theroot--2020-08-03--Danielle Brooks to Star in Robin Roberts Presents: The Mahalia Jackson Story

Can we get a ‘ Hallelujah ’ for Danielle Brooks ?
The Orange Is the New Black star has been cast to portray gospel legend Mahalia Jackson in Lifetime ’ s Robin Roberts Presents : The Mahalia Jackson Story .
According to The Hollywood Reporter , the newly announced role is the first of a four-film deal between Roberts and Lifetime .
The acclaimed Good Morning America anchor previously worked with Lifetime when she executive-produced the film Stolen by My Mother : The Kamiyah Mobley Story as well as producing and hosting a documentary special based on the real-life case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s life and career as she became arguably the best known gospel singer in the mid-20th century and a civil rights activist who sang at the 1963 March on Washington .
She sold millions of records and was the first gospel singer to perform at Carnegie Hall .
She also sang at John F. Kennedy ’ s inaugural ball in 1961 .
“ Having had the privilege of working with Kenny [ Leon ] on Steel Magnolias and Robin Roberts on Stolen by My Mother , I am ecstatic to have them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special project , ” Tanya Lopez , Executive VP movies , Limited Series and Original Movie Acquisitions for Lifetime and LMN said in a statement .
“ Adding Danielle Brooks as Mahalia is icing on the cake .
This team is committed in celebrating the legacy of Mahalia and reintroducing her to a world that needs her spirit more than ever.
” Of course , this comes at a perfect time for the network , after the huge success of The Clark Sisters : The First Ladies of Gospel .
The Clark Sisters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lifetime ’ s biggest same-day audience for an original movie in four years , and was a trending topic of Twitter .
Brooks ’ Broadway experience will definitely factor here , as she made her Broadway debut portraying Sofia in the 2015 revival of the stage musical , The Color Purple .
Brooks is making a name for herself in multiple lanes , too .
After welcoming her first child in November 2019 , the multifaceted actress launched a clothing line for moms !
This is still in the early stages , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will premiere , but we ’ ll keep you posted once it ’ s confirmed !
We ’ ll probably have another Black Twitter live-tweet session on our hands !
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 !

Can we get a ‘Hallelujah’ for Danielle Brooks? The Orange Is the New Black star has been cast to portray gospel legend Mahalia Jackson in Lifetime’s Robin Roberts Presents: The Mahalia Jackson Story.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the newly announced role is the first of a four-film deal between Roberts and Lifetime. The acclaimed Good Morning America anchor previously worked with Lifetime when she executive-produced the film Stolen by My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story as well as producing and hosting a documentary special based on the real-life case
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THR provides more deets:
The Mahalia Jackson Story will trace Jackson’s life and career as she became arguably the best known gospel singer in the mid-20th century and a civil rights activist who sang at the 1963 March on Washington. She sold millions of records and was the first gospel singer to perform at Carnegie Hall. She also sang at John F. Kennedy’s inaugural ball in 1961.
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“Having had the privilege of working with Kenny [Leon] on Steel Magnolias and Robin Roberts on Stolen by My Mother, I am ecstatic to have them join forces to work together on this special project,” Tanya Lopez, Executive VP movies, Limited Series and Original Movie Acquisitions for Lifetime and LMN said in a statement. “Adding Danielle Brooks as Mahalia is icing on the cake. This team is committed in celebrating the legacy of Mahalia and reintroducing her to a world that needs her spirit more than ever.”
Of course, this comes at a perfect time for the network, after the huge success of The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel. The Clark Sisters biopic racked in 2.7 million viewers, Lifetime’s biggest same-day audience for an original movie in four years, and was a trending topic of Twitter.
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Brooks’ Broadway experience will definitely factor here, as she made her Broadway debut portraying Sofia in the 2015 revival of the stage musical, The Color Purple. Brooks is making a name for herself in multiple lanes, too. After welcoming her first child in November 2019, the multifaceted actress launched a clothing line for moms!
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This is still in the early stages, so no word yet on when this biopic will premiere, but we’ll keep you posted once it’s confirmed! We’ll probably have another Black Twitter live-tweet session on our hands!
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--2020-08-03--Black Family Just Trying to Get Ice Cream Threatened by White Man Carrying a Sword

