theroot--2020-11-13--All's Fair in Love and Warnock? Georgia Senate Race Heats Up as Sen. Kelly Loeffler Unleashes Attack

All's Fair in Love and Warnock? Georgia Senate Race Heats Up as Sen. Kelly Loeffler Unleashes Attacks Against Reverend

Just as Rev .
Ralph Warnock predicted last week , Sen. Kelly Loeffler unleashed a torrent of attacks on the Georgia Democrat as the two face off in a crucial senatorial race that could determine the balance of power in the Senate .
Following the lead of conservatives around the country , Loeffler baselessly accused her Democratic opponent of “ Marxist ideology ” and characterized him as being part of the “ radical left.
” As CNN reports , in a recent attack ad , Loeffler contrasted two different versions of America : one , in which young students dutifully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one in which Democrats control the Senate .
The latter vision of America was punctuated with footage of “ defund the police ” signs , mobs , and a quote from a 2015 sermon Warnock gave after Michael Brown was fatally shot by a Missouri cop , saying that some officers have a “ gangster and thug mentality.
” “ What you need to know is in our own communities , he doesn ’ t care about the things we care about , ” Loeffler said about Warnock .
For much of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks on her conservative challenger , Doug Collins , who tried to position himself to the right of her .
But since none of the candidates in the special election for Loeffler ’ s seat amassed a large enough percentage of the vote , she and Warnock , the top two vote-getters in the race , will have their sights set on each other from now until the January 5 runoff election .
It is likely to be an ugly—and expensive—race .
Already , Republicans have circulated a video of Warnock , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta , alongside former Cuban President Fidel Castro .
The video was taken at Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City in 1995 , where Warnock served as a youth pastor at the time .
He clarified this week that he had nothing to do with inviting the Cuban communist leader .
Warnock anticipated the tone of Loeffler ’ s campaign last week , releasing a humorous video warning voters of the kinds of ridiculous accusations they could expect to hear from the senator , who has effectively weaponized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement to curry favor among Georgia conservatives .
“ Raphael Warnock once stepped on a crack in a sidewalk .
Raphael Warnock hates puppies , ” a sinister-sound voice growls .
Warnock blamed Loeffler ’ s attacks on a lack of policy ideas , focusing his appeals to voters on healthcare and wages .
“ If you don ’ t really have an agenda for working families , I guess you have to distract working families , ” the reverend said in Atlanta on Thursday .
“ I intend to stay focused on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to affordable health care , that workers share in some of the profits that they ’ re creating and that they are able to retire with dignity.
” Warnock has led the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church since 2005 .
In the 15 years since , he has focused his advocacy on criminal justice and expanding voter registration and Medicaid , CNN reports .
While Warnock has advocated for “ equal protection under the law , ” he does not support defunding the police , and says he has “ deep respect ” for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race against Loeffler , it will be the first Senate seat a Democrat has won in the state of Georgia since 200o .
But he won ’ t be the Democrat ’ s only shot—Sen .
David Perdue is attempting to defend his seat against Democrat Jon Ossoff in another run-off race this January .
If both Warnock and Ossoff win their respective races next year , Democrats would secure a majority in the Senate , a monumental shift that would give the party power over both the executive and legislative branches .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot more negative ads—and a lot more money being spent—in the state before President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated next year .

Just as Rev. Ralph Warnock predicted last week, Sen. Kelly Loeffler unleashed a torrent of attacks on the Georgia Democrat as the two face off in a crucial senatorial race that could determine the balance of power in the Senate.
Following the lead of conservatives around the country, Loeffler baselessly accused her Democratic opponent of “Marxist ideology” and characterized him as being part of the “radical left.” As CNN reports, in a recent attack ad, Loeffler contrasted two different versions of America: one, in which young students dutifully recited the pledge of allegiance, and one in which Democrats control the Senate. The latter vision of America was punctuated with footage of “defund the police” signs, mobs, and a quote from a 2015 sermon Warnock gave after Michael Brown was fatally shot by a Missouri cop, saying that some officers have a “gangster and thug mentality.”
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“What you need to know is in our own communities, he doesn’t care about the things we care about,” Loeffler said about Warnock.
For much of the last year, Loeffler has focused her attacks on her conservative challenger, Doug Collins, who tried to position himself to the right of her. But since none of the candidates in the special election for Loeffler’s seat amassed a large enough percentage of the vote, she and Warnock, the top two vote-getters in the race, will have their sights set on each other from now until the January 5 runoff election.
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It is likely to be an ugly—and expensive—race.
Already, Republicans have circulated a video of Warnock, who leads Martin Luther King Jr.’s Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, alongside former Cuban President Fidel Castro. The video was taken at Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City in 1995, where Warnock served as a youth pastor at the time.
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He clarified this week that he had nothing to do with inviting the Cuban communist leader.
Warnock anticipated the tone of Loeffler’s campaign last week, releasing a humorous video warning voters of the kinds of ridiculous accusations they could expect to hear from the senator, who has effectively weaponized her opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement to curry favor among Georgia conservatives.
Advertisement
“Raphael Warnock once stepped on a crack in a sidewalk. Raphael Warnock hates puppies,” a sinister-sound voice growls.
Warnock blamed Loeffler’s attacks on a lack of policy ideas, focusing his appeals to voters on healthcare and wages.
Advertisement
“If you don’t really have an agenda for working families, I guess you have to distract working families,” the reverend said in Atlanta on Thursday. “I intend to stay focused on making sure that every Georgian has access to affordable health care, that workers share in some of the profits that they’re creating and that they are able to retire with dignity.”
Warnock has led the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church since 2005. In the 15 years since, he has focused his advocacy on criminal justice and expanding voter registration and Medicaid, CNN reports. While Warnock has advocated for “equal protection under the law,” he does not support defunding the police, and says he has “deep respect” for law enforcement.
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If he wins his race against Loeffler, it will be the first Senate seat a Democrat has won in the state of Georgia since 200o. But he won’t be the Democrat’s only shot—Sen. David Perdue is attempting to defend his seat against Democrat Jon Ossoff in another run-off race this January. If both Warnock and Ossoff win their respective races next year, Democrats would secure a majority in the Senate, a monumental shift that would give the party power over both the executive and legislative branches. This means we can expect to see a lot more negative ads—and a lot more money being spent—in the state before President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated next year.


theroot--2020-11-13--Trailer Roundup: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion Is Near and It Will Be All the Way Black

