theroot--2020-08-21--20 Years of Bringing It: What Bring It On Did for the Culture and the Conversation Around Cultural T

20 Years of Bringing It: What Bring It On Did for the Culture and the Conversation Around Cultural Theft

“ Every time we get some , y ’ all come trying to steal it , putting some blonde hair on it , and calling it something different , ” Isis ( Gabrielle Union ) , captain of the fictional East Compton Clovers cheer squad , tells Rancho Carne Toros leader Torrance ( Kirsten Dunst ) in a confrontational scene during the cult classic film Bring It On .
The movie , which turns 20 years old on August 22 , centers a white cheerleading squad working to come up with an original routine for the upcoming national championship competition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former captain stole routines from a largely-Black squad across town .
If the film ’ s premise sounds all too familiar , that ’ s because it is ; Bring It On ’ s deeper meaning pertains to the issue of cultural appropriation under the unassuming guise of sass-filled one-liners , teenybopper tropes , and iconic cheer chants set to DJ Kool ’ s “ Let Me Clear My Throat.
” Not only did the film help ring in the 2000s era of teen comedy films like Not Another Teen Movie and Wet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the introduction of openly addressing wrongdoing through call-out culture , and highlighted the importance of Black cheerleaders to the community .
Now , this isn ’ t to say that Bring It On is the first instance on the big screen where cultural appropriation is addressed ; The Five Heartbeats , Dreamgirls and Hairspray all feature scenes and themes surrounding the topic .
However , as a seven-year-old when Bring It On was released , this was the first instance in my burgeoning culture-obsessed lifetime where I recognized cultural theft as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Plus , as a former cheerleader-turned-competitive gymnast , any high-profile look into the world of extreme stunting and tumbling makes me feel seen .
In the 20 years that have passed since Bring It On ’ s release , we ’ ve seen so many changes in the content we consume and in the people who are developing it .
Jordan Peele , Issa Rae and Lena Waithe continue to dazzle audiences far and wide with their original projects , and previously unknown Black talents continue to have their work amplified and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as we know and regularly see—especially in media , fashion and entertainment—ideas , trends and customs inaugurated in Black spaces are often hijacked and tinkered with by white people for mainstream consumption .
Yet , thanks to the internet ’ s lightning-fast methods of identifying and proving wrongdoing , cultural appropriation and theft have been called out more frequently in the 21st century .
In 2017 , Miley Cyrus was called out for abandoning her years-long diet of twerking and Mike WiLL Made-It hip-hop beats for a down-home , country-fried image and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Jenner sisters have been reprimanded for snatching and rebranding historically-Black aesthetics .
And a real-life Bring It On moment occurred late last year , after viral video footage of a predominantly-white squad attempting to do the same “ stomp and shake ” routine as a largely-Black squad made the rounds .
Per Red Line Elite , “ stomp and shake ” has early-20th century Southern origins , and HBCUs such as Baton Rouge ’ s Southern University and A & M College have “ stomp and shake ” teams on campus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by cheer purists for not utilizing enough traditional ( read : non-Black traditional ) technique .
It is disheartening to see that this style—something so integral to Black culture—can be twisted and politicized by those who aren ’ t a part of that world and would never understand its significance .
This is not just a Black and white issue ; there have been numerous examples of cultural appropriation and whitewashing in media , television and film for decades .
Yet , most of the examples are not found within the plot , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1970s , Bruce Lee lost out on a role to play a Shaolin monk in the television series Kung Fu because producers felt white actor David Carradine would be better understood by American viewers .
Johnny Depp , who believes he has Native American ancestry , played the role of “ Tonto ” in the 2013 adaptation of The Lone Ranger .
In 2019 , Scarlett Johansson infamously stated that she “ should be allowed to play any person ” as an actress , after becoming the center of controversial , whitewashed casting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite numerous examples of cultural theft throughout history , it appears that those who are guilty of appropriation are often equally in denial that it ’ s occurring—or are they ?
White people are given the power to do and take as they please ; more often than not , without backlash .
For instance , Bring It On ’ s Toros are initially dismissive upon learning that “ Big Red ” lifted routines from the Clovers , and opt to keep their nationals routine as is .
Their basis ?
Ignorance about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Clovers ’ supposed lack of proof .
As one cheerleader puts it , “ this is not about cheating—this is about winning , ” and the squad shouldn ’ t be punished for the “ mistake ” that “ Big Red ” made .
Despite the fictional team ’ s belief , cultural appropriation is most often not a “ whoopsie-daisy ” moment , and this “ winning ” mindset is exactly how white people benefit from “ borrowing ” cultures and customs .
It ‘ s likely the mindset Elvis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biting off Chuck Berry and Big Mama Thorton .
Perhaps Madonna adopted that “ winner ’ s ” mentality when she plucked “ Vogue ” out of the Black and Latinx ballroom scene of New York City to receive “ 10s , 10s , 10s ” across the charts in the early-1990s .
Luckily , people are starting to recognize that Blackness looks the best on and coming from Black people , which has resulted in an uptick in For-Us-by-Us content via television , film , music , and social media that highlights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black-ish , Insecure and Solange ’ s A Seat at the Table album—or big sister Beyoncé ’ s Lemonade , Homecoming and Black Is King—it ’ s exceedingly clear that certain projects are exclusively crafted for our community , so that we can sit back and enjoy what ’ s ours .
But back in 2000 , those waters only got deeper in the cheerleading film , as Bring It On also touched upon white guilt and the white savior complex .
For instance , when the well-meaning but naive Torrance believes having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Clovers get to nationals is the be-all and end-all of the problem , Isis bluntly assures her that handouts aren ’ t going to fix the issue at hand .
Instead of accepting the so-called sponsorship , she rips the check and tells the captain of the white squad to “ bring it.
” As Isis recognized and many unfortunately still need to learn , the issue of white guilt doesn ’ t start and end with recognizing the presence of white privilege .
Rectifying centuries of racial and cultural misconduct is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a checkbook , apologizing to Black friends , or posting a black square on Instagram .
It requires education , it requires listening , and above all , it requires accountability of the self and of one ’ s peers .
Those who are like me and were still children when Bring It On was released saw an example of what happens when Black talent isn ’ t treated properly , and what happens when we call a thing a thing .
While there are still too many instances in media where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reckoning is afoot in Hollywood and other media spaces regarding the treatment of Black people ( especially women ) , both creatively and professionally .
We ’ re in the midst of a major tipping point in history , and we ’ ve only just begun to see what will hopefully be long-lasting effects of call-out culture at work .
20 years after Bring It On , its co-star Gabrielle Union is using her platform to discuss the disturbing treatment of Black women in the media .
When she was unceremoniously removed from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Got Talent in late 2019 , she bravely detailed that the reason she was let go was due to confronting the alleged behind-the-scenes treatment of herself and other members of the cast and crew , which included racially-biased comments and incidents .
“ If I can ’ t speak out with the privilege that I have , and the benefits that my husband and I have , what is the point of making it ?
” she told Variety in their May 2020 cover story .
“ What is the point of having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your privilege when you ’ re not doing shit to help other people ?
” Reflecting on the film , which many consider Union ’ s breakthrough role , there is one nagging issue : while the squads are rivals , the spunky , trying-their-best Toros are still positioned for the viewer to want and expect to see them as victorious—an ironic vantage point considering the movie ’ s deeper theme .
Despite being justifiably pissed , the Clovers ’ presence throughout the film comes with a slight “ angry Black woman ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting them .
However , the Toros ’ second-place finish at nationals behind the Clovers is sweet justice for those who recognize that Black success and white understanding ( especially in this context ) is the best ending the film could have received .
Speaking personally , another positive attribute of Bring It On is that Black women actually got to be portrayed as cheerleaders ; a position of social power in television and film often designated exclusively for white women , despite it being an art form Black people have always been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also holds dear .
Framing Isis ( who commanded silence in her school gymnasium with a simple lift of her arms ) and the other members of the Clovers as women who are revered at East Compton High School as powerful and popular in their own right adds a nuanced level of importance to the film I ’ m not sure people really noticed .
While the film and other examples in entertainment ( 2002 ’ s Drumline , the Lifetime series Bring It , and Beyoncé ’ s 2018 Coachella set come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand dancers , J-Setters and HBCU culture for a mainstream audience , these magnetic performers have been an integral part of our history for decades .
Bring It On celebrates Black cheerleaders as the innovators they are : the ones who mean business , who are serious about their craft , and will do anything to demand and command the attention they deserve—while not sacrificing their cultural imprints .
The same can be said for Black creatives as a whole , who continue to prove that they are truly at the top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put us on the bench .
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 !