A Black family in Pennsylvania got to experience firsthand the impact of 400 years of white supremacy emboldening white people to act overtly racist when a white man wielding a sword threatened them and made a comment about their race .
According to NJ.com , Antonio and Diana Bellamy were on an ice cream date with their three children at a park near the Delaware River in Morrisville , Pa .
When Antonio dropped the family off at the park and went to a nearby Dairy Queen to get their order , a white man wearing a Samurai-style sword on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to “ Obey the governor ’ s orders.
” The family was confused about what he meant by “ the governor.
” They had their face masks but weren ’ t wearing them as they were alone and were about to eat ice cream .
When their six-year-old son laughed at the comment , the man turned and said “ It ’ s funny how you minorities want to be treated equal but you can ’ t follow the rules.
” The family said the man ’ s comment instantly ruined their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ informed about what happened , he initially set off to confront the man only to stop after his son said “ Daddy , no.
” The family gathered their things and immediately left .
Antonio and Diana took to Facebook to detail the encounter and their feelings about what transpired .
“ I have to not only protect them from the mental anguish that comes with the pandemic but all the mental anguish for being hated because of their skin color , ” Diane wrote .
“ They felt unsafe and feared what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before a white man with a sword whose words were insensitive , ignorant , insulting , and racist , ” Antonio wrote in a post that was meant as a letter to the Morrisville police chief .
The thing that upset the family most about the incident was the effect it had on their 10-year-old daughter , Serenity .
While they were in the car , Serenity began crying and said “ Why do they hate us so much ?
!
Just why ?
” As well as “ It ’ s just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the family has tried to turn this into a teachable moment with the children .
As a result of Serenity asking “ Why can ’ t we hate them back ?
, ” the family has tried to convey why it ’ s better to move with love .
“ We are literally trying our best to teach them to love when hate feels so right and easy at times , ” Diane said .
Antonio ’ s post included a demand for Morrisville police chief , George McClay , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experienced .
McClay responded by calling Antonio personally and issuing a statement on Facebook .
“ The words and actions of this one individual , who lives in a community across the river , reflects poorly on our own community and should not be tolerated by anyone in our community , ” McClay said in a statement , also posted to Facebook .
McClay , on Friday , said he knows exactly who the man was , as he is familiar to many police officers and residents .
First , the chief said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s a wood replica the man wears as part of an exercise regimen during which he dresses in military-style clothing .
Secondly , the man , a Trenton resident , has never “ pulled ” the sword .
While McClay believes the family ’ s story , no charges will be filed against the man .
He said that while officers have had to respond to several complaints regarding the man , they never have risen to the level of a crime .
I ’ m no legal scholar but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding a weapon , real or not , should at least result in a fine , especially if the person has a track record of repeatedly harassing people .
While this story is heartbreaking , the family has said the wave of support they ’ ve received on Facebook has been encouraging .
Diane hopes that sharing their story will make people realize the effect racist rhetoric has on children .
“ People need to see what it feels like for a kid , ” she said .

A Black family in Pennsylvania got to experience firsthand the impact of 400 years of white supremacy emboldening white people to act overtly racist when a white man wielding a sword threatened them and made a comment about their race.
According to NJ.com, Antonio and Diana Bellamy were on an ice cream date with their three children at a park near the Delaware River in Morrisville, Pa. When Antonio dropped the family off at the park and went to a nearby Dairy Queen to get their order, a white man wearing a Samurai-style sword on a sling approached the family and told them to “Obey the governor’s orders.” The family was confused about what he meant by “the governor.” They had their face masks but weren’t wearing them as they were alone and were about to eat ice cream. When their six-year-old son laughed at the comment, the man turned and said “It’s funny how you minorities want to be treated equal but you can’t follow the rules.”
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The family said the man’s comment instantly ruined their outing. When Antonio returned and was informed about what happened, he initially set off to confront the man only to stop after his son said “Daddy, no.” The family gathered their things and immediately left. Antonio and Diana took to Facebook to detail the encounter and their feelings about what transpired.
“I have to not only protect them from the mental anguish that comes with the pandemic but all the mental anguish for being hated because of their skin color,” Diane wrote. “They felt unsafe and feared what could have happened as they stood defenseless before a white man with a sword whose words were insensitive, ignorant, insulting, and racist,” Antonio wrote in a post that was meant as a letter to the Morrisville police chief.
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The thing that upset the family most about the incident was the effect it had on their 10-year-old daughter, Serenity. While they were in the car, Serenity began crying and said “Why do they hate us so much?! Just why?” As well as “It’s just not fair,” repeatedly. Diane said that the family has tried to turn this into a teachable moment with the children. As a result of Serenity asking “Why can’t we hate them back?,” the family has tried to convey why it’s better to move with love. “We are literally trying our best to teach them to love when hate feels so right and easy at times,” Diane said.
Antonio’s post included a demand for Morrisville police chief, George McClay, to publicly condemn the type of racism they experienced. McClay responded by calling Antonio personally and issuing a statement on Facebook.
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From NJ.com:
“The words and actions of this one individual, who lives in a community across the river, reflects poorly on our own community and should not be tolerated by anyone in our community,” McClay said in a statement, also posted to Facebook. McClay, on Friday, said he knows exactly who the man was, as he is familiar to many police officers and residents. First, the chief said, the sword is not real, it’s a wood replica the man wears as part of an exercise regimen during which he dresses in military-style clothing. Secondly, the man, a Trenton resident, has never “pulled” the sword.
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While McClay believes the family’s story, no charges will be filed against the man. He said that while officers have had to respond to several complaints regarding the man, they never have risen to the level of a crime. I’m no legal scholar but I feel like intimidating and harassing people while holding a weapon, real or not, should at least result in a fine, especially if the person has a track record of repeatedly harassing people.
While this story is heartbreaking, the family has said the wave of support they’ve received on Facebook has been encouraging. Diane hopes that sharing their story will make people realize the effect racist rhetoric has on children.
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“People need to see what it feels like for a kid,” she said.