Let ’ s talk about how unpredictable 2020 is .
Yes , again .
This is our version of small talk now .
I had a whole plan to center this trailer roundup around Christmas movies and TV shows since this week will feature a noticeable amount of holiday trailers .
But then , early this morning , HBO Max sent a press release with a trailer for a pretty big deal event .
You know the one—it ’ s “ fresh , ” and it involves Will Smith .
That ’ s like a rising comedian being bumped by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pivot .
Speaking of which , let ’ s get to that trailer and more ... First Impressions : I ’ d like to take a minute just sit right there , I ’ ll tell you all about how much I care ... about this reunion !
!
In typical Will Smith fashion , the “ Fresh Prince ” himself dropped a trailer for the much-anticipated event where the cast looks like they ’ re going to happily reminisce , honor the late James Avery and even recreate one of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there ’ s a quick Janet Hubert tease toward the end .
*Birdman handrub* The Christmas Doctor ( Hallmark Movies & Mysteries ; Release Date : Nov. 15 at 10 p.m .
ET ) First Impressions : You know the Christmas movie drill !
Take a metropolitan protagonist out of their comfort zone and toss them into a small town and you have yourself a sappy Hallmark holiday movie !
The Christmas Doctor stars Holly Robinson Peete and Adrian Holmes .
First Impressions : “ Music and marijuana go together , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trailer .
This two-hour documentary will explore and examine “ marijuana ’ s cultural , social , economic and legal impact on American society and the Black community.
” Innovators in the legal weed industry , policymakers , advocates and experts such as Senator ( and now Vice President-Elect ) Kamala Harris , Senator Cory Booker , Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker , Cook County , Illinois State ’ s Attorney Kim Foxx , Representative Barbara Lee , Ty Dolla $ ign , The Notorious B.I.G.
’ s son C.J .
Wallace and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testimonies .
First Impressions : This film explores Manchester ’ s ( United Kingdom ) vogue ballroom scene .
Yes , I combed through this trailer looking for some Black LGBTQ+ representation because you can ’ t chronicle the scene without it .
As you can see from my choice to include this trailer , it ’ s there !
As the synopsis notes , this doc will explore Black-specific topics such as the disenfranchisement of Black youth .
Deep In Vogue has already screened in many virtual festivals this year , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come December .
First Impressions : From ageless executive producer , ( and now , skincare mogul ) Pharrell Williams , Voices of Fire follows the music enthusiast in his hometown as he , Bishop Ezekiel and a team of experts explore the Hampton Roads community to build “ one of the world ’ s most inspiring gospel choirs.
” From the looks of the trailer , the team is specifically looking to make sure the choir is made up of true diversity .
First Impressions : I know you see that whole-ass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let ’ s focus on the “ & Friends ” part of the title because the special will feature performances by Sam Jay , Keith Robinson and Marina Franklin .
Get into these Black comedians if you ’ re not already familiar !
Cap ( Apollo Theater and ImageNation ’ s “ ” ; Release Date : Nov. 19 at 7 p.m .
ET ) First Impressions : Taking place on the Apollo Digital Stage , the Apollo Theater will feature a variety of virtual programs , including “ Black Life Matters : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” One of the films in the program is the critically acclaimed short film Cap , directed by Marshall Tyler , which “ follows a family after their 15-year-old son brings home a $ 300 hat , and addresses the intersecting issues of materialism and violence , and their impact on American youth.
” First Impressions : Directed by Luchina Fisher , Mama Gloria chronicles Chicago ’ s trailblazing Black trans elder icon and activist Gloria Allen .
I know this 74-year-old legend has lived and I ’ m definitely adding this doc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rights Campaign screenings , the film will also begin an open-ended theatrical run at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago on Nov. 20 , which is the Transgender Day of Remembrance .
On Nov. 21 , Fisher and Allen will speak after a screening of the film at the Teaneck International Film Festival in New Jersey .
First Impressions : The film ’ s tagline is “ you get one time , to be big time , ” which sounds like a caption on Instagram written by a CEO of a company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they grind while you sleep ! )
.
Based on the book trilogy by Teri Woods and directed by Preston Whitmore ( This Christmas ) , Dutch stars Lance Gross , Jeremy Meeks , Macy Gray , Natasha Marc , Tyrin Turner , Melissa Williams and James Hyde with appearances by Michael Blackson , O.T .
Genasis , Renny and Gunna .
Oh yeah , this is gon na be Black as hell .
Our OWN Christmas ( OWN ; Release Date : Throughout December ) First Impressions : OK , so I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featuring a promo trailer for multiple projects , but Oprah Winfrey always does it big !
Starting this month , DeVon Franklin and Meagan Good will host a holiday season worth of classics and new original films alike .
One of those original films , A Christmas for Mary ( Dec. 8 at 9 p.m. ET/PT ) , is featured in this very promo .
So , save the date for December because that ’ s when you ’ ll get to see it .
Other upcoming films include Cooking Up Christmas ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and First Christmas ( Dec. 22 at 9 p.m. ET/PT ) .
Uncensored : Best of Black Hollywood ( TV One ; Release Date : Nov. 15 at 10 p.m .
ET ) First Impressions : This is Black excellence , y ’ all !
This special presentation from the Uncensored series will focus on the “ Best of Black Hollywood ” and feature folks such as Paula Patton , Nia Long , Tichina Arnold , Tisha Campbell , Tyra Banks and Nick Cannon .
I ’ m ready for the legendary tea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michèle Stephenson , Stateless chronicles the 2013 ruling where the Dominican Republic ’ s Supreme Court stripped the citizenship of anyone with Haitian parents , retroactive to 1929 , which is linked to what is known as the Parsley Massacre in 1937 .
The doc will follow a young attorney named Rosa Iris and the grassroots campaign fighting against electoral corruption .
As I am not well-versed in this history and the ruling that still affects Haitians today , I ’ m very interested in checking this one out .
DMFM : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Release Date : Nov. 15 at 10 p.m .
ET ) First Impressions : The brand has a face for radio !
Desus & Mero hosts Desus Nice ( Daniel Baker ) and The Kid Mero ( Joel Martinez ) will transform their standard studio “ into an old-school radio station and focus on the history of hip hop , featuring special guests including Busta Rhymes , Sheila E , City Girls , Juicy J and Cam ’ ron ” and the show will include listener calls , too !
Oh and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how much these two lovable hosts have been winning , Desus and Mero finally did the most epic Bronx thing ever and officially partnered with Timberland .
First Impressions : Affion Crockett is known for his well-done celebrity impressions so it ’ s pretty fitting that the title of his new special riffs off of another project , Menace II Society .
This will be Crockett ’ s first-ever long-form special and will debut on Kevin Hart ’ s LOL Network .
Crockett will also serve as executive producer of the special .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : This doc follows the work of Dr. Jess Ting at Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery in New York City , which is now where all transgender and nonbinary people have access to quality gender-affirming health and surgical care for the first time ever .
In this trailer , I see some Black representation , so I ’ m hoping the doc explores the intersections of the issues surrounding transgender and nonbinary healthcare access in-depth .
First Impressions : Yep , Disney/Pixar stan here , present and accounted for tuning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I see some Black animators ( hey , Frank Abney ! )
, story artists , etc.
, too !
We ’ re inching toward the premiere of Pixar ’ s first film with a Black lead , Soul ( speaking of which , I saw those quick frames of co-director Kemp Powers in this trailer ! )
, so I ’ m hoping they dig deep into the issues surrounding diversity in the animated industry .
Kinderfänger ( ; Now Streaming , New Episodes Every Friday ) First Impressions : Starring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kinderfänger follows a deaf woman named Olivia ( Theory ) , a music teacher who goes on a mission to fight against an ancient evil force known as the Kinderfänger ( who controls the minds of children via a song played on a pipe and has a mission to assemble an “ army of troubled souls ” ) takes one of her students .
Y ’ all see this double representation in the horror genre , though ?
!
Love it .
Blood on Her Badge ( TV One ; Release Date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ET ) First Impressions : Starring Rayven Ferrell , Tequan Richmond , Miguel Nunez , Tetona Jockson and Johnell Young , Blood on Her Badge is based on true crime events and follows an eager young cop who falls in love with a nigga and corrupt cop shenanigans ensue .
Until the Flood ( ; New York Release Date : Nov. 15 at 10 p.m .
ET ) First Impressions : Writer-performer Dael Orlandersmith ’ s one-woman show explores Ferguson and its community after Michael Brown was killed by a police officer in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York-era audiences on the All Arts station .
All The Way Black ( BET+ ; Now Streaming ) All the Way Black trailer / YouTube First Impressions : Hosted by Chris Spencer , All The Way Black will take you Blackity-back into time and all of the most iconic Black pop culture moments of the ‘ 70s , ‘ 80s and ‘ 90s .
Guests stars include Kevin Frazier , Flex Alexander , Donnell Rawlings , LisaRaye McCoy and Torrei Hart .
That ’ s pretty damn Black .
A Christmas Tree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Release Date : Nov. 24 at 8 p.m .
ET ) First Impressions : A Christmas Tree Grows In Colorado follows Erin ( Rochelle Aytes ) who is planning the town ’ s Christmas celebration and she must win over firefighter Kevin ( Mark Taylor ) because she covets the beautiful spruce tree on his property .
I bet she ’ ll win over his heart , too !
Holiday Black Love !
First Impressions : Unapologetic chronicles “ the lives and work of two Black queer millennial women as they challenge the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fight for Black lives through organizing.
” Shout out to my hometown and the organizers constantly doing this important work .
Along with DOC NYC , the documentary will continue its festival run at Black Harvest Film Festival ( Nov. 7-20 ) , The DocYard ( Nov. 13-19 ) , New Orleans Film Festival ( Nov. 6-22 ) , St. Louis International Film Festival ( Nov. 5-22 ) , Cucalorus Festival ( Nov. 22 ) and Image+Nation LGBTQ+ Montréal ( Nov. 19-Dec. 6 ) .
First Impressions : Resist follows the grassroots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county ’ s $ 3.5 billion jail expansion plan .
“ This series is more timely than ever with LA County ’ s recent victories—with [ George ] Gascon taking the DA race , Measure J being passed , the defeat of Proposition 25 and the incredible Yes on 17 win , ” Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors said in a statement via a press release sent to The Root .
“ I am proud that our local organizing work has had so much impact , while we should celebrate and reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These milestones are stepping stones to shaping a better system not only in the largest jailer in the world , but for the entire country .
This is just the beginning , but I am optimistic on what is yet to come.
” The documentary series will premiere for free on Cullors ’ official YouTube channel .
First Impressions : This one is from the showrunner of reality show sensation Love Is Blind ( Sam Dean ) and there ’ s some Black-ass representation including Natasha Rothwell ( Insecure ) narrating and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 29-second mark ?
!
Basically , 12 Dates of Christmas is trying to recreate your cutesy holiday rom-com in real life .
Yeah , this will definitely be the mindless entertainment I need to round out the year .
First Impressions : This is for the inspiring sports film fans !
Disney is bringing back that Remember the Titans energy with Safety , based on Clemson University football safety Ray McElrathbey who overcomes several challenges and adversities , all while raising his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr .
Oh yeah , this about to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Political analyst Zerlina Maxwell is doing her thing over at Peacock and offering in-depth conversations in politics and current events .
In the latest episode titled “ The 91 Percent : A conversation on the political power—and future—of Black women , ” Maxwell spoke with Former Senior Advisor to President Obama Valerie Jarrett about the historic significance of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris ( and the record voter turnout that led to this result ) as well as what Black women specifically expect from a Biden-Harris administration .
Lastly , in case you missed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trailer because it deserved its own special dragging .
‘ Til next week , folks !

