theroot--2020-08-10--Here's Some Songs, Presented Today for No Reason Whatsoever, About PHAD (Presumably Hard-Ass Dicks)

Was a very popular club song in college .
I don ’ t listen to the words of R & B songs , so didn ’ t realize it was about hard dicks until years later .
Many years later .
Too many years later .
Like last year .
Another college-related memory is the look on the team chaplain ’ s face that time we played this in the locker room .
Both horrified and curious .
Curified .
Horrious .
7 .
“ Put It In Your Mouth ” Akineke “ Ding-a-Ling ” is the second funniest word @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ schlong.
” “ Member ” is the least .
There are so many rock ‘ n ’ roll songs about dicks that it should be called , um , Dick ‘ n ’ Roll .
( Actually , apparently Cock ‘ n ’ Roll is an actual term that people use .
I learned so much about dick songs today . )
23 .
“ Too Many Dicks On The Dance Floor ” Flight of the Concords Another song I didn ’ t realize was about dicks until years later .
My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
27 .
“ Slob on My Knob ” Tear da Club Up Thugs The song is memorable because of Nature ’ s hook—which reminds me that , for an eight-month span in 1998 , I thought Nature was all the best parts of Nas and Jay-Z put together .
I also drink a lot of Mountain Dew that year .
I will never forgive myself for researching songs about dicks this morning , discovering that this song exists , and willingly listening to Flo Rida in 2020 .
32 .
“ Untitled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D ’ Angelo I remembered this video being nothing but women on mechanical horses .
But after rewatching it , there are only two women on the horses .
Most of the video is just Ginuwine air-humping on stage while an arbitrarily diverse group of bar patrons order appetizers .
I love the ‘ 90s .
***Safaree made an addition to this sizable canon today , with his “ WAP ’ -inspired remix “ B.A.D.
” These niggas need hobbies !
***

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

1. “Too Close” Next
Was a very popular club song in college. I don’t listen to the words of R&B songs, so didn’t realize it was about hard dicks until years later. Many years later. Too many years later. Like last year.
2. “Magic Stick” 50 Cent
3. “Dogshit” Ol’ Dirty Bastard
Another college-related memory is the look on the team chaplain’s face that time we played this in the locker room. Both horrified and curious. Curified. Horrious.
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4. “Wildflower” Ghostface Killa
5. “Mr. Bozack” EPMD
6. “Jimmy” Boogie Down Productions
7. “Put It In Your Mouth” Akineke
8. “Mr Big Dick” Schooly D
9. “Whole Lotta Love” Led Zeppelin
10. “My Ding-a-Ling” Chuck Berry
“Ding-a-Ling” is the second funniest word for “penis,” next to “schlong.” “Member” is the least.
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11. “Lollipop” Lil Wayne
12. “Wait” (The Whisper Song) Ying Yang Twins
13. “My Dick, My Sac” Too Short
14. “Chocolate Salty Balls” Isaac Hayes
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
15. “A Big Hunk O’ Love” Elvis Presley
16. “Soft & Wet” Prince
17. “Pushin’ Inside of You” Sons of Funk
18. “Big Ten Inch Record” Aerosmith
There are so many rock ‘n’ roll songs about dicks that it should be called, um, Dick ‘n’ Roll. (Actually, apparently Cock ‘n’ Roll is an actual term that people use. I learned so much about dick songs today.)
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19. “Dick in a Box” The Lonely Island
20. “I’m in It” Kanye West
21. “Make Her Say” Kid Cudi
22. “Brain” N.E.R.D.
23. “Too Many Dicks On The Dance Floor” Flight of the Concords
24. “Suck It or Not” Cam’Ron
25. “Horse and Carriage” Cam’Ron
Another song I didn’t realize was about dicks until years later. My ear for dick songs needs some work!
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26. “Just Don’t Bite It” N.W.A.
27. “Slob on My Knob” Tear da Club Up Thugs
28. “HED” N.O.R.E.
The song is memorable because of Nature’s hook—which reminds me that, for an eight-month span in 1998, I thought Nature was all the best parts of Nas and Jay-Z put together. I also drink a lot of Mountain Dew that year.
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29. “Dead Wrong” Notorious B.I.G.
30. “Walk on the Wild Side” Lou Reed
31. “Whistle” Flo Rida
I will never forgive myself for researching songs about dicks this morning, discovering that this song exists, and willingly listening to Flo Rida in 2020.
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32. “Untitled” (How Does It Feel) D’Angelo
33. “Whatz Ya Phone #” 2Pac
34. “Strokin” Clarence Carter
35. “Pony” Ginuwine
I remembered this video being nothing but women on mechanical horses. But after rewatching it, there are only two women on the horses. Most of the video is just Ginuwine air-humping on stage while an arbitrarily diverse group of bar patrons order appetizers. I love the ‘90s.
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***Safaree made an addition to this sizable canon today, with his “WAP’-inspired remix “B.A.D.” These niggas need hobbies!***


theroot--2020-08-10--Mid-American Conference Postpones Fall Sports; NFL Could Take Over Saturdays If College Football Is

Mid-American Conference Postpones Fall Sports; NFL Could Take Over Saturdays If College Football Is Gone

Mere days after UConn became the first major college football program to graciously bow out of playing this season due to the coronavirus , the Mid-American Conference—yes , an entire conference—will follow suit .
In a statement posted on Twitter , the conference announced that it will postpone its football season until the 2021 spring semester in order to preserve the health and safety of its student-athletes .
“ This was not an easy decision but one that we had to make in the best interest of our student-athletes , coaches and institutions , ” David Sayler , MAC Chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Miami Director of Athletics , said in a statement .
“ It is our responsibility to give our student-athletes an experience that allows them to participate at the highest level in the safest manner possible .
After consulting with our Medical Advisory Panel , we felt there were just too many unknowns surrounding the pandemic for us to proceed with the fall season.
” A favorite of ESPN and CBS Sports viewers , # MACtion will certainly be missed this fall .
More importantly , this decision could persuade more powerful conferences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do the same , which would cause the entire NCAA landscape to implode .
And with Pac-12 presidents and chancellors set to meet on Tuesday , according to ESPN , a decision to pull the plug could be imminent .
“ Nobody wanted to be the first to do it , ” a Power 5 coach told ESPN , “ and now nobody will want to be the last.
” “ It feels like no one wants to , ” A Power 5 administrator said , “ but it ’ s reaching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to.
” There ’ s also this scary bit of info , courtesy of ESPN : Sources said team physicians around the sport are noticing cases of myocarditis , an inflammation of the heart muscle caused by viral infection , in college athletes who have had COVID-19 .
College administrators last week saw the Facebook post from Debbie Rucker , mother of Indiana offensive lineman Brady Feeney , who wrote that her son was still dealing with potential heart problems .
“ What we don ’ t know was really haunting us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our final decision , ” [ Northern Illinois athletic director Sean ] Frazier said .
“ That ’ s part of the data that our presidents used .
This mom gave us a play-by-play .
That stuff is extremely scary.
” Between this and all the chaos going on in Major League Baseball , you would think the NFL would reconsider its plans to move forward with its upcoming season , but nope .
As callous as it sounds , the NFL is actually looking to capitalize on college football ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means in the middle of a global pandemic that ’ s threatening the health and safety of billions of people , the NFL will be churning out four days of football a week : Thursday Night Football , Saturday , Sunday and Monday Night Football .
I can ’ t say I ’ m surprised , but I guess the NFL will be keeping an eye on college football ’ s demise like the rest of us .
Expect some big announcements in the coming days .

Mere days after UConn became the first major college football program to graciously bow out of playing this season due to the coronavirus, the Mid-American Conference—yes, an entire conference—will follow suit.
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In a statement posted on Twitter, the conference announced that it will postpone its football season until the 2021 spring semester in order to preserve the health and safety of its student-athletes.
“This was not an easy decision but one that we had to make in the best interest of our student-athletes, coaches and institutions,” David Sayler, MAC Chair of the Council of Director of Athletics and Miami Director of Athletics, said in a statement. “It is our responsibility to give our student-athletes an experience that allows them to participate at the highest level in the safest manner possible. After consulting with our Medical Advisory Panel, we felt there were just too many unknowns surrounding the pandemic for us to proceed with the fall season.”
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A favorite of ESPN and CBS Sports viewers, #MACtion will certainly be missed this fall. More importantly, this decision could persuade more powerful conferences like the Big Ten and Pac-12 to do the same, which would cause the entire NCAA landscape to implode. And with Pac-12 presidents and chancellors set to meet on Tuesday, according to ESPN, a decision to pull the plug could be imminent.
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“Nobody wanted to be the first to do it,” a Power 5 coach told ESPN, “and now nobody will want to be the last.”
“It feels like no one wants to,” A Power 5 administrator said, “but it’s reaching the point where someone is going to have to.”
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There’s also this scary bit of info, courtesy of ESPN:
Sources said team physicians around the sport are noticing cases of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle caused by viral infection, in college athletes who have had COVID-19. College administrators last week saw the Facebook post from Debbie Rucker, mother of Indiana offensive lineman Brady Feeney, who wrote that her son was still dealing with potential heart problems. “What we don’t know was really haunting us, and that’s why we came to our final decision,” [Northern Illinois athletic director Sean] Frazier said. “That’s part of the data that our presidents used. This mom gave us a play-by-play. That stuff is extremely scary.”
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Between this and all the chaos going on in Major League Baseball, you would think the NFL would reconsider its plans to move forward with its upcoming season, but nope. As callous as it sounds, the NFL is actually looking to capitalize on college football’s potential absence.
From ProFootballTalk:
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the NFL likely will move games from Sundays to Saturday, if college football doesn’t proceed this season. It’s unclear whether the games would be broadcast, streamed, or distributed on a pay-per-view basis, but the league likely would backfill the vacant Saturday windows with NFL content.
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So yes, that means in the middle of a global pandemic that’s threatening the health and safety of billions of people, the NFL will be churning out four days of football a week: Thursday Night Football, Saturday, Sunday and Monday Night Football.
I can’t say I’m surprised, but I guess the NFL will be keeping an eye on college football’s demise like the rest of us. Expect some big announcements in the coming days.