theroot--2020-08-03--Ensure a Secure, Private Internet: The Best VPN Deals of the Day

The best VPN deals for August 2020 are here .
If you ’ re spending a lot more time on the internet at home right now , whether working , streaming video , or just browsing around , then you might want to consider investing in a virtual private network ( VPN ) .
It helps keep you anonymous and protected online by routing your internet connection through another server , and can even help you access region-specific or blocked content .
And while paying month-to-month for a VPN service can be pricey , many of the top providers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking enormous discounts , free months of service , and other perks .
Check out the best VPN deals below .
Last call !
NordVPN ’ s latest deal nets you a 70 % discount over the monthly service price when you commit to three years , but the website suggests that this killer deal is nearly on the way out .
Effectively , you ’ ll pay $ 126 upfront to ensure that you ’ re in service and steadily connected until this time in 2023 .
And that ’ s with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with more than 5,800 global servers available .
We also have an exclusive Kinja Deals promo for NordPass , a password storage service that works with all devices .
Use promo code KINJAPASS to get two years ( plus an extra month ) for $ 60 .
• None Buy it now for $ 126 Our readers are quite fond of Private Internet Access , picking it as the best VPN service around back in 2018 .
Now you can join them on the cheap with a Kinja Deals-exclusive offer .
Right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full years of service at the discounted rate of $ 70 , you ’ ll get two extra months tacked on for free .
That ’ s 26 months of service at a discount of 73 % off the regular monthly price .
• None Buy it now for $ 70 Whatever threats you might face online , CyberGhost can be there to keep you safe thanks to its spooky-good tech .
And speaking of spooky : this Kinja Deals-exclusive deal is frighteningly excellent .
Right now , if you sign up at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll get an extra six months of service added to your account at no extra charge .
That works out to $ 2.75 per month over the 18 months , or about $ 50 upfront , earning you access to more than 6,200 global servers to connect through .
• None Buy it now for $ 50 ZenMate VPN has teamed up with Kinja Deals to provide readers an exclusive bargain right now : When you sign up for a year of service at $ 40 , you ’ ll get six extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s $ 2.22 per month , which is 80 % off the monthly price , and then you ’ re set until nearly the end of 2021 ( as of this writing ) .
ZenMate doesn ’ t keep logs , plus you can protect as many devices as you please and access servers in 74 global locations .
• None Buy it now for $ 40 Save 82 % off of PureVPN ’ s monthly price with this Kinja-exclusive deal , which will save you a total of $ 215 over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just under $ 48 upfront for two years of service with enterprise-grade security , giving you access to more than 2,000 servers across 140+ countries and letting you connect up to 10 simultaneous devices .
• None Buy it now for $ 48 Get Invisible Browsing VPN ’ s fully-featured Ultimate VPN plan for just $ 50 per year right now with the exclusive Kinja Deals code , KINJA50 .
This deal will save you $ 8 off the usual annual rate , earning you access to high-speed connections across up to five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-priority support .
• None Buy it now for $ 50 Right now , VyprVPN is offering Kinja Deals readers an exclusive bargain on a subscription , serving up two years of VPN service for $ 60 upfront , or $ 2.50 per month .
VyprVPN ’ s feature set includes “ Chameleon ” protocol technology to overcome corporate and governmental content restrictions , and supports up to five devices at once with more than 70 international server locations .
It could be just the VPN you need to surf free of limitations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 60 Now here ’ s a potentially incredible deal if the service meets your needs .
FastestVPN currently has a promotion where you can pay just $ 20 for lifetime access .
That ’ s it .
Just $ 20 .
What ’ s the catch ?
There ’ s no red flags , as far as we can tell : encryption details are on point and it doesn ’ t store logs .
However , it does have far fewer servers than some rival services and in fewer locations , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re taking a very small gamble on a newer , growing service that could pay off very quickly .
• None Buy it now for $ 20 Surfshark ’ s deal hits one of the best sweet spots on this list , offering a fair stretch of service that ’ s not too long and at a price that ’ s downright appetizing .
The offer gives you two full years of service at an effective monthly price of $ 2 , meaning you ’ ll pay just $ 48 right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next 24 months .
That ’ s an 83 % savings over the usual monthly cost , and there ’ s a 30-day refund policy in case it doesn ’ t fit the bill .
• None Buy it now for $ 48 Besides offering proven service for several years now , TunnelBear also uses adorable bears in its marketing .
Plush bears , cartoon bears , toy bears—if they ’ re bears , they ’ ve got ‘ em .
Right , but you ’ re here for the deals .
Luckily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its monthly price if you subscribe for three years at a time , at a one-time cost of $ 120 .
On top of the VPN service , you also get the bundled RememBear password service , which is both a great pun and a potentially useful tool .
• None Buy it now for $ 120

