation ’ s “ first-of-its-kind collaboration ” with Pan-African entertainment company Kugali to create a science-fiction series called Iwájú , set to premiere on Disney+ in 2022 .
Whew .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Blackity-Black highlights—imagine being on the Disney social media team and having to release written copy for each and every announcement !
The last time I felt this overwhelmed on behalf of someone on Twitter was The Root ’ s Social Media Editor Corey Townsend on the day The Root 100 were announced .
For full footage of the Investor Day event , visit thewaltdisneycompany.com .

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

The wonderful world of Disney was full of wealthy investors on Thursday night, but it was also an exciting time for potential consumers and fans of Disney franchises. Hosted by Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company and Bob Iger, Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, The Walt Disney Company Investor Day was pretty much like sprinkling an Apple Event with Tinkerbell’s pixie dust. “This incredible slate of new original content reflects our continuing commitment to harness the resources and immense creativity across our company to bring audiences extraordinary entertainment experiences unlike anything else in the market,” Iger said in a statement via press release. “We’re proud that the unparalleled quality of our storytelling from our iconic brands remains evident across all distribution platforms, from movie theaters to our direct-to-consumer services.”
But, let’s skip all of that boring exec talk and get into this upcoming Black-ass content that me and you, your mama, and your cousin, too were all geeking out over. Seriously, Disney has the numbers to back it up—the company surpassed 137 million paid subscriptions across its direct-to-consumer services. Well damn. The vast slate of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic will all live on Disney+ and...oh my God, it’s a lot.
Advertisement
Here are some highlights from the event:
We have more official Black Panther 2 news! Having recently stated that T’Challa will not be digitized
Nia DaCosta (Candyman) is directing Captain Marvel 2! Sure, we already knew about it, but now she can actually publicly speak on it! Captain Marvel 2 is scheduled to be released on Nov. 11, 2022, and Teyonah Parris will be taking over the role of Monica Rambeau ( Lashana Lynch Wandavision
Similar to DaCosta’s sentiment, one of the already-confirmed
Donald Glover will return as young Lando Calrissian in a “brand-new event series” for Disney+. Justin Simien (Dear White People) is currently in early stages of development for the project.
Whoopi Goldberg teased it
Lucasfilm (in partnership with 20th Century Studios) is developing Tomi Adeyemi’s New York Times bestselling novel Children of Blood & Bone.
Ahsoka, a new original series starring Rosario Dawson that is set within the Mandolorian timeline, is coming to Disney+.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Beyond the Lights) and Wunmi Mosaku (Lovecraft Country) will co-star in the upcoming series Loki.
One of the most exciting projects is Disney Animation’s “first-of-its-kind collaboration” with Pan-African entertainment company Kugali to create a science-fiction series called Iwájú, set to premiere on Disney+ in 2022.
Advertisement Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whew. I’m tired just typing out some of the Blackity-Black highlights—imagine being on the Disney social media team and having to release written copy for each and every announcement! The last time I felt this overwhelmed on behalf of someone on Twitter was The Root’s Social Media Editor Corey Townsend on the day The Root 100 were announced.
Advertisement
For full footage of the Investor Day event, visit thewaltdisneycompany.com.


theroot--2020-12-11--Brandon Bernard Dies by Lethal Injection: 'I Wish I Could Take It All Back'