“Every time we get some, y’all come trying to steal it, putting some blonde hair on it, and calling it something different,” Isis (Gabrielle Union), captain of the fictional East Compton Clovers cheer squad, tells Rancho Carne Toros leader Torrance (Kirsten Dunst) in a confrontational scene during the cult classic film Bring It On.
The movie, which turns 20 years old on August 22, centers a white cheerleading squad working to come up with an original routine for the upcoming national championship competition after discovering that for years, their former captain stole routines from a largely-Black squad across town. If the film’s premise sounds all too familiar, that’s because it is; Bring It On’s deeper meaning pertains to the issue of cultural appropriation under the unassuming guise of sass-filled one-liners, teenybopper tropes, and iconic cheer chants set to DJ Kool’s “Let Me Clear My Throat.”
Advertisement
Not only did the film help ring in the 2000s era of teen comedy films like Not Another Teen Movie and Wet Hot American Summer, but it contributed to the introduction of openly addressing wrongdoing through call-out culture, and highlighted the importance of Black cheerleaders to the community. Now, this isn’t to say that Bring It On is the first instance on the big screen where cultural appropriation is addressed; The Five Heartbeats, Dreamgirls and Hairspray all feature scenes and themes surrounding the topic. However, as a seven-year-old when Bring It On was released, this was the first instance in my burgeoning culture-obsessed lifetime where I recognized cultural theft as a film’s central, underlying theme. Plus, as a former cheerleader-turned-competitive gymnast, any high-profile look into the world of extreme stunting and tumbling makes me feel seen.
In the 20 years that have passed since Bring It On’s release, we’ve seen so many changes in the content we consume and in the people who are developing it. Jordan Peele, Issa Rae and Lena Waithe continue to dazzle audiences far and wide with their original projects, and previously unknown Black talents continue to have their work amplified and pushed out to the masses. However, as we know and regularly see—especially in media, fashion and entertainment—ideas, trends and customs inaugurated in Black spaces are often hijacked and tinkered with by white people for mainstream consumption. Yet, thanks to the internet’s lightning-fast methods of identifying and proving wrongdoing, cultural appropriation and theft have been called out more frequently in the 21st century.
Advertisement Advertisement
In 2017, Miley Cyrus was called out for abandoning her years-long diet of twerking and Mike WiLL Made-It hip-hop beats for a down-home, country-fried image and sound—and for many years, the Kardashian and Jenner sisters have been reprimanded for snatching and rebranding historically-Black aesthetics. And a real-life Bring It On moment occurred late last year, after viral video footage of a predominantly-white squad attempting to do the same “stomp and shake” routine as a largely-Black squad made the rounds.
Per Red Line Elite, “stomp and shake” has early-20th century Southern origins, and HBCUs such as Baton Rouge’s Southern University and A&M College have “stomp and shake” teams on campus. However, the style has been criticized by cheer purists for not utilizing enough traditional (read: non-Black traditional) technique. It is disheartening to see that this style—something so integral to Black culture—can be twisted and politicized by those who aren’t a part of that world and would never understand its significance.
Advertisement
This is not just a Black and white issue; there have been numerous examples of cultural appropriation and whitewashing in media, television and film for decades. Yet, most of the examples are not found within the plot, but through casting decisions. In the 1970s, Bruce Lee lost out on a role to play a Shaolin monk in the television series Kung Fu because producers felt white actor David Carradine would be better understood by American viewers. Johnny Depp, who believes he has Native American ancestry, played the role of “Tonto” in the 2013 adaptation of The Lone Ranger. In 2019, Scarlett Johansson infamously stated that she “should be allowed to play any person” as an actress, after becoming the center of controversial, whitewashed casting decisions in both 2016 and 2018.
Despite numerous examples of cultural theft throughout history, it appears that those who are guilty of appropriation are often equally in denial that it’s occurring—or are they? White people are given the power to do and take as they please; more often than not, without backlash. For instance, Bring It On’s Toros are initially dismissive upon learning that “Big Red” lifted routines from the Clovers, and opt to keep their nationals routine as is. Their basis? Ignorance about their former captain’s years-long wrongdoing and the Clovers’ supposed lack of proof. As one cheerleader puts it, “this is not about cheating—this is about winning,” and the squad shouldn’t be punished for the “mistake” that “Big Red” made.
Advertisement
Despite the fictional team’s belief, cultural appropriation is most often not a “whoopsie-daisy” moment, and this “winning” mindset is exactly how white people benefit from stealing “borrowing” cultures and customs. It‘s likely the mindset Elvis Presley and his team owned while notoriously biting off Chuck Berry and Big Mama Thorton. Perhaps Madonna adopted that “winner’s” mentality when she plucked “Vogue” out of the Black and Latinx ballroom scene of New York City to receive “10s, 10s, 10s” across the charts in the early-1990s.
Advertisement
Luckily, people are starting to recognize that Blackness looks the best on and coming from Black people, which has resulted in an uptick in For-Us-by-Us content via television, film, music, and social media that highlights Black experiences. While everyone can consume Black-ish, Insecure and Solange’s A Seat at the Table album—or big sister Beyoncé’s Lemonade, Homecoming and Black Is King—it’s exceedingly clear that certain projects are exclusively crafted for our community, so that we can sit back and enjoy what’s ours.
But back in 2000, those waters only got deeper in the cheerleading film, as Bring It On also touched upon white guilt and the white savior complex. For instance, when the well-meaning but naive Torrance believes having her daddy cut a check to help the Clovers get to nationals is the be-all and end-all of the problem, Isis bluntly assures her that handouts aren’t going to fix the issue at hand. Instead of accepting the so-called sponsorship, she rips the check and tells the captain of the white squad to “bring it.”
Advertisement
As Isis recognized and many unfortunately still need to learn, the issue of white guilt doesn’t start and end with recognizing the presence of white privilege. Rectifying centuries of racial and cultural misconduct is a lot more time-consuming than whipping out a checkbook, apologizing to Black friends, or posting a black square on Instagram. It requires education, it requires listening, and above all, it requires accountability of the self and of one’s peers.
Those who are like me and were still children when Bring It On was released saw an example of what happens when Black talent isn’t treated properly, and what happens when we call a thing a thing. While there are still too many instances in media where we see cultural appropriation and theft, a reckoning is afoot in Hollywood and other media spaces regarding the treatment of Black people (especially women), both creatively and professionally. We’re in the midst of a major tipping point in history, and we’ve only just begun to see what will hopefully be long-lasting effects of call-out culture at work.
Advertisement
20 years after Bring It On, its co-star Gabrielle Union is using her platform to discuss the disturbing treatment of Black women in the media. When she was unceremoniously removed from her judging duties on America’s Got Talent in late 2019, she bravely detailed that the reason she was let go was due to confronting the alleged behind-the-scenes treatment of herself and other members of the cast and crew, which included racially-biased comments and incidents.
“If I can’t speak out with the privilege that I have, and the benefits that my husband and I have, what is the point of making it?” she told Variety in their May 2020 cover story. “What is the point of having a seat at the table and protecting your privilege when you’re not doing shit to help other people?”
Advertisement
Reflecting on the film, which many consider Union’s breakthrough role, there is one nagging issue: while the squads are rivals, the spunky, trying-their-best Toros are still positioned for the viewer to want and expect to see them as victorious—an ironic vantage point considering the movie’s deeper theme. Despite being justifiably pissed, the Clovers’ presence throughout the film comes with a slight “angry Black woman” connotation, which may deter viewers from supporting them. However, the Toros’ second-place finish at nationals behind the Clovers is sweet justice for those who recognize that Black success and white understanding (especially in this context) is the best ending the film could have received.
Speaking personally, another positive attribute of Bring It On is that Black women actually got to be portrayed as cheerleaders; a position of social power in television and film often designated exclusively for white women, despite it being an art form Black people have always been a part of and that our community also holds dear.
Advertisement
Framing Isis (who commanded silence in her school gymnasium with a simple lift of her arms) and the other members of the Clovers as women who are revered at East Compton High School as powerful and popular in their own right adds a nuanced level of importance to the film I’m not sure people really noticed. While the film and other examples in entertainment (2002’s Drumline, the Lifetime series Bring It, and Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella set come to mind) showcase Black cheerleaders, stand dancers, J-Setters and HBCU culture for a mainstream audience, these magnetic performers have been an integral part of our history for decades.
Bring It On celebrates Black cheerleaders as the innovators they are: the ones who mean business, who are serious about their craft, and will do anything to demand and command the attention they deserve—while not sacrificing their cultural imprints. The same can be said for Black creatives as a whole, who continue to prove that they are truly at the top of the pyramid despite society’s attempts to put us on the bench.
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--2020-08-21--Your Cheeky Friends Will Thank You for This Horoscope-Themed Pleasure Box Gift Set