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

Featured Deal: SelectTV + KeepSolid VPN Lifetime Subscription | $80 | StackSocial
The best VPN deals are here.
If you’ve never seriously considered a virtual private network (VPN) in the past, then chances are good that it’s crossed your mind lately. With many of us still working from home and spending a lot more time on our home devices, the idea of a little bit of web security is a tough one to ignore.
Luckily, VPN service can be very affordable, especially if you’re willing to prepay for two or three years in advance. We’ve rounded up the best current VPN deals below, including promotions that offer free months of service as well as savings of 70% or more.
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Ever get tired of flipping between all your streaming services to browse for something to watch? Or maybe you have a specific movie in mind and you now need to check each of your streaming services individually to see if any has it. Well SelectTV has you covered. Import all your paid streaming services into one place so you can see your full library of movies and shows available to you. And not just that, but also get 150+ live channels. Buy a lifetime subscription now, and also get lifetime access to KeepSolidVPN—accessing even more content available in different countries around the globe. The bundle is available at StackSocial for $99, but if you bring it down to $80 with the coupon code KJD20SAVE at checkout.
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NordVPN Deals | 69% off 2 Years + 3 Months
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NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services around, and right now you can lock in two years at a savings of 72% off the usual monthly rate. That works out to $99 upfront, plus they’re adding three free months of extra service as a summer promo. You’ll be sorted with reliable VPN service deep into 2023, with access to 5,500+ worldwide servers and the ability to connect up to six simultaneous devices with the same account.
Private Internet Access Deals | Save 73% on 2 Years + 2 Months
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Private Internet Access has long been a favorite of Kinja Deals readers, and if you sign up now for two years of service, they’ll add two free months to your tally. There seems to be a lot of “Buy this many years, get this many months free,” but hey, we’re not complaining! That’s $70 for 26 months of service, which is 73% off the monthly rate. You’ll have access to 25,000+ international servers, so yeah, you’ve got options.
ExpressVPN Deals | Save 35% on 12 Months
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ExpressVPN is one of the most popular and well known VPN services around, not to mention the top pick of many tech sites. Praised for speed and reliability, ExpressVPN provides access to more than 3,000 servers scattered around the world across 94 countries. Right now, the service is offering 35% off a full year of service compared to the monthly rate, for just $100.
TunnelBear Deals | Save 67% on 3 Years
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From the looks of this image, you might think that TunnelBear has perhaps hired the wrong tech support staff. But based on the company’s strong reputation, we’re guessing you shouldn’t worry much about some adorable bear mucking things up behind the scenes. In any case, TunnelBear’s stellar VPN service is available in a three-year subscription for $120 upfront, which is a 67% savings over the usual month-to-month price. You’re basically getting three full years for the price of one.
CyberGhost Deals | Save 83% on 2 Years + 2 Months
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Here’s a spooky good deal on CyberGhost’s VPN service. Sure, 2023 might seem like it’s forever away from now, but if you want to pay once and secure VPN access until the calendar page drops in 2+ years, you can do that. Right now, CyberGhost is offering a service plan for 2 years of service plus 2 additional months of VPN access for $59. That’s $2.25 per month for 26 months.
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Not keen on paying month-to-month for VPN service? Fair enough! KeepSolid’s VPN Unlimited service does just what it promises: keeps you going with VPN service for life for a single upfront fee. It’s just $40 to connect up to five devices, or $60 to boost that tally to 10 simultaneous devices. PCMag gives it a “Good” rating and notes that while it may not be as robust as some other services, the potentially enormous price savings could make up for it.
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If you’re a PlayStation fan, then here’s an even better deal. StackSocial is offering a bundle of a lifetime subscription to the aforementioned KeepSolid VPN Unlimited service plus a full year of Sony’s PlayStation Plus subscription service for a mere $50. You can use the VPN service across all supported devices, plus you get 12 months of the PS5/PS4 membership plan that unlocks online play for non-freemium games, plus comes with free monthly game downloads and other perks. Besides, PlayStation Plus is usually $60 on its own for a single year!
Surfshark Deals | Save 80% on 2-4 Years
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Surfshark’s deal scales to meet your needs. Right now, you can get two years of VPN service for $57, three years for $84, or four years for $112 via StackSocial. Whether you want service into 2023, 2024, or 2025, Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers in 65 countries should help you keep your connection private and secure.
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This is one of the best longer-term deals on this list. Right now, ZenMate is offering three years of VPN service for $40, and it’s not an introductory rate either: it’ll renew at this rate, too. That’s 80% off the usual monthly rate, working out to just $2.22 per month over the long haul. And ZenMate supports unlimited devices with servers across 78 countries.
VyprVPN Deals | Save 87% on 3 Years
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VyprVPN’s “Chameleon” protocol technology helps you overcome government and corporate barriers, and right now you can snag a serious bargain: three years of VPN service for $60, which works out to $1.66/month. That’s an 87% savings over the monthly rate and is good for up to five simultaneous devices with access to more than 70 server locations around the globe. Why surf with limits?


