theroot--2020-04-17--Buy 3 Years of NordVPN at 70% off, and They'll Throw an Extra Month (or Year) In Your Basket [Extend

Buy 3 Years of NordVPN at 70% off, and They'll Throw an Extra Month (or Year) In Your Basket [Extended]

Buy 3 Years at 70 % off , Get 1 Month or 1 Year Free | NordVPN | Promo code @ @ @ @ @ of the Egg , NordVPN wants to respect your privacy by encouraging you to respect @ @ @ @ @ limited time , you ’ ll get a free month or year when you subscribe @ @ @ @ @ years using the promo code KINJAEASTER .
Better still , the 3-year membership is 70 @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re getting two deals for the price of one .
They don ’ @ @ @ @ @ for nothing .
Now whether you get a month or a year at checkout is @ @ @ @ @ outcome is applied at random .
To be honest , though , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Either way you ’ re getting 3 years of solace in the knowledge that your @ @ @ @ @ to yourself .
Dodge roll all the targeted ads and spare yourself unwanted ISP surveillance @ @ @ @ @ originally published by on 4/14/2020 and updated with new information on 4/16/2020 .

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

Save 70% on 2 Years | NordVPN
Save 70% on 3 Years | NordVPN
In our reader sourced roundup of the best VPNs, Kinja commenter Gigith called NordVPN, “Pretty solid for one of the marketed VPNs.” With concerns over security once again looming over the American public, no thanks to reopening conversations around Section 215 of the Patriot Act, now is the time to secure your browsing data from prying eyes. As always, NordVPN strikes a nice balance between pricing and features, and it’s 70% off when you pay for 2 years. But don’t worry, 3 years is still 70% off, too.
While NordVPN is no stranger to controversy (its servers were reportedly breached in March 2018), the company has at least been candid about its shortcomings. It also boasts “military-grade encryption,” and keep up to six devices protected at a time. You can learn more about NordVPN here, but the gist is this: If you don’t want your internet service provider spying on you it might be time to invest around $3/month on a VPN. If not for Nord then for one of these discounted options. At the end of the day, everyone can benefit from a VPN, especially those of us still working from home.


theroot--2020-04-17--Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Says Protestors Risk Extending Stay-At-Home Order

In one of the most counterproductive displays of political activism in recent history , a group of Michigan conservatives gathered on Wednesday to protest the state ’ s stay-at-home order .
As you can predict , social distancing guidelines were not followed and this has led the Governor to respond .
CBS News reports that Michigan ’ s Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer has said that Wednesday ’ s protest may result in the stay-at-home order being further extended .
“ When you see a political rally – that ’ s what it was yesterday , a political rally – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they ’ re in close quarters and they ’ re touching one another , you know that that ’ s precisely what makes this kind of disease drag out and expose more people , ” Whitmer said in an interview with MSNBC ’ s Rachel Maddow .
The protest on Wednesday was led by the Michigan Conservative Coalition and Freedom Fund .
While it was initially staged as a gridlock where people would stay in their cars , eventually people started protesting on foot in front of the Capitol .
They believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce and eventually eliminate the spread of COVID-19 , violated their constitutional right to chill at a Wingstop .
“ It ’ s that kind of irresponsible action that puts us in this situation where we might have to actually think about extending stay-at-home orders , which is supposedly what they protesting , ” Whitmer said .
Michigan has been one of the states hardest-hit by the disease .
As of Thursday , the state has 29,263 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,093 deaths from the disease .

In one of the most counterproductive displays of political activism in recent history, a group of Michigan conservatives gathered on Wednesday to protest the state’s stay-at-home order. As you can predict, social distancing guidelines were not followed and this has led the Governor to respond.
CBS News reports that Michigan’s Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has said that Wednesday’s protest may result in the stay-at-home order being further extended. “When you see a political rally – that’s what it was yesterday, a political rally – where people aren’t wearing masks and they’re in close quarters and they’re touching one another, you know that that’s precisely what makes this kind of disease drag out and expose more people,” Whitmer said in an interview with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow.
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The protest on Wednesday was led by the Michigan Conservative Coalition and Freedom Fund. While it was initially staged as a gridlock where people would stay in their cars, eventually people started protesting on foot in front of the Capitol. They believed that the stay-at-home order, designed to reduce and eventually eliminate the spread of COVID-19, violated their constitutional right to chill at a Wingstop. “It’s that kind of irresponsible action that puts us in this situation where we might have to actually think about extending stay-at-home orders, which is supposedly what they protesting,” Whitmer said.
Michigan has been one of the states hardest-hit by the disease. As of Thursday, the state has 29,263 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,093 deaths from the disease.


theroot--2020-04-17--Ella Paradis' $49 'Stimulus Package' Will Keep You Entertained While You're Waiting on That Check

While you sit around waiting on the federal government to sign every outstanding paper check before it ’ s postmarked @ @ @ @ @ Paradis ’ take on the “ stimulus package.
” This gift box , which comprises @ @ @ @ @ will have you feeling gooooood through the weekend .
Just like that .
Although physical @ @ @ @ @ to social distancing guidelines from the CDC , sex toys are the perfect outlet for @ @ @ @ @ charge it up via USB and you ’ re ready to get your rocks off @ @ @ @ @ on your next Zoom call with a fuckbuddy or a longtime partner .
Order a @ @ @ @ @ it gets here before my check does .
The sad thing is , it probably @ @

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

Stimulus Package Gift Box | $49 | Ella Paradis
While you sit around waiting on the federal government to sign every outstanding paper check before it’s postmarked, consider testing out Ella Paradis’ take on the “stimulus package.” This gift box, which comprises two waterproof clitoral stimulators, will have you feeling gooooood through the weekend. Just like that.
Although physical dates are off limits due to social distancing guidelines from the CDC, sex toys are the perfect outlet for your sexual deprivation. Just charge it up via USB and you’re ready to get your rocks off. Maybe even try it on your next Zoom call with a fuckbuddy or a longtime partner. Order a set today and see if it gets here before my check does. The sad thing is, it probably will.


theroot--2020-04-17--Disgraced Former Trump Attorney Michael Cohen to be Freed From Prison Early Because of the Coronavir

Disgraced Former Trump Attorney Michael Cohen to be Freed From Prison Early Because of the Coronavirus’ Proximity to His Valuable White Lungs

Brilliant comedian Chris Rock had this bit during his comedy special Bigger and Blacker in which he “ joked ” that there isn ’ t a white person in the room who would be willing to trade places with him and he ’ s rich .
I know I ’ m paraphrasing here but , he explained that for even a downtrodden white person , it still pays to ride their whiteness out .
And in Chris Rock ’ s humor—I say humor because while it ’ s funny , it ’ s totally on point—we have the news that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cohen is going to be released early from prison due to the coronavirus and the preciousness of his white lungs .
According to CNN , the federal Bureau of Prisons has been notified that Michael Cohen will be released early because he ’ s been through enough .
Cohen was serving a three-year-sentence in Otisville , N.Y. , which is basically like a day-camp for prisoners , but some 14 inmates and seven staffers have tested positive for the virus and well , it ’ s time to get Cohen out .
Cohen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but he will be allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence from home confinement , the people said .
He will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine at the prison camp before he is released .
Cohen was notified on Thursday of his pending release , and his lawyer , Roger Adler , confirmed it to CNN .
His pending release comes as the Bureau of Prisons , which has been under pressure for its early handling of the virus at its facilities , has been thinning out its prison populations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inmates to home confinement or furloughing their sentences in response to the pandemic .
Spokespersons for the bureau and the US attorney ’ s office in Manhattan , which prosecuted Cohen , declined to comment .
A federal judge rejected his request for release last month .
Cohen accused the Justice Department of treating him unfairly and then he added later , that he was concerned about the coronavirus .
Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to tax fraud , “ campaign finance violations and lying to Congress .
He admitted to helping facilitate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged past affairs with Trump .
Trump has denied having affairs with the women ” CNN reports .
“ Trump is also a goddamn liar , ” Stephen A. Crockett Jr. reports .
So for those keeping score , Cohen was Trump ’ s body man , handling issues that Trump created .
When he was caught , he snitched on Trump thus destroying his relationship with the president and was sentenced to three years at a violent dairy farm disguised as a prison .
Then he tried everything to get out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then , when it seemed like Cohen was going to be treated like a regular person , Whiteness said , “ Oh no you won ’ t !
” so Cohen is going to be released from prison early .