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

Let’s talk about how unpredictable 2020 is. Yes, again. This is our version of small talk now. I had a whole plan to center this trailer roundup around Christmas movies and TV shows since this week will feature a noticeable amount of holiday trailers. But then, early this morning, HBO Max sent a press release with a trailer for a pretty big deal event. You know the one—it’s “fresh,” and it involves Will Smith. That’s like a rising comedian being bumped by Chris Rock. So, I had to pivot. Speaking of which, let’s get to that trailer and more...
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion (HBO Max; Release Date: Nov. 19)
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: I’d like to take a minute just sit right there, I’ll tell you all about how much I care...about this reunion!! In typical Will Smith fashion, the “Fresh Prince” himself dropped a trailer for the much-anticipated event where the cast looks like they’re going to happily reminisce, honor the late James Avery and even recreate one of their most iconic behind-the-scenes moments. And yes, there’s a quick Janet Hubert tease toward the end. *Birdman handrub*
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The Christmas Doctor (Hallmark Movies & Mysteries; Release Date: Nov. 15 at 10 p.m. ET)
The Christmas Doctor trailer The Christmas Doctor trailer / Courtesy of the Hallmark Channel
First Impressions: You know the Christmas movie drill! Take a metropolitan protagonist out of their comfort zone and toss them into a small town and you have yourself a sappy Hallmark holiday movie! The Christmas Doctor stars Holly Robinson Peete and Adrian Holmes.
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Smoke: Marijuana + Black America (BET; Release Date: Nov. 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT)
Smoke: Marijuana + Black America trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: “Music and marijuana go together,” Nas says at the top of the trailer. This two-hour documentary will explore and examine “marijuana’s cultural, social, economic and legal impact on American society and the Black community.” Innovators in the legal weed industry, policymakers, advocates and experts such as Senator (and now Vice President-Elect) Kamala Harris, Senator Cory Booker, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Cook County, Illinois State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, Representative Barbara Lee, Ty Dolla $ign, The Notorious B.I.G.’s son C.J. Wallace and more appear in the doc with their own testimonies.
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Deep in Vogue (Video On Demand; Wide Release Date: Dec. 8)
Deep In Vogue trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: This film explores Manchester’s (United Kingdom) vogue ballroom scene. Yes, I combed through this trailer looking for some Black LGBTQ+ representation because you can’t chronicle the scene without it. As you can see from my choice to include this trailer, it’s there! As the synopsis notes, this doc will explore Black-specific topics such as the disenfranchisement of Black youth. Deep In Vogue has already screened in many virtual festivals this year, but more folks will be able to indulge come December.
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Voices of Fire (Netflix; Release Date: Nov. 20)
Voices of Fire trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: From ageless executive producer, (and now, skincare mogul) Pharrell Williams, Voices of Fire follows the music enthusiast in his hometown as he, Bishop Ezekiel and a team of experts explore the Hampton Roads community to build “one of the world’s most inspiring gospel choirs.” From the looks of the trailer, the team is specifically looking to make sure the choir is made up of true diversity.
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Colin Quinn & Friends (HBO Max; Now Streaming)
Colin Quinn & Friends trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: I know you see that whole-ass white man in the thumbnail, but let’s focus on the “& Friends” part of the title because the special will feature performances by Sam Jay, Keith Robinson and Marina Franklin. Get into these Black comedians if you’re not already familiar!
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Cap - Short Film Trailer
First Impressions: Taking place on the Apollo Digital Stage, the Apollo Theater will feature a variety of virtual programs, including “Black Life Matters: A Program of Short Films & Conversation.” One of the films in the program is the critically acclaimed short film Cap, directed by Marshall Tyler, which “follows a family after their 15-year-old son brings home a $300 hat, and addresses the intersecting issues of materialism and violence, and their impact on American youth.”
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Mama Gloria trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Directed by Luchina Fisher, Mama Gloria chronicles Chicago’s trailblazing Black trans elder icon and activist Gloria Allen. I know this 74-year-old legend has lived and I’m definitely adding this doc to my watchlist. Following the Human Rights Campaign screenings, the film will also begin an open-ended theatrical run at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago on Nov. 20, which is the Transgender Day of Remembrance. On Nov. 21, Fisher and Allen will speak after a screening of the film at the Teaneck International Film Festival in New Jersey.
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Dutch (Theaters; Release Date: Nov. 27)
Dutch trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: The film’s tagline is “you get one time, to be big time,” which sounds like a caption on Instagram written by a CEO of a company that they just started yesterday (yet they grind while you sleep!). Based on the book trilogy by Teri Woods and directed by Preston Whitmore (This Christmas), Dutch stars Lance Gross, Jeremy Meeks, Macy Gray, Natasha Marc, Tyrin Turner, Melissa Williams and James Hyde with appearances by Michael Blackson, O.T. Genasis, Renny and Gunna. Oh yeah, this is gonna be Black as hell.
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Our OWN Christmas (OWN; Release Date: Throughout December)
Our OWN Christmas Our OWN Christmas trailer / Courtesy of OWN
First Impressions: OK, so I’m kind of cheating here by featuring a promo trailer for multiple projects, but Oprah Winfrey always does it big! Starting this month, DeVon Franklin and Meagan Good will host OWN’s first-ever gospel music special Our OWN Christmas on Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, followed by a holiday season worth of classics and new original films alike. One of those original films, A Christmas for Mary (Dec. 8 at 9 p.m. ET/PT), is featured in this very promo. So, save the date for December because that’s when you’ll get to see it. Other upcoming films include Cooking Up Christmas (Dec. 15 at 9 p.m. ET/PT) and First Christmas (Dec. 22 at 9 p.m. ET/PT).
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Uncensored: Best of Black Hollywood (TV One; Release Date: Nov. 15 at 10 p.m. ET)
Uncensored: Best of Black Hollywood / YouTube
First Impressions: This is Black excellence, y’all! This special presentation from the Uncensored series will focus on the “Best of Black Hollywood” and feature folks such as Paula Patton, Nia Long, Tichina Arnold, Tisha Campbell, Tyra Banks and Nick Cannon. I’m ready for the legendary tea!
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Stateless (2020 DOC NYC; Screening Dates: Nov. 11-19)
Stateless trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Directed by Emmy-nominated Michèle Stephenson, Stateless chronicles the 2013 ruling where the Dominican Republic’s Supreme Court stripped the citizenship of anyone with Haitian parents, retroactive to 1929, which is linked to what is known as the Parsley Massacre in 1937. The doc will follow a young attorney named Rosa Iris and the grassroots campaign fighting against electoral corruption. As I am not well-versed in this history and the ruling that still affects Haitians today, I’m very interested in checking this one out.
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DMFM: The Home of Boom Bap (Showtime; Release Date: Nov. 15 at 10 p.m. ET)