theroot--2020-08-03--Arizona Man Confronts Black Lives Matter Protesters With a Gun, Doesn't Face Gun Charges

You know , for a group of people that love to talk about their F irst A amendment right to be an asshole , white folks really love intimidating those whose opinions don ’ t match theirs .
Take for instance 51-year-old James Kleinhenz .
He ’ s a Flagstaff man who , on Saturday , felt the need to verbally harass and then pull a gun out on a group of protesters .
AZ Central reports that Kleinhenz faces charges for driving while impaired , as well as driving with a high blood alcohol concentration .
He is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pulling out his gun .
Video taken over the course of the day shows that Kleinhenz was repeatedly harassing the protesters .
According to fliers for the event , the protest was held “ in solidarity with BLM and “ in solidarity with Portland.
” Kleinhenz was first seen stopped at an intersection exchanging words with the protesters .
“ You got your gun on you ?
... You need it , brother , ” Kleinhenz told one of the protesters before pulling a Thin Blue Line bandana over his face .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was going to “ walk away because we ’ re better than that.
” Only a short while later he could be seen getting out of his car and yelling obscenities at the protesters .
When they confronted him he grabbed one of their signs , began cursing at them and grabbed his gun .
All of this happened while a police aide was standing next to him .
While police aides have no authority to arrest anyone , they could have , you know , worked quickly to defuse the situation as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were seen doing in the video .
Kleinhenz eventually put the gun down in his car but continued yelling obscenities at the protesters .
Several cops arrived at the scene and began to crowd around Kleinhenz as he engaged with the protesters .
Gravel is then heard hitting Kleinhenz ’ s car and he , along with the officers , run to the other side of the car .
Kleinhenz begins to yell more intensely at the protesters before he is then restrained by the officers and taken away from the scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the driver ’ s seat of his car only to be asked to leave by the officers .
The video ends with Kleinhenz speaking to police on the sidewalk as his car is being towed away .
“ I knew he was going to be portrayed as the victim after because the police were portraying him as the victim at the protest , ” Joann Gutierrez , a witness to the scene , told AZCentral .
After multiple complaints about the fact that a man pulled a gun out on them the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Okay , we got his gun .
We ’ ll deal with it.
” According to those who have been actively protesting in Flagstaff , this is not their first encounter with Kleinhenz .
“ This has felt like an ongoing escalating thing , ” Levi Stallings , a Flagstaff independent journalist , told AZCentral .
“ He ’ s been driving around fairly buzzed at protests before .
He ’ s definitely said some menacing things , but this is the first time I ’ ve caught it on video.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Flagstaff ’ s city hall to encourage the city council to defund the police .
In response , Kleinhenz organized a counter-protest of around 20 people .
He was quoted by the AZ Daily Sun as saying “ We ’ re with Black Lives Matter , of course .
We want to see the change .
Get the bad out .
Bring in the funding to have more extensive training , bringing better quality type officers.
” For a place with such beautiful views , Flagstaff can be very ugly .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home state where I ’ ve had people tell me there are places , as a Black man , I just can ’ t go because the supremacy runs deep up north .
Considering just how outwardly racist this state can be sometimes-well okay , all the time- that has always stuck with me .
So while it ’ s encouraging to see folks up there protesting , the fact that they ’ ve been met by folks like James Kleinhenz isn ’ t exactly surprising .