Brilliant comedian Chris Rock had this bit during his comedy special Bigger and Blacker in which he “joked” that there isn’t a white person in the room who would be willing to trade places with him and he’s rich. I know I’m paraphrasing here but, he explained that for even a downtrodden white person, it still pays to ride their whiteness out.
And in Chris Rock’s humor—I say humor because while it’s funny, it’s totally on point—we have the news that President Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen is going to be released early from prison due to the coronavirus and the preciousness of his white lungs.
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According to CNN, the federal Bureau of Prisons has been notified that Michael Cohen will be released early because he’s been through enough. Cohen was serving a three-year-sentence in Otisville, N.Y., which is basically like a day-camp for prisoners, but some 14 inmates and seven staffers have tested positive for the virus and well, it’s time to get Cohen out.
From CNN:
Cohen was scheduled for release in November 2021, but he will be allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence from home confinement, the people said. He will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine at the prison camp before he is released. Cohen was notified on Thursday of his pending release, and his lawyer, Roger Adler, confirmed it to CNN. His pending release comes as the Bureau of Prisons, which has been under pressure for its early handling of the virus at its facilities, has been thinning out its prison populations by releasing some nonviolent and medically vulnerable inmates to home confinement or furloughing their sentences in response to the pandemic. Spokespersons for the bureau and the US attorney’s office in Manhattan, which prosecuted Cohen, declined to comment.
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A federal judge rejected his request for release last month. Cohen accused the Justice Department of treating him unfairly and then he added later, that he was concerned about the coronavirus. Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to tax fraud, “campaign finance violations and lying to Congress. He admitted to helping facilitate hush money payments to two women who alleged past affairs with Trump. Trump has denied having affairs with the women” CNN reports. “Trump is also a goddamn liar,” Stephen A. Crockett Jr. reports.
So for those keeping score, Cohen was Trump’s body man, handling issues that Trump created. When he was caught, he snitched on Trump thus destroying his relationship with the president and was sentenced to three years at a violent dairy farm disguised as a prison. Then he tried everything to get out and it didn’t work, and then, when it seemed like Cohen was going to be treated like a regular person, Whiteness said, “Oh no you won’t!” so Cohen is going to be released from prison early.


theroot--2020-04-17--The Coronavirus Crisis Forces Pastors to Examine the State of the Black Church

As social distancing to end the spread of COVID-19 continues to impact the ability of black congregations to engage in their traditional forms of interaction , conversations about the future arise .
Undoubtedly , recovery from the coronavirus pandemic will create economic hardships that will impact the work many churches are doing on all fronts .
Additionally , the pandemic and its rising death toll present unique theological issues that contradict messages heard on Sunday mornings ; the COVID-19 crisis has created a black church crisis , on many fronts .
Yet , many leaders see this as an opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congregations and how they must emerge from this moment to remain a viable institution .
Six leaders , spanning generations and influence , recently came together to discuss the state of the black church .
When asked to grade the church , as an institution , on its overall performance in the community , no leader assigned a grade higher than a B+ .
Some pastors noted the sustained impact the church continues to make in the community , noting the many programs and initiatives that directly support communities at large .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from provide free groceries and transitional housing to sending young people off to college and burying members without life insurance , ” said M. Keith McDaniel , senior pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Spartanburg , S.C .
Yet , even as leaders celebrated the works of the church , they honored that its failings have led many away .
“ I think people have lost faith in the institution but not in a black God , ” said Porsha D. Williams , pastor to Youth and Children in Newark , N.J @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of inclusion and care .
From a full reckoning with its gender and sexuality politics to a wake-up call regarding the real needs of black communities , many leaders believe churches must address these issues or face its demise .
“ An irrelevant black church is nothing more than a social club lacking the transformational power of the Spirit , ” said Irie Lynne Session , co-pastor of The Gathering , a Womanist Church in Dallas , Texas .
Earle Fisher , senior pastor of Abyssinian Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexism and xenophobia as sins for which the black church must atone .
Their presence in black congregations , he believes , speaks to the pervasive power of white supremacy .
According to Fisher , these forces have “ compromised the efficacy and potency of black religion in America.
” As black congregations wrestle to remain relevant , many believe an institutional resistance to technology and innovation makes it difficult .
The immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis showed just how unprepared many congregations were for a digital shift .
“ Some churches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are quickly realizing that what worked before may not work now , ” said McDaniel .
Mikael Elam , of the Osofo Ministry in New York City , agreed and noted that technology has long been misunderstood among church leadership .
“ Not only are these platforms providing greater access to information ; they ’ re also providing different forms of self-expression.
” Elam believes these different expressions only work to enhance the church ’ s mission .
“ Greater access to different forms of thought allows us to have even broader theological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , diversity and inclusion become complicated when cisgender , heterosexual black men are still the dominant face of leadership in black churches .
“ Many have been trained to honor and excuse all things male , ” said Brianna K. Parker , curator and founder of the Black Millennial Café .
Session agreed , further suggesting that black congregations have benefited greatly from the disrespect black women have experienced .
“ We have internalized a patriarchal mindset , ” she said .
In short , because of the treatment black women have experienced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the church , it often causes them to romanticize the black men found within it .
According to Parker , “ when males don ’ t meet the standard in our personal lives , we often want our black male leader as the star of our fairytales.
” The unwillingness to shift in leadership was no more evident than in the days following the protests in Ferguson , Missouri after the death of Michael Brown .
It illuminated a clear divide between the theological positions of millennials and those of previous generations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity for older church leadership to learn from younger leaders and activists .
McDaniel said that “ instead of celebrating that ‘ Black Lives Matter ’ found its genesis outside the church , many churches and pastors attacked it because they couldn ’ t control it.
” Parker agreed and believes that churches also didn ’ t embrace the decentralized models of leadership that emerged but found new voices to embody old ways .
“ Once it was over , the church stopped fostering relationships with millennials who did not rise as stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
The chasm between the generations continues to grow when many consider the Church ’ s unwillingness to revisit teachings on sex and sexuality .
“ We lack any understanding of sex and sexuality outside the context of sin , ” Williams said .
Fisher agreed , saying it is in part because black clergy “ refuse to admit the Bible is a bad place to get our sexual education.
” For Elam , the way black pastors infantilize congregants when it comes to human sexuality remains a problem .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to stop having adolescent views and responses to them.
” Elam , along with others , believes this is one area that black religious leadership must consult with professionals and experts .
The shift black churches must take in their theology and approach , though difficult , is not impossible .
Elam believes the first step is that clergy have to be honest about church hurt and trauma .
Even if a particular pastor did not participate in harmful behaviors , Williams believes all pastors just have to apologize on behalf of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be honest that it is not perfect and repent for the toxic space church has been for so many people , ” she said .
Even as leaders are honest about the harm inflicted by the church , they still grieve the fact many won ’ t return because of it .
“ The church owes people who left it the freedom to leave without being castigated and the freedom to return as if they never left , ” said McDaniel .
Despite all the church must do to become its best self @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far .
“ There are pockets of black churches all over the world disrupting and dismantling patriarchy and other forms of social injustice , ” Session said .
Elam said that his church has begun to recognize the feminine side of God .
“ We could not have that conversation twenty-five years ago.
” As the voices of women and queer-identified persons continue to be lifted in the church , many remain hopeful .
“ We owe the best and brightest of ourselves to God and our community , ” said Fisher .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ congregations in an extreme state of uncertainty .
The painful truth is that it remains to be seen how many will be left standing when all is said and done .
What is also true is that pastors and leaders are thinking ahead , beyond the challenges that arise as a result of the coronavirus , to ensure that the church is as viable and as healthy as it can be .

As social distancing to end the spread of COVID-19 continues to impact the ability of black congregations to engage in their traditional forms of interaction, conversations about the future arise. Undoubtedly, recovery from the coronavirus pandemic will create economic hardships that will impact the work many churches are doing on all fronts. Additionally, the pandemic and its rising death toll present unique theological issues that contradict messages heard on Sunday mornings; the COVID-19 crisis has created a black church crisis, on many fronts. Yet, many leaders see this as an opportunity to reflect on the solvency of black congregations and how they must emerge from this moment to remain a viable institution.
“I think people have lost faith in the institution but not in a black God,” — Pastor Porsha D. Williams
Advertisement
Six leaders, spanning generations and influence, recently came together to discuss the state of the black church.
When asked to grade the church, as an institution, on its overall performance in the community, no leader assigned a grade higher than a B+. Some pastors noted the sustained impact the church continues to make in the community, noting the many programs and initiatives that directly support communities at large. “I have seen our churches do everything from provide free groceries and transitional housing to sending young people off to college and burying members without life insurance,” said M. Keith McDaniel, senior pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Spartanburg, S.C. Yet, even as leaders celebrated the works of the church, they honored that its failings have led many away. “I think people have lost faith in the institution but not in a black God,” said Porsha D. Williams, pastor to Youth and Children in Newark, N.J.
Advertisement Advertisement
Among those failings remains a fundamental lack of inclusion and care. From a full reckoning with its gender and sexuality politics to a wake-up call regarding the real needs of black communities, many leaders believe churches must address these issues or face its demise. “An irrelevant black church is nothing more than a social club lacking the transformational power of the Spirit,” said Irie Lynne Session, co-pastor of The Gathering, a Womanist Church in Dallas, Texas. Earle Fisher, senior pastor of Abyssinian Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, Tenn., agreed, naming racism, sexism and xenophobia as sins for which the black church must atone. Their presence in black congregations, he believes, speaks to the pervasive power of white supremacy. According to Fisher, these forces have “compromised the efficacy and potency of black religion in America.”
As black congregations wrestle to remain relevant, many believe an institutional resistance to technology and innovation makes it difficult. The immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis showed just how unprepared many congregations were for a digital shift. “Some churches are antiquated in their ministry approaches and are quickly realizing that what worked before may not work now,” said McDaniel. Mikael Elam, of the Osofo Ministry in New York City, agreed and noted that technology has long been misunderstood among church leadership. “Not only are these platforms providing greater access to information; they’re also providing different forms of self-expression.” Elam believes these different expressions only work to enhance the church’s mission. “Greater access to different forms of thought allows us to have even broader theological conversations that can include everyone.”
Advertisement
“We owe the best and brightest of ourselves to God and our community” — Pastor Earle Fisher
Admittedly, diversity and inclusion become complicated when cisgender, heterosexual black men are still the dominant face of leadership in black churches. “Many have been trained to honor and excuse all things male,” said Brianna K. Parker, curator and founder of the Black Millennial Café. Session agreed, further suggesting that black congregations have benefited greatly from the disrespect black women have experienced. “We have internalized a patriarchal mindset,” she said. In short, because of the treatment black women have experienced at the hands of black men outside of the church, it often causes them to romanticize the black men found within it. According to Parker, “when males don’t meet the standard in our personal lives, we often want our black male leader as the star of our fairytales.”
Advertisement
The unwillingness to shift in leadership was no more evident than in the days following the protests in Ferguson, Missouri after the death of Michael Brown. It illuminated a clear divide between the theological positions of millennials and those of previous generations. Many saw it as a missed opportunity for older church leadership to learn from younger leaders and activists. McDaniel said that “instead of celebrating that ‘Black Lives Matter’ found its genesis outside the church, many churches and pastors attacked it because they couldn’t control it.” Parker agreed and believes that churches also didn’t embrace the decentralized models of leadership that emerged but found new voices to embody old ways. “Once it was over, the church stopped fostering relationships with millennials who did not rise as stars as a result of the protests,” she said.
The chasm between the generations continues to grow when many consider the Church’s unwillingness to revisit teachings on sex and sexuality. “We lack any understanding of sex and sexuality outside the context of sin,” Williams said. Fisher agreed, saying it is in part because black clergy “refuse to admit the Bible is a bad place to get our sexual education.” For Elam, the way black pastors infantilize congregants when it comes to human sexuality remains a problem. “These are adult conversations and we need to stop having adolescent views and responses to them.” Elam, along with others, believes this is one area that black religious leadership must consult with professionals and experts.
Advertisement
The shift black churches must take in their theology and approach, though difficult, is not impossible. Elam believes the first step is that clergy have to be honest about church hurt and trauma. Even if a particular pastor did not participate in harmful behaviors, Williams believes all pastors just have to apologize on behalf of the collective. “We have to be honest that it is not perfect and repent for the toxic space church has been for so many people,” she said. Even as leaders are honest about the harm inflicted by the church, they still grieve the fact many won’t return because of it. “The church owes people who left it the freedom to leave without being castigated and the freedom to return as if they never left,” said McDaniel.
Despite all the church must do to become its best self, many celebrate that it has come far. “There are pockets of black churches all over the world disrupting and dismantling patriarchy and other forms of social injustice,” Session said. Elam said that his church has begun to recognize the feminine side of God. “We could not have that conversation twenty-five years ago.” As the voices of women and queer-identified persons continue to be lifted in the church, many remain hopeful. “We owe the best and brightest of ourselves to God and our community,” said Fisher.
Advertisement
The COVID-19 crisis has placed many black congregations in an extreme state of uncertainty. The painful truth is that it remains to be seen how many will be left standing when all is said and done. What is also true is that pastors and leaders are thinking ahead, beyond the challenges that arise as a result of the coronavirus, to ensure that the church is as viable and as healthy as it can be.