DMFM: The Home of Boom Bap trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: The brand has a face for radio! Desus & Mero hosts Desus Nice (Daniel Baker) and The Kid Mero (Joel Martinez) will transform their standard studio “into an old-school radio station and focus on the history of hip hop, featuring special guests including Busta Rhymes, Sheila E, City Girls, Juicy J and Cam’ron” and the show will include listener calls, too! Oh and in case you didn’t see just how much these two lovable hosts have been winning, Desus and Mero finally did the most epic Bronx thing ever and officially partnered with Timberland.
Advertisement
Affion Crockett: Mirror II Society ( LOL Network
First Impressions: Affion Crockett is known for his well-done celebrity impressions so it’s pretty fitting that the title of his new special riffs off of another project, Menace II Society. This will be Crockett’s first-ever long-form special and will debut on Kevin Hart’s LOL Network. Crockett will also serve as executive producer of the special. We need the laughs.
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Born to Be (Virtual Theaters; Release Date: Nov. 18)
Born to Be trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: This doc follows the work of Dr. Jess Ting at Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery in New York City, which is now where all transgender and nonbinary people have access to quality gender-affirming health and surgical care for the first time ever. In this trailer, I see some Black representation, so I’m hoping the doc explores the intersections of the issues surrounding transgender and nonbinary healthcare access in-depth.
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Inside Pixar (Disney+; Now Streaming)
Inside Pixar trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Yep, Disney/Pixar stan here, present and accounted for tuning into this doc as soon as possible. I see some Black animators (hey, Frank Abney!), story artists, etc., too! We’re inching toward the premiere of Pixar’s first film with a Black lead, Soul (speaking of which, I saw those quick frames of co-director Kemp Powers in this trailer!), so I’m hoping they dig deep into the issues surrounding diversity in the animated industry.
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Kinderfänger trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Starring Angel Theory (The Walking Dead), Kinderfänger follows a deaf woman named Olivia (Theory), a music teacher who goes on a mission to fight against an ancient evil force known as the Kinderfänger (who controls the minds of children via a song played on a pipe and has a mission to assemble an “army of troubled souls”) takes one of her students. Y’all see this double representation in the horror genre, though?! Love it.
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Blood on Her Badge (TV One; Release Date: Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. ET)
Blood on Her Badge trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Starring Rayven Ferrell, Tequan Richmond, Miguel Nunez, Tetona Jockson and Johnell Young, Blood on Her Badge is based on true crime events and follows an eager young cop who falls in love with a nigga and corrupt cop shenanigans ensue.
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Until the Flood ( All Arts
Until the Flood trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Writer-performer Dael Orlandersmith’s one-woman show explores Ferguson and its community after Michael Brown was killed by a police officer in 2014. The show will broadcast for New York-era audiences on the All Arts station.
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All The Way Black (BET+; Now Streaming)
All the Way Black trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Hosted by Chris Spencer, All The Way Black will take you Blackity-back into time and all of the most iconic Black pop culture moments of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Guests stars include Kevin Frazier, Flex Alexander, Donnell Rawlings, LisaRaye McCoy and Torrei Hart. That’s pretty damn Black.
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A Christmas Tree Grows in Colorado (Hallmark Channel; Release Date: Nov. 24 at 8 p.m. ET)
A Christmas Tree Grows In Colorado trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: A Christmas Tree Grows In Colorado follows Erin (Rochelle Aytes) who is planning the town’s Christmas celebration and she must win over firefighter Kevin (Mark Taylor) because she covets the beautiful spruce tree on his property. I bet she’ll win over his heart, too! Holiday Black Love!
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Unapologetic trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Unapologetic chronicles “the lives and work of two Black queer millennial women as they challenge the city of Chicago’s administration in the fight for Black lives through organizing.” Shout out to my hometown and the organizers constantly doing this important work. Along with DOC NYC, the documentary will continue its festival run at Black Harvest Film Festival (Nov. 7-20), The DocYard (Nov. 13-19), New Orleans Film Festival (Nov. 6-22), St. Louis International Film Festival (Nov. 5-22), Cucalorus Festival (Nov. 22) and Image+Nation LGBTQ+ Montréal (Nov. 19-Dec. 6).
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Resist (YouTube Originals; Release Date: Nov. 18)
Resist trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Resist follows the grassroots organizers fighting against the 2018 Los Angeles county’s $3.5 billion jail expansion plan. “This series is more timely than ever with LA County’s recent victories—with [George] Gascon taking the DA race, Measure J being passed, the defeat of Proposition 25 and the incredible Yes on 17 win,” Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors said in a statement via a press release sent to The Root. “I am proud that our local organizing work has had so much impact, while we should celebrate and reflect, we still have much to do. These milestones are stepping stones to shaping a better system not only in the largest jailer in the world, but for the entire country. This is just the beginning, but I am optimistic on what is yet to come.” The documentary series will premiere for free on Cullors’ official YouTube channel.
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12 Dates of Christmas (HBO Max; Release Date: Nov. 26)
12 Dates of Christmas trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: This one is from the showrunner of reality show sensation Love Is Blind (Sam Dean) and there’s some Black-ass representation including Natasha Rothwell (Insecure) narrating and...who is that shirtless Santa around the 29-second mark?! Basically, 12 Dates of Christmas is trying to recreate your cutesy holiday rom-com in real life. Yeah, this will definitely be the mindless entertainment I need to round out the year.
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Safety (Disney+; Release Date: Dec. 11)
Safety trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: This is for the inspiring sports film fans! Disney is bringing back that Remember the Titans energy with Safety, based on Clemson University football safety Ray McElrathbey who overcomes several challenges and adversities, all while raising his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr. Oh yeah, this about to be a tearjerker.
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Zerlina (Peacock; Streams Weekdays at 6 p.m. ET)
Zerlina trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Political analyst Zerlina Maxwell is doing her thing over at Peacock and offering in-depth conversations in politics and current events. In the latest episode titled “The 91 Percent: A conversation on the political power—and future—of Black women,” Maxwell spoke with Former Senior Advisor to President Obama Valerie Jarrett about the historic significance of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris (and the record voter turnout that led to this result) as well as what Black women specifically expect from a Biden-Harris administration.
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Lastly, in case you missed it, I wrote about The Ride trailer because it deserved its own special dragging. ‘Til next week, folks!