theroot--2020-08-10--L.A. County Sheriff Deputies Aim Guns at Black Teenagers They Were Called to Protect, Ignoring Pleas

L.A. County Sheriff Deputies Aim Guns at Black Teenagers They Were Called to Protect, Ignoring Pleas of Bystanders

“ Everybody hates cops until they need one.
” - Wypipo proverb .
The problem with that sentence—which the Blue Lives Matter crowd keeps in their pockets to throw out every time there is any discussion about the racist misconduct of police officers—is that it only highlights the fact that while the lived experiences of white people teach them to regard police officers as heroes to be respected at all times , Black people ’ s lived experience gives us a different attitude : We hate cops even when we need them .
On Friday , L.A. County Sheriff ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of why many Black people would rather avoid the police even when we need their help : T hey pulled their guns on a group of Black teenagers in Santa Clarita , Calif. , who were reportedly being attacked by a homeless man with a knife .
In video footage of the incident taken by bystanders , officers can be seen pointing guns and rifles at the teens , even as onlookers try repeatedly to tell them the boys they ’ re aiming at are actually the victims of the violence they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be heard shouting at them to “ get away from me ” while ignoring their pleas for him and other officers to stop pointing their guns at the terrified teens .
The L.A. County Sheriff ’ s Department told TMZ that officers responded to a call described as an assault with a deadly weapon by two adult males hitting another man with a skateboard .
The mother of one of the teens is calling bullshit on that .
Tammi Collins , the mother of one of the teens , says her son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a bus stop when a homeless man asked if they had any crack and then tried to steal their stuff .
She says the man became super aggro , ripped his shirt off and pulled a knife on them , and attempted to stab them .
She says the kids fended the man off with their skateboards .
Tammi says several 911 calls were placed and all but one claimed the boys were the victims , but one caller , she says , told the dispatcher “ two black guys were attacking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radio station KHTS , police said that an “ uncooperative ” crowd gathered near Buffalo Wild Wings—where the altercation took place—and that prompted them to call for backup .
So basically , the cops responded to “ uncooperative ” people who the video shows were only asking them to stop pointing their guns at the victims of an assault , by calling more cops to the scene ... who also pointed their guns at the victims , according to witnesses .
Even if it ’ s true that they “ received a call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a skateboard , ” as Lt. Ethan Marquez with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’ s Station claims , that doesn ’ t explain why they ignored all the people explaining to them clearly that the teens were not the attackers .
A woman claiming to be the manager of the Buffalo Wild Wings and also the person who called them to the scene can be heard trying to explain that they were pulling guns on the wrong people .
KHTS reports that officers had detained two “ suspects ” who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unclear if the homeless man who reportedly started all of this was ever found .
According to KHTS the investigation into the alleged assault on the teens is still ongoing .

“Everybody hates cops until they need one.” - Wypipo proverb.
The problem with that sentence—which the Blue Lives Matter crowd keeps in their pockets to throw out every time there is any discussion about the racist misconduct of police officers—is that it only highlights the fact that while the lived experiences of white people teach them to regard police officers as heroes to be respected at all times, Black people’s lived experience gives us a different attitude: We hate cops even when we need them.
On Friday, L.A. County Sheriff’s deputies gave us a picture-perfect example of why many Black people would rather avoid the police even when we need their help: T hey pulled their guns on a group of Black teenagers in Santa Clarita, Calif., who were reportedly being attacked by a homeless man with a knife.
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In video footage of the incident taken by bystanders, officers can be seen pointing guns and rifles at the teens, even as onlookers try repeatedly to tell them the boys they’re aiming at are actually the victims of the violence they were called to protect against. An officer can be heard shouting at them to “get away from me” while ignoring their pleas for him and other officers to stop pointing their guns at the terrified teens.
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The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department told TMZ that officers responded to a call described as an assault with a deadly weapon by two adult males hitting another man with a skateboard. The mother of one of the teens is calling bullshit on that.
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From TMZ:
Tammi Collins, the mother of one of the teens, says her son and a couple of friends were sitting at a bus stop when a homeless man asked if they had any crack and then tried to steal their stuff. She says the man became super aggro, ripped his shirt off and pulled a knife on them, and attempted to stab them. She says the kids fended the man off with their skateboards. Tammi says several 911 calls were placed and all but one claimed the boys were the victims, but one caller, she says, told the dispatcher “two black guys were attacking a homeless man.”
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According to local radio station KHTS, police said that an “uncooperative” crowd gathered near Buffalo Wild Wings—where the altercation took place—and that prompted them to call for backup.
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So basically, the cops responded to “uncooperative” people who the video shows were only asking them to stop pointing their guns at the victims of an assault, by calling more cops to the scene...who also pointed their guns at the victims, according to witnesses.
Even if it’s true that they “received a call regarding an assault with a deadly weapon, a skateboard,” as Lt. Ethan Marquez with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station claims , that doesn’t explain why they ignored all the people explaining to them clearly that the teens were not the attackers. A woman claiming to be the manager of the Buffalo Wild Wings and also the person who called them to the scene can be heard trying to explain that they were pulling guns on the wrong people.
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KHTS reports that officers had detained two “suspects” who have since been released. It’s unclear if the homeless man who reportedly started all of this was ever found. According to KHTS the investigation into the alleged assault on the teens is still ongoing.


theroot--2020-08-10--Play The Healing Game

Play The Healing Game

Prior to COVID , I ’ d have all of these speaking gigs and book events all across the country ; shit was sweet .
You know , way back when getting bipped-up—that ’ s how you say haircut in Baldamore—was normal and I used to order a clean one against-the-grain , leaving-just-enough-hair-to-brush type of fade before every event .
And then a few hours later , after the bip , I ’ d check notes and crack open a new beater to go underneath a new black Polo t-shirt from the classic 3-pack and slide all of that on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or hotel room ) —seconds before strolling into a venue and watching some person , some organizer , proudly read off a list my accomplishments from a customized bio that sounds better than the one on my site .
And right there , at that moment , while they were still reading , I used to stop .
I used to take a minute , and I used to smile .
Not a wide noticeable cheesy grin , but a subtle smirk , kind of like the look white people shoot at you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” after you speak first .
My smirk attempts to deflate that “ How in the fuck did I make it here ?
” ball of anxiety that bounces around inside of me as I leave my seat and bop over towards the podium to shake the introducer ’ s hand .
And then I look at the collage of faces in the room , sometimes all Black , sometimes all white , sometimes diverse—in the MFA lounge , or in a musty high school gym , or propped up on a book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tan-colored resource room—still wondering “ W hy me ?
” and how the many or few participants ended up here as well , eager to listen to a former crack dealer , barely out of east Baltimore ’ s semi-automatic era , turned author .
I wash away any remaining doubt by remembering that I ’ m the author of a bestseller and a professor who paid his dues .
And earned this before delivering a political joke , a race joke , or a political race joke .
Or before reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more jokes , some “ me ” jokes , my corner store analysis on race and the “ Thanks you s , ” as lines form at the microphones set up for questions .
There , nervous or aggressive attendees ask me about my writing process , wondering if I burn candles , wear a velvet smoking jacket and puff on a pipe while drinking Hennessey out of a champagne flute or some shit ( I don ’ t ) .
Sometimes they ask quirky questions about people from my books , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s not nonfiction , as if those people and their trauma aren ’ t very real .
They always ( always ) ask about my mental health , my PTSD and what that means to me .
After I published that essay , my email accounts , my DMs and texts flooded with people recommending and offering me therapy or appointments with their therapist and advice on how great my life would be if I played the healing game .
Even the question-askers who lined up at the microphones during events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their therapists .
And honestly , I do think about going .
I imagine that I ’ d choose a Black therapist , a woman because I tend to trust women more than men and find them easier to talk to .
I ’ d pay in cash because I ’ m from the therapy-is-only-for-white-people generation and according to They , “ You don ’ t want those therapy visits on your record , people will think you are crazy !
” Mind you , I don ’ t know who “ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this record They speak of .
Anyway , I ’ d have my cash ready and I ’ d definitely wear my glasses , the same way I wear them to court , or anything important really because society has historically shown favor to Black people in glasses .
I ’ d arrive early , just so I could scope out the parking lot and see who enters and exits the building because the last thing I want is for They to see me .
When the coast is clear , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out and start my session .
I imagine the therapist would ask , “ So , why are you here ?
” and I would say something like “ My wife or the system , ” as they are the only two forces that could get me to attend .
She would probably laugh .
I wouldn ’ t lay on her couch or any couch in some office , even if it ’ s really clean , so I ’ d sit up straight on any chair that allowed me to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And then I ’ d wait for the array of “ What was your childhood like ?
” type of questions to come , just as they always do in the movies .
“ So , this is off the record , right ?
And no recording or writing anything down .
Ok ?
” I ’ d request .
If she agreed , I would dive into the bad days .
The mom who had kids too early .
The drunk , drug-addicted father .
The murder I witnessed at 5 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That uncle who molested that aunt and that cousin , and those family members who knew it happened and didn ’ t say or do anything .
Family who stole video games to sell for crack money .
My resentment towards all of them .
My anger , my attitude , my outburst , my addictions , my block , more murder , dad in rehab , dad relapsing , dad rolling out , mom ’ s tears after we cracked that uncle ’ s head , neglect , my guns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the abandoned kids , house raids , kidnaps , get-backs , failed everything and more death that would visit again and again and again .
Thinking about the loss harrows me , talking about it makes me physically ache so I would shift the conversations from my life to hers , from my past to her past , and my present—if she keeps leaning on my past .
People always ask me if writing is my therapy and I say , “ Yeah !
” without really thinking and that quick answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body of literary work is an accumulation of trauma I suffered , endured , created and survived ; however , I ’ m hyper-selective , I pick and choose what trauma I want to share with my audience , meaning that I have the luxury to promote what I want to be promoted and bury what I need to be buried .
That is not healing .
This therapist woman—let ’ s call her Mary—would see right through me .
She ’ d know when I ’ m stalling , she ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ d probably have the perfect language needed to challenge me , to pin me down and make me really deal with my shit .
“ Why do you think your mother never really hugged you ?
Why ’ d she let you leave home at such a young age ?
” Imaginary Mary would say , “ So how did you feel when you realized your t-shirt wasn ’ t enough to stop your friend from bleeding out ?
” And she ’ d skillfully force me deeper , down into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where I haven ’ t been , where secrets hide , where any and everything is always swallowed by shadows , including me .
And she ’ d make me stay there until I found answers or solutions or reasons or until I could climb out with forgiveness , apologies , understanding and saying things like , “ Mary you taught me how to give up hope for a better past !
I ’ m healed !
” With her guidance , I could finally escape my past and fully embrace my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about going , until I don ’ t .
My people are hurting , the people I love the most , the ones I serve and I can ’ t heal without them .
One could argue that a person can ’ t really help anybody if they aren ’ t properly taking care of themselves , but I ’ d push back with the many ways in which that pain binds us , allows us to see each other , allows us to connect .
Where I ’ m from , resilience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ d hate for Mary to take that away .
And I know that me doing these events , recommending therapy and healing in a way I don ’ t practice makes me a poser in a way but I ’ m more loyal to the suffering people on my block than I am to book fans .
I can only win when we all win , and right now , we are losing .
And when COVID dies and the book talks resume , I ’ ll still be offering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t plan on working on me until after a considerable amount of my people are able to play the healing game too .