theroot--2020-04-17--The Root's Clapback Mailbag: Not-So-Black Twitter

Twitter offers a unique opportunity to those of us who never had the chance to bask in the glow of whiteness .
Because of social media , we can get an up-close look at Karen-related outrage , Caucasian fragility and — the best of all — white tears .
And sometimes , they clap back .
So today ’ s Mailbag is dedicated to the joy of White Twitter .
I was just informed via direct message that , not only is The Root responsible for ending Bernie Sanders ’ campaign , but we are also part of the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a story about Johnny and Mary , a white revolutionary and a black sellout .
Johnny was white , but he was down with black people .
He spent most of his life trying to convince black people and white people to join his anti-slavery cause .
Now John wasn ’ t for incremental change .
He realized , early in life , that the only way to change the system was through armed revolt .
Most white people were resistant but he convinced a lot of progressive white people to join the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more black people didn ’ t join him .
There were black people who donated to his campaign against slavery , but every time a few blacks joined him , people would whisper to the black supporters : “ You know them white folks ain ’ t gon na let that happen , right ?
” But Johnny had a plan .
He was going to build his own army and go to war against the enslavers .
He planned it for years .
He recruited soldiers ( mostly white ) , bought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed to get a few black people to join his cause but most black people —even the abolitionists— continued to say : “ You know them white folks ain ’ t gon na let that happen , right ?
” Just before his planned attack , he met with a famous black abolitionist , Freddy .
Now Freddy was a famous writer and political commentator .
He was a revolutionary , too .
Black people listened to him .
He had also been a slave so surely he was down for the cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plan , Freddy was like : “ I agree that slavery is some bullshit , but ummm ... .
Why not just take your army and ... You know ... Free some slaves ?
” But Johnny couldn ’ t be deterred .
He was a revolutionary .
Johnny wasn ’ t even mad at Freddy .
Just before Johnny left , Freddy pulled Johnny aside , gave him a few dollars and said : “ You know them white folks ain ’ t gon na let that happen , right ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ white Army and attacked the white slavers .
It was a fierce battle , but Johnny lost .
In the end , seven of Johhny ’ s co-conspirators were captured .
They hanged Johnny .
She was half-white but she told people she was white .
She was literally a part of the elite .
Even the governor of California rented his home from her .
Unlike Johnny , Mary believed in capitalism .
She made a lot of money and slept with rich white men almost exclusively and Freddy talked shit about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing and was almost a billionaire .
She was one of the richest people , man or woman , black or white , in California .
She was not a revolutionary like Johnny .
In fact , the only non-rich white man that anyone ever remembered Mary being with , was Johnny .
But Mary outlived Johnny .
And after the Civil War , Mary did something strange .
She changed her official racial designation to “ black.
” It turns out , Mary was taking all the money from those rich white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Then , she would move the slaves to California and hire them to work for her .
She wasn ’ t just funding the Underground Railroad , she had created a whole Slavery Relocation Program !
Not because of the people involved , but because I know what happens to white progressive movements like Johnny ’ s and Bernie ’ s .
Them white folks will not let it happen .
Because you are white , you have no idea how racist it is to accuse me , or any black person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ river.
” But I ’ m sure , had I joined your movement , I could have expected more of the same .
See , “ Johnny , ” that was John Brown , who led the attack on Harper ’ s Ferry .
Many people don ’ t know that shortly before that happened , John Brown secretly met with Fr ederick Douglass .
After the raid , another captured white man , John E. Cook , revealed that Frederick Douglass was supposed to show up , but , as he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Perhaps Frederick Douglass knew the outcome like I , and many others , knew white folks would not vote for Bernie .
Perhaps that ’ s why Mary Ellen Pleasant —the Mary in this story— pretended to be white while working below the radar funding revolutionaries while absorbing the scorn of other “ woke ” revolutionaries .
See , when the government tried the people responsible for John Brown ’ s Raid on Harper ’ s Ferry , aside from John Brown , only two people from his mostly white “ army @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Copeland .
Now who was more courageous , Johnny and Bernie the revolutionary , or Freddy , Mary , “ cowards , ” and the “ black political elite ” who were simply reporting that black people were too familiar with whiteness to sacrifice their futures to a lost cause ?
Well , after they hanged John Brown for treason , officials discovered a note in his pocket : “ The ax is laid at the foot of the tree .
When the first blow is struck , there will be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigators tried to figure out who wrote it .
They thought it was a wealthy white man who was a secret abolitionist .
They were half right .
The note was from a wealthy abolitionist.
” Nah , homey , it was Mary Ellen Pleasant , a black woman .
Or , as you would have called her : Now some might say Bernie ’ s cause was lost because he didn ’ t have enough support .
But ultimately , Joy , Jason , Freddy , Mary and all of the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnny .
Them white folks did not let it happen .
People are still mad about our reporting that coronavirus is attacking black people .
They ’ re even in the DMs .
But again , they hate everything black .
Remember the two women in that story about coronavirus ?
We ll , here ’ s an update .
Tamara told me this week that Alabama ’ s Assistant Director of Human Resources came to the office on a rampage and cursed everyone out for being “ snitches ” ( And , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the building ) .
The entire department is still going to work every day , putting themselves and their families at risk because they are considered “ essential.
” She ’ s been dead for a few days now but Coronavirus didn ’ t kill her .
She died because she didn ’ t have a job .
She died because she didn ’ t have healthcare .
She died because the medical system is profit-driven .
And she died for the same reason that racism exists .
Every single time I write @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am careful to mention that institutional inequality is not about hate or animus .
The reason it remains has nothing to do with the KKK or Nazis .
It ’ s not even about the white nationalist president .
I don ’ t know if they are too embarrassed or too ashamed to face the facts that they are buoyed by a system that poses for pictures with its foot on our necks but their inaction has allowed racism to foment and expand for centuries .
Even if it ’ s not their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heebie-jeebies , I can not for the life of me understand why they don ’ t want to talk about it .
But I get it .
In your minds , if we don ’ t say it , it doesn ’ t exist and , conversely , if you say it , it must be so .
So , if that is true , I beg of you to help me end this week ’ s mailbag by saying the following :