Perhaps you need a gift for your Taurus bestie , or the magnificent Leo in your life , but star sign necklaces are so over and you want to step up your game with a naughty turn on the zodiac-inspired present .
Look no further than the Horoscope Pleasure Box .
The Horoscope Pleasure Box retails for $ 54 , but readers of The Inventory can get it for $ 36 .
The discount is automatically applied at checkout .
Each gift set includes three items : a gemstone necklace inspired by your sign , a tin of orgasm balm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 10-speed vibrator has a ring that slips over the finger , allowing you to control the bullet and move it around with ease .
The zodiac-inspired necklaces are fitted with stones that will help to channel and magnify energy based on your star sign .
• The is turquoise , which represents purification , strength , and balance .
• Those get a necklace of red jasper , to promote courage , health , and strength .
• get a tiger eye charm for protection , courage , and balance .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is all about love , compassion , and forgiveness .
• Those will look so fetching in green aventurine , which is all about healing , abundance , and growth .
• The get a carnelian necklace , which brings the little lions vitality , creativity , and grounding .
• Those get citrine for happiness and abundance .
• The is rhodochrosite to bring empathy , love , and passion to our justice-minded friends .
• The get an opal necklace to encourage renewal , acceptance , and love .
• Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lapis lazuli , which represents clarity and compassion .
• will , naturally , be wearing obsidian , which represents purification , grounding , and transformation .
Those fishy Pisces get a necklace made of amethyst for protection , purification , and spirituality .
The Horoscope Pleasure Box retails for $ 54 , but readers of The Inventory can get it for $ 36 .
The discount is automatically applied at checkout .
The clitoral balms , which is applied topically to provide a warming sensation that increases the power of your orgasm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to each of the four elements of the zodiac—air , earth , fire , and water .
Those scents and their corresponding elements and signs are : Do you want to try out the balm without all the horoscope-y stuff ?
Sure , we ’ ve got you covered !
Ella Paradis sells two versions of the Bijoux balms , Clitherapy Sexting Balm and Clitherapy Ghosting Remedy .
The Horoscope Pleasure Box retails for $ 54 , but readers of The Inventory can get it for $ 36 .
The discount is automatically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend a sex toy gift box is too much , but you like the idea of finding the sweet spot at the intersection of horniness and an interest in the occult , the Tarot Cards for Lovers might be more your speed .
It ’ s a set of 78 “ Sex Fortune Cards ” that are based on traditional tarot cards .
It ’ s more of a novelty gift than anything else , but for $ 10 , when you use the 20 % discount code Ella Paradis offers exclusively to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) it ’ s a fun and inexpensive gift for your spookiest , horniest friend .

Jolie Kerr on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Horoscope Pleasure Box | $36 | Ella Paradis | Discount Applied at Checkout
Perhaps you need a gift for your Taurus bestie, or the magnificent Leo in your life, but star sign necklaces are so over and you want to step up your game with a naughty turn on the zodiac-inspired present. Look no further than the Horoscope Pleasure Box.
The Horoscope Pleasure Box retails for $54, but readers of The Inventory can get it for $36. The discount is automatically applied at checkout.
Each gift set includes three items: a gemstone necklace inspired by your sign, a tin of orgasm balm, and a bullet-style finger vibrator. The 10-speed vibrator has a ring that slips over the finger, allowing you to control the bullet and move it around with ease.
Advertisement
The zodiac-inspired necklaces are fitted with stones that will help to channel and magnify energy based on your star sign.
Advertisement Advertisement
Those fishy Pisces get a necklace made of amethyst for protection, purification, and spirituality.
The Horoscope Pleasure Box retails for $54, but readers of The Inventory can get it for $36. The discount is automatically applied at checkout.
The clitoral balms, which is applied topically to provide a warming sensation that increases the power of your orgasm, come in scents that are matched to each of the four elements of the zodiac—air, earth, fire, and water. Those scents and their corresponding elements and signs are:
Advertisement
Star Anise — air signs (Aquarius, Gemini, Libra)
Vetiver — earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
Sandalwood — water signs (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio)
Spiced ginger — fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
Do you want to try out the balm without all the horoscope-y stuff? Sure, we’ve got you covered! Ella Paradis sells two versions of the Bijoux balms, Clitherapy Sexting Balm and Clitherapy Ghosting Remedy.
Advertisement
The Horoscope Pleasure Box retails for $54, but readers of The Inventory can get it for $36. The discount is automatically applied at checkout.
If sending your friend a sex toy gift box is too much, but you like the idea of finding the sweet spot at the intersection of horniness and an interest in the occult, the Tarot Cards for Lovers might be more your speed. It’s a set of 78 “Sex Fortune Cards” that are based on traditional tarot cards. It’s more of a novelty gift than anything else, but for $10, when you use the 20% discount code Ella Paradis offers exclusively to The Inventory readers (applies at checkout) it’s a fun and inexpensive gift for your spookiest, horniest friend.


theroot--2020-08-21--New York Civil Liberties Union Releases More Than 323,000 Allegations of Misconduct Filed Against th

New York Civil Liberties Union Releases More Than 323,000 Allegations of Misconduct Filed Against the NYPD