theroot--2020-11-13--Ivy Park Is at It Again: Drip 2.2 Will Serve a Darker Mood With 'The Black Pack'

Didn ’ t get your hands on anything from Adidas x Ivy Park ’ s instantly sold out Drip 2 last month ?
Or maybe it was a bit too bright for your fall/winter mood ?
Say no more , Fam , Beyoncé ’ s beloved athleisure brand is dropping yet another drip next week , this time in a ‘ black and nesa ” colorway—or as Queen Bey has dubbed it , “ Drip 2 : Black Pack.
” Per Teen Vogue , “ The designs for Drip 2.2 are similar to the last two drops ; biker shorts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a jumpsuit , sweats , fanny packs , and more .
The only thing that ’ s really changed is the colors.
” To be fair , just a glance at the new offerings Beyoncé modeled in a series of new promos on the ‘ gram indicate there are , in fact , several new seasonally-appropriate silhouettes thrown into the mix , giving us all-black-everything devotees *raises hand* some new shapes in a familiar shade during these increasingly shorter and darker days .
Hope you Ivy Park fans are limbering up as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to make its debut over three consecutive days—online November 17 , globally online November 18 , and in stores November 19 .
If the demand on Drip 2 was any indication , the pre-holiday rush on Drip 2.2 will make Black Friday look like a Sunday service—and trust , the Hive is already buzzing .