I love white Twitter.
Twitter offers a unique opportunity to those of us who never had the chance to bask in the glow of whiteness. Because of social media, we can get an up-close look at Karen-related outrage, Caucasian fragility and — the best of all — white tears.
And sometimes, they clap back.
So today’s Mailbag is dedicated to the joy of White Twitter.
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I was just informed via direct message that, not only is The Root responsible for ending Bernie Sanders’ campaign, but we are also part of the “black elite.”
From: Cher
To: Michael Harriot I hope you, Jason Johnson, Joy Reid and the rest of the black media elite are satisfied. Bernie was the best candidate but you couldnt focus on anything but repeating what the dem. establishment wants you to say. Maybe Roots should focus on helping blacks instead of selling them down the river for a good story.
From: You Don’t Know My Story
To: Michael Harriot Honest question, why didn’t/don’t you join the current movement??
Hey guys,
Let me tell you a story about Johnny and Mary, a white revolutionary and a black sellout.
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Johnny was white, but he was down with black people. He spent most of his life trying to convince black people and white people to join his anti-slavery cause. Now John wasn’t for incremental change. He realized, early in life, that the only way to change the system was through armed revolt. Most white people were resistant but he convinced a lot of progressive white people to join the abolition movement.
Johnny always wondered why more black people didn’t join him. There were black people who donated to his campaign against slavery, but every time a few blacks joined him, people would whisper to the black supporters:
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“You know them white folks ain’t gonna let that happen, right?”
But Johnny had a plan. He was going to build his own army and go to war against the enslavers. He planned it for years. He recruited soldiers (mostly white), bought guns and trained for months. He managed to get a few black people to join his cause but most black people —even the abolitionists— continued to say:
“You know them white folks ain’t gonna let that happen, right?”
Just before his planned attack, he met with a famous black abolitionist, Freddy.
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Now Freddy was a famous writer and political commentator. He was a revolutionary, too. Black people listened to him. He had also been a slave so surely he was down for the cause. But when Johnny told Freddy about the plan, Freddy was like: “I agree that slavery is some bullshit, but ummm.... Why not just take your army and...You know...Free some slaves?”
But Johnny couldn’t be deterred. He was a revolutionary. Johnny wasn’t even mad at Freddy. Just before Johnny left, Freddy pulled Johnny aside, gave him a few dollars and said:
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“You know them white folks ain’t gonna let that happen, right?”
Anyway, Johnny took his mostly white Army and attacked the white slavers. It was a fierce battle, but Johnny lost. In the end, seven of Johhny’s co-conspirators were captured. They hanged Johnny.
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Now Mary was a sellout.
She was half-white but she told people she was white. She was literally a part of the elite. Even the governor of California rented his home from her.
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Unlike Johnny, Mary believed in capitalism. She made a lot of money and slept with rich white men almost exclusively and Freddy talked shit about her. She owned real estate, housing and was almost a billionaire. She was one of the richest people, man or woman, black or white, in California. She was not a revolutionary like Johnny.
In fact, the only non-rich white man that anyone ever remembered Mary being with, was Johnny.
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But Mary outlived Johnny. And after the Civil War, Mary did something strange.
She changed her official racial designation to “black.”
It turns out, Mary was taking all the money from those rich white men and using it to free slaves. Then, she would move the slaves to California and hire them to work for her. She wasn’t just funding the Underground Railroad, she had created a whole Slavery Relocation Program!
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I do not trust white “movements.”
Not because of the people involved, but because I know what happens to white progressive movements like Johnny’s and Bernie’s.
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Them white folks will not let it happen.
Because you are white, you have no idea how racist it is to accuse me, or any black person, of “selling someone down the river.” But I’m sure, had I joined your movement, I could have expected more of the same.
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Nah, I’m good.
See, “Johnny,” that was John Brown, who led the attack on Harper’s Ferry. Many people don’t know that shortly before that happened, John Brown secretly met with Fr ederick Douglass. After the raid, another captured white man, John E. Cook, revealed that Frederick Douglass was supposed to show up, but, as he said: “The coward did not come.”
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Perhaps Frederick Douglass knew the outcome like I, and many others, knew white folks would not vote for Bernie. Perhaps that’s why Mary Ellen Pleasant —the Mary in this story— pretended to be white while working below the radar funding revolutionaries while absorbing the scorn of other “woke” revolutionaries.
See, when the government tried the people responsible for John Brown’s Raid on Harper’s Ferry, aside from John Brown, only two people from his mostly white “army” were hanged: Shields Green and John Copeland.
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Both were black.
Now who was more courageous, Johnny and Bernie the revolutionary, or Freddy, Mary, “cowards,” and the “black political elite” who were simply reporting that black people were too familiar with whiteness to sacrifice their futures to a lost cause?
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Well, after they hanged John Brown for treason, officials discovered a note in his pocket:
“The ax is laid at the foot of the tree. When the first blow is struck, there will be more money to help.”
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For years, investigators tried to figure out who wrote it. They thought it was a wealthy white man who was a secret abolitionist. They were half right. The note was from a wealthy abolitionist.”
Nah, homey, it was Mary Ellen Pleasant, a black woman. Or, as you would have called her:
A “black elite.”
Now some might say Bernie’s cause was lost because he didn’t have enough support. But ultimately, Joy, Jason, Freddy, Mary and all of the other black voters were right about Bernie and Johnny.
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Them white folks did not let it happen.
People are still mad about our reporting that coronavirus is attacking black people. They’re even in the DMs. But again, they hate everything black.
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From: Chuck at home
To: Michael Harriot The virus isn’t racist. Yo are. Instead of trying to make everything about race, why not focus on helping everyone
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Dear Chuck and Adam,
Remember the two women in that story about coronavirus? We ll, here’s an update.
Tamara told me this week that Alabama’s Assistant Director of Human Resources came to the office on a rampage and cursed everyone out for being “snitches” (And, apparently, about a rodent problem in the building). The entire department is still going to work every day, putting themselves and their families at risk because they are considered “essential.”
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Joyce is dead.
She’s been dead for a few days now but Coronavirus didn’t kill her.
She died because she didn’t have a job. She died because she didn’t have healthcare. She died because the medical system is profit-driven.
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And she died for the same reason that racism exists.
Every single time I write about racism and white supremacy, I am careful to mention that institutional inequality is not about hate or animus. The reason it remains has nothing to do with the KKK or Nazis. It’s not even about the white nationalist president.
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It’s because white people don’t care.
I don’t know if they are too embarrassed or too ashamed to face the facts that they are buoyed by a system that poses for pictures with its foot on our necks but their inaction has allowed racism to foment and expand for centuries. Even if it’s not their fault, even if it gives them the heebie-jeebies, I cannot for the life of me understand why they don’t want to talk about it.
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But I get it.
In your minds, if we don’t say it, it doesn’t exist and, conversely, if you say it, it must be so. So, if that is true, I beg of you to help me end this week’s mailbag by saying the following:
Coronavirus isn’t racist.
America isn’t racist.
Joyce is alive.
Joyce is alive.
Joyce is alive.


theroot--2020-04-17--NASCAR's Only Black Driver Believes Racist Ass Kyle Larson Deserves a Second Chance...Sadly, I'm Fre

NASCAR's Only Black Driver Believes Racist Ass Kyle Larson Deserves a Second Chance...Sadly, I'm Fresh Out of Grace

As black folks throughout the world can attest , being the only one in the room not only comes with adversity , but a tremendous sense of responsibility .
As such , we can find ourselves coerced into speaking or acting for our entire community , and in turn , mistakenly causing more harm to our own in the process .
Earlier this week , you might ’ ve heard—or read—about a racist NASCAR driver named Kyle Larson .
How do I know he ’ s racist ?
Because who else just casually blurts out “ nigger ” — completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost immediately find himself suspended , then fired , by his racing team for doing his best impression of Trump ’ s Twitter feed , and he lost lucrative endorsement deals with familiar names like McDonald ’ s , Credit One Bank and Chevrolet .
But with NASCAR about as popular as Smilez and Southstar , and white men possessing the innate ability to rebound from even the most controversial of circumstances—more on that later—does anybody really believe this dude ’ s career is even close to being over ?
This is exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stereotypical token negro—quite literally its only black driver—looks utterly ridiculous for coming to Larson ’ s defense .
In a lengthy statement , Wallace admitted to feeling “ attacked and hurt ” before revealing that Mr. Hard-R hit him up and begged for his forgiveness almost immediately after spewing his favorite word .
Wallace then goes on to describe Larson ’ s emotions and pride as “ shattered , ” and that he believes his apology “ was sincere.
” “ We discussed why he chose to use that language and I shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I told him , it was too easy for him to use the word and that he has to do better and get it out of his vocabulary ...
I am not mad at him , and I believe that he , along with most people deserve second chances , and deserve space to improve .
I do wish him and his family nothing but the best .
And I am more than willing to work with him to address diversity and inclusion in our sport.
” As the only one in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impossible situation that Wallace is facing .
If he remains silent , white folks with questionable perspectives on racial dynamics will speak up on his behalf .
But if he speaks up , there ’ s always the likelihood that his foot will find its way into his mouth .
However , people like Kyle Larson don ’ t deserve our grace .
Not when Hulk Hogan gets reinstated by the WWE after making “ the biggest mistake of his life ” —which just so happens to involve calling black people “ fucking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resume his career undeterred—and continues to collect Academy Award nominations along the way—after being caught on tape telling his girlfriend , “ If you get raped by a pack of niggers , it will be your fault.
” The onus doesn ’ t fall on the aggrieved to rectify the mistake .
And the sooner people like Wallace accept that and leave their capes at home , the sooner idiots like Larson might finally bear the full brunt of their reprehensible actions .

As black folks throughout the world can attest, being the only one in the room not only comes with adversity, but a tremendous sense of responsibility. As such, we can find ourselves coerced into speaking or acting for our entire community, and in turn, mistakenly causing more harm to our own in the process.
Earlier this week, you might’ve heard—or read—about a racist NASCAR driver named Kyle Larson. How do I know he’s racist? Because who else just casually blurts out “nigger”— completely unprovoked—while playing video games?
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Larson would almost immediately find himself suspended, then fired, by his racing team for doing his best impression of Trump’s Twitter feed, and he lost lucrative endorsement deals with familiar names like McDonald’s, Credit One Bank and Chevrolet.
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But with NASCAR about as popular as Smilez and Southstar, and white men possessing the innate ability to rebound from even the most controversial of circumstances—more on that later—does anybody really believe this dude’s career is even close to being over?
This is exactly why Bubba Wallace, NASCAR’s stereotypical token negro—quite literally its only black driver—looks utterly ridiculous for coming to Larson’s defense. In a lengthy statement, Wallace admitted to feeling “attacked and hurt” before revealing that Mr. Hard-R hit him up and begged for his forgiveness almost immediately after spewing his favorite word.
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Wallace then goes on to describe Larson’s emotions and pride as “shattered,” and that he believes his apology “was sincere.”
“We discussed why he chose to use that language and I shared my thoughts,” Wallace wrote. “I told him, it was too easy for him to use the word and that he has to do better and get it out of his vocabulary...I am not mad at him, and I believe that he, along with most people deserve second chances, and deserve space to improve. I do wish him and his family nothing but the best. And I am more than willing to work with him to address diversity and inclusion in our sport.”
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As the only one in the room, I empathize with the impossible situation that Wallace is facing. If he remains silent, white folks with questionable perspectives on racial dynamics will speak up on his behalf. But if he speaks up, there’s always the likelihood that his foot will find its way into his mouth.
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However, people like Kyle Larson don’t deserve our grace.
Not when Hulk Hogan gets reinstated by the WWE after making “the biggest mistake of his life”—which just so happens to involve calling black people “fucking niggers.” Or Mel Gibson goes on to resume his career undeterred—and continues to collect Academy Award nominations along the way—after being caught on tape telling his girlfriend, “If you get raped by a pack of niggers, it will be your fault.”
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Hell nah. They’re gon’ be alright.
The onus doesn’t fall on the aggrieved to rectify the mistake. And the sooner people like Wallace accept that and leave their capes at home, the sooner idiots like Larson might finally bear the full brunt of their reprehensible actions.