Brandon Bernard died by lethal injection last night at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute , Ind.
, becoming the ninth person on federal death row to be killed by the U.S. government since the Trump administration resumed federal executions last year .
His death came after his defense team made one final effort to halt the execution by requesting an emergency stay of execution from the Supreme Court , reports CBS News .
The defense team also added two high-profile lawyers , Harvard Law school professor Alan Dershowitz and former independent counsel Ken Starr to a case that had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people , including Rep. Ayanna Pressley ( D-Mass . )
and Kim Kardashian .
The Supreme Court denied that request .
Bernard , 40 , had spent more than half his life on death row .
He was one of five members of a group convicted of the 1999 murders of two youth ministers , Stacie and Todd Bagley , in Fort Hood , Texas .
The gunman in the murders , Christopher Vialva , who along with Bernard stood trial , was executed in September .
Before his death , Bernard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to apologize directly to the Bagleys ’ family , and to his own family , for the pain he had caused as an 18-year-old , writes CNN .
“ I ’ m sorry ...
I wish I could take it all back , but I can ’ t , ” Bernard said to the Bagleys ’ family as part of his last words .
“ That ’ s the only words that I can say that completely capture how I feel now and how I felt that day.
” In written statements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the federal government for following through on the executions of Bernard and Vialva .
Todd ’ s mother , Georgia Bagley spoke to reporters directly after the execution .
CNN reports that she became emotional when talking about the final apologies Bernard and Vialva delivered to their family .
“ The apology and remorse ... helped very much heal my heart , ” she said .
“ I can very much say : I forgive them.
” To many , Bernard and his execution are endemic of a deeply flawed justice system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the weeks leading up to his execution .
This includes the federal prosecutor who tried Bernard , who wrote an op-ed last month in the Indianapolis Star arguing that Bernard should not be put to death .
“ I read the entire trial record .
I worked on that brief for months .
And I just think it ’ s wrong to execute him , ” Angela Moore , now a public defender who opposes the death penalty , said in a recent interview .
“ It ’ s just wrong .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a getaway driver in a robbery scheme among teenage boys , ranging in age from 16 to 18 , that had gone wrong .
Because of his age , he was tried as an adult alongside the gunman in the murders , which his defense lawyers argue helped tilt the jury to have a harsher view of him .
During Bernard ’ s trial , his defense team points out , it was not shared with the jury that he occupied the “ lowest rung ” in the gang , which may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an accomplice than a murderer .
Vialva was solely responsible for shooting Todd and Stacie Bagley in the head after the couple was forced into the trunk of their car ( Bernard was not present during the kidnapping and robbery that happened earlier ) , a fact that the young men ’ s defense teams and prosecutors agreed on .
But the jury was led to believe that Stacie Bagley may have been alive when Bernard , under instructions from others , helped douse the vehicle with gasoline and set fire to it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bagley was already medically dead by the time that happened .
Other members of the group who were similarly involved in the killings were given lesser sentences—two have since completed them .
“ He is not by any measure the offender for whom the average person contemplates the death penalty , ” wrote his lawyers in Bernard ’ s clemency petition .
“ Brandon Bernard is someone who should not be on Death Row , and would not be if the system had not misfired.
” Five out of nine surviving jurors who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then what they know now about the case , they wouldn ’ t have sentenced Bernard to death .
“ While the evidence proved that Brandon Bernard is guilty beyond any doubt , it also clearly showed that Brandon Bernard was not the ringleader behind these offenses , but a follower , ” wrote the juror foreperson on a website campaign to save Bernard ’ s life .
“ I am praying the President commutes Brandon Bernard ’ s death sentence.
” In the days before his execution date , celebrities , activists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to commute Bernard ’ s death sentence .
“ Despite the numerous shortcomings in Brandon ’ s legal representation at trial , the absence of even a single disciplinary write-up , and his decades of youth outreach work from behind the wall , Brandon is just hours away from being killed , the latest name on the list of people the Trump Administration has cruelly and unjustly scheduled for death in the waning days of this Administration , ” Pressley wrote in an op-ed for The Appeal published on Thursday .
The Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year—despite the pandemic—and still plans on executing five more people on death row before President-elect Joe Biden , who is against the death penalty , takes office next year .
According to CNN , at the time of his sentencing , Bernard was the youngest person in the United States to receive the death penalty in nearly 70 years .