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

Didn’t get your hands on anything from Adidas x Ivy Park’s instantly sold out Drip 2 last month? Or maybe it was a bit too bright for your fall/winter mood? Say no more, Fam, Beyoncé’s beloved athleisure brand is dropping yet another drip next week, this time in a ‘black and nesa” colorway—or as Queen Bey has dubbed it, “Drip 2: Black Pack.”
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Per Teen Vogue, “The designs for Drip 2.2 are similar to the last two drops; biker shorts, [ sp orts] bras, a jumpsuit, sweats, fanny packs, and more. The only thing that’s really changed is the colors.” To be fair, just a glance at the new offerings Beyoncé modeled in a series of new promos on the ‘gram indicate there are, in fact, several new seasonally-appropriate silhouettes thrown into the mix, giving us all-black-everything devotees *raises hand* some new shapes in a familiar shade during these increasingly shorter and darker days.
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Hope you Ivy Park fans are limbering up as we speak, because The Black Pack is due to make its debut over three consecutive days—online November 17, globally online November 18, and in stores November 19. If the demand on Drip 2 was any indication, the pre-holiday rush on Drip 2.2 will make Black Friday look like a Sunday service—and trust, the Hive is already buzzing.


theroot--2020-11-13--Judge Denies Greg and Travis McMichael Bond in Ahmaud Arbery Murder Case After 2-Day Hearing

Greg and Travis McMichael , two of three men involved in the Feb. 23 pursuit and shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery near Brunswick in Glynn County , Ga. , tried to get released on bond .
But Friday , after two days of hearings , a judge denied their request , a ccording to the New York Times .
During a Thursday hearing , defense attorneys for the McMichaels argued that these men are citizens who serve their community and not racist lynchers of a Black man who was out jogging in their neighborhood .
Fox 40 reports that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley .
Aside from bond , their lawyers requested that Judge Walmsley reject two of the counts against them , including malice murder .
Travis McMichael ’ s attorneys , Robert Rubin and Jason Sheffield , wrote in court documents requesting bond that he lives with his parents , has a 3-year-old son and doesn ’ t have a passport .
They cited his past service as a U.S. Coast Guard machine technician as proof of his character .
Gregory McMichael , 64 , is a retired investigator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office and a former Glynn County police officer .
His lawyers said in a legal filing that they plan to present evidence in court to show why he should be freed on bond .
The McMichaels ’ attorneys are also asking the judge to reject the indictment ’ s malice murder charge , saying it was written in a way that improperly “ charges two crimes in one count.
” They made a similar argument for tossing out a charge of criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment .
According to WSB-TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case , was previously denied bond but will also appearing before a judge to try again .
The McMichaels , as well as a third man , William Bryan , are charged with multiple felonies including murder after they chased Arbery down , repeatedly blocked him from running out of the subdivision and possibly hit him with one of the trucks pursuing him before Travis shot with a shotgun , according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations which took over the case in May .
“ I believe Mr. Arbery was being pursued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t run anymore , and it was turn his back to a man with a shotgun or fight with his bare hands against the man with the shotgun , ” GBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Richard Dial said in June , CNN reports .
“ He chose to fight .
I believe Mr. Arbery ’ s decision was to just try to get away , and when he felt like he could not escape he chose to fight.
” According to the Daily News , early during the hearing , Walmsley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block prosecutors from using racist Facebook posts shared between the defendants and others as evidence that the McMichaels should not be granted bond .
In fact , while prosecutor Jesse Evans was questioning friends and family of Travis—all of whom appear to believe he ’ s a wonderful man and not a murderous racist—one friend , Zachary Langford , was asked about a text he received from Travis in November 2019 in which they discussed Travis “ shooting a crackhead coon with gold teeth.
” Langford—I shit you not—claimed Travis was “ referring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he responded saying the “ raccoon ” needed Newport cigarettes .
From the Associated Press : Defense attorneys for both McMichaels have denied any racist motives in the shooting .
Right after the Feb. 23 shooting , Gregory McMichael told police that he and his son armed themselves and got in a pickup truck to pursue Arbery because they suspected he was a burglar .
“ These men are proud of what they have done , ” Arbery ’ s mother , Wanda Cooper-Jones , told the judge as she asked him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to go home because they think in their selfish minds that they are the good guys.
” Prosecutors say Arbery was merely jogging when the McMichaels pursued him .
Their defense attorneys insisted in court Thursday that ’ s not true .
“ We have substantial evidence that , on the day in question , Mr. Arbery was not a jogger , ” said Robert Rubin , one of Travis McMichael ’ s attorneys .
“ He was there for nefarious purposes.
” Rubin gave no evidence in court that Arbery was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot .
Walmsley decided to adjourn court Thursday evening without making a ruling on bond for the defendants because there was still more evidence to be presented , AP reports .
On day two of the hearing , which began Friday morning , Walmsley denied the McMichaels bond .
NPR reports that the racist texts sent by Travis as well as Langford ’ s lame-ass explanation of them might have been a factor in the denial of bond .
As far as Greg McMichael goes , Walmsley appeared to believe he may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to influence the case .