D. Watkins on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Panama Jackson to The Root

Prior to COVID, I’d have all of these speaking gigs and book events all across the country; shit was sweet.
You know, way back when getting bipped-up—that’s how you say haircut in Baldamore—was normal and I used to order a clean one against-the-grain, leaving-just-enough-hair-to-brush type of fade before every event. And then a few hours later, after the bip, I’d check notes and crack open a new beater to go underneath a new black Polo t-shirt from the classic 3-pack and slide all of that on minutes before exiting my car (car or hotel room)—seconds before strolling into a venue and watching some person, some organizer, proudly read off a list my accomplishments from a customized bio that sounds better than the one on my site. And right there, at that moment, while they were still reading, I used to stop. I used to take a minute, and I used to smile. Not a wide noticeable cheesy grin, but a subtle smirk, kind of like the look white people shoot at you instead of saying, “Hello,” after you speak first.
Advertisement
My smirk attempts to deflate that “How in the fuck did I make it here?” ball of anxiety that bounces around inside of me as I leave my seat and bop over towards the podium to shake the introducer’s hand. And then I look at the collage of faces in the room, sometimes all Black, sometimes all white, sometimes diverse—in the MFA lounge, or in a musty high school gym, or propped up on a book store stage or at a jail in the tan-colored resource room—still wondering “W hy me?” and how the many or few participants ended up here as well, eager to listen to a former crack dealer, barely out of east Baltimore’s semi-automatic era, turned author.
I wash away any remaining doubt by remembering that I’m the author of a bestseller and a professor who paid his dues. And earned this before delivering a political joke, a race joke, or a political race joke. Or before reading a passage from one of my books, more jokes, some “me” jokes, my corner store analysis on race and the “Thanks you s,” as lines form at the microphones set up for questions. There, nervous or aggressive attendees ask me about my writing process, wondering if I burn candles, wear a velvet smoking jacket and puff on a pipe while drinking Hennessey out of a champagne flute or some shit (I don’t). Sometimes they ask quirky questions about people from my books, their favorite little characters, as if it’s not nonfiction, as if those people and their trauma aren’t very real. They always (always) ask about my mental health, my PTSD and what that means to me.
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In a recent Salon essay, I wrote:
“There’s no such thing as mental illness — that’s something white people subscribe to!” which was a refrain I heard so much from my family, that I used to believe it. Dudes from my city, my block, and even those who have frequented my household witnessed and participated in people snapping, losing control, attacking strangers, banging guns at crowds, and still, mental illness was considered to be a made-up thing. Older men in their mid-to-late 30s dating girls from my 10th grade geometry class like it was normal, and mental illness wasn’t real? Stories about older killers lurking around the park, guys we needed to stay away from, said to collect bodies like baseball cards and still, mental illness was not a real thing?
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After I published that essay, my email accounts, my DMs and texts flooded with people recommending and offering me therapy or appointments with their therapist and advice on how great my life would be if I played the healing game. Even the question-askers who lined up at the microphones during events were leaving business cards and coupons for their therapists. And honestly, I do think about going.
I imagine that I’d choose a Black therapist, a woman because I tend to trust women more than men and find them easier to talk to. I’d pay in cash because I’m from the therapy-is-only-for-white-people generation and according to They, “You don’t want those therapy visits on your record, people will think you are crazy!” Mind you, I don’t know who “They,” is and I never saw this record They speak of. Anyway, I’d have my cash ready and I’d definitely wear my glasses, the same way I wear them to court, or anything important really because society has historically shown favor to Black people in glasses. I’d arrive early, just so I could scope out the parking lot and see who enters and exits the building because the last thing I want is for They to see me. When the coast is clear, I’d check in, cash the receptionist out and start my session.
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I imagine the therapist would ask, “So, why are you here?” and I would say something like “My wife or the system,” as they are the only two forces that could get me to attend. She would probably laugh. I wouldn’t lay on her couch or any couch in some office, even if it’s really clean, so I’d sit up straight on any chair that allowed me to see the door and check for cameras. And then I’d wait for the array of “What was your childhood like?” type of questions to come, just as they always do in the movies.
“So, this is off the record, right? And no recording or writing anything down. Ok?” I’d request.
Advertisement
If she agreed, I would dive into the bad days. The mom who had kids too early. The drunk, drug-addicted father. The murder I witnessed at 5, 8 and 9 and again and again. That uncle who molested that aunt and that cousin, and those family members who knew it happened and didn’t say or do anything. Family who stole video games to sell for crack money. My resentment towards all of them. My anger, my attitude, my outburst, my addictions, my block, more murder, dad in rehab, dad relapsing, dad rolling out, mom’s tears after we cracked that uncle’s head, neglect, my guns, gunplay, gun work, the overdoses, the abandoned kids, house raids, kidnaps, get-backs, failed everything and more death that would visit again and again and again.
Thinking about the loss harrows me, talking about it makes me physically ache so I would shift the conversations from my life to hers, from my past to her past, and my present—if she keeps leaning on my past. People always ask me if writing is my therapy and I say, “Yeah!” without really thinking and that quick answer is probably not true. My whole body of literary work is an accumulation of trauma I suffered, endured, created and survived; however, I’m hyper-selective, I pick and choose what trauma I want to share with my audience, meaning that I have the luxury to promote what I want to be promoted and bury what I need to be buried. That is not healing.
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This therapist woman—let’s call her Mary—would see right through me. She’d know when I’m stalling, she’d know when I’m hiding and she’d probably have the perfect language needed to challenge me, to pin me down and make me really deal with my shit.
“Why do you think your mother never really hugged you? Why’d she let you leave home at such a young age?” Imaginary Mary would say, “So how did you feel when you realized your t-shirt wasn’t enough to stop your friend from bleeding out?”
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And she’d skillfully force me deeper, down into that dark place, the darkest place, where I haven’t been, where secrets hide, where any and everything is always swallowed by shadows, including me. And she’d make me stay there until I found answers or solutions or reasons or until I could climb out with forgiveness, apologies, understanding and saying things like, “Mary you taught me how to give up hope for a better past! I’m healed!”
With her guidance, I could finally escape my past and fully embrace my future. And honestly, I think about going, until I don’t. My people are hurting, the people I love the most, the ones I serve and I can’t heal without them. One could argue that a person can’t really help anybody if they aren’t properly taking care of themselves, but I’d push back with the many ways in which that pain binds us, allows us to see each other, allows us to connect. Where I’m from, resilience is currency and our hardships unite us. I’d hate for Mary to take that away. And I know that me doing these events, recommending therapy and healing in a way I don’t practice makes me a poser in a way but I’m more loyal to the suffering people on my block than I am to book fans. I can only win when we all win, and right now, we are losing.
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And when COVID dies and the book talks resume, I’ll still be offering that detached smirk and honestly won’t plan on working on me until after a considerable amount of my people are able to play the healing game too.


theroot--2020-08-10--The Apollo Theater Is Holding Online Auditions So I Decided to Shoot My Shot