theroot--2020-04-17--'Coronavirus Will Forever Change Bedside Care': Black Healthcare Workers Reveal Their Own Struggles

'Coronavirus Will Forever Change Bedside Care': Black Healthcare Workers Reveal Their Own Struggles to Survive a Global Pandemic

The coronavirus doesn ’ t just ravage the body of those infected ; it wreaks havoc on all those in proximity to it .
It plays on the minds of those who , while not suffering from the actual disease , are caring for those who are .
COVID-19 's alarming infection and death rates bring with it the weight of uncertainty and the fear of unpredictability and the soft whisper of , “ God , please don ’ t let it be me.
” While the coronavirus pandemic is a global crises , in the United States , COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systemic racism ; black folks get it worse , we always do .
And while the courageous healthcare workers and professionals at the frontlines of this pandemic have rightly been heralded as heroes , far too often their own struggles have gone unheard—especially those of the brave black men and women who come from our own community .
“ It ’ s a very eerie feeling walking to the hospital .
It ’ s quiet , ” Dr. Chinyere Okpaleke , a board-certified family medicine physician in Tampa , Fla. , told The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mask .
Everybody ’ s just really scared.
” She continued : “ It kind of reflects on how everyone is ... treating their patients , because they don ’ t want to touch them .
They want to keep their distance .
It ’ s been a struggle to still have that caring feeling with your patients and still be on alert .
Like if you cough or have a fever , I ’ ve got to protect myself because I have a family I want to go home to .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband ... And I know you ’ re a patient and I want to care for you , but I also have to care for myself.
” Dr. Okpaleke also stressed the importance of prioritizing her self-care during this time , because while she ’ s an essential worker who ’ s invaluable to our efforts in combating COVID-19 , she ’ s also a human being .
To that end , she ’ s found much-needed solace in exploring activities that preserve and protect her mind as much as they do her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t take care of myself , I definitely can ’ t take care of my patients , ” she began .
“ I normally do workouts already , but now I ’ m integrating yoga and mediation [ into ] my daily life because this has been [ an ] overwhelming experience ...
So I know everyone is worried and everyone is scared—and rightfully so .
But if we take care of ourselves mentally , I think that ’ s the first step.
” During this crisis , Dr. Okpaleke notes that despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local residents fearing medical treatment or exposure to COVID-19—she works 12-hour shifts on a “ seven days on , seven days off ” schedule .
And while Florida continues to break records as its staggering number of coronavirus-related deaths escalate , Tampa boasts a substantial amount of “ rule outs ” : patients who return home after being “ ruled out ” from having contracted the virus .
In Philadelphia , Brianna Weeks , a clinical nurse specialist and advanced practice nurse , has had a similar experience .
While her day-to-day routine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place are now dramatically different—putting the safety of healthcare providers at significant risk .
“ We are asked to prolong wearing supplies that would normally be one-time use only or usually ... a limited number of hours you are allowed to wear it , ” Weeks told The Root .
“ We ’ re asked on a day-to-day basis [ to ] conserve our personal protective equipment [ PPE ] ... on a long term basis because the supply is just not guaranteed.
” Weeks didn ’ t go into detail on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ ve been numerous reports of hospitals washing PPE , doctors dipping their hands in buckets of sterilizer in the absence of hand gel and thousands of healthcare providers throughout the world contracting COVID-19 .
While its difficult to determine if reusing PPE has exacerbated the spread of coronavirus , doing so unquestionably compromises the safety of both healthcare professionals and patients—leading to the Department of Defense receiving authorization to produce $ 133 million worth of N95 masks under the Defense Production Act of 1950 , which gives Trump the authority to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a means of national defense .
Weeks describes the tenor of her workplace environment as “ somber , ” because while cities like Wayne County , Mich. , and New York City have been ravaged by this deadly pandemic , the City of Brotherly Love has yet to incur its full wrath .
“ Things in Philadelphia aren ’ t quite as bad as in other areas , ” she began .
“ It ’ s kind of the waiting game .
We ’ re just preparing for our peak to hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of preparation , a lot of making sure that our contingency plans around pandemics are kind of succinct and our policies are ready to go and ready to roll out .
And some of them we ’ ve actually had to put in implementation already.
” She also insists , as Dr. Okpaleke pointed out earlier , that self-care during this crisis is crucial .
For her , that means eliminating social media , minimizing digesting the news , lighting candles to put her mind at ease and being mindful of the extenuating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extending forgiveness and grace .
“ Every day I ’ m being super intentional about my self-care practices , ” she said .
“ I [ wake ] up with a grateful heart and a grateful spirit ...
I have been given the tools and the purpose to go out here and to really have an impact on this current crisis .
And I don ’ t take that lightly .
But [ I ’ m ] also ... being mindful of how to care for myself and care for those who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” A hospital operations manager , who spoke to The Root under the condition of anonymity , revealed that they ’ ve worked every single day for over a month straight due to the severity of this crisis , and that nurses at their hospital have been drafting wills in order to prepare for increased exposure to COVID-19 .
“ The coronavirus will forever change bedside care , ” they told The Root .
“ We ’ re not refusing to care for patients , but we ’ ve had to change how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if there was something specific that black people either don ’ t know or don ’ t understand about this pandemic , the operations manager suggested methods to reinforce our body ’ s natural defenses .
“ Strengthening our immune systems through diet , exercise and vitamins could save so many more lives , ” they said .
“ Eliminating high sodium foods like pork , managing sugar intake , eating fruits and vegetables , and of course , drinking water.
” They continued , “ Vitamin C should be taken daily , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probiotics .
There are also natural herbs like sea moss and peppermint , or honey that is farmed locally .
You can build an immunity to seasonal allergies , colds and other illnesses by doing cardio outdoors , but minimizing stress and getting good sleep are key .
Also , mental health plays a big part in the immune system breaking down and often times black folks refuse to address mental health issues.
” Naturally , this crisis has taken a tremendous toll on the essential workers and healthcare providers tasked with preserving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is that we can do to express our gratitude by supporting them in return , the answer shouldn ’ t come as a surprise .
“ The number one thing you can do to support people who are on the frontlines , healthcare workers , hospital nurses , respiratory therapists ... is to stay home.
” Weeks said .
“ You ’ ve heard a lot about flattening the curve and the number one way you could do that is by staying home so that you don ’ t come in contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems are not built to be overwhelmed and to deal with the capacity that this virus can absolutely cause.
” And if you absolutely must go outside , Weeks stresses the importance of taking necessary precautions .
“ If you have to go out , please wash your hands , ” she said .
“ Please be mindful of people who come in contact with us .
[ Please abide by ] the six-foot rule ... because that is the number one way you can keep yourself safe and keep the disease from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must all remember that COVID-19 isn ’ t being treated by merely modern medicine , but by fathers , mothers , sisters , brothers and loved ones with families and fears of their own .
“ As a health care provider , a lot of voices are saying , ‘ Well , you didn ’ t really sign up for this.
’ But actually , I did , ” Dr. Okpaleke shared .
“ There are doctors and nurses who are putting their lives on the line with this pandemic and have unfortunately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the day , they wanted to save a life ... And that ’ s something that does scare me and it scares my other fellow colleagues .
But if we do what we need to do , we know we were doing it for the right reasons and that reason is to save lives.
” She continued , “ This is a stressful time for everyone .
I encourage you all to reach out to your loved ones , continue speaking to them , even though it is hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from those who are high risk because you just never know ... Take care of yourself .
Stay healthy .
Stay indoors .
And we ’ ll see you outdoors in the next few months .
”

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-04-17--Can Someone Get Ben Carson to Explain to Trump that Chinatown and China Aren’t The Same Thing?