You know, for a group of people that love to talk about their F irst A amendment right to be an asshole, white folks really love intimidating those whose opinions don’t match theirs. Take for instance 51-year-old James Kleinhenz. He’s a Flagstaff man who, on Saturday, felt the need to verbally harass and then pull a gun out on a group of protesters.
AZ Central reports that Kleinhenz faces charges for driving while impaired, as well as driving with a high blood alcohol concentration. He is not, however, facing any charges related to pulling out his gun. Video taken over the course of the day shows that Kleinhenz was repeatedly harassing the protesters. According to fliers for the event, the protest was held “in solidarity with BLM and “in solidarity with Portland.” Kleinhenz was first seen stopped at an intersection exchanging words with the protesters. “You got your gun on you? ... You need it, brother,” Kleinhenz told one of the protesters before pulling a Thin Blue Line bandana over his face. He also told the protesters that he was going to “walk away because we’re better than that.”
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That, dear reader, was a lie.
Only a short while later he could be seen getting out of his car and yelling obscenities at the protesters. When they confronted him he grabbed one of their signs, began cursing at them and grabbed his gun. All of this happened while a police aide was standing next to him. While police aides have no authority to arrest anyone, they could have, you know, worked quickly to defuse the situation as opposed to just standing there, as they were seen doing in the video.
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Kleinhenz eventually put the gun down in his car but continued yelling obscenities at the protesters. Several cops arrived at the scene and began to crowd around Kleinhenz as he engaged with the protesters. Gravel is then heard hitting Kleinhenz’s car and he, along with the officers, run to the other side of the car. Kleinhenz begins to yell more intensely at the protesters before he is then restrained by the officers and taken away from the scene. At one point he is seen in the driver’s seat of his car only to be asked to leave by the officers. The video ends with Kleinhenz speaking to police on the sidewalk as his car is being towed away.
“I knew he was going to be portrayed as the victim after because the police were portraying him as the victim at the protest,” Joann Gutierrez, a witness to the scene, told AZCentral. After multiple complaints about the fact that a man pulled a gun out on them the police eventually told the protesters, “Okay, we got his gun. We’ll deal with it.”
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According to those who have been actively protesting in Flagstaff, this is not their first encounter with Kleinhenz. “This has felt like an ongoing escalating thing,” Levi Stallings, a Flagstaff independent journalist, told AZCentral. “He’s been driving around fairly buzzed at protests before. He’s definitely said some menacing things, but this is the first time I’ve caught it on video.”
In July, a protest was held outside of Flagstaff’s city hall to encourage the city council to defund the police. In response, Kleinhenz organized a counter-protest of around 20 people. He was quoted by the AZ Daily Sun as saying “We’re with Black Lives Matter, of course. We want to see the change. Get the bad out. Bring in the funding to have more extensive training, bringing better quality type officers.”
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For a place with such beautiful views, Flagstaff can be very ugly. It’s the one place in my home state where I’ve had people tell me there are places, as a Black man, I just can’t go because the supremacy runs deep up north. Considering just how outwardly racist this state can be sometimes-well okay, all the time- that has always stuck with me. So while it’s encouraging to see folks up there protesting, the fact that they’ve been met by folks like James Kleinhenz isn’t exactly surprising.


theroot--2020-08-03--Manhattan DA Investigating Trump and His Company for Possible Bank and Insurance Fraud