Opened in 1914 as a burlesque theater , for the first 20 years of its existence , Black people were banned from performing at the venue or even attending a production .
After changing its name to the Apollo Theater and opening its doors to African Americans in 1934 , the Harlem monument has become one of the most sacred cultural institutions in Black America .
Kiki Shepherd was the congregation ’ s First Lady , Sandman Sim was the head of the Deacon Board and , instead of waiting for someone with the requisite Holy Ghost credentials to dab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came from rubbing has the “ Tree of Hope.
” The Apollo is a sanctuary where we can gather together to make our unique joyful noise .
And , if the Apollo Theater is a place of worship , its unique version of Sunday service actually takes place on Wednesday evenings .
On November 21 , 1934 , a 17-year-old singer decided to enter the Apollo ’ s new “ Amateur Night.
” The teenage girl was too nervous to dance and decided to sing instead , winning the $ 25 first prize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of many who would taste their first nibble of stardom on the Apollo stage .
Her name was Ella Fitzgerald .
Since then , the list of names who launched their careers at Amateur Night at The Apollo includes Billie Holiday , Sammy Davis Jr. , James Brown , Diana Ross , Parliament-Funkadelic , Gladys Knight & the Pips , Luther Vandross , Stevie Wonder , Aretha Franklin , Lauryn Hill and a 1964 guitarist who leveraged his win at the Apollo into a tour with the Isley Brothers .
This year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history , auditions for Amateur Night ’ s 2020-2021 season were conducted exclusively through online submissions .
Contestants were invited to send in a 5-minute audition video to be selected to compete for the $ 20,000 grand prize .
And you know who else is online ?
That ’ s right , I ’ m very talented .
I could have been an internationally known singer if my voice could hit actual notes .
As a dancer , I was once a member of an award-winning dance troupe ( I caught the garter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after we did the electric slide , so I count that as an award ) .
Plus , during my youth , I learned to play three instruments—the kazoo , the paint bucket drumset and the TI-84 .
( Yes , a Texas Instruments calculator is technically an “ instrument.
” It ’ s right there in the name ! )
But , instead of shaming all the other less-skilled musicians with my musical genius , I decided to audition for the Amateur Night at the Apollo by performing spoken word poetry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have actually been internationally recognized ( until Janet Jackson calls me back for my backup dancer audition . )
After contemplating the perfect choice , I submitted my audition for the heralded competition and waited for a response .
And guess what ?
They liked me !
They actually liked me !
So I ’ m just writing this to say that if you see my Disney+ visual album Hamilton II : Mike is King ( It ’ s a love story about Founding Father Anthony Hamilton featuring the hit song “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Charlene ” ) , don ’ t wonder how I got there .
And the point of it all is : It started at the Apollo .

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-08-08--Get 20% off Your First Order of Powdered CBD at Caliper for National CBD Day

20 % off + Free Shipping o n First Order | Caliper | Use code KINJA20 Are CBD oil and @ @ @ @ @ thing ?
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We ’ ve all put oil in our pasta water , @ @ @ @ @ t mix !
These come in 20 mg packets too , so you don ’ @ @ @ @ @ portioning out the servings correctly !
It ’ s convenient and stress-free , as CBD @ @ @ @ @ CBD Day , you can save 20 % and get free shipping on your first @ @ @ @ @ KINJA20 at checkout .
You have until August 10th to take advantage of this deal @

Elizabeth Henges on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

20% off + Free Shipping o n First Order | Caliper | Use code KINJA20
Are CBD oil and CBD gummies not really your thing? Maybe you’ll want something that mixes into your drinks a little better instead. Caliper sells CBD powder, which dissolves into pretty much any drink and is tasteless. It’s a pretty great replacement for oil. We’ve all put oil in our pasta water, the two really don’t mix! These come in 20 mg packets too, so you don’t need to worry about portioning out the servings correctly! It’s convenient and stress-free, as CBD should be.
For National CBD Day, you can save 20% and get free shipping on your first order by using exclusive code KINJA20 at checkout. You have until August 10th to take advantage of this deal!


theroot--2020-08-10--'It Seemed Coordinated': Widespread Looting in Downtown Chicago Believed to Be an Organized Attack

Chaos erupted in downtown Chicago overnight as hundreds of people took to the streets and dozens of stores , banks and other businesses were broken into and looted .
It ’ s unclear what caused the unrest , but many believe it was connected to a standoff between Chicago police officers and community members following a shootout between officers and a 20-year-old man who was allegedly armed Sunday afternoon in Englewood .
Many also believe the rioting and looting along the city ’ s Magnificent Mile , Chicago ’ s downtown shopping district , was a coordinated attack .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 11 p.m. Sunday and continued until early Monday morning , beginning in The Loop and spreading to the Near North Side .
One video posted to Twitter shows a car smashing into a store in order to allow people to run in and loot .
The owner of Wabash Jewelers told CBS Chicago that the looting “ seemed coordinated ” because he saw cars drive up and people get out with bricks to break glass already in hand .
He also said he saw people run to nearby U-Haul trucks to stash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no anger , ” he said .
“ They politely told me they were going inside.
” Adel Elbiaadi , owner of Tut ’ s Convenience—a store that was looted during riots for the second time Monday morning—told reporters that he was warned by looters to leave the store or he would be killed .
“ They said if you don ’ t go , we will kill you , ” Elbiaadi said .
It was also reported that at one point during the unrest while police were arresting rioters near Lake and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the officers .
Police returned fire but it was unclear if anybody inside the car was hit .
No officers were injured during the fire exchange .
CPD Supt .
David Brown disagrees that the widespread looting was a coordinated effort .
“ This was not an organized protest .
Rather , this was an incident of pure criminality , ” Brown told reporters , according to the Wall Street Journal .
“ This was an act of violence against our police officers and against our city.
” Brown also said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and as of Monday morning , more than 100 arrests have been made .
While Brown doesn ’ t appear to believe the riot was organized , according to CBS News , he said following a shooting and subsequent standoff between cops and citizens that his department is “ monitoring social media and we come across a post of a caravan of cars being prompted to go to our downtown and loot.
” On Sunday afternoon , police responding to a call about an armed man reportedly found themselves in a brief firefight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , officers responded to a call of a person with a gun in an alley near the 5700 block of South Racine and saw a man matching the description take off on foot , Deputy Chief Yolanda Talley told reporters .
During an ensuing chase , the man , thought to be in his late teens or early 20s , allegedly turned to the officers and fired shots .
Officers then returned fire and struck the suspect , who was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in an unknown condition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody .
A gun was recovered at the scene , according to Talley .
No officers were injured in the shooting , though Talley said three were being evaluated at a hospital .
The shooting wasn ’ t captured on police body cameras , she said .
About an hour after the shootout , neighbors engaged in a standoff with officers that Talley described as “ very hostile.
” “ Emotions were running high .
They were responding to misinformation , ” Talley said .
During the incident , one officer was maced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Talley said .
The first officer was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and the other was treated at the scene .
A brick was also lobbed through the window of a police vehicle , she said .
Two people were arrested in the aftermath of the confrontation , Talley said .
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating the use of force .
Earl Allen , the brother of the 20-year-old who was shot tells a different story .
After being shown a photo of a gun recovered from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his brother and told reporters , “ My brother ain ’ t fired at no police .
”

Chaos erupted in downtown Chicago overnight as hundreds of people took to the streets and dozens of stores, banks and other businesses were broken into and looted. It’s unclear what caused the unrest, but many believe it was connected to a standoff between Chicago police officers and community members following a shootout between officers and a 20-year-old man who was allegedly armed Sunday afternoon in Englewood. Many also believe the rioting and looting along the city’s Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s downtown shopping district, was a coordinated attack.
According to CBS Chicago, the pandemonium started around 11 p.m. Sunday and continued until early Monday morning, beginning in The Loop and spreading to the Near North Side.
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One video posted to Twitter shows a car smashing into a store in order to allow people to run in and loot.
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The owner of Wabash Jewelers told CBS Chicago that the looting “seemed coordinated” because he saw cars drive up and people get out with bricks to break glass already in hand. He also said he saw people run to nearby U-Haul trucks to stash their stolen goods.
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“There was no anger,” he said. “They politely told me they were going inside.”
Adel Elbiaadi, owner of Tut’s Convenience—a store that was looted during riots for the second time Monday morning—told reporters that he was warned by looters to leave the store or he would be killed.
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“They said if you don’t go, we will kill you,” Elbiaadi said.
It was also reported that at one point during the unrest while police were arresting rioters near Lake and Michigan, someone drove by and shot at the officers. Police returned fire but it was unclear if anybody inside the car was hit. No officers were injured during the fire exchange.
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CPD Supt. David Brown disagrees that the widespread looting was a coordinated effort.
“This was not an organized protest. Rather, this was an incident of pure criminality,” Brown told reporters, according to the Wall Street Journal. “This was an act of violence against our police officers and against our city.”
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Brown also said he deployed 400 officers to the downtown area and as of Monday morning, more than 100 arrests have been made.
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While Brown doesn’t appear to believe the riot was organized, according to CBS News, he said following a shooting and subsequent standoff between cops and citizens that his department is “monitoring social media and we come across a post of a caravan of cars being prompted to go to our downtown and loot.”
On Sunday afternoon, police responding to a call about an armed man reportedly found themselves in a brief firefight with the man.
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From Chicago Sun-Times:
About 2:30 p.m., officers responded to a call of a person with a gun in an alley near the 5700 block of South Racine and saw a man matching the description take off on foot, Deputy Chief Yolanda Talley told reporters. During an ensuing chase, the man, thought to be in his late teens or early 20s, allegedly turned to the officers and fired shots. Officers then returned fire and struck the suspect, who was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in an unknown condition, Talley said. He remains in police custody. A gun was recovered at the scene, according to Talley. No officers were injured in the shooting, though Talley said three were being evaluated at a hospital. The shooting wasn’t captured on police body cameras, she said. About an hour after the shootout, neighbors engaged in a standoff with officers that Talley described as “very hostile.” “Emotions were running high. They were responding to misinformation,” Talley said. During the incident, one officer was maced and another suffered a shoulder injury, Talley said. The first officer was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and the other was treated at the scene. A brick was also lobbed through the window of a police vehicle, she said. Two people were arrested in the aftermath of the confrontation, Talley said. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating the use of force.
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Earl Allen, the brother of the 20-year-old who was shot tells a different story.
Earl Allen said he and his 20-year-old brother were hanging out at Moran Park, at the intersection of 57th Street and Racine, when they got into a “little altercation” and left. The Sun-Times is withholding the man’s name because he hasn’t been charged with a crime. As the brothers walked off with a group of people, Allen said someone made a comment to officers in a police vehicle that prompted a pursuit. After the group dispersed, Allen said he returned to the 5600 block of South Aberdeen, where he and his brother live. That’s when he heard roughly eight or nine gunshots ring out. “I’m hearing it. I’m like, ‘Oh no, no, no, no. They’re shooting. I hope they ain’t just shoot my brother,’” said Allen, who did not see the shooting. A short time later, Allen’s wounded brother emerged in a grassy clearing and ran into their home. Fire officials confirmed the victim of the shooting was picked up at the home.
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After being shown a photo of a gun recovered from the scene, Allen denied it belonged to his brother and told reporters, “My brother ain’t fired at no police.”