Brandon Bernard died by lethal injection last night at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Ind., becoming the ninth person on federal death row to be killed by the U.S. government since the Trump administration resumed federal executions last year.
His death came after his defense team made one final effort to halt the execution by requesting an emergency stay of execution from the Supreme Court, reports CBS News. The defense team also added two high-profile lawyers, Harvard Law school professor Alan Dershowitz and former independent counsel Ken Starr to a case that had drawn the attention of hundreds of thousands of people, including Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Kim Kardashian. The Supreme Court denied that request.
Advertisement
Bernard, 40, had spent more than half his life on death row. He was one of five members of a group convicted of the 1999 murders of two youth ministers, Stacie and Todd Bagley, in Fort Hood, Texas . The gunman in the murders, Christopher Vialva, who along with Bernard stood trial, was executed in September.
Before his death, Bernard said he had been waiting for the opportunity to apologize directly to the Bagleys’ family, and to his own family, for the pain he had caused as an 18-year-old, writes CNN.
Advertisement Advertisement
“I’m sorry...I wish I could take it all back, but I can’t,” Bernard said to the Bagleys’ family as part of his last words. “That’s the only words that I can say that completely capture how I feel now and how I felt that day.”
From CBS News:
The reporter present said Bernard did not appear to be afraid or distressed in the moments leading up to his death. His eyes closed soon after the injections began, and his breathing became shallow. He did not twitch or heave, as others executed in the chamber have done, the reporter said. About 20 minutes after the first injection, white blotches appeared on his skin. He was pronounced dead seconds later at 9:27 p.m.
Advertisement
In written statements, the Bagley family thanked Donald Trump and the federal government for following through on the executions of Bernard and Vialva.
Todd’s mother, Georgia Bagley spoke to reporters directly after the execution. CNN reports that she became emotional when talking about the final apologies Bernard and Vialva delivered to their family.
Advertisement
“The apology and remorse ... helped very much heal my heart,” she said. “I can very much say: I forgive them.”
To many, Bernard and his execution are endemic of a deeply flawed justice system, and many rallied to his side in the weeks leading up to his execution.
Advertisement
This includes the federal prosecutor who tried Bernard, who wrote an op-ed last month in the Indianapolis Star arguing that Bernard should not be put to death.
“I read the entire trial record. I worked on that brief for months. And I just think it’s wrong to execute him,” Angela Moore, now a public defender who opposes the death penalty, said in a recent interview. “It’s just wrong. Morally, ethically and legally.”
Advertisement
Bernard was a getaway driver in a robbery scheme among teenage boys, ranging in age from 16 to 18, that had gone wrong. Because of his age, he was tried as an adult alongside the gunman in the murders, which his defense lawyers argue helped tilt the jury to have a harsher view of him.
During Bernard’s trial, his defense team points out, it was not shared with the jury that he occupied the “lowest rung” in the gang, which may have convinced jurors he was more of an accomplice than a murderer. Vialva was solely responsible for shooting Todd and Stacie Bagley in the head after the couple was forced into the trunk of their car (Bernard was not present during the kidnapping and robbery that happened earlier), a fact that the young men’s defense teams and prosecutors agreed on. But the jury was led to believe that Stacie Bagley may have been alive when Bernard, under instructions from others, helped douse the vehicle with gasoline and set fire to it. It was later revealed that Stacie Bagley was already medically dead by the time that happened.
Advertisement
Other members of the group who were similarly involved in the killings were given lesser sentences—two have since completed them.
“He is not by any measure the offender for whom the average person contemplates the death penalty,” wrote his lawyers in Bernard’s clemency petition. “Brandon Bernard is someone who should not be on Death Row, and would not be if the system had not misfired.”
Advertisement
Five out of nine surviving jurors who sentenced Bernard said, had they known then what they know now about the case, they wouldn’t have sentenced Bernard to death.
“While the evidence proved that Brandon Bernard is guilty beyond any doubt, it also clearly showed that Brandon Bernard was not the ringleader behind these offenses, but a follower,” wrote the juror foreperson on a website campaign to save Bernard’s life. “I am praying the President commutes Brandon Bernard’s death sentence.”
Advertisement
In the days before his execution date, celebrities, activists and lawmakers furiously attempted to convince Trump to commute Bernard’s death sentence.
“Despite the numerous shortcomings in Brandon’s legal representation at trial, the absence of even a single disciplinary write-up, and his decades of youth outreach work from behind the wall, Brandon is just hours away from being killed, the latest name on the list of people the Trump Administration has cruelly and unjustly scheduled for death in the waning days of this Administration,” Pressley wrote in an op-ed for The Appeal published on Thursday.
Advertisement
The Trump administration has rushed a number of executions this year—despite the pandemic—and still plans on executing five more people on death row before President-elect Joe Biden, who is against the death penalty, takes office next year.
According to CNN, at the time of his sentencing, Bernard was the youngest person in the United States to receive the death penalty in nearly 70 years.


theroot--2020-12-12--Get Your Home Ready for Christmas With a Snow-Flecked or Standard 7.5ft Tree, Now Only $50 With Prom

Get Your Home Ready for Christmas With a Snow-Flecked or Standard 7.5ft Tree, Now Only $50 With Promo Code