I know it doesn ’ t look like Secretary of Housing and Urban Development , Ben Carson , is a really smart man , but I assure you that before falling into the sunken place , he was one the world ’ s most beloved neurosurgeons .
He may have been the world ’ s only neurosurgeon .
Seriously name another neurosurgeon without Googling .
So I know it seems like a tall task , but when it comes to trying to explain concepts like why jumbo shrimp aren ’ t really that big despite having jumbo in the name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first man to separate conjoined twins to do the heavy lifting .
So it ’ s Carson ’ s work with brains that has me naively thinking that he could help the president understand the difference between Chinatown and China .
On Thursday , President Trump , the Jack Tripper of Clark Griswolds , shared a video from February in which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , “ whose district includes San Francisco ’ s Chinatown , advocates for people to visit the neighborhood three weeks before the state issued stay-at-home orders because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone , you should come to Chinatown .
Precautions have been taken by our city .
We know there ’ s been a concern about tourism traveling all throughout the world , but we think it ’ s very safe to be in Chinatown and hope that others will come , ” Pelosi says in the video which was urging folks not to discriminate against Asian-owned businesses , NBC News reports .
The president somehow turned this video into Pelosi encouraging people to ” pack ” the California neighborhood after he restricted flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deleted this from her Twitter account .
She wanted everyone to pack into Chinatown long after I closed the BORDER TO CHINA , ” he wrote .
“ Based on her statement , she is responsible for many deaths .
She ’ s an incompetent , third-rate politician !
” For the record , Trump didn ’ t actually bar folks from China , which is something he boasts about frequently during his press “ rally ” conferences , “ rather , it restricted the entry of foreign nationals who traveled to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The administration made exceptions for immediate family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents , ” NBC News reports .
Also , Pelosi spokesperson Drew Hammill told NBC News , that the speaker didn ’ t post and delete the tweet .
The president ’ s inability to differentiate between Chinatown in San Francisco and China , looked to many people like the president was doing his usual hate speech and many called him on it .
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus , Rep. Judy Chu , D-Calif. , and Chris Lu , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of President Barack Obama .
They pointed out that Asian Americans are experiencing a significant rise in hate attacks tied to COVID-19 and accused him of pushing the idea that Asian Americans are perpetual foreigners .
Trump ’ s tweet echoes comments he made about the speaker during a news conference about the pandemic on Wednesday , when he accused Pelosi of “ trying to have San Francisco parties in Chinatown.
” Taylor Griffin , a spokesperson for Pelosi , said in a statement to NBC News that Pelosi stands by her condemnation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what he ’ s doing and if he doesn ’ t then we are totally fucked .
And if our only hope is the grandfather of mumble rap aka the doctor of housing then we are really screwed .

I know it doesn’t look like Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Ben Carson, is a really smart man, but I assure you that before falling into the sunken place, he was one the world’s most beloved neurosurgeons. He may have been the world’s only neurosurgeon. Seriously name another neurosurgeon without Googling.
So I know it seems like a tall task, but when it comes to trying to explain concepts like why jumbo shrimp aren’t really that big despite having jumbo in the name to the president, I look for the first man to separate conjoined twins to do the heavy lifting.
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So it’s Carson’s work with brains that has me naively thinking that he could help the president understand the difference between Chinatown and China.
On Thursday, President Trump, the Jack Tripper of Clark Griswolds, shared a video from February in which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, “whose district includes San Francisco’s Chinatown, advocates for people to visit the neighborhood three weeks before the state issued stay-at-home orders because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
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“To everyone, you should come to Chinatown. Precautions have been taken by our city. We know there’s been a concern about tourism traveling all throughout the world, but we think it’s very safe to be in Chinatown and hope that others will come,” Pelosi says in the video which was urging folks not to discriminate against Asian-owned businesses, NBC News reports.
The president somehow turned this video into Pelosi encouraging people to”pack” the California neighborhood after he restricted flights from China.
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“Crazy Nancy Pelosi deleted this from her Twitter account. She wanted everyone to pack into Chinatown long after I closed the BORDER TO CHINA,” he wrote. “Based on her statement, she is responsible for many deaths. She’s an incompetent, third-rate politician!”
For the record, Trump didn’t actually bar folks from China, which is something he boasts about frequently during his press “rally” conferences, “rather, it restricted the entry of foreign nationals who traveled to the country within the previous 14 days. The administration made exceptions for immediate family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents,” NBC News reports.
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Also, Pelosi spokesperson Drew Hammill told NBC News, that the speaker didn’t post and delete the tweet.
The president’s inability to differentiate between Chinatown in San Francisco and China, looked to many people like the president was doing his usual hate speech and many called him on it.
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From NBC News:
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., and Chris Lu, who was Cabinet secretary in the administration of President Barack Obama. They pointed out that Asian Americans are experiencing a significant rise in hate attacks tied to COVID-19 and accused him of pushing the idea that Asian Americans are perpetual foreigners. Trump’s tweet echoes comments he made about the speaker during a news conference about the pandemic on Wednesday, when he accused Pelosi of “trying to have San Francisco parties in Chinatown.” Taylor Griffin, a spokesperson for Pelosi, said in a statement to NBC News that Pelosi stands by her condemnation of anti-Asian racism.
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Trump knows exactly what he’s doing and if he doesn’t then we are totally fucked. And if our only hope is the grandfather of mumble rap aka the doctor of housing then we are really screwed.


theroot--2020-04-17--REI Discounts Backyard Camping and Quarantine Running Gear 25%

Our pals at REI are back with another round of deals .
Starting today until the 27th enjoy deep discounts @ @ @ @ @ and Biking gear .
I ’ m a big believer in willing what you want @ @ @ @ @ grabbing a tent and a cooler will help get us out of quarantine and into @ @ @ @ @ case , living room or backyard adventures until then .
We ’ ve recommended some @ @ @ @ @ offerings but I want to throw out a quick few editions here .
Gr ab @ @ @ @ @ hammock and best-selling tent .
You can also snag this discount on customers ’ favorite @ @ @ @ @ .
Whatever you choose you ’ ll still get free shipping .

Sheilah Villari on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

REI @ Camping, Fitness, Biking Gear | 25% off
Our pals at REI are back with another round of deals. Starting today until the 27th enjoy deep discounts on Camping, Fitness, and Biking gear. I’m a big believer in willing what you want so maybe, just maybe grabbing a tent and a cooler will help get us out of quarantine and into the woods sooner. Worst case, living room or backyard adventures until then.
We’ve recommended some of REI’s best offerings but I want to throw out a quick few editions here. Gr ab 25% off their top-rated hammock and best-selling tent. You can also snag this discount on customers’ favorite women’s running shoes.
Whatever you choose you’ll still get free shipping.


theroot--2020-04-17--Virginia Bishop Dies After Holding Service Amid Coronavirus Warnings. Now, Four of His Family Member

Virginia Bishop Dies After Holding Service Amid Coronavirus Warnings. Now, Four of His Family Members Are Infected Too

A week before Virginia implemented a statewide stay-at-home order , Bishop Gerald Glenn of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Chesterfield held services .
As CNN reports , Glenn told worshippers : “ I firmly believe that God is larger than this dreaded virus.
” He added that he was not afraid of death .
On April 12—Easter Sunday—the church announced that Bishop had died of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
That is , unfortunately , not where the bad news ends for Bishop Glenn and his family .
CNN is now reporting that four of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Glenn ’ s daughter , Mar-Gerie Crawley , her mother , her sister , and her husband .
Crawley told CNN anchor Chris Cuomo this week that the family has been too busy caring for the sick members to be able to mourn the passing of Bishop Glenn .
Glenn was among many pastors who received criticism for continuing to hold in-person church services , even as states across the U.S. had already shuttered non-essential businesses and limited the sizes of gatherings , per instruction from the Centers for Disease Control and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay-at-home mandate at the time Glenn held services , but other churches in the commonwealth , including the influential Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria , had decided to completely shut down in-person events weeks before .
Crawley defended her father ’ s decision to Cuomo , insisting that he took proper precautions during the late March service .
“ When he decided to have services , he was very clear in posting signs and having hand sanitizer , and wearing gloves and not congregating with people after service , during service , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to sit six feet apart .
Family members sat together .
That ’ s it .
After service , there was no talking and hanging around .
Everyone left.
” Bishop Glenn held the service in order to give congregants hope as they faced uncertain times , Crawley said : “ He ... wanted to give them a message of hope that it ’ s OK that this virus is out there .
God is out there , too , and we believe that God will protect us.
” The virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to black people , who have suffered from COVID-19 at disproportionate rates .
In cities and counties across the U.S. , they have died from the disease at the highest rates , and in some cities comprise all known COVID deaths .
No matter where you believe God is , what you believe God sees , or who you believe God saves , one message should be overwhelmingly clear by now : your earthly behind is safest if you stay at home .

A week before Virginia implemented a statewide stay-at-home order, Bishop Gerald Glenn of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Chesterfield held services.
As CNN reports, Glenn told worshippers: “I firmly believe that God is larger than this dreaded virus.” He added that he was not afraid of death.
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On April 12—Easter Sunday—the church announced that Bishop had died of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. That is, unfortunately, not where the bad news ends for Bishop Glenn and his family.
CNN is now reporting that four of his relatives have tested positive for the virus: Glenn’s daughter, Mar-Gerie Crawley, her mother, her sister, and her husband. Crawley told CNN anchor Chris Cuomo this week that the family has been too busy caring for the sick members to be able to mourn the passing of Bishop Glenn.
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Glenn was among many pastors who received criticism for continuing to hold in-person church services, even as states across the U.S. had already shuttered non-essential businesses and limited the sizes of gatherings, per instruction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Virginia had not passed a stay-at-home mandate at the time Glenn held services, but other churches in the commonwealth, including the influential Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, had decided to completely shut down in-person events weeks before.
Crawley defended her father’s decision to Cuomo, insisting that he took proper precautions during the late March service.
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“When he decided to have services, he was very clear in posting signs and having hand sanitizer, and wearing gloves and not congregating with people after service, during service,” Crawley said. “People were asked to sit six feet apart. Family members sat together. That’s it. After service, there was no talking and hanging around. Everyone left.”
Bishop Glenn held the service in order to give congregants hope as they faced uncertain times, Crawley said:
“He ... wanted to give them a message of hope that it’s OK that this virus is out there. God is out there, too, and we believe that God will protect us.”
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The virus, of course, has not been kind to black people, who have suffered from COVID-19 at disproportionate rates. In cities and counties across the U.S., they have died from the disease at the highest rates, and in some cities comprise all known COVID deaths.
No matter where you believe God is, what you believe God sees, or who you believe God saves, one message should be overwhelmingly clear by now: your earthly behind is safest if you stay at home.


theroot--2020-04-17--The Root Jams Weekly Playlist (4/17/2020): "A Lovely Day"