theroot--2020-08-10--We Need Leaders: The Designers of Public School NY Pay It Forward With a Digital Sale and Gordon Par

We Need Leaders: The Designers of Public School NY Pay It Forward With a Digital Sale and Gordon Parks-Themed T-Shirt Collection

Finally , a Public School we ’ re actually excited about returning to !
Public School NY designers Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow have come up with two fashionable new ways to support some incredible initiatives—with no social distancing required .
As reported by the Council of Fashion Designers of America ( CFDA ) , the duo is part of the founding team behind BestKeptSecret , “ a first-of-its-kind , five-day digital flash sale that curates highly sought-after premium and luxury American brands at sample sale prices ” —and in case you ’ re wondering , that ’ s up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taking place from Tuesday , August 11 through Saturday , August 15 , the “ sale for change ” aims to create a win-win for designers and shoppers and an even bigger win for two very worthy charities .
Faced with an inventory overflow due to the outbreak of COVID-19 , over 40 brands are selling off their excess merchandise in hopes of raising over $ 1 million for Baby2Baby , a Los Angeles-based organization providing basic essentials and clothing to newborns to 12-year-olds living in poverty , and the Colin Kaepernick-founded Know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education and legal resources .
Though conventional wisdom and a flagging economy would suggest spending is the last thing we should be doing right now ( especially with no further stimulus checks scheduled ) , BestKeptSecret claims its additional goal is “ to promote conscious consumer spending.
” At the very least , this is some self-indulgence that benefits others , so there ’ s that .
And if you want to beat the crowds , a $ 25 donation will get you first dibs .
Who all gon ’ be there ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s more : Via Public School NY , Osborne and Chow are also launching a Gordon Parks-themed T-shirt collection called “ We Need Leaders , ” “ which serves as a call to action for the restructuring of systemic issues in law enforcement and criminal justice , ” says the CFDA , which also reports : The designs feature one of three images by Gordon Parks , the American photographer , musician , writer and film director who became prominent in U.S. documentary photojournalism chronicling issues of civil rights , poverty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a self-portrait of Parks , and rarely seen photographs of Malcolm X and Black Panther activists .
One of the designs will feature Parks ’ own words from his best-remembered 1968 Life magazine story about a Harlem family : “ What I want , what I am , what you force me to be is what you are.
” Neither freedom nor these limited-edition tees come cheap .
T hey are currently available for presale on Public School ’ s site for $ 75 , due to ship on September 1 .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ will go towards providing scholarships , prizes and fellowships for the Gordon Parks Arts & Social Justice Fund.
” And there ’ s an environmentally-conscious component , as well , since Parks ’ photographs are printed on Version Tomorrow ’ s sustainable 60 percent recycled cotton/40 organic cotton , 100 percent recyclable and biodegradable short-sleeve tee using water-based inks .
“ We couldn ’ t be more proud to launch this series of tees featuring rarely seen photographs from the archives of the great Gordon Parks , ” the duo captioned a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pioneering photographer in a solemn self-portrait .
“ The fact that his documentation of Black life , the racial divide , poverty , and social inequality in the US is as relevant today as it was 60 years ago is a sad one .
It shouldn ’ t be lost on anyone that the struggle continues to haunt the legacy of this country .
We selected Parks ’ photographs of Malcolm X and the Black Panthers specifically because we have to fight for any and all justice , and that without justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

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

Finally, a Public School we’re actually excited about returning to! Public School NY designers Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow have come up with two fashionable new ways to support some incredible initiatives—with no social distancing required. As reported by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), the duo is part of the founding team behind BestKeptSecret, “a first-of-its-kind, five-day digital flash sale that curates highly sought-after premium and luxury American brands at sample sale prices”—and in case you’re wondering, that’s up to 80 percent off of retail.
Advertisement
Taking place from Tuesday, August 11 through Saturday, August 15, the “sale for change” aims to create a win-win for designers and shoppers and an even bigger win for two very worthy charities. Faced with an inventory overflow due to the outbreak of COVID-19, over 40 brands are selling off their excess merchandise in hopes of raising over $1 million for Baby2Baby, a Los Angeles-based organization providing basic essentials and clothing to newborns to 12-year-olds living in poverty, and the Colin Kaepernick-founded Know Your Rights Camp, which provides much-needed education and legal resources.
Though conventional wisdom and a flagging economy would suggest spending is the last thing we should be doing right now (especially with no further stimulus checks scheduled), BestKeptSecret claims its additional goal is “to promote conscious consumer spending.” At the very least, this is some self-indulgence that benefits others, so there’s that. And if you want to beat the crowds, a $25 donation will get you first dibs.
Advertisement Advertisement
Who all gon’ be there? As the CFDA reports:
Confirmed participants include CFDA designers and member brands alice & olivia, Fleur Du Mal, FRAME Denim, Jason Wu, Jonathan Simkhai, Mansur Gavriel, Nili Lotan, Public School, R13, rag & bone, Rosetta Getty, Rosie Assoulin, Simon Miller, Tanya Taylor, and Veronica Beard. The list of participating brands grows daily and is also including affiliate brands and friends of the CFDA Cinq a Sept, Helmut Lang, STAUD, Studio 189, and Theory, among others.
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But wait—there’s more: Via Public School NY, Osborne and Chow are also launching a Gordon Parks-themed T-shirt collection called “We Need Leaders,” “which serves as a call to action for the restructuring of systemic issues in law enforcement and criminal justice,” says the CFDA, which also reports:
The designs feature one of three images by Gordon Parks, the American photographer, musician, writer and film director who became prominent in U.S. documentary photojournalism chronicling issues of civil rights, poverty, and Black Americans. The images include a self-portrait of Parks, and rarely seen photographs of Malcolm X and Black Panther activists. One of the designs will feature Parks’ own words from his best-remembered 1968 Life magazine story about a Harlem family: “What I want, what I am, what you force me to be is what you are.”
Advertisement
Neither freedom nor these limited-edition tees come cheap. T hey are currently available for presale on Public School’s site for $75, due to ship on September 1. That said, 100 percent of net proceeds “will go towards providing scholarships, prizes and fellowships for the Gordon Parks Arts & Social Justice Fund.”
Advertisement
And there’s an environmentally-conscious component, as well, since Parks’ photographs are printed on Version Tomorrow’s sustainable 60 percent recycled cotton/40 organic cotton, 100 percent recyclable and biodegradable short-sleeve tee using water-based inks.
“We couldn’t be more proud to launch this series of tees featuring rarely seen photographs from the archives of the great Gordon Parks,” the duo captioned a post on Instagram, featuring the famed and pioneering photographer in a solemn self-portrait. “The fact that his documentation of Black life, the racial divide, poverty, and social inequality in the US is as relevant today as it was 60 years ago is a sad one. It shouldn’t be lost on anyone that the struggle continues to haunt the legacy of this country. We selected Parks’ photographs of Malcolm X and the Black Panthers specifically because we have to fight for any and all justice, and that without justice there can no peace.”
Advertisement
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-10--'You're Not Actually Anti-Racist': Jurnee Smollett Checks the Hypocrisy of Hollywood Liberalism

Jurnee Smollett is starring in quite a timely upcoming project on HBO—the much-anticipated Lovecraft Country .
The series , which is a period piece , is especially relevant since we ’ re following its protagonists on the “ quest to disrupt white supremacy , ” which is both intriguing and frustrating .
We ’ re still fighting this damn fight .
Still .
In a recent profile with The Hollywood Reporter , Smollett talked about the importance of “ building our own motherfucking table ” instead of asking for a seat in an industry that still has a lot more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about diversity and inclusion .
Whether it ’ s racial microaggressions involving natural hair—such as her experience with an executive on the set of Underground ( who asked her what she was going to “ do ” with her hair ) , or the ongoing fight toward pay equity ( as THR noted , Smollett is now being paid the same as her male co-star for the first time in her career ) , Smollett acknowledges the hypocrisy of Hollywood ’ s progressive portrayal .
After all , Hollywood is known to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activism ” has come up recently in response to the industry ’ s sudden mass call for Black representation and inclusion .
“ This business can be maddening , ” Smollett told THR .
“ For all its liberalism , I ’ ve been in these spaces where these very powerful people do the fundraisers and write the checks for the Black or brown kids ’ scholarships , and then I know for a fact they go back into their staff meetings and they ’ re all white.
” She pauses , letting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then she continues : “ And if you do that , you ’ re a hypocrite , and you ’ re not actually anti-racist.
” “ There are just so many ways in which this industry will try , subliminally or overtly , to erase your Blackness , ” Smollett noted , in reference to the aforementioned incident involving the executive .
However , Smollett refuses to be erased .
“ Jurnee ’ s truly a fighter for the people , ” Patrisse Cullors , co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s unapologetic , loving and full of righteous fire.
” Smollett also opened up publicly for the first time about her brother Jussie Smollett , who is facing new criminal charges in connection with an alleged hate crime in January 2019 .
Jussie was initially accused of staging the crime .
The initial case was dismissed , but a grand jury revived the case 11 months later , charging him for allegedly lying to police .
“ It ’ s been fucking painful , ” she said of the traumatic ordeal , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family ’ s ever experienced—to love someone as much as we love my brother and to watch someone who you love that much go through something like this , that is so public , has been devastating .
I was already in a very dark space for a number of reasons , and I ’ ve tried to not let it make me pessimistic .
But everyone who knows me knows that I love my brother and I believe my brother.
” Lovecraft Country premieres Aug. 16 on HBO at 9 p.m .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