I ’ m not the biggest Christmas person , but there ’ s something so homey about a big , decorated Christmas tree .
Still , who can deal with the hassle of going out and buying one every year ?
And doesn ’ t it seem so wasteful ?
Why not get a tree you can use time and time again ?
You can get your household into the holiday spirit for years to come with this deal on a 7.5-foot tall artificial Christmas tree from KingSo .
It ’ s only $ 50 on Amazon when you clip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ code KINGSOI3S2 at checkout .
Of course , you ’ ll have to provide the lights and ornaments yourself—but with these savings you should have more to spend to decorate your dream tree !
You can also grab a snow-flecked version of the same tree using the same coupon and promo code .
It ’ s also just $ 50 right now !
These and other Christmas deals are getting swiped up left and right , so don ’ t put it off if you ’ re ready to bring some holiday cheer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hese trees can still arrive ahead of Dec. 25 .
This deal was originally published in November 2020 and was updated with new information on 12/12/20 .

Elizabeth Lanier on Kinja Deals, shared by Elizabeth Lanier to The Root

KingSo 7.5ft Christmas Tree | $60 | Amazon | Clip coupon + Promo KINGSOI3S2
I’m not the biggest Christmas person, but there’s something so homey about a big, decorated Christmas tree. Still, who can deal with the hassle of going out and buying one every year? And doesn’t it seem so wasteful? Why not get a tree you can use time and time again?
You can get your household into the holiday spirit for years to come with this deal on a 7.5-foot tall artificial Christmas tree from KingSo. It’s only $50 on Amazon when you clip the 17% off coupon and apply code KINGSOI3S2 at checkout.
Of course, you’ll have to provide the lights and ornaments yourself—but with these savings you should have more to spend to decorate your dream tree!
You can also grab a snow-flecked version of the same tree using the same coupon and promo code. It’s also just $50 right now!
These and other Christmas deals are getting swiped up left and right, so don’t put it off if you’re ready to bring some holiday cheer to your household! Either of t hese trees can still arrive ahead of Dec. 25.
This deal was originally published in November 2020 and was updated with new information on 12/12/20.


theroot--2020-12-12--Lil Wayne Pleads Guilty To Federal Gun Charge, Could Go To Prison for 10 Years

Lil Wayne could be headed to the slammer based on federal charges for illegal possession of a firearm .
AP reports that the 38-year-old rapper , whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter , on Friday pled guilty in a Miami court to charges related to an incident last December when federal agents searched his private plane and found a gold-plated weapon and a whole bunch of drugs .
The results of that search put Lil Wayne in hot water because he was previously convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison on weapons charges and has been barred from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took responsibility for having the weapon in a remote hearing with a U.S. District Judge .
He now awaits sentencing , which will happen at a hearing scheduled for January 28 .
A release from the South Florida U.S. Attorney ’ s office said an anonymous tip led agents to Lil Wayne ’ s plane at Opa Locka Airport on December 23 , 2019 , where they found a gold-plated Remington 1911 , .45-caliber handgun loaded with six rounds of ammunition in the rapper ’ s bag .
Also in his possession was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ecstasy , and oxycodone.
” Lil Wayne made headlines this October when he came out in public support of Trump ’ s re-election campaign and praised the president for criminal reform .
“ He listened to what we had to say today and assured he will and can get it done , ” the rapper tweeted with a picture of him grinning next to Trump and giving a thumbs up .
Wayne faces up to 10 years in prison for the firearm possession charge , but it remains to be seen if he @ @ @ @ @ @

Lil Wayne could be headed to the slammer based on federal charges for illegal possession of a firearm.
AP reports that the 38-year-old rapper, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter, on Friday pled guilty in a Miami court to charges related to an incident last December when federal agents searched his private plane and found a gold-plated weapon and a whole bunch of drugs.
Advertisement
The results of that search put Lil Wayne in hot water because he was previously convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison on weapons charges and has been barred from possessing firearms since then.
Advertisement Advertisement
The rapper took responsibility for having the weapon in a remote hearing with a U.S. District Judge. He now awaits sentencing, which will happen at a hearing scheduled for January 28.
A release from the South Florida U.S. Attorney’s office said an anonymous tip led agents to Lil Wayne’s plane at Opa Locka Airport on December 23, 2019, where they found a gold-plated Remington 1911, .45-caliber handgun loaded with six rounds of ammunition in the rapper’s bag. Also in his possession was “personal use amounts of cocaine, ecstasy, and oxycodone.”
Advertisement
Lil Wayne made headlines this October when he came out in public support of Trump’s re-election campaign and praised the president for criminal reform.
“He listened to what we had to say today and assured he will and can get it done,” the rapper tweeted with a picture of him grinning next to Trump and giving a thumbs up.
Advertisement
Wayne faces up to 10 years in prison for the firearm possession charge, but it remains to be seen if he will receive that full sentence.