Not everything about 2020 has been bad .
The pandemic has been disastrous for the year ’ s reputation , but good things are happening right now as well .
The worldwide explosion of the Black Lives Matter movement has brought to the mainstream a much-needed conversation about systemic racism in policing ( and in general ) , and the airing out of toxic practices in policing has become a welcome trend to many .
The New York Civil Liberties Union just released a massive database to the public that reveals hundreds of thousands of misconduct allegations against NYPD officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a federal appeals court denied a police union ’ s attempt to block the records from being exposed .
The New York Times reports that a grand total of 323,911 complaints involving around 81,550 New York City police officers were included in the data dump published online Thursday .
The records released Thursday include all allegations of excessive force , abuse of authority , discourtesy and offensive language investigated by the review board though mid-July , as well as the board ’ s findings and any discipline that the police commissioner imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation by the review board or those investigated by the Police Department itself .
The complaints were shrouded in secrecy until June , when , as protests against police brutality spread across the country , the State Legislature in New York repealed a 44-year-old law that had been used to prevent their release to the public .
After a legal challenge from labor unions representing police officers , firefighters and corrections officers whose records were shielded by the law , a federal appeals court on Thursday ruled that the data could be released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court .
“ History has shown the NYPD is unwilling to police itself , ” NYCLU legal director Christopher Dunn said in a statement .
“ The release of this database is an important step towards greater transparency and accountability and is just the beginning of unraveling the monopoly the N.Y.P.D .
holds on public information and officer discipline.
” According to the New York Post , Hank Sheinkopf , a spokesman for the coalition of unions that tried their hardest to keep the sealed records under wraps , said opponents of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fighting efforts to expose allegations against police officers .
“ [ W ] e continue to fight the De Blasio administration and the improper dumping of thousands of documents containing unproven , career-damaging , unsubstantiated allegations that put our members and their families at risk , ” Sheinkopf said , the Post reports .
What happened to all that , “ if you ’ ve done nothing wrong , you don ’ t have anything to worry about ” energy Black people are subjected to when we complain about racial profiling and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people he speaks for have the same attitude towards a proposition that citizens ’ arrests be immediately sealed if they aren ’ t convicted of the crime they were charged with ?
The truth is police officers enjoy the luxury of having their reports taken as gospel or at least given more weight than the accounts of the civilian suspects they interact with .
That ’ s especially evident given the fact that , according to the NYCLU report , less than 3 percent of the 323,911 complaints resulted in a penalty for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers were fired behind said complaints .
It ’ s almost as if it ’ s an uphill battle to get the “ bad apples ” among police officers held accountable for their misconduct , and the exposing of the sheer number of complaints is the least that can be done in the bid for more police transparency .
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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Subscribe for updates today !

Not everything about 2020 has been bad. The pandemic has been disastrous for the year’s reputation, but good things are happening right now as well. The worldwide explosion of the Black Lives Matter movement has brought to the mainstream a much-needed conversation about systemic racism in policing (and in general), and the airing out of toxic practices in policing has become a welcome trend to many.
The New York Civil Liberties Union just released a massive database to the public that reveals hundreds of thousands of misconduct allegations against NYPD officers, and it was published just moments after a federal appeals court denied a police union’s attempt to block the records from being exposed.
Advertisement
The New York Times reports that a grand total of 323,911 complaints involving around 81,550 New York City police officers were included in the data dump published online Thursday.
From the Times:
The records released Thursday include all allegations of excessive force, abuse of authority, discourtesy and offensive language investigated by the review board though mid-July, as well as the board’s findings and any discipline that the police commissioner imposed. They do not include complaints under investigation by the review board or those investigated by the Police Department itself. The complaints were shrouded in secrecy until June, when, as protests against police brutality spread across the country, the State Legislature in New York repealed a 44-year-old law that had been used to prevent their release to the public. After a legal challenge from labor unions representing police officers, firefighters and corrections officers whose records were shielded by the law, a federal appeals court on Thursday ruled that the data could be released while the case continued in a lower court.
Advertisement Advertisement
“History has shown the NYPD is unwilling to police itself,” NYCLU legal director Christopher Dunn said in a statement. “The release of this database is an important step towards greater transparency and accountability and is just the beginning of unraveling the monopoly the N.Y.P.D. holds on public information and officer discipline.”
According to the New York Post, Hank Sheinkopf, a spokesman for the coalition of unions that tried their hardest to keep the sealed records under wraps, said opponents of the law’s repeal are still committed to fighting efforts to expose allegations against police officers.
Advertisement
“[W]e continue to fight the De Blasio administration and the improper dumping of thousands of documents containing unproven, career-damaging, unsubstantiated allegations that put our members and their families at risk,” Sheinkopf said, the Post reports.
Wait a minute…
What happened to all that, “if you’ve done nothing wrong, you don’t have anything to worry about” energy Black people are subjected to when we complain about racial profiling and police harassment? Would Sheinkopf or the people he speaks for have the same attitude towards a proposition that citizens’ arrests be immediately sealed if they aren’t convicted of the crime they were charged with?
Advertisement
The truth is police officers enjoy the luxury of having their reports taken as gospel or at least given more weight than the accounts of the civilian suspects they interact with. That’s especially evident given the fact that, according to the NYCLU report, less than 3 percent of the 323,911 complaints resulted in a penalty for officers, and only 12 of those officers were fired behind said complaints.
It’s almost as if it’s an uphill battle to get the “bad apples” among police officers held accountable for their misconduct, and the exposing of the sheer number of complaints is the least that can be done in the bid for more police transparency.
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--2020-08-21--Save an Extra 25% off Sale Items at Anthropologie

The best Anthropologie sales for August 2020 have arrived .
Save a bundle at Anthropologie right now , thanks to a bonus sale that knocks an additional 25 % off of thousands of sale items .
The sale includes clothing , shoes , and accessories , and the extra discount is shown in your cart .
Additionally , Anthropologie is taking 20 % off all clothing , shoes , and accessories sitewide this weekend only .
So if you ’ ve seen something appealing that ’ s usually a little outside your budget , check again now to see if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Make this tank top a key part of your summer look by snagging it on sale .
Available in a variety of bold colors , including Luminous Yellow and Neon Coral , this 62 % acrylic/38 % nylon ( and 100 % awesome ) tank is $ 26 off at the moment .
Camouflage is usually supposed to help you blend in , but we bet these cute shorts will help you stand out this summer instead .
These utility shorts have side slant pockets , a front button flap pocket , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently $ 51 off during the summer sale .
Well , this looks cozy as heck .
This Saturday/Sunday Jovie textured mini dress is an incredibly soft-looking polyester , cotton , and rayon that ostensibly is designed for you to toss on and head out , but this looks like it ’ d be just as great around the house .
It ’ s more than half-off the $ 98 list price .
Save $ 8 off the price of each of these adorable Clare V. for Anthropologie Bamboo Melamine bento boxes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ around a lunch or snack , with a two-tiered structure to maximize storage and a secure band to keep everything together .
It ’ s dishwasher safe and available in three styles , each on sale .
Promising a “ comfy-cozy ” woven texture , this Jacquard-Woven Galia duvet cover looks like the perfect thing to flop onto or snuggle underneath after a long , hard day .
The price varies based on size , but you ’ ll save between $ 98 and $ 118 dollars depending on your pick .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair of Scandinavian clog sandals in your closet , now ’ s the time to change that .
Anthropologie has chopped $ 145 off the list price on these shoes , which the maker believes have “ their own unique stories to tell.
” We imagine you could create a few great stories in these shoes , too .
Is it essential that your hand cream has your favorite letter or initial on it ?
No , probably not .
Is it kind of cute ?
Sure .
Is that even more appealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the regular price ?
Yep , definitely .
Anthropologie has several letters still in stock as of this writing , each one marked down from $ 12 .
Be ready for sunnier days ahead with dRA ’ s Sierra smocked linen jumpsuit , which packs in warm colors , a smocked bodice , and adjustable tie straps .
This one ’ s available in both standard and petite sizes ( plus-sized is sold out as of this writing ) , and it ’ s down from the usual $ 158 list price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it : we ’ ve found the most eye-catching piece of apparel on the entire Anthropologie website .
The company ’ s own Essential Slim Trousers surely are essential if you ’ re on the hunt for something truly striking and memorable , and they ’ re all the more essential if you ’ re keen on saving $ 6 5 off the usual price right now .
Save $ 78 on this bright mini skirt , a jacquard with a beautiful floral pattern and a flounced hem .
There may not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do right now , but this would still be the perfect late spring attire for a nice , socially-distanced stroll .