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

Jurnee Smollett is starring in quite a timely upcoming project on HBO—the much-anticipated Lovecraft Country. The series, which is a period piece, is especially relevant since we’re following its protagonists on the “quest to disrupt white supremacy,” which is both intriguing and frustrating. We’re still fighting this damn fight. Still.
The series synopsis, via HBO’s press release:
Based on the novel of the same name by Matt Ruff, the ten-episode series follows Atticus Freeman (Jonathan Majors) as he journeys with his childhood friend Letitia (Smollett) and his uncle George (Courtney B. Vance) on a road trip from Chicago across 1950s Jim Crow America in search of his missing father Montrose (Michael Kenneth Williams).
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In a recent profile with The Hollywood Reporter, Smollett talked about the importance of “building our own motherfucking table” instead of asking for a seat in an industry that still has a lot more work to do, despite its showboating about diversity and inclusion.
Whether it’s racial microaggressions involving natural hair—such as her experience with an executive on the set of Underground (who asked her what she was going to “do” with her hair), or the ongoing fight toward pay equity (as THR noted, Smollett is now being paid the same as her male co-star for the first time in her career), Smollett acknowledges the hypocrisy of Hollywood’s progressive portrayal. After all, Hollywood is known to provide a performance. The term “performative activism” has come up recently in response to the industry’s sudden mass call for Black representation and inclusion.
Advertisement Advertisement
“This business can be maddening,” Smollett told THR. “For all its liberalism, I’ve been in these spaces where these very powerful people do the fundraisers and write the checks for the Black or brown kids’ scholarships, and then I know for a fact they go back into their staff meetings and they’re all white.” She pauses, letting her words hang there momentarily, and then she continues: “And if you do that, you’re a hypocrite, and you’re not actually anti-racist.”
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“There are just so many ways in which this industry will try, subliminally or overtly, to erase your Blackness,” Smollett noted, in reference to the aforementioned incident involving the executive. However, Smollett refuses to be erased.
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“Jurnee’s truly a fighter for the people,” Patrisse Cullors, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement said about her friend. “She’s unapologetic, loving and full of righteous fire.”
Smollett also opened up publicly for the first time about her brother Jussie Smollett, who is facing new criminal charges in connection with an alleged hate crime in January 2019. Jussie was initially accused of staging the crime. The initial case was dismissed, but a grand jury revived the case 11 months later, charging him for allegedly lying to police.
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“It’s been fucking painful,” she said of the traumatic ordeal, “one of the most painful things my family’s ever experienced—to love someone as much as we love my brother and to watch someone who you love that much go through something like this, that is so public, has been devastating. I was already in a very dark space for a number of reasons, and I’ve tried to not let it make me pessimistic. But everyone who knows me knows that I love my brother and I believe my brother.”
Lovecraft Country premieres Aug. 16 on HBO at 9 p.m. ET.
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-10--Trump and Anthony Scaramucci Get Into Twitter Spat After the Former White House Employee Says He’s V

Trump and Anthony Scaramucci Get Into Twitter Spat After the Former White House Employee Says He’s Voting for Biden

There is a trend with ex-employees of the Trump administration and it looks like this : Bash the president that they once happily served—which is why it will always be fuck all of them .
Fuck Omarosa .
( Where is she , anyway ? )
Fuck John Kelly , James Mattis , John Bolton , H.R .
McMaster , and most spectacularly , Anthony Scaramucci , whose time in the White House was so short that seconds are now called “ Scaramuccis.
” Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci onc e stood at the official White House podium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfect spiral footballs and sunk jump shots .
I mean listen to this fucking guy when he was inside the fortress that white supremacy built : “ He ’ s the most competitive person I ’ ve ever met , ” Scaramucci said , Golf magazine reports .
“ I ’ ve seen this guy throw a dead spiral through a tire .
I ’ ve seen him at Madison Square Garden with a topcoat on .
He ’ s standing in the key and he ’ s hitting foul shots and swishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putts .
I don ’ t see this guy as a guy that ’ s ever under siege .
This is a very , very competitive person.
” Well , all that changed in a matter of mere Scaramuccis once his ass was Jazzy Jeff ’ d right up out of the White House .
During an interview on Sunday with the president ’ s OnlyFans news station—Fox News—Scaramucci explained to The Next Revolution host Steve Hilton why he ’ s voting for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden instead of Trump .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ housewives on his Twitter feed , ” Scaramucci said .
“ He is a divider .
He divides people .
He incenses people , ” he added .
“ He is creating hate in our democracy.
” Ummm , he was doing that shit many Scaramuccis ago , too , and you know who was fine with it then ?
Scaramucci .
You know who was lathered up in carrot oil waiting for Lindsey Graham to give him his evening rubdown when he saw his former White House flunkie on TV—and , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rush to Twitter and say something because president .
“ @ Scaramucci , who made a fool of himself as he got taken apart by Steve Hilton , only lasted 11 days ” in his job at the White House , the president said , adding “ Anthony is a loser who begged to come back .
I said ‘ No Thanks.
’ ” No seriously , WTF kind of response is that ?
Also , WTF is burnsauce ?
I find it interesting that white people use the term burnsauce considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is burnsauce what they call ketchup ?
Anyway , watch Scaramucci on his bullshit below and fuck all of em : Scaramucci , Trump and the rest of the Clampetts .
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

There is a trend with ex-employees of the Trump administration and it looks like this: Bash the president that they once happily served—which is why it will always be fuck all of them. Fuck Omarosa. (Where is she, anyway?) Fuck John Kelly, James Mattis, John Bolton, H.R. McMaster, and most spectacularly, Anthony Scaramucci, whose time in the White House was so short that seconds are now called “Scaramuccis.”
Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci onc e stood at the official White House podium and talked about how the president threw perfect spiral footballs and sunk jump shots .
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I mean listen to this fucking guy when he was inside the fortress that white supremacy built:
“He’s the most competitive person I’ve ever met,” Scaramucci said, Golf magazine reports. “I’ve seen this guy throw a dead spiral through a tire. I’ve seen him at Madison Square Garden with a topcoat on. He’s standing in the key and he’s hitting foul shots and swishing them, okay? He sinks 3-foot putts. I don’t see this guy as a guy that’s ever under siege. This is a very, very competitive person.”
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Well, all that changed in a matter of mere Scaramuccis once his ass was Jazzy Jeff’d right up out of the White House. During an interview on Sunday with the president’s OnlyFans news station—Fox News—Scaramucci explained to The Next Revolution host Steve Hilton why he’s voting for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden instead of Trump.
“He [Trump] bullies suburban housewives on his Twitter feed,” Scaramucci said. “He is a divider. He divides people. He incenses people,” he added. “He is creating hate in our democracy.”
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Ummm, he was doing that shit many Scaramuccis ago, too, and you know who was fine with it then? Scaramucci.
We move on.
You know who was lathered up in carrot oil waiting for Lindsey Graham to give him his evening rubdown when he saw his former White House flunkie on TV—and, of course, that means that he had to rush to Twitter and say something because president.
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“@Scaramucci, who made a fool of himself as he got taken apart by Steve Hilton, only lasted 11 days” in his job at the White House, the president said, adding “Anthony is a loser who begged to come back. I said ‘No Thanks.’”
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Scaramucci responded, noting that “the loser is you.”
Burnsauce.
No seriously, WTF kind of response is that? Also, WTF is burnsauce? I find it interesting that white people use the term burnsauce considering their lack of love for spices. Is burnsauce what they call ketchup?
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Anyway, watch Scaramucci on his bullshit below and fuck all of em: Scaramucci, Trump and the rest of the Clampetts.
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Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-10--Replay, Revisit, Reject: Samples, Sangers and Social Justice Are Ruling My Headphones This Week