One thing we have a lot of here at The Root is music enthusiasts .
We even have a Grammy-nominated artist ( The Glow Up Managing Editor Maisyha Kai ) amongst our ranks .
The musical appreciation runs deep .
Once upon a time not long ago , The Root created weekly music playlists , curated by the staff and upped onto Spotify .
It ’ s been a while since that was the order of the day , but it ’ s a new dawn , it ’ s a new day so welcome back welcome back welcoooooooome back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themed , staff-curated playlist will go up on The Root ’ s Spotify .
The song list will also be included here along with the staffers who selected the songs .
This week ’ s theme is “ A Lovely Day , ” both in honor of and in memoriam for Bill Withers who passed away on March 30 , 2020 , and includes songs that make us think of “ a lovely day , ” so named after one of Bill Withers ’ most famous and uplifting tunes .
Who couldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now ?
Enjoy !
The Delfonics “ Ready or Not Here I Come ( Can ’ t Hide from Love ) “ The Notorious B.I.G .
“ Sky is the Limit ” The Dove Shack “ Summertime in the LBC ” Bill Withers “ I Want to Spend the Night ”

One thing we have a lot of here at The Root is music enthusiasts. We even have a Grammy-nominated artist (The Glow Up Managing Editor Maisyha Kai) amongst our ranks. The musical appreciation runs deep. Once upon a time not long ago, The Root created weekly music playlists, curated by the staff and upped onto Spotify. It’s been a while since that was the order of the day, but it’s a new dawn, it’s a new day so welcome back welcome back welcoooooooome back!
Every week on Friday, a themed, staff-curated playlist will go up on The Root’s Spotify. The song list will also be included here along with the staffers who selected the songs. This week’s theme is “A Lovely Day,” both in honor of and in memoriam for Bill Withers who passed away on March 30, 2020, and includes songs that make us think of “a lovely day,” so named after one of Bill Withers’ most famous and uplifting tunes. Who couldn’t use a lovely day right about now? Enjoy!
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Danielle Belton
The Brothers Johnson “Strawberry Letter 23”
Monique Judge
The Clark Sisters “You Brought The Sunshine”
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly “Golden Time of Day”
Corey Townsend
The Temptations “My Girl”
Minnie Riperton “Loving You”
Etta James “A Sunday Kind of Love”
Earth, Wind & Fire “September”
New Edition “Mr. Telephone Man”
Anne Branigin
Princess Nokia “Soul Food y Adobo”
The Delfonics “Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide from Love)“
Weldon Irvine “Morning Sunrise”
Wilson Simonal “Nem Vem Que Não Tem”
Jay Connor
Sounds of Blackness “Optimistic”
The Winans “Paradise”
Blackstreet - Happy Song (Tonite)
The Notorious B.I.G. “Sky is the Limit”
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince “Summertime”
The Dove Shack “Summertime in the LBC”
Bill Withers “I Want to Spend the Night”
Jodeci “Get On Up”
Maiysha Kai
Bill Withers “Use Me”
Natalie Cole “La Costa”
Aretha Franklin “Day Dreaming”
Mary J. Blige “Beautiful Ones”
Emily King “Distance”
Joe Jurado
Gil Scott-Heron “I Think I’ll Call It Morning”
Tonja Stidhum
Stevie Wonder “Sir Duke”
Michael Harriot
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly “Happy Feelings”
Ice Cube “It Was a Good Day”
The Roots “Lazy Afternoon”
Felice Leon
Nina Simona “Here Comes the Sun”
Genetta Adams
Johnny Kemp “Just Got Paid”
Saskia Kercy
Jill Scott “A Long Walk”
Panama Jackson
The Originals “Sunrise”
Roy Ayers Ubiquity “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”
Destiny’s Child “Free”
The Blackbyrds “Mysterious Vibes”
Amel Larrieux “For Real”
Mahalia feat. Ella Mai “What You Did”
PJ Rickards
DeBarge “I Like It”
John Holt “It’s A Jam In The Street”


theroot--2020-04-17--Trailer Roundup: We Go From Paris to Politics By Visiting The Eddy ... And She Could Be Next to Pres

Trailer Roundup: We Go From Paris to Politics By Visiting The Eddy ... And She Could Be Next to Preserve Our Democracy

I swear the only way I know the exact day of the week these days is because of these weekly trailer roundups—Happy Friday !
Let ’ s get into some trailers of note this week : Too Hot To Handle Season 1 Official Trailer / Netflix ( YouTube ) First Impressions : Netflix has been killing the game with reality show content lately with Love Is Blind and The Circle .
It looks like the streaming platform is continuing its penchant for restricting certain aspects as a plot device and having their contestants restrain from any sexual activity ( that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) to win some cash .
And yes , everyone is unbelievably hot .
That ’ s what makes it a competition , I suppose !
And they ’ re British , to boot , which adds hot points .
First Impressions : I have no idea what ’ s happening here ( seriously , past the point where the elderly man died and left the couple his huge house , I ’ m lost ) , but I ’ m pretty sure Jessie Usher will be involved in a twist somehow .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ twist , right ?
!
First Impressions : 90s wigs !
90s fashions !
Other than that , the first thing I noticed was the fact Salt and Pepa were listed as executive producers , which means this isn ’ t your typical unauthorized Lifetime biopic .
Well , I mean , I ’ m sure there may be some Spinderella complications arising , but we ’ ll ride that horse when we get there .
First Impressions : The theme of the season will be “ Old School vs. New School ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is hilarious .
We got Chance the Rapper , Da Baby , Marsai Martin , Doja Cat , Bone Thugs-N-Harmony , Naughty By Nature , Tommy Davison… and Montel Williams ?
!
And that ’ s only part of the list .
Also , this shit really has been on for 15 seasons .
Nick Cannon be doing the damn thing .
First Impressions : La La Land who ?
!
Oh wait , it ’ s the same director .
Anyway , this is an André Holland stan Kinja account so y @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excited to see more of him .
Plus , he ’ s speaking French because it ’ s set in Paris ?
!
Girl .
My body is ready .
Overall , it just looks pretty damn intriguing .
And She Could Be Next ( PBS ; Release Date : June 28 , 2020 ) Official Trailer - And She Could Be Next / POV ( YouTube ) First Impressions : This one is obviously timely as it highlights the importance of marginalized groups leading the movement in government in order to truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historic and ground-shaking 2018 midterm elections , the doc features political candidates such as Stacey Abrams and Rashida Tlaib .
Plus , you may see a familiar name in the Executive Producer list—none other than Ava DuVernay .

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

I swear the only way I know the exact day of the week these days is because of these weekly trailer roundups—Happy Friday!
Let’s get into some trailers of note this week:
Too Hot To Handle (Netflix; Release Date: April 17, 2020)
Too Hot To Handle Season 1 Official Trailer / Netflix (YouTube)
First Impressions: Netflix has been killing the game with reality show content lately with Love Is Blind and The Circle. It looks like the streaming platform is continuing its penchant for restricting certain aspects as a plot device and having their contestants restrain from any sexual activity (that includes kissing, heavy-petting or any self-gratification) to win some cash. And yes, everyone is unbelievably hot. That’s what makes it a competition, I suppose! And they’re British, to boot, which adds hot points.
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Dangerous Lies (Netflix; Release Date: April 30, 2020)
Dangerous Lies Official Trailer / Netflix (YouTube)
First Impressions: I have no idea what’s happening here (seriously, past the point where the elderly man died and left the couple his huge house, I’m lost), but I’m pretty sure Jessie Usher will be involved in a twist somehow. There’s gotta be a twist, right?!
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Salt-n-Pepa (Lifetime; Release Date: Coming Soon)
Salt-N-Pepa Biopic Trailer #1 / ET (YouTube)
First Impressions: 90s wigs! 90s fashions! Other than that, the first thing I noticed was the fact Salt and Pepa were listed as executive producers, which means this isn’t your typical unauthorized Lifetime biopic. Well, I mean, I’m sure there may be some Spinderella complications arising, but we’ll ride that horse when we get there.
Advertisement
Wild ‘N Out (VH1; Season 15 Release Date: April 21, 2020)
Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘N Out / VH1 (YouTube)
First Impressions: The theme of the season will be “Old School vs. New School” and the random-ness of the announced cast is hilarious. We got Chance the Rapper, Da Baby, Marsai Martin, Doja Cat, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Naughty By Nature, Tommy Davison… and Montel Williams?! And that’s only part of the list. Also, this shit really has been on for 15 seasons. Nick Cannon be doing the damn thing.
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The Eddy (Netflix; Release Date: May 8, 2020)
The Eddy Official Trailer / Netflix (YouTube)
First Impressions: La La Land who?! Oh wait, it’s the same director. Anyway, this is an André Holland stan Kinja account so y’all know I’m extra excited to see more of him. Plus, he’s speaking French because it’s set in Paris?! Girl. My body is ready. Overall, it just looks pretty damn intriguing.
Advertisement
And She Could Be Next (PBS; Release Date: June 28, 2020)
Official Trailer - And She Could Be Next / POV (YouTube)
First Impressions: This one is obviously timely as it highlights the importance of marginalized groups leading the movement in government in order to truly preserve our democracy. Filmed during the historic and ground-shaking 2018 midterm elections, the doc features political candidates such as Stacey Abrams and Rashida Tlaib. Plus, you may see a familiar name in the Executive Producer list—none other than Ava DuVernay.
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‘Til next time, family. Stay safe.


theroot--2020-04-17--Social Distancing Celebrations Just Got Prettier With 20% off UrbanStems Select Bouquets