Sheilah Villari and Andrew Hayward on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Featured Deal: Aleksi Faux Fur Throw Blanket | $90
Anthropologie has announced a great list of deals for September 2021!
The bohemian retailer is clearing through its products with bonus savings right now. For a limited time, shoppers can also get free shipping and returns, and free express shipping on app orders over $150.
At Kinja Deals, we have selected a few of our favorite items that we think you should cash in on sooner, rather than later.
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The season of getting cozy on the sofa is fast approaching and what better way to do that than with a new blanket. This luxurious faux fur throw comes in 6 colors to vibe with your decor. It’s super soft to make sure your next binge session or football Sunday is the comfiest.
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Don’t you want to say goodbye to dark circles once and for all? Then, try the Patchology Served Chilled Rose Eye Gels. They’re made with antioxidants from strawberry extract and grape-sourced resveratrol to soothe your skin. Plus, it has a dash of hyaluronic acid for a bit of hydration.
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The online exclusive Pointelle Wide-Leg Pants are a great, breezy addition to your summer wardrobe. Available in clay and blue, this garment is made with a cool, super stylish fabric that can be paired with a cami or bralette. Aside from standard sizing, it also comes in petite.
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Look cute as can be with this rose-colored smocked cami. This garment will evoke nostalgia for lazy days and can be easily be layered as fall approaches. Plus, the adjustable shoulder bow ties make for an extra sweet accessory. Note that it is recommended to hand wash this cami to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
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Who doesn’t love a good picnic? The Business & Pleasure Co. Cooler Bag can be easily taken to the park on a warm fall afternoon. It is made from leftover premium canvas, so it’s super eco-friendly. Note that this bag comes in four different color options, so you have plenty to choose from.
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The Pilcro Breezy Split-Back Tee is a beautiful, effortless shirt available in this brilliant yellow color. It comes with words embroidered in the fabric with multi-colored stitching as a whimsical touch. This piece is part of Anthropologie’s exclusive Pilcro label, known for offering versatile style in ultra-flattering silhouettes.
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Even in fall, you need a good pair of sneakers and even better if they are colorful. These beautiful platform sneakers from LA-based designer Jeff Campbell definitely fit the bill. There are still plenty of warm days and cools nights to rock a sweet pair of flowery kicks.
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It’s time to look dainty! Get the Let Me Be Lace Peplum Tank to add a little bit of lace mystery to your life. This silhouette is timeless with classic, feminine details added as the frosting on top. It has a scalloped, peplum hem for a breezy, romantic feel that can be dressed up or dressed down. And let’s not forget about that beadwork!
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Pilcro really does offer some of the best denim products at Anthropologie. This brand delivers versatile and comfy items, crafted from premium denim. This pair of jeans is no exception. Style it with a boho blouse, or a breezy button-down. And, let’s not even get started on that ultra-flattering fit!
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The Ruffled Floral Maxi Dress comes in a gorgeous, rich green fabric with a flower pattern stitched along the bottom half. Its botanical flourish is a great outfit to wear to the mall, beach, or outdoor dinner. Stylists recommend pairing it with a pair of oversized sunglasses and a silk headband for an ultra retro look.
This story was originally published by Sheilah Villari on 03/24/2020 and updated with new information by her on 09/13/2021.


theroot--2020-08-21--Missouri Newspaper Criticized for Racist Martin Luther King Jr. 'I Have a Dream' Caricature Cartoon

White people ( and non-Black people of color for that matter ) would do well to just keep Martin Luther King Jr. ’ s name out of their mouths .
This goes especially for conservatives who only seem to know one excerpt of one speech from one civil rights leader and so they invoke their version of MLK every time they feel a need to wag their fingers at Black people and lecture us about being peaceful—which is ironic since , at the time of his death , most of America disapproved of him and his methods of activism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ publishing a cartoon depiction of King ’ s “ I Have a Dream ” speech that alters King ’ s words to address recent riots that have broken out in white people ’ s favorite boogeyman city : Chicago .
The cartoon ran in the Sunday edition of the Southeast Missourian newspaper published in Cape Girardeau , about 115 miles southeast of St. Louis .
It depicted King with exaggerated facial features saying , “ I have a dream that my four children will one day loot stores in Chicago and call it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rust Communications , published a note to readers Thursday by its opinion page management , saying that in response to the cartoon , “ The Southeast Missourian has been the recipient of a wave of social media messages , emails and threats.
” It ’ s difficult figuring out where to start in listing all the ways this cartoon is both condescending and racist .
First , it implies that Black people are the only one s rioting and looting , even though there ’ s no evidence that ’ s even remotely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Secondly , caricaturing King and his speech while lecturing Black people on respecting his legacy is just peak C aucasity .
Third , while Black people do cherish King and his legacy , he is not our Moses and the “ I Have a Dream ” speech is not our list of holy commandments chiseled on stone tablets and delivered to us as the infallible words of God .
Malcolm X , James Baldwin and Kwame Ture are also renowned civil rights icons who have delivered speeches that Black people hold in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get quoted by the white people who insist on choosing a daddy for Black America .
Two letters to the editor published Thursday slammed the cartoon , with one saying the paper had dishonored King ’ s legacy .
“ I am disappointed , and frankly , disgusted , that you and your editorial board would choose to publish the Ramirez cartoon depicting MLK Jr. scolding protesters along with ridiculing the idea of reparations , ” Christine Warren , who said she is a subscriber to the paper , wrote .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blatantly sends a racist message , ‘ Stay in your place , or you will disappoint MLK.
’ What fictional nonsense.
” “ More than ever , we need racial unity in our communities , not an editorial message that can fan the flames of racism , ” she wrote .
Another letter writer , Tom Preston , who said he is a longtime reader of the paper , called the cartoon “ disrespectful.
” “ The mayor of Chicago has just this morning on ‘ Face The Nation ’ said that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in her city were done by a coordinated group of criminals , not peaceful protesters , ” he wrote in a letter to the editor .
“ This cartoon isn ’ t even overtly racist , it is blatantly racist .
We as a society are better than this and you should be too !
” One would think that Missouri media outlets would have learned a lesson from a news anchor from the state who referred to King as “ Martin Luther Coon Jr. ” during an MLK tribute—but apparently they haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cartoon by pointing out that one Black activist did refer to looting as reparations .
( Because if one Black person said it , it must reflect the views of every Black person in Chicago , am I right ? )
The response by the paper ’ s opinion page management said the drawing by political cartoonist Michael Ramirez was based on an actual quote , as it “ alluded to pro-looting words spoken by a Black Lives Matter organizer after recent riots in Chicago.
” As reported by National Public Radio , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atkins , said that she did not see a problem with looting because people in the city are struggling .
“ That makes sure that that person has clothes .
That makes sure that that person can make some kind of money because this city obviously doesn ’ t care about them , ” Atkins told reporters .
“ Not only that , that ’ s reparations.
” The Root ’ s Michael Harriot has already compiled a list of MLK quotes white people would never cite because they point out how trash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end with what the man actually said about urban riots and looting in his speech “ The Role of the Behavioral Scientist in the Civil Rights Movement ” : “ Urban riots must now be recognized as durable social phenomena .
They may be deplored , but they are there and should be understood .
Urban riots are a special form of violence .
They are not insurrections .
The rioters are not seeking to seize territory or to attain control of institutions .
They are mainly intended to shock the white community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social protest .
The looting which is their principal feature serves many functions .
It enables the most enraged and deprived Negro to take hold of consumer goods with the ease the white man does by using his purse .
Often the Negro does not even want what he takes ; he wants the experience of taking .
But most of all , alienated from society and knowing that this society cherishes property above people , he is shocking it by abusing property rights .
There are thus elements of emotional catharsis in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
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 !