We get it : With everything going on in the world , it can be difficult to carve out time to discover new music .
Industry-pushed tunes that you may not even bang with like that could also get in the way of you finding something that tingles your consumer taste buds .
While new tunes are usually released throughout the working week , a majority of new material drops on Fridays .
As a music fiend , I ’ ll be here to help you dig through some crates in order to make things easier on your energy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t a bad one for music .
Many of the tracks I truly fancied this time around featured some pretty timeless samples and stellar instrumentation .
However , there were still a few moments of meh that I couldn ’ t ignore for the sake of this write-up .
Take a look and take a listen whenever you get a chance .
Listen ... hear me out .
While she may be a pain in the neck , Doja Cat certainly knows how to construct a catchy song .
This time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old and new school stylings , pairing a trap-tinged beat with Paul Anka ’ s “ Put Your Head on My Shoulder ” to give us a daydream vibe .
The lyrics leave a lot to be desired ( she does sing about being someone ’ s sex slave at one point ) , however , the power is found in the beat and the build .
I ’ d also like to add that this isn ’ t a particularly new song from Doja , who first released “ Freak ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s new to me now , so that ’ s why it ’ s here .
I am a sucker when it comes to a marching band sound .
Southern University ’ s Human Jukebox provides the background music , which is actually a sample of Guy ’ s “ Piece Of My Love.
” Even better—we actually got a worthwhile Lil Wayne verse .
It appears he runs out of steam during the tail end of his rhyme , but he comes in with the explosive energy we ’ ve come to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ native .
I love how this is a true , blue Afrobeats song that doesn ’ t involve any American interference .
Tiwa , a native of Nigeria , is shining on her own , giving us a taste of what she ’ s made of , and I ’ m here for it .
The beat is produced by London and Mystro .
This song is deeeeeep , as it features lyrics surrounding issues of police brutality and systemic racism .
Not only is the rising star providing powerful lyrics and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wale is entirely on his shit , utilizing the color theme to make a very important point .
Some of his standout lyrics include : “ The white seeing red , ‘ cause the Blacks ain ’ t going/ The orange in the office on that green ‘ cause he golfing.
” Don ’ t pick on me for this take : I think it ’ s easy to clown G-Eazy because he ’ s white and scrawny-looking , but to be honest , he ’ s really not a bad rapper .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as he rides the beat very well .
The lyrics and harmony of the song as a whole are great , but I think Raj is overshadowed a bit by his guests .
This song is about how Lecrae had to go through some tough times in order to find his way to God .
The beat sounds a lot like Chance The Rapper ’ s “ No Problem , ” which is not entirely to his detriment—the similarities just don ’ t help the song stand out .
Nevertheless , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ album Restoration .
Heads up everyone : Drake is Jamaican again .
While I am no fan of Drake ’ s ( and I could list detailed reasons why ) , I will give him his props when he does something well .
A majority of the songs I actually enjoy from him are when he ’ s got on his Rasta hat with the dreads sewed in that you get from the gift shop at Ocho Rios because as a Jamaican American , I can not resist a song with island flair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually really enjoys Popcaan ( whose song this actually is ) , I ’ m feeling really bored with this particular track .
It ’ s not really going anywhere from a production standpoint , and it really stays one-note much of the time .
However , upon listening to some of his other songs from his newly-released project FIXTAPE , there are better tracks .
I personally recommend “ Goodazz Gal ” if you ’ re looking to whine dat waist .
Any Song That Uses That Overutilized Creaky Bed Production I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point where we no longer need to use the creaky bed sound effect in a song about sex , a feature that gained popularity in the song “ Some Cut ” by Trillville .
I believe that when singers or rappers are talking about sex on wax , it ’ s implied that there ’ s a creaky bed in their mind or in their future .
While Victoria Monet ’ s Jaguar album is REALLY well-constructed , ‘ 70s-influenced R & B , her song “ Dive ” features that damn creaky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crutch ( no pun intended ) , and it ’ s time to retire it .
I recommend that you listen to “ Go There With You ” from her album instead , which features a delicious guitar solo that will soothe your soul .
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
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J'na Jefferson on The Grapevine, shared by J'na Jefferson to The Root

We get it: With everything going on in the world, it can be difficult to carve out time to discover new music. Industry-pushed tunes that you may not even bang with like that could also get in the way of you finding something that tingles your consumer taste buds.
While new tunes are usually released throughout the working week, a majority of new material drops on Fridays. As a music fiend, I’ll be here to help you dig through some crates in order to make things easier on your energy and your ears.
Advertisement
This past weekend definitely wasn’t a bad one for music. Many of the tracks I truly fancied this time around featured some pretty timeless samples and stellar instrumentation. However, there were still a few moments of meh that I couldn’t ignore for the sake of this write-up. Take a look and take a listen whenever you get a chance.
REPLAY
Doja Cat “Freak” (I know...I know)
Listen...hear me out. While she may be a pain in the neck, Doja Cat certainly knows how to construct a catchy song. This time around, she mastered the dichotomy of old and new school stylings, pairing a trap-tinged beat with Paul Anka’s “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” to give us a daydream vibe. The lyrics leave a lot to be desired (she does sing about being someone’s sex slave at one point), however, the power is found in the beat and the build. I’d also like to add that this isn’t a particularly new song from Doja, who first released “Freak” to Soundcloud in 2018. But it’s new to me now, so that’s why it’s here.
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2Chainz featuring Lil Wayne, “Money Maker”
I am a sucker when it comes to a marching band sound. Southern University’s Human Jukebox provides the background music, which is actually a sample of Guy’s “Piece Of My Love.” Even better—we actually got a worthwhile Lil Wayne verse. It appears he runs out of steam during the tail end of his rhyme, but he comes in with the explosive energy we’ve come to love from the Hollygrove, La., native.
Advertisement
Tiwa Savage “Koroba”
I love how this is a true, blue Afrobeats song that doesn’t involve any American interference. Tiwa, a native of Nigeria, is shining on her own, giving us a taste of what she’s made of, and I’m here for it. The beat is produced by London and Mystro.
Advertisement
TeaMarrr featuring Wale “Colors”
This song is deeeeeep, as it features lyrics surrounding issues of police brutality and systemic racism. Not only is the rising star providing powerful lyrics and a vocal performance to die for, but Wale is entirely on his shit, utilizing the color theme to make a very important point. Some of his standout lyrics include: “The white seeing red, ‘cause the Blacks ain’t going/ The orange in the office on that green ‘cause he golfing.”
Advertisement
REVISIT
Rexx Life Raj featuring G-Eazy and Jay Anthony, “Bounce Back”
Don’t pick on me for this take: I think it’s easy to clown G-Eazy because he’s white and scrawny-looking, but to be honest, he’s really not a bad rapper. This song is evidence of that take, as he rides the beat very well. The lyrics and harmony of the song as a whole are great, but I think Raj is overshadowed a bit by his guests.
Advertisement
This song is about how Lecrae had to go through some tough times in order to find his way to God. The beat sounds a lot like Chance The Rapper’s “No Problem,” which is not entirely to his detriment—the similarities just don’t help the song stand out. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to his forthcoming album Restoration.
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REJECT
Popcaan featuring Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR, “Twist & Turn”
Heads up everyone: Drake is Jamaican again. While I am no fan of Drake’s (and I could list detailed reasons why), I will give him his props when he does something well. A majority of the songs I actually enjoy from him are when he’s got on his Rasta hat with the dreads sewed in that you get from the gift shop at Ocho Rios because as a Jamaican American, I cannot resist a song with island flair.
Advertisement
However, coming from someone who actually really enjoys Popcaan (whose song this actually is), I’m feeling really bored with this particular track. It’s not really going anywhere from a production standpoint, and it really stays one-note much of the time. However, upon listening to some of his other songs from his newly-released project FIXTAPE, there are better tracks. I personally recommend “Goodazz Gal” if you’re looking to whine dat waist.
Any Song That Uses That Overutilized Creaky Bed Production
I feel like music has grown to the point where we no longer need to use the creaky bed sound effect in a song about sex, a feature that gained popularity in the song “Some Cut” by Trillville. I believe that when singers or rappers are talking about sex on wax, it’s implied that there’s a creaky bed in their mind or in their future. While Victoria Monet’s Jaguar album is REALLY well-constructed, ‘70s-influenced R&B, her song “Dive” features that damn creaky bed. It’s become a crutch (no pun intended), and it’s time to retire it. I recommend that you listen to “Go There With You” from her album instead, which features a delicious guitar solo that will soothe your soul.
Advertisement
Previous lists
8/3/2020
6/3/2020
5/25/2020
5/04/2020
4/27/2020
4/20/2020
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-10--I Regret to Inform You That Mike Tyson's Return to the Ring Has Been Pushed Back to November

I know , I know .
I wanted to see Roy Jones Jr.—or at least what ’ s left of him—get his ass whooped too .
Sadly , as this pandemic continues to rob us all of our joy , ESPN reports that the scheduled bout between Mike Tyson and Jones has been postponed from its original September 12 date to November 28 .
( That ’ s two days after Thanksgiving for those of you worried about this bloodbath cutting into your turkey time . )
As to why it was pushed back , there have been disputes concerning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be required , but neither is the culprit .
Per ESPN , it would appear that Tyson is surrounded by greedy vultures who are hell-bent on maximizing revenue , so the bout was pushed back in order for all parties involved to “ secure international television deals and tie up loose ends in regards to the pay-per-view ” —a.k.a .
secure the bag .
This massacre , which is sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission , is still set to be held at Dignity Health Park in Carson , Calif. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that fans expecting anything more than a rigorous sparring session will be greatly disappointed .
( For the record , I am fans . )
“ I wanted to have their assurances that they understand , ‘ I don ’ t care if they spar .
I don ’ t care if they work.
’ They are world-class athletes , even still , ” Foster told reporters in July .
“ They have a right to earn , and all these types of things .
They ’ re about the same age .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as to this is some kind of real fight .
They can get into it a little bit , but I don ’ t want people to get hurt .
They know the deal.
” “ It ’ s an exhibition .
They can exhibit their boxing skills , but I don ’ t want them using their best efforts to hurt each other .
They ’ re going to spar hard , but they shouldn ’ t be going for a knockout .
This isn ’ t a record-book type of fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
It ’ s not what this is .
People shouldn ’ t be getting knocked out .
The public can see what kind of shape Roy and Mike are still in.
” Fuck all that .
Tear his head off , Mike !
Yes , Tyson ’ s last fight took place on June 11 , 2005 , but as long as he looks like this and is still throwing heat like this there ’ s at least a 42 percent chance that Jones ’ jaw ends up in a concession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in on November 28 .

I know, I know. I wanted to see Roy Jones Jr.—or at least what’s left of him—get his ass whooped too.
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Sadly, as this pandemic continues to rob us all of our joy, ESPN reports that the scheduled bout between Mike Tyson and Jones has been postponed from its original September 12 date to November 28. (That’s two days after Thanksgiving for those of you worried about this bloodbath cutting into your turkey time.)
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As to why it was pushed back, there have been disputes concerning drug testing and whether or not headgear will be required, but neither is the culprit. Per ESPN, it would appear that Tyson is surrounded by greedy vultures who are hell-bent on maximizing revenue, so the bout was pushed back in order for all parties involved to “secure international television deals and tie up loose ends in regards to the pay-per-view”—a.k.a. secure the bag.
This massacre, which is sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission, is still set to be held at Dignity Health Park in Carson, Calif., though CSAC executive officer Andy Foster maintains that fans expecting anything more than a rigorous sparring session will be greatly disappointed. (For the record, I am fans.)
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“I wanted to have their assurances that they understand, ‘I don’t care if they spar. I don’t care if they work.’ They are world-class athletes, even still,” Foster told reporters in July. “They have a right to earn, and all these types of things. They’re about the same age. We can’t mislead the public as to this is some kind of real fight. They can get into it a little bit, but I don’t want people to get hurt. They know the deal.”
“It’s an exhibition. They can exhibit their boxing skills, but I don’t want them using their best efforts to hurt each other. They’re going to spar hard, but they shouldn’t be going for a knockout. This isn’t a record-book type of fight. This is not world-championship boxing right now. It’s not what this is. People shouldn’t be getting knocked out. The public can see what kind of shape Roy and Mike are still in.”
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Fuck all that. Tear his head off, Mike!
Yes, Tyson’s last fight took place on June 11, 2005, but as long as he looks like this and is still throwing heat like this there’s at least a 42 percent chance that Jones’ jaw ends up in a concession stand.
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I’ll be tuned in on November 28.


theroot--2020-08-12--NFL to Get Rid of Live National Anthem Performances This Season. Could That Affect Protests Too?