Greg and Travis McMichael, two of three men involved in the Feb. 23 pursuit and shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery near Brunswick in Glynn County, Ga., tried to get released on bond. But Friday, after two days of hearings , a judge denied their request , a ccording to the New York Times.
During a Thursday hearing, defense attorneys for the McMichaels argued that these men are citizens who serve their community and not racist lynchers of a Black man who was out jogging in their neighborhood.
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Fox 40 reports that the McMichaels’ plea for freedom was heard by Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley. Aside from bond, their lawyers requested that Judge Walmsley reject two of the counts against them, including malice murder.
From Fox 40:
Travis McMichael’s attorneys, Robert Rubin and Jason Sheffield, wrote in court documents requesting bond that he lives with his parents, has a 3-year-old son and doesn’t have a passport. They cited his past service as a U.S. Coast Guard machine technician as proof of his character. Gregory McMichael, 64, is a retired investigator for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit district attorney’s office and a former Glynn County police officer. His lawyers said in a legal filing that they plan to present evidence in court to show why he should be freed on bond. The McMichaels’ attorneys are also asking the judge to reject the indictment’s malice murder charge, saying it was written in a way that improperly “charges two crimes in one count.” They made a similar argument for tossing out a charge of criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment.
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According to WSB-TV Atlanta, the third defendant in the case,was previously denied bond but will also appearing before a judge to try again.
The McMichaels, as well as a third man, William Bryan, are charged with multiple felonies including murder after they chased Arbery down, repeatedly blocked him from running out of the subdivision and possibly hit him with one of the trucks pursuing him before Travis shot with a shotgun, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations which took over the case in May.
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“I believe Mr. Arbery was being pursued, and he ran till he couldn’t run anymore, and it was turn his back to a man with a shotgun or fight with his bare hands against the man with the shotgun,” GBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Richard Dial said in June, CNN reports. “He chose to fight. I believe Mr. Arbery’s decision was to just try to get away, and when he felt like he could not escape he chose to fight.”
According to the Daily News, early during the hearing, Walmsley denied a motion by defense attorneys to block prosecutors from using racist Facebook posts shared between the defendants and others as evidence that the McMichaels should not be granted bond.
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In fact, while prosecutor Jesse Evans was questioning friends and family of Travis—all of whom appear to believe he’s a wonderful man and not a murderous racist—one friend, Zachary Langford, was asked about a text he received from Travis in November 2019 in which they discussed Travis “shooting a crackhead coon with gold teeth.” Langford—I shit you not—claimed Travis was “referring to a raccoon.” The witness admitted that he responded saying the “raccoon” needed Newport cigarettes.
From the Associated Press:
Defense attorneys for both McMichaels have denied any racist motives in the shooting. Right after the Feb. 23 shooting, Gregory McMichael told police that he and his son armed themselves and got in a pickup truck to pursue Arbery because they suspected he was a burglar. “These men are proud of what they have done,” Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, told the judge as she asked him to deny them bond. “They want to go home because they think in their selfish minds that they are the good guys.” Prosecutors say Arbery was merely jogging when the McMichaels pursued him. Their defense attorneys insisted in court Thursday that’s not true. “We have substantial evidence that, on the day in question, Mr. Arbery was not a jogger,” said Robert Rubin, one of Travis McMichael’s attorneys. “He was there for nefarious purposes.” Rubin gave no evidence in court that Arbery was doing anything wrong the day he was shot.
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Walmsley decided to adjourn court Thursday evening without making a ruling on bond for the defendants because there was still more evidence to be presented, AP reports.
On day two of the hearing, which began Friday morning, Walmsley denied the McMichaels bond. NPR reports that the racist texts sent by Travis as well as Langford’s lame-ass explanation of them might have been a factor in the denial of bond. As far as Greg McMichael goes, Walmsley appeared to believe he may have used his past career in law enforcement to influence the case.
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From NPR:


theroot--2020-11-13--Keep Your Lips Moisturized All Winter Long With Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm

Winter is here , just like the Starks said .
A good way to prevent chapped lips is to get @ @ @ @ @ works .
From personal experience , Jack Black Lip Balm is the truth .
It @ @ @ @ @ that gives you a satisfying tingle when applied and will last for the majority of @ @ @ @ @ re-apply .
Plus , a three-pack is $ 22 , which is on the more @ @ @ @ @ promise you won ’ t use the other two for at LEAST a couple of @ @ @ @ @ as an investment against ashy lips .

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm (3-pack) | $22 | Amazon
A good way to prevent chapped lips is to get a lip balm that really works. From personal experience, Jack Black Lip Balm is the truth. It has a natural mint flavor that gives you a satisfying tingle when applied and will last for the majority of the day without having to re-apply. Plus, a three-pack is $22, which is on the more expensive side, but I promise you won’t use the other two for at LEAST a couple of months. Think of it as an investment against ashy lips.


theroot--2020-11-13--Former Iowa Football Players Withdraw $20 Million Settlement and File Racial Discrimination Lawsuit

Former Iowa Football Players Withdraw $20 Million Settlement and File Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Against University

A group of former players for the University of Iowa football team have withdrawn a $ 20 million settlement and filed a lawsuit against the school , citing years of racial discrimination .
According to t he Associated Press , Damario Solomon-Simmons , the attorney representing the 13 former students , withdrew the settlement after the university rejected their demands .
The settlement called for the firings of head football coach Kirk Ferentz , offensive line coach Brian Ferentz , and athletic director Gary Barta , in addition to the $ 20 million for damages .
The university believes they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the players ’ concerns and create a more welcoming environment for Black players .
The Associated Press also reported that student athletes recently kneeled for the anthem for the first time in the university ’ s history , and the football program has eased its restrictions on the kinds of hairstyles and clothing players can wear .
While these are nice steps , it doesn ’ t mitigate the years of discomfort and blatant racism that Black athletes experienced at the school .
Over the summer , the school hired a law firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university ’ s football program after multiple former students spoke about the treatment they faced at the school .
The investigation ultimately found that the program “ perpetuated racial and culture biases and diminished the value of cultural diversity.
” Players allege that they weren ’ t allowed to wear certain clothing , have certain hairstyles , and were pushed to relinquish their culture in an effort to reflect the “ Iowa Way , ” a.k.a.
, whiteness .
The university fired former assistant coach Chris Doyle over the summer , due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Doyle was alleged to be one of the worst offenders when it came to making Black athletes feel uncomfortable .
They paid him $ 1.1 million in a resignation agreement and Doyle has since denied the allegations .
So , the school is willing to pay the people who got them into this situation , but not willing to make things right with those who were affected .
That ’ s totally not fucked up at all .
On Thursday , the university released a statement saying that the former athletes speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitment to improve , ” adding that any athlete who left the school without a degree is eligible for financial assistance should they return .
“ To that end , the University of Iowa continues to work hard to become a more inclusive campus for all students , ” the university ’ s statement read .
“ We appreciate the athletes using their voices and we are on a positive path forward with our team.
” Solomon-Simmons told reporters that he also intended to file civil rights lawsuits in both federal and state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ denied the benefits of a quality education and opportunities to excel .
’ ’