theroot--2020-12-12--Carol Sutton, Actress Featured in Steel Magnolias and Queen Sugar, Dead at 76 From COVID-19

New Orleans-based actress Carol Sutton , whose long career spanned film , stage , and television performances , has died at 76 from complications of the coronavirus .
Sutton had been hospitalized at the Touro Infirmary in New Orleans with a COVID-19 infection and died on Thursday night , reports WGNO ABC .
The veteran actress featured in numerous big name film , TV , and theater productions and was active in the entertainment industry for decades .
“ Among actors in New Orleans , there was Carol Sutton - and there was everybody else , ” said David Cuthbert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She opened her mouth , and out came truth .
Wherever she was on stage , that was center stage.
” After making her acting debut in the late 1960s in Dashiki Project Theatre productions , Sutton appeared on stages around the city in productions such as “ The Last Madam , ” “ Native Tongues ” and “ A Raisin in the Sun.
” She moved to television in 1974 with “ The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman ” and went on to roles in such movies as “ Monster ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Steel Magnolias ” and “ The Help , ” and in the television series “ Tremé , ” “ True Detective ” and “ Lovecraft Country.
” Sutton also recently played the role of ‘ Aunt Martha ’ in the OWN series Queen Sugar , set in Louisiana .
“ We celebrate the life of the stellar Carol Sutton .
It was our honor to welcome this veteran actress of stage + screen to our show , ” said Queen Sugar creator Ava DuVernay of Sutton ’ s death .
“ May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power .
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell also issued a statement in tribute to the actress .
“ Carol Sutton was practically the Queen of New Orleans theater , having graced the stages across the city for decades , ” she said .
“ We will always remember her commanding stage presence , her richly portrayed characters , and the warm heart she shared with her fellow cast and crew in productions such as ‘ 4000 Miles ’ and ‘ A Raisin in the Sun.
’ May she rest in God ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Big Easy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 .
She is survived by two children and five grandchildren .

Ishena Robinson on The Grapevine, shared by Ishena Robinson to The Root

New Orleans-based actress Carol Sutton, whose long career spanned film, stage, and television performances, has died at 76 from complications of the coronavirus.
Sutton had been hospitalized at the Touro Infirmary in New Orleans with a COVID-19 infection and died on Thursday night, reports WGNO ABC.
Advertisement
The veteran actress featured in numerous big name film, TV, and theater productions and was active in the entertainment industry for decades.
From the Times-Piscayne:
“Among actors in New Orleans, there was Carol Sutton - and there was everybody else,” said David Cuthbert, a retired Times-Picayune critic. “She opened her mouth, and out came truth. Wherever she was on stage, that was center stage.” After making her acting debut in the late 1960s in Dashiki Project Theatre productions, Sutton appeared on stages around the city in productions such as “The Last Madam,” “Native Tongues” and “A Raisin in the Sun.” She moved to television in 1974 with “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” and went on to roles in such movies as “Monster’s Ball,” “Ray,” “Steel Magnolias” and “The Help,” and in the television series “Tremé,” “True Detective” and “Lovecraft Country.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Sutton also recently played the role of ‘Aunt Martha’ in the OWN series Queen Sugar, set in Louisiana.
“We celebrate the life of the stellar Carol Sutton. It was our honor to welcome this veteran actress of stage + screen to our show,” said Queen Sugar creator Ava DuVernay of Sutton’s death. “May she rise and rest in peace and power.”
Advertisement
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell also issued a statement in tribute to the actress.
Advertisement
“Carol Sutton was practically the Queen of New Orleans theater, having graced the stages across the city for decades,” she said. “We will always remember her commanding stage presence, her richly portrayed characters, and the warm heart she shared with her fellow cast and crew in productions such as ‘4000 Miles’ and ‘A Raisin in the Sun.’ May she rest in God’s perfect peace.”
Sutton was honored with a Big Easy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. She is survived by two children and five grandchildren.