Whether or not we ’ ll see fans in attendance this season at NFL games has yet to be determined .
But one thing we won ’ t see this season is live performances of the national anthem .
The NFL we all know and love will undoubtedly look drastically different this year .
And in its efforts to reduce the threat of COVID-19 , Front Office Sports reports that the league will get rid of performances of the national anthem prior to games and possibly limit the presence of military and police honor guards .
The NFL will ditch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games this season , sources said .
Given the abundance of American flag imagery inside stadiums on signs and video boards , the league could also curtail the on-field access of live military and police honor guards .
The objective is to strictly limit the number of people on the sidelines who can potentially infect players and coaches with COVID-19 , said sources .
By the same token , the league will also crack down on the number of credentialed reporters and photographers with access to the playing field .
Given the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sidelines will remain the same .
As to how this will play out on the field , the league has every intention to continue to play the “ Star-Spangled Banner ” at games .
However , much like the NBA is doing this season , it ’ s likely that teams will ask performers to pre-record or perform their renditions off-site .
“ This year will be different due to COVID concerns , ” an anonymous source told Front Office Sports .
“ They want to limit the number of people around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viewers at home , this change won ’ t be drastic .
But when coupled with the league ’ s various social justice initiatives , such as “ End Racism ” stenciled along the end zone borders , playing “ Lift Every Voice and Sing ” during Week 1 games and players paying tribute to victims of racialized violence with helmet decals , it will all be a lot to digest .
It will also be interesting to see how national anthem protests factor into this decision as well , as it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more conflicted in their willingness to do so under these new conditions .
Brett Favre alluded to what kind of locker room dynamic this could create in a recent interview with USA Today .
“ I know from being in an NFL locker room for 20 years , regardless of race , background , money you grew up with , we were all brothers it didn ’ t matter , ” the NFL Hall of Famer said .
“ Guys got along great .
Will that be the same [ with kneeling scenario @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If one guy chooses to stand for his cause and another guy chooses to kneel for his cause , is one right and the other wrong ?
I don ’ t believe so .
We tend to be fixed on highs.
” To be explicitly clear , there ’ s never a wrong time to take a stand against systemic oppression and police brutality , but will players feel comfortable doing so in 2020 with so many other factors at play ?
Only time will tell .

Whether or not we’ll see fans in attendance this season at NFL games has yet to be determined. But one thing we won’t see this season is live performances of the national anthem.
The NFL we all know and love will undoubtedly look drastically different this year. And in its efforts to reduce the threat of COVID-19, Front Office Sports reports that the league will get rid of performances of the national anthem prior to games and possibly limit the presence of military and police honor guards.
Advertisement
From Front Office Sports:
The NFL will ditch live performances of the national anthem before games this season, sources said. Given the abundance of American flag imagery inside stadiums on signs and video boards, the league could also curtail the on-field access of live military and police honor guards. The objective is to strictly limit the number of people on the sidelines who can potentially infect players and coaches with COVID-19, said sources. By the same token, the league will also crack down on the number of credentialed reporters and photographers with access to the playing field. Given the pandemic, the number of medical personnel on the sidelines will remain the same.
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As to how this will play out on the field, the league has every intention to continue to play the “Star-Spangled Banner” at games. However, much like the NBA is doing this season, it’s likely that teams will ask performers to pre-record or perform their renditions off-site.
“This year will be different due to COVID concerns,” an anonymous source told Front Office Sports. “They want to limit the number of people around the players on the field.”
Advertisement
For viewers at home, this change won’t be drastic. But when coupled with the league’s various social justice initiatives, such as “End Racism” stenciled along the end zone borders, playing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” during Week 1 games and players paying tribute to victims of racialized violence with helmet decals, it will all be a lot to digest.
It will also be interesting to see how national anthem protests factor into this decision as well, as it’s possible that players might be much more conflicted in their willingness to do so under these new conditions. Brett Favre alluded to what kind of locker room dynamic this could create in a recent interview with USA Today.
Advertisement
“I know from being in an NFL locker room for 20 years, regardless of race, background, money you grew up with, we were all brothers it didn’t matter,” the NFL Hall of Famer said. “Guys got along great. Will that be the same [with kneeling scenario]? I don’t know. If one guy chooses to stand for his cause and another guy chooses to kneel for his cause, is one right and the other wrong? I don’t believe so. We tend to be fixed on highs.”
To be explicitly clear, there’s never a wrong time to take a stand against systemic oppression and police brutality, but will players feel comfortable doing so in 2020 with so many other factors at play? Only time will tell.


theroot--2020-08-11--Birkenstocks are Back in Style and Better Than Ever

Ok , maybe you don ’ t agree on this , but don ’ t blame me , blame Vogue !
Birkenstocks are now in more colors and styles than ever , and the choices are endless and perfect for every type of style .
I must admit , Birkenstocks are a personal favorite here in my home .
I live in my flip flops and dream about buying a more weather appropriate pair for the fall and winter very soon .
My partner first convinced me to buy a pair a few summers ago to replace my beaten up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked back .
A traditional Birkenstock style , this good old slipper is now available in over a dozen colors .
I love the Unisex design which is available in both a regular and wide width to accommodate many different types of feet .
Whether you buy a gray or white to match your whole closet , or a fabulous purple or gold , you won ’ t be disappointed in the comfort and quality of this shoe .
These sandals in white are the latest addition to my Birkenstock collection .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have while maintaining the comfort I crave in a sandal .
These are also available in a wide variety of colors , but I prefer the colors that match everything so my clothing stands out .
Check out the ocean blue for a real fabulous pop of color that will complement almost anything .
The most important part of a Birkenstock is the sole .
The sole is designed using a unique cork material that makes your foot feel like it ’ s in heaven and truly a one of a kind walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sole and came out with some fabulous shoes .
These steel-toed work boots are perfect for anyone whose job requires them and doesn ’ t want to wear bigger , clunkier boots or uncomfortable shoes .
The downside with the cork sole that Birkenstocks are usually made of is that it feels like sandpaper when it gets wet ( don ’ t ask me how I know that ) .
Enter these fabulous water- ( and budget !
- ) friendly options .
It is made from a unique material that Birkenstock says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shock-absorbent , waterproof , skin-friendly.
” Perfect for those warm rainy days , pool outings , and the beach of course !
These are the shoes I want to get myself this fall .
Made with the unique cork sole , these lace-up loafers are perfect for any time sandals don ’ t quite work .
Whether it ’ s too cold or you can ’ t wear them for work , they boast a classy style and the durable support Birkenstock is known for .
The options above are a fraction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even if their signature style isn ’ t for you , there are shoes you can find like the loafers above , that provide the support in an entirely different look than what you ’ re used to .

Chaya M Milchtein on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Ok, maybe you don’t agree on this, but don’t blame me, blame Vogue! Birkenstocks are now in more colors and styles than ever, and the choices are endless and perfect for every type of style. I must admit, Birkenstocks are a personal favorite here in my home. I live in my flip flops and dream about buying a more weather appropriate pair for the fall and winter very soon. My partner first convinced me to buy a pair a few summers ago to replace my beaten up sandals, and I haven’t looked back.
A traditional Birkenstock style, this good old slipper is now available in over a dozen colors. I love the Unisex design which is available in both a regular and wide width to accommodate many different types of feet. Whether you buy a gray or white to match your whole closet, or a fabulous purple or gold, you won’t be disappointed in the comfort and quality of this shoe.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
These sandals in white are the latest addition to my Birkenstock collection. I love the slightly more feminine feel they have while maintaining the comfort I crave in a sandal. These are also available in a wide variety of colors, but I prefer the colors that match everything so my clothing stands out. Check out the ocean blue for a real fabulous pop of color that will complement almost anything.
Advertisement
The most important part of a Birkenstock is the sole. The sole is designed using a unique cork material that makes your foot feel like it’s in heaven and truly a one of a kind walking experience. So, Birkenstock took that sole and came out with some fabulous shoes. These steel-toed work boots are perfect for anyone whose job requires them and doesn’t want to wear bigger, clunkier boots or uncomfortable shoes.
Advertisement
The downside with the cork sole that Birkenstocks are usually made of is that it feels like sandpaper when it gets wet (don’t ask me how I know that). Enter these fabulous water- (and budget!-) friendly options. It is made from a unique material that Birkenstock says is “ultra lightweight, highly elasticated, shock-absorbent, waterproof, skin-friendly.” Perfect for those warm rainy days, pool outings, and the beach of course!
Advertisement
These are the shoes I want to get myself this fall. Made with the unique cork sole, these lace-up loafers are perfect for any time sandals don’t quite work. Whether it’s too cold or you can’t wear them for work, they boast a classy style and the durable support Birkenstock is known for. The options above are a fraction of the choices that Birkenstock has available. Even if their signature style isn’t for you, there are shoes you can find like the loafers above, that provide the support in an entirely different look than what you’re used to.