I never realized how many of my friends had birthdays and anniversaries near one another until social distancing went into action .
I think we ’ ve all been on at least one Zoom or House Party birthday call so far .
I was on three this week !
Quarantine has offered a whole host of issues in trying to celebrate our loved one ’ s special day .
Time to get creative because I ’ m tired of sending more alcohol .
UrbanStems is here to the rescue .
Now through the 26th , you can get 20 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Flowers are a literal beautiful gesture to let your fam or pals know you ’ re thinking of them during these very weird times .
And they can be used for basically any occasion .
Since we are spending more time at home might as well send something pretty for your favorites to enjoy .
They even have plants to send your ‘ Plant Momma/Plant Dad ’ friends !
Browse , buy , send , and make someone ’ s day .
The best part is you know they ’ ll be @ @ @ @

20% off Select Bouquets | UrbanStems | Promo code KinjaUS
I never realized how many of my friends had birthdays and anniversaries near one another until social distancing went into action. I think we’ve all been on at least one Zoom or House Party birthday call so far. I was on three this week! Quarantine has offered a whole host of issues in trying to celebrate our loved one’s special day. Time to get creative because I’m tired of sending more alcohol. UrbanStems is here to the rescue.
Now through the 26th, you can get 20% off select bouquets with the code KinjaUS. Flowers are a literal beautiful gesture to let your fam or pals know you’re thinking of them during these very weird times. And they can be used for basically any occasion. Since we are spending more time at home might as well send something pretty for your favorites to enjoy.
They even have plants to send your ‘Plant Momma/Plant Dad’ friends! Browse, buy, send, and make someone’s day. The best part is you know they’ll be home for delivery.


theroot--2020-04-17--Thanks to Black Women, There's More Political Interest In Fixing Black Maternal Care Than Ever Befor

Thanks to Black Women, There's More Political Interest In Fixing Black Maternal Care Than Ever Before

Racial disparities in maternal care have been an issue for decades—and for decades , many politicians were content with ignoring the issue or made decisions that actively exacerbated inequality .
But in recent years , there has been a sea change nationwide as more elected officials at every level of government have committed themselves to addressing black maternal care .
Not surprisingly , the driving force behind this newfound political will are black women .
Congressional Reps. Lauren Underwood ( D-Ill. ) and Alma Adams ( D-N.C. ) founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus last year to elevate the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the most recent statistics , black mothers will die from pregnancy-related causes at 2.5 times the rate of white women .
This is actually an improvement over the preceding decade , where black mothers died at 3 to 4 times the rate of white mothers—the largest gap between all races and ethnicities in the U.S .
The Black Maternal Health Caucus created a coalition of representatives eager to track the racial disparities and develop evidence-based , community-focused policy solutions to improve maternal health outcomes among black parents .
As the Caucus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has added more than 100 congresspeople from both sides of the aisle to its cause .
Last month , the caucus , led by Reps. Underwood and Adams , alongside Rep. Ayanna Pressley ( D-Mass . )
, and Sen. Kamala Harris ( D-Calif. ) , unveiled a groundbreaking set of proposals designed to “ comprehensively improve ” health outcomes for black parents and their infants .
The legislation comprises nine individual bills with distinct goals and populations .
Among them are providing funding to community-based organizations working to improve maternal health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing and diversifying the perinatal workforce ( meaning , making sure people of all backgrounds are represented in medical care , as well as birth care—which includes doulas and midwives ) ; extending and improving maternal care for people who are incarcerated ; and improving data collection so the maternal health crisis can be properly tracked .
“ The Momnibus provides a new roadmap to ensure our healthcare systems , providers , and society truly make black maternal and infant health a priority .
This legislation says , unequivocally , that black moms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time .
Despite the novel coronavirus dominating much of the news cycle this week , the caucus recently hosted a teleconference to mark Black Maternal Health Week and discuss the progress it has made on ensuring fair , equitable care .
There has also been substantial movement on maternal care at the state and local level .
At a gathering of progressive elected officials held earlier last year , a number of black women listed the maternal health gap as a key concern of theirs .
One of them , Maryland State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bills last year that track maternal mortality more robustly than in years prior : requiring pregnancy-related deaths to be broken down by race in all reporting , requiring oversight programs to deliver recommendations for reducing the number of maternal deaths , and allowing counties to build local teams to further study pregnancy-related deaths in their area .
This is a necessary response to an onslaught of legislation that has placed black families—and black mothers in particular—at risk , like the ongoing erosion of programs like Medicaid , nutrition assistance , or Temporary Assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies that have stifled the economic growth of black families for generations , black households are overrepresented in terms of relying on these programs to stay healthy .
But maternal care is an issue that cuts across class and education levels .
And as Sen. Harris recently pointed out in her op-ed series for Essence , the same chronic conditions that make COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , more deadly for African Americans , also make childbirth more risky .
Black patients of all backgrounds also have to confront medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We must acknowledge that there are two problems when it comes to black maternal mortality : ongoing systematic disparities and implicit bias .
And we need solutions to address both , ” Harris wrote .
The California senator reintroduced her Maternal CARE Act to the Senate last year .
The bill includes $ 25 million in direct funding to medical schools , nursing schools , and other health professional training programs that implement evidence-based implicit bias training , so health care providers can better treat black parents .
Bills like these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implores .
“ Black women can ’ t afford not to be heard when their lives and babies are on the line , but they especially can ’ t afford to be shut out when we are going through a pandemic , ” wrote Harris .
Systemic problems require bold , visionary changes .
As of last year , the U.S. was one of only 13 countries in the world where maternal mortality rates were worse than they were 25 years ago .
Making healthcare kinder and safer for black parents means ensuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and the kinds of policies and resources that make this possible are the very same solutions that make Americans of all backgrounds healthier .
Thanks to a growing crop of black women in leadership , we finally have a real shot at reversing the tide .

Anne Branigin on The Glow Up, shared by Anne Branigin to The Root

Racial disparities in maternal care have been an issue for decades—and for decades, many politicians were content with ignoring the issue or made decisions that actively exacerbated inequality. But in recent years, there has been a sea change nationwide as more elected officials at every level of government have committed themselves to addressing black maternal care. Not surprisingly, the driving force behind this newfound political will are black women.
Congressional Reps. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) and Alma Adams (D-N.C.) founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus last year to elevate the issue of maternal disparities on Capitol Hill. According to the most recent statistics, black mothers will die from pregnancy-related causes at 2.5 times the rate of white women. This is actually an improvement over the preceding decade, where black mothers died at 3 to 4 times the rate of white mothers—the largest gap between all races and ethnicities in the U.S.
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The Black Maternal Health Caucus created a coalition of representatives eager to track the racial disparities and develop evidence-based, community-focused policy solutions to improve maternal health outcomes among black parents. As the Caucus recently announced, in just one year it has added more than 100 congresspeople from both sides of the aisle to its cause.
Last month, the caucus, led by Reps. Underwood and Adams, alongside Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), unveiled a groundbreaking set of proposals designed to “comprehensively improve” health outcomes for black parents and their infants.
Advertisement Advertisement
The legislation comprises nine individual bills with distinct goals and populations. Among them are providing funding to community-based organizations working to improve maternal health outcomes, especially for black women; growing and diversifying the perinatal workforce (meaning, making sure people of all backgrounds are represented in medical care, as well as birth care—which includes doulas and midwives); extending and improving maternal care for people who are incarcerated; and improving data collection so the maternal health crisis can be properly tracked.
Advertisement
“The Momnibus provides a new roadmap to ensure our healthcare systems, providers, and society truly make black maternal and infant health a priority. This legislation says, unequivocally, that black moms matter,” Rep. Adams said at the time. Despite the novel coronavirus dominating much of the news cycle this week, the caucus recently hosted a teleconference to mark Black Maternal Health Week and discuss the progress it has made on ensuring fair, equitable care.
There has also been substantial movement on maternal care at the state and local level. At a gathering of progressive elected officials held earlier last year, a number of black women listed the maternal health gap as a key concern of theirs. One of them, Maryland State Rep. Jheanelle Wilkins, successfully passed two bills last year that track maternal mortality more robustly than in years prior: requiring pregnancy-related deaths to be broken down by race in all reporting, requiring oversight programs to deliver recommendations for reducing the number of maternal deaths, and allowing counties to build local teams to further study pregnancy-related deaths in their area.
Advertisement
This is a necessary response to an onslaught of legislation that has placed black families—and black mothers in particular—at risk, like the ongoing erosion of programs like Medicaid, nutrition assistance, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Because of economic policies that have stifled the economic growth of black families for generations, black households are overrepresented in terms of relying on these programs to stay healthy.
Advertisement
But maternal care is an issue that cuts across class and education levels. And as Sen. Harris recently pointed out in her op-ed series for Essence, the same chronic conditions that make COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, more deadly for African Americans, also make childbirth more risky. Black patients of all backgrounds also have to confront medical bias when they are seeking out care.
“We must acknowledge that there are two problems when it comes to black maternal mortality: ongoing systematic disparities and implicit bias. And we need solutions to address both,” Harris wrote.
Advertisement
The California senator reintroduced her Maternal CARE Act to the Senate last year. The bill includes $25 million in direct funding to medical schools, nursing schools, and other health professional training programs that implement evidence-based implicit bias training, so health care providers can better treat black parents. Bills like these are more urgent than ever, Harris implores.
“Black women can’t afford not to be heard when their lives and babies are on the line, but they especially can’t afford to be shut out when we are going through a pandemic,” wrote Harris.
Advertisement
Systemic problems require bold, visionary changes. As of last year, the U.S. was one of only 13 countries in the world where maternal mortality rates were worse than they were 25 years ago. Making healthcare kinder and safer for black parents means ensuring the health and safety of black children; and the kinds of policies and resources that make this possible are the very same solutions that make Americans of all backgrounds healthier. Thanks to a growing crop of black women in leadership, we finally have a real shot at reversing the tide.