White people (and non-Black people of color for that matter) would do well to just keep Martin Luther King Jr. ’s name out of their mouths. This goes especially for conservatives who only seem to know one excerpt of one speech from one civil rights leader and so they invoke their version of MLK every time they feel a need to wag their fingers at Black people and lecture us about being peaceful—which is ironic since, at the time of his death, most of America disapproved of him and his methods of activism.
A Missouri newspaper is under fire for publishing a cartoon depiction of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech that alters King’s words to address recent riots that have broken out in white people’s favorite boogeyman city: Chicago.
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From NBC News:
The cartoon ran in the Sunday edition of the Southeast Missourian newspaper published in Cape Girardeau, about 115 miles southeast of St. Louis. It depicted King with exaggerated facial features saying, “I have a dream that my four children will one day loot stores in Chicago and call it reparations.” The newspaper, owned by Rust Communications, published a note to readers Thursday by its opinion page management, saying that in response to the cartoon, “The Southeast Missourian has been the recipient of a wave of social media messages, emails and threats.”
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It’s difficult figuring out where to start in listing all the ways this cartoon is both condescending and racist.
Advertisement
First, it implies that Black people are the only one s rioting and looting, even though there’s no evidence that’s even remotely the case in Chicago or anywhere else. Secondly, caricaturing King and his speech while lecturing Black people on respecting his legacy is just peak C aucasity. Third, while Black people do cherish King and his legacy, he is not our Moses and the “I Have a Dream” speech is not our list of holy commandments chiseled on stone tablets and delivered to us as the infallible words of God. Malcolm X, James Baldwin and Kwame Ture are also renowned civil rights icons who have delivered speeches that Black people hold in high esteem—strange that none of them ever get quoted by the white people who insist on choosing a daddy for Black America.
More from NBC:
Two letters to the editor published Thursday slammed the cartoon, with one saying the paper had dishonored King’s legacy. “I am disappointed, and frankly, disgusted, that you and your editorial board would choose to publish the Ramirez cartoon depicting MLK Jr. scolding protesters along with ridiculing the idea of reparations,” Christine Warren, who said she is a subscriber to the paper, wrote. “It totally dishonors the civil rights icon and blatantly sends a racist message, ‘Stay in your place, or you will disappoint MLK.’ What fictional nonsense.” Warren demanded that the newspaper issue a public apology. “More than ever, we need racial unity in our communities, not an editorial message that can fan the flames of racism,” she wrote. Another letter writer, Tom Preston, who said he is a longtime reader of the paper, called the cartoon “disrespectful.” “The mayor of Chicago has just this morning on ‘Face The Nation’ said that the looting and destruction of the high-end stores in her city were done by a coordinated group of criminals, not peaceful protesters,” he wrote in a letter to the editor. “This cartoon isn’t even overtly racist, it is blatantly racist. We as a society are better than this and you should be too!”
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One would think that Missouri media outlets would have learned a lesson from a news anchor from the state who referred to King as “Martin Luther Coon Jr.” during an MLK tribute—but apparently they haven’t.
The newspaper defended the cartoon by pointing out that one Black activist did refer to looting as reparations. (Because if one Black person said it, it must reflect the views of every Black person in Chicago, am I right?)
The response by the paper’s opinion page management said the drawing by political cartoonist Michael Ramirez was based on an actual quote, as it “alluded to pro-looting words spoken by a Black Lives Matter organizer after recent riots in Chicago.” As reported by National Public Radio, the protest’s organizer, Ariel Atkins, said that she did not see a problem with looting because people in the city are struggling. “That makes sure that that person has clothes. That makes sure that that person can make some kind of money because this city obviously doesn’t care about them,” Atkins told reporters. “Not only that, that’s reparations.”
Advertisement
The Root’s Michael Harriot has already compiled a list of MLK quotes white people would never cite because they point out how trash they are, but I’ll end with what the man actually said about urban riots and looting in his speech “The Role of the Behavioral Scientist in the Civil Rights Movement”:
“Urban riots must now be recognized as durable social phenomena. They may be deplored, but they are there and should be understood. Urban riots are a special form of violence. They are not insurrections. The rioters are not seeking to seize territory or to attain control of institutions. They are mainly intended to shock the white community. They are a distorted form of social protest. The looting which is their principal feature serves many functions. It enables the most enraged and deprived Negro to take hold of consumer goods with the ease the white man does by using his purse. Often the Negro does not even want what he takes; he wants the experience of taking. But most of all, alienated from society and knowing that this society cherishes property above people, he is shocking it by abusing property rights. There are thus elements of emotional catharsis in the violent act.”
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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--2020-08-21--The Root's Clapback Mailbag: Fire and Light