Here at The Root , we are very particular about how we talk about people .
First , we don ’ t want to label anyone as something if that isn ’ t true and , secondly , we don ’ t want to get sued .
But , whenever I hear that Trump is being investigated for anything my first thought is , “ He did that shit.
” Whatever that shit is , he did it .
On Monday , the Manhattan district attorney ’ s office “ suggested that it ’ s investigating President Trump and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a significantly broader inquiry than the prosecutors have acknowledged in the past , ” the New York Times reports .
The office of the district attorney , Cyrus R. Vance Jr. , made the disclosure in a new federal court filing arguing Mr. Trump should have to comply with its subpoena seeking eight years of his personal and corporate tax returns .
Mr. Trump has asked a judge to declare the subpoena invalid .
The prosecutors did not directly identify the focus of their inquiry but said that “ undisputed ” news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s business practices make it clear that the office had a legal basis for the subpoena .
They ’ re investigating the president ’ s wealth and his former fixer Michael Cohen ’ s congressional testimony .
which claimed that the president illegally inflated his net worth , property value , while Trump ’ s lawyers claim he ’ s done nothing wrong .
Trump ’ s subpoena fight comes a month after the Supreme Court ruling that allowed Vance to get his hands on the president ’ s financials .
Also from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office subpoenaed Mr. Trump ’ s accounting firm , Mazars USA , in August 2019 for the tax returns as part of its investigation , which until now was believed to be focused on hush-money payments made to two women who said they had affairs with Mr. Trump , including the adult film actress Stormy Daniels .
Mr. Cohen arranged the payments to Ms. Daniels and the other woman , Karen McDougal .
Mr. Vance ’ s office has been looking into whether any New York State laws were broken when those payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the subpoena for almost a year , at first arguing that as a sitting president , he was immune from state criminal investigation .
Mr. Trump ’ s position was soundly rejected by the Supreme Court last month , but it said he could return to the lower court in Manhattan , where he first sued to block the subpoena , and raise new arguments .
Vance ’ s office told the Federal District Court judge that Trump was bullshitting and dragging his feet in order to prevent a criminal investigation .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking here is delay , ” Carey R. Dunne , a lawyer in Vance ’ s office , told Judge Marrero , the Times reports .
Dunne also claimed that the president ’ s lawyers ’ plan was to allow the statute of limitations to expire and therefore any potential crimes that might have been committed would be null and void .
“ Let ’ s not let delay kill this case , ” Dunne argued .
Jay Sekulow , a lawyer for the president , claimed that wasn ’ t the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process.
” The bottom line is don ’ t expect to see Trump ’ s finances anytime soon as they will still be guarded by “ grand jury secrecy rules.
” But if criminal charges are brought against the president , there is a good chance that those financial records could become public if they are introduced in a trial .
Also , and this is important : He did that shit .
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

Here at The Root, we are very particular about how we talk about people. First, we don’t want to label anyone as something if that isn’t true and, secondly, we don’t want to get sued. But, whenever I hear that Trump is being investigated for anything my first thought is, “He did that shit.”
Whatever that shit is, he did it.
On Monday, the Manhattan district attorney’s office “suggested that it’s investigating President Trump and his company for possible bank and insurance fraud, a significantly broader inquiry than the prosecutors have acknowledged in the past,” the New York Times reports.
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From the Times:
The office of the district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., made the disclosure in a new federal court filing arguing Mr. Trump should have to comply with its subpoena seeking eight years of his personal and corporate tax returns. Mr. Trump has asked a judge to declare the subpoena invalid. The prosecutors did not directly identify the focus of their inquiry but said that “undisputed” news reports last year about Mr. Trump’s business practices make it clear that the office had a legal basis for the subpoena.
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They’re investigating the president’s wealth and his former fixer Michael Cohen’s congressional testimony. which claimed that the president illegally inflated his net worth, property value, while Trump’s lawyers claim he’s done nothing wrong.
Trump’s subpoena fight comes a month after the Supreme Court ruling that allowed Vance to get his hands on the president’s financials.
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Also from the Times:
Mr. Vance’s office subpoenaed Mr. Trump’s accounting firm, Mazars USA, in August 2019 for the tax returns as part of its investigation, which until now was believed to be focused on hush-money payments made to two women who said they had affairs with Mr. Trump, including the adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Mr. Cohen arranged the payments to Ms. Daniels and the other woman, Karen McDougal. Mr. Vance’s office has been looking into whether any New York State laws were broken when those payments were made. Mr. Trump has fought the subpoena for almost a year, at first arguing that as a sitting president, he was immune from state criminal investigation. Mr. Trump’s position was soundly rejected by the Supreme Court last month, but it said he could return to the lower court in Manhattan, where he first sued to block the subpoena, and raise new arguments.
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Vance’s office told the Federal District Court judge that Trump was bullshitting and dragging his feet in order to prevent a criminal investigation.
“What the president’s lawyers are seeking here is delay,” Carey R. Dunne, a lawyer in Vance’s office, told Judge Marrero, the Times reports. Dunne also claimed that the president’s lawyers’ plan was to allow the statute of limitations to expire and therefore any potential crimes that might have been committed would be null and void.
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“Let’s not let delay kill this case,” Dunne argued.
Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for the president, claimed that wasn’t the case and they were merely seeking “due process.”
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The bottom line is don’t expect to see Trump’s finances anytime soon as they will still be guarded by “grand jury secrecy rules.” But if criminal charges are brought against the president, there is a good chance that those financial records could become public if they are introduced in a trial.
Also, and this is important: He did that shit.
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--2020-08-03--Meet the XFL's New Part-Owner, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson

I really wanted to like the XFL .
Sadly , much like countless other businesses during this pandemic , it was shut down in its infancy , a mere five weeks into its inaugural season .
In the time since , there were mass layoffs and bankruptcy filings , and hours before the league was set to go to auction , Bleacher Report reports that it was snatched up for a cool $ 15 million by an ownership group comprised of Dwayne “ The Rock ” Johnson and RedBird Capital .
Johnson ’ s ex-wife and business partner , Dany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The acquisition of the XFL with my talented partners , Dany Garcia and Gerry Cardinale [ of RedBird Capital ] , is an investment for me that ’ s rooted deeply in two things—my passion for the game and my desire to always take care of the fans , ” Johnson said in a statement .
“ With pride and gratitude for all that I ’ ve built with my own two hands , I plan to apply these callouses to the XFL , and look forward to creating something special for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved for the love of football.
” In 2018 , wrestling mogul Vince McMahon revealed his plans to revive the XFL , a professional football league that could serve as a springboard for athletes to eventually ascend into the NFL .
McMahon expressed his intention to invest as much as $ 500 million into the endeavor , however , shortly after it ’ s debut in February , the onset of the coronavirus pandemic forced the league to suspend operations indefinitely .
In April , McMahon filed for bankruptcy protection and on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the XFL hours before it was set to go to auction .
“ We are grateful for today ’ s outcome , ” Jeffrey Pollack , XFL President and COO , told Yahoo Finance .
“ This is a Hollywood ending to our sale process and it is an exciting new chapter for the league .
Dwayne , Dany and Gerry are a dream team ownership group and the XFL is in the best possible hands going forward.
” While Johnson has yet to announce his plans for the league , this would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viable source of entertainment for football fans .
In 2001 , the league folded upon the conclusion of its inaugural season .

I really wanted to like the XFL.
Sadly, much like countless other businesses during this pandemic, it was shut down in its infancy, a mere five weeks into its inaugural season.
In the time since, there were mass layoffs and bankruptcy filings, and hours before the league was set to go to auction, Bleacher Report reports that it was snatched up for a cool $15 million by an ownership group comprised of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and RedBird Capital. Johnson’s ex-wife and business partner, Dany Garcia, is also a stakeholder.
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“The acquisition of the XFL with my talented partners, Dany Garcia and Gerry Cardinale [of RedBird Capital], is an investment for me that’s rooted deeply in two things—my passion for the game and my desire to always take care of the fans,” Johnson said in a statement. “With pride and gratitude for all that I’ve built with my own two hands, I plan to apply these callouses to the XFL, and look forward to creating something special for the players, fans, and everyone involved for the love of football.”
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In 2018, wrestling mogul Vince McMahon revealed his plans to revive the XFL, a professional football league that could serve as a springboard for athletes to eventually ascend into the NFL. McMahon expressed his intention to invest as much as $500 million into the endeavor, however, shortly after it’s debut in February, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic forced the league to suspend operations indefinitely. In April, McMahon filed for bankruptcy protection and on Monday, Johnson and his ownership group acquired the XFL hours before it was set to go to auction.
“We are grateful for today’s outcome,” Jeffrey Pollack, XFL President and COO, told Yahoo Finance. “This is a Hollywood ending to our sale process and it is an exciting new chapter for the league. Dwayne, Dany and Gerry are a dream team ownership group and the XFL is in the best possible hands going forward.”
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While Johnson has yet to announce his plans for the league, this would be its third shot at becoming a viable source of entertainment for football fans. In 2001, the league folded upon the conclusion of its inaugural season.