I heard he sang a good song , I heard he had a style And so I came to see him to listen for a while And there he was this young boy , a stranger to my eyes I felt all flushed with fever , embarrassed by the crowd I felt he found my letters and read each one out loud I prayed that he would finish but he just kept right on He sang as if he knew me in all my dark despair And then he looked right through me as if I wasn ’ t there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ singing clear and strong .
“ Killing me Soft ly ” is about America .
There will only be one clapback today .
This week I participated in a special edition of TIME .
I also wrote something on voter suppression , which surprisingly prompted some backlash .
I am the most patriotic person you know .
I do not hate this country .
I love America .
When you speak of America , you ’ re talking about the pure-hearted F ounding F athers , who founded a nation that had nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re thinking of a flawed-but still exceptional land of opportunity where all men are created equal .
You ’ re talking about an idyllic myth that never existed .
I believe in that America , too .
How can I say that ?
Well , if you ever happen to meet someone who grew up on the south side of the tiny town of Hartsville , S. C. , you will notice four things : • They are obsessed with smoke detectors .
• They probably know American sign language .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • They don ’ t give a fuck about their high school .
Well , the answer is The First Kwamé .
There is an inordinate amount of people from my neighborhood named Kwamé but The First Kwamé grew up a few blocks away from my house .
He is still a neighborhood legend .
He was a few years older than me but he had a brother who was my age who is one of my best friends to this day .
I did not like Kwamé .
He was tall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a basketball without taking a step and he could throw a football into the horizon .
Kwamé was also good-looking .
He wasn ’ t just regular handsome ; this nigga was remarkably handsome .
He was so handsome that the most heterosexual men in the neighborhood would describe him as : “ Fine as fuck.
” I did not like Kwamé because Kwamé was too much Kwamé .
He used to make fun of himself and say he was “ deaf but not dumb.
” Because he was the star athlete , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , almost everyone in my neighborhood learned a rudimentary version of American sign language just to communicate with this pretty motherfucker .
But the reason that Kwamé is a neighborhood legend has nothing to do with his looks or his athletic ability .
Aside from being charismatic , Kwamé loved children .
I know everyone says they love children but this dude actually did .
His mother ran a daycare center so this nigga basically helped raised all of the kids in my neighborhood .
And because his father was a preacher , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kwamé was one of the best quarterbacks and basketball players in the country .
But because he was hearing impaired , he didn ’ t get a lot of attention from larger schools .
Kwamé was tearing up the record books during the final year of Butler High School , the town ’ s all-B lack high school that was set to be closed .
The next year , all the students in town would attend the white high school whose quarterback , who couldn ’ t hold Kwamé jockstrap when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterback was set to go to Clemson while Kwamé didn ’ t get any offers from white schools .
Perhaps it was because of Kwamé disability but during that time , B lack QBs didn ’ t really play big-time college football .
But every year , for the last football game of the year , the B lack high school would play the white high school for town dominance .
This was going to be Butler ’ s last game and Kwamé ’ s last game , so everyone was going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams were undefeated , it was Kwamé ’ s last chance to prove that he wasn ’ t inferior to the white quarterback .
It was basically going to be a contest of B lack versus white .
According to the neighborhood legend , Kwamé stopped by his mother ’ s daycare center after practice and discovered that she was asleep in her office .
He tried to wake her up but couldn ’ t .
As he dragged her outside , he noticed that some of the kids were still asleep , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nap time .
He couldn ’ t call 911 because he was deaf but Kwamé somehow knew they were passed out from carbon monoxide poisoning , so he started picking up kids , two and three at a time , and shuffling them outside .
When passers by saw him , some helped his mother out while a few others called the fire department .
Eventually , even the people who were helping Kwamé stopped because they were overcome by the fumes .
The story goes , that when the fire department showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and kept everyone away from the building .
Some say they were afraid of an explosion .
Kwamé reportedly tried to explain , in sign language , to the firemen that there were still two children inside the daycare center but the firemen said it was empty and kept everyone outside .
Other people tried to “ translate ” for Kwamé as he allegedly tried to tell them that they had to get everyone out and turn off the gas before the building exploded .
But the firemen just stood around , knowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seconds later , the building , the church and the daycare center exploded , killing Kwamé .
No one else was injured .
Kwamé died shuttling 22 kids to safety , literally saving the lives of an entire generation of his neighborhood .
Many of those survivors have kids named Kwamé .
And just as some immigrants pass down their native languages to their children , I ’ d wager that more B lack people in my hometown know American Sign Language than almost any other place in the world .
For years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the gas leak was intentional .
Some people even say that the firemen let Kwamé go back inside because they didn ’ t want him to play in the big game .
None of that is probably true .
Firefighters are trained to keep people away from gas leaks because of the possibility of an explosion .
But Kwamé knew there was going to be an explosion and still went back in .
After Kwamé ’ s death , the schools consolidated but we never assimilated .
To this very day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t participate in homecoming activities .
There are still B lack class reunions and white class reunions .
The B lack class reunions are still held at the site of Butler High School .
People say we hate our school just like people say I hate America .
Black people have demonstrated their love for this country more than any other group in history .
We disproportionately fought in every war while white men took home the spoils .
We are the ones who sacrificed our bodies to nooses to make this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men were content with what they had done , we were the ones who pledged our allegiance to a Republic with liberty and justice for all .
America is not land .
It is not an ever-evolving Constitution or an idyllic h istory .
America is not a land of opportunity .
It is not a dream or an idea .
And I believe in America more than you .
That ’ s why B lack people keep going inside this building knowing we might die .
It ’ s why we keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supremacy off before everything explodes .
But you ’ re content to just stand around looking because you know you ’ re safe .
What does this have to do with anything ?
According to a lawsuit filed by Kwamé ’ s parents , the firefighters knew about the leak and should have turned off the gas supply line before it sparked an explosion but every firefighter testified that they didn ’ t hear a fire alarm .
Three bystanders who understood ASL testified that they translated Kwamé ’ s desperate pleas to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flashing !
” they said he signed .
“ Turn off the gas before there ’ s a fire !
” It turns out , that , because Kwamé was deaf , his parents outfitted the daycare center with a special smoke detector that flashed lights instead of making noise .
But apparently , the only smoke detectors they could find also came with a feature that detected carbon monoxide .
Because they were busy the day of the explosion , no one in the daycare center noticed the lights warning them that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monoxide .
Kwamé noticed it because he was deaf .
But the firefighters denied this .
They claimed no one told them to turn off the gas .
They said no one told them there was a leak .
They blamed Kwamé ’ s parents for having an “ inadequate smoke detector.
” They even said there was no definitive evidence that a gas leak caused the explosion , but the parents still won the lawsuit .
Because white people believe in the myth of exceptionalism .
The people from the white part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school ’ s undefeated season .
They believed they were superior .
In the official record books , you even will see that Butler High School lost one game that year even though it was actually a forfeit .
They believe they know the true story because they know the white history .
See , Butler actually played that game but it was forfeited at halftime when a fight broke out .
Years later , during the court battle , when those firefighters claimed they still don ’ t know what caused the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a newspaper photo taken just before the fight broke out .
In the picture , the mayor is handing the key to the city to four firefighters who bravely “ helped rescue ” 22 children from a fire after the firefighters “ discovered a water heater gas leak.
” When his parents won that lawsuit , it was like a victory for everyone in my town .
But I sometimes wonder if his parents think of all the things their son could have become .
I wonder if they find all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wonder if they feel bitter about the 10-year-battle to prove that they weren ’ t responsible for their son ’ s death or if they just wanted to lift that burden of injustice off their entire community .
And that , dear friend , is also why you think I hate America .
Because I knew the First Kwamé .

I heard he sang a good song, I heard he had a style
And so I came to see him to listen for a while
And there he was this young boy, a stranger to my eyes I felt all flushed with fever, embarrassed by the crowd
I felt he found my letters and read each one out loud
I prayed that he would finish but he just kept right on He sang as if he knew me in all my dark despair
And then he looked right through me as if I wasn’t there
But he just came to singing, singing clear and strong.
“Killing me Soft ly” is about America.
There will only be one clapback today.
This week I participated in a special edition of TIME.
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I also wrote something on voter suppression, which surprisingly prompted some backlash.
Advertisement Advertisement
From: P. Wilson
To: Michael Harriot
Subject: Caucasians? Not all “conservatives, autocrats and Caucasians have concocted an infinite number of insidious-but-lowkey-genius workarounds to suppress the Black vote.” If you believe this, why are you still here?
And this:
From: June
To: Michael Harriot
Subject: I thought you hated America? Why do you care who wins an election if you hate this country so much?
From: Sara
To: Michael Harriot
Subject: Who are you helping I have read a lot of your writings but there is one thing I don’t understand. If you believe blacks cant stop racism then why are you always writing about racism in a black blog? It seems to me that your goal is to turn more blacks against this country and against whites.
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Dear all,
I am the most patriotic person you know.
I do not hate this country. I love America.
When you speak of America, you’re talking about the pure-hearted F ounding F athers, who founded a nation that had nothing to do with white supremacy. You’re thinking of a flawed-but still exceptional land of opportunity where all men are created equal. You’re talking about an idyllic myth that never existed.
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But here’s the thing.
I believe in that America, too.
How can I say that?
Well, if you ever happen to meet someone who grew up on the south side of the tiny town of Hartsville, S. C. , you will notice four things:
They are obsessed with smoke detectors. They probably know American sign language. They probably know someone named Kwamé. They don’t give a fuck about their high school.
Why?
Well, the answer is The First Kwamé.
There is an inordinate amount of people from my neighborhood named Kwamé but The First Kwamé grew up a few blocks away from my house. He is still a neighborhood legend. He was a few years older than me but he had a brother who was my age who is one of my best friends to this day.
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I did not like Kwamé.
He was tall. He was smart, he could dunk a basketball without taking a step and he could throw a football into the horizon. Kwamé was also good-looking. He wasn’t just regular handsome; this nigga was remarkably handsome. He was so handsome that the most heterosexual men in the neighborhood would describe him as: “Fine as fuck.”
Advertisement
I did not like Kwamé because Kwamé was too much Kwamé.
Kwamé was also hearing impaired.
He used to make fun of himself and say he was “deaf but not dumb.” Because he was the star athlete, and the handsomest nigga you ever saw, almost everyone in my neighborhood learned a rudimentary version of American sign language just to communicate with this pretty motherfucker. But the reason that Kwamé is a neighborhood legend has nothing to do with his looks or his athletic ability.
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Aside from being charismatic, Kwamé loved children. I know everyone says they love children but this dude actually did. His mother ran a daycare center so this nigga basically helped raised all of the kids in my neighborhood. And because his father was a preacher, basically everyone knew him.
In 1985, Kwamé was one of the best quarterbacks and basketball players in the country. But because he was hearing impaired, he didn’t get a lot of attention from larger schools. Kwamé was tearing up the record books during the final year of Butler High School, the town’s all-B lack high school that was set to be closed. The next year, all the students in town would attend the white high school whose quarterback, who couldn’t hold Kwamé jockstrap when they played L ittle L eague. That quarterback was set to go to Clemson while Kwamé didn’t get any offers from white schools.
Advertisement
Perhaps it was because of Kwamé disability but during that time, B lack QBs didn’t really play big-time college football. But every year, for the last football game of the year, the B lack high school would play the white high school for town dominance. This was going to be Butler’s last game and Kwamé’s last game, so everyone was going to be there. Plus, because both teams were undefeated, it was Kwamé’s last chance to prove that he wasn’t inferior to the white quarterback. It was basically going to be a contest of B lack versus white.
Kwamé never played.
According to the neighborhood legend, Kwamé stopped by his mother’s daycare center after practice and discovered that she was asleep in her office. He tried to wake her up but couldn’t. As he dragged her outside, he noticed that some of the kids were still asleep, even though it was pretty late for nap time.
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He couldn’t call 911 because he was deaf but Kwamé somehow knew they were passed out from carbon monoxide poisoning, so he started picking up kids, two and three at a time, and shuffling them outside. When passers by saw him, some helped his mother out while a few others called the fire department. Eventually, even the people who were helping Kwamé stopped because they were overcome by the fumes.
Kwamé kept going.
The story goes, that when the fire department showed up, they discovered a gas leak and kept everyone away from the building. Some say they were afraid of an explosion. Kwamé reportedly tried to explain, in sign language, to the firemen that there were still two children inside the daycare center but the firemen said it was empty and kept everyone outside. Other people tried to “translate” for Kwamé as he allegedly tried to tell them that they had to get everyone out and turn off the gas before the building exploded. But the firemen just stood around, knowing there were probably more kids inside.
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Kwame still went back in.
Seconds later, the building, the church and the daycare center exploded, killing Kwamé.
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No one else was injured.
Kwamé died shuttling 22 kids to safety, literally saving the lives of an entire generation of his neighborhood. Many of those survivors have kids named Kwamé. And just as some immigrants pass down their native languages to their children, I’d wager that more B lack people in my hometown know American Sign Language than almost any other place in the world.
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For years, conspiracy theories spread around the neighborhood that the gas leak was intentional. Some people even say that the firemen let Kwamé go back inside because they didn’t want him to play in the big game. None of that is probably true. Firefighters are trained to keep people away from gas leaks because of the possibility of an explosion.
But Kwamé knew there was going to be an explosion and still went back in.
After Kwamé’s death, the schools consolidated but we never assimilated. To this very day, B lack people in my hometown don’t participate in homecoming activities. There are still B lack class reunions and white class reunions. The B lack class reunions are still held at the site of Butler High School. People say we hate our school just like people say I hate America.
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I love America.
Black people have demonstrated their love for this country more than any other group in history. We disproportionately fought in every war while white men took home the spoils. We are the ones who sacrificed our bodies to nooses to make this a more perfect union. When white men were content with what they had done, we were the ones who pledged our allegiance to a Republic with liberty and justice for all.
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America is not land. It is not an ever-evolving Constitution or an idyllic h istory. America is not a land of opportunity. It is not a dream or an idea.
America is just people.
And I believe in America more than you.
That’s why B lack people keep going inside this building knowing we might die. It’s why we keep screaming that you should turn the white supremacy off before everything explodes. But you’re content to just stand around looking because you know you’re safe.
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What does this have to do with anything?
According to a lawsuit filed by Kwamé’s parents, the firefighters knew about the leak and should have turned off the gas supply line before it sparked an explosion but every firefighter testified that they didn’t hear a fire alarm. Three bystanders who understood ASL testified that they translated Kwamé’s desperate pleas to the firefighters.
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“The lights are flashing!” they said he signed. “Turn off the gas before there’s a fire!”
It turns out, that, because Kwamé was deaf, his parents outfitted the daycare center with a special smoke detector that flashed lights instead of making noise. But apparently, the only smoke detectors they could find also came with a feature that detected carbon monoxide. Because they were busy the day of the explosion, no one in the daycare center noticed the lights warning them that there was a dangerous level of carbon monoxide.
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Kwamé noticed it because he was deaf.
But the firefighters denied this. They claimed no one told them to turn off the gas. They said no one told them there was a leak. They blamed Kwamé’ s parents for having an “inadequate smoke detector.” They even said there was no definitive evidence that a gas leak caused the explosion, but the parents still won the lawsuit.
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How?
Because white people believe in the myth of exceptionalism.
The people from the white part of town still wax poetic about their school’s undefeated season. They believed they were superior. In the official record books, you even will see that Butler High School lost one game that year even though it was actually a forfeit. They believe they know the true story because they know the white history.
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See, Butler actually played that game but it was forfeited at halftime when a fight broke out. Years later, during the court battle, when those firefighters claimed they still don’t know what caused the explosion, Kwamé’s parents pulled out a newspaper photo taken just before the fight broke out.
In the picture, the mayor is handing the key to the city to four firefighters who bravely “helped rescue” 22 children from a fire after the firefighters “discovered a water heater gas leak.”
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Those motherfuckers knew.
When his parents won that lawsuit, it was like a victory for everyone in my town. But I sometimes wonder if his parents think of all the things their son could have become. I wonder if they find all the subsequent Kwamés a comforting enough legacy. I wonder if they feel bitter about the 10-year-battle to prove that they weren’t responsible for their son’s death or if they just wanted to lift that burden of injustice off their entire community.
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And that, dear friend, is also why you think I hate America.
Because I knew the First Kwamé.