A group of former players for the University of Iowa football team have withdrawn a $20 million settlement and filed a lawsuit against the school, citing years of racial discrimination.
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According to t he Associated Press, Damario Solomon-Simmons, the attorney representing the 13 former students, withdrew the settlement after the university rejected their demands. The settlement called for the firings of head football coach Kirk Ferentz, offensive line coach Brian Ferentz, and athletic director Gary Barta, in addition to the $20 million for damages.
The university believes they’ve already taken steps to address the players’ concerns and create a more welcoming environment for Black players. The Associated Press also reported that student athletes recently kneeled for the anthem for the first time in the university’s history, and the football program has eased its restrictions on the kinds of hairstyles and clothing players can wear.
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While these are nice steps, it doesn’t mitigate the years of discomfort and blatant racism that Black athletes experienced at the school. Over the summer, the school hired a law firm to conduct an independent investigation into the university’s football program after multiple former students spoke about the treatment they faced at the school. The investigation ultimately found that the program “perpetuated racial and culture biases and diminished the value of cultural diversity.”
Players allege that they weren’t allowed to wear certain clothing, have certain hairstyles, and were pushed to relinquish their culture in an effort to reflect the “Iowa Way,” a.k.a., whiteness.
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The university fired former assistant coach Chris Doyle over the summer, due to multiple allegations that he had bullied students. Doyle was alleged to be one of the worst offenders when it came to making Black athletes feel uncomfortable. They paid him $1.1 million in a resignation agreement and Doyle has since denied the allegations.
So, the school is willing to pay the people who got them into this situation, but not willing to make things right with those who were affected. That’s totally not fucked up at all.
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On Thursday, the university released a statement saying that the former athletes speaking out has “resulted in a strong commitment to improve,” adding that any athlete who left the school without a degree is eligible for financial assistance should they return.
“To that end, the University of Iowa continues to work hard to become a more inclusive campus for all students,” the university’s statement read. “We appreciate the athletes using their voices and we are on a positive path forward with our team.”
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Solomon-Simmons told reporters that he also intended to file civil rights lawsuits in both federal and state agencies, saying that his clients were “denied the benefits of a quality education and opportunities to excel.’’


theroot--2020-11-13--'We're Better Than This, but Just Barely' The Root Presents: It's Lit Talks Democracy With Dr. Maya

'We're Better Than This, but Just Barely' The Root Presents: It's Lit Talks Democracy With Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings

“ So , it turns out that we ’ re better than this , but just barely , ” laughs Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings in the days after a historic but still contested election , one which her husband , the incomparable Rep. Elijah Cummings ( D-Md . )
unfortunately didn ’ t live to see .
Dr. Cummings ’ quip is a play on her late husband ’ s famous quote and the title of his posthumously published memoir , We ’ re Better Than This : My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy , a book she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in October of 2019 .
Cummings was the first among a trio of American political titans we lost within the space of a year—Rep .
John Lewis and Ruth Bader Ginsberg to follow—all of whom worked tirelessly to preserve our democracy from an autocratic president and administration until the very end .
And in the end , the 2020 presidential election proved that progressives were willing to fight , too—though amid our record turnout was an almost equally menacing fight to maintain white supremacy .
While many have lamented the dominance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cummings saw promise in the engagement fostered by not only high African American voter turnout but the protests that proceeded it .
Now , she says , we must not stop .
“ We don ’ t have the luxury , to quote Elaine Jones , of being cynical , ” Dr. Cummings told us during this week ’ s episode of The Root Presents : It ’ s Lit !
podcast .
“ We don ’ t have the luxury of becoming disenchanted and thinking that we don ’ t have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find yourself back in the chains of slavery.
” “ We ’ ve got to go gangbusters on this system .
We ’ ve got to own it .
And that means running a Boston at every level of government , you know , making sure that we are .
And I say bum-rushing the system , you know , running for office , you know , donating to those who support your agenda , you know , advocating , advocating even after a person gets into office , to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you believe in and they ’ re good for your family and your community .
“ We ’ ve got to run a Boston on this system and we ’ ve got to do it now , ” she continued .
“ This is the time ... you know , unfortunately , continuous engagement is the price that we have to pay for freedom .
And since we know that continuous engagement is the price we pay—and by the way , protest is just as legitimate as engaging the system ; it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an important role .
And so with that , you know , I just tell young people , you know , open your eyes .
This is the price we have to pay for freedom .
And that means that we have to continuously be at the door and at the table.
” Hear this and more on Episode 8 of The Root Presents : It ’ s Lit : Maya Rockeymoore Cummings on Whether We ’ re Better Than This , featuring the brilliant Maya Rockeymoore Cummings , now available on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Amazon , NPR One , TuneIn , and Radio Public .
Also available is a transcript of this week ’ s episode .

“So, it turns out that we’re better than this, but just barely,” laughs Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings in the days after a historic but still contested election, one which her husband, the incomparable Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) unfortunately didn’t live to see. Dr. Cummings’ quip is a play on her late husband’s famous quote and the title of his posthumously published memoir, We’re Better Than This: My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy, a book she helped see to completion after Rep. Cummings died in October of 2019.
Cummings was the first among a trio of American political titans we lost within the space of a year—Rep. John Lewis and Ruth Bader Ginsberg to follow—all of whom worked tirelessly to preserve our democracy from an autocratic president and administration until the very end. And in the end, the 2020 presidential election proved that progressives were willing to fight, too—though amid our record turnout was an almost equally menacing fight to maintain white supremacy.
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While many have lamented the dominance and inadequacy of our two-party system, Dr. Cummings saw promise in the engagement fostered by not only high African American voter turnout but the protests that proceeded it. Now, she says, we must not stop.
“We don’t have the luxury, to quote Elaine Jones, of being cynical,” Dr. Cummings told us during this week’s episode of The Root Presents: It’s Lit! podcast. “We don’t have the luxury of becoming disenchanted and thinking that we don’t have to engage. That is a surefire way to find yourself back in the chains of slavery.”
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“We’ve got to go gangbusters on this system. We’ve got to own it. And that means running a Boston at every level of government, you know, making sure that we are. And I say bum-rushing the system, you know, running for office, you know, donating to those who support your agenda, you know, advocating, advocating even after a person gets into office, to make sure that they stand up for the issues you believe in and they’re good for your family and your community.
“We’ve got to run a Boston on this system and we’ve got to do it now,” she continued. “ This is the time... you know, unfortunately, continuous engagement is the price that we have to pay for freedom. And since we know that continuous engagement is the price we pay—and by the way, protest is just as legitimate as engaging the system; it’s an inside-outside game and both serve an important role. And so with that, you know, I just tell young people, you know, open your eyes. This is the price we have to pay for freedom. And that means that we have to continuously be at the door and at the table.”
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Hear this and more on Episode 8 of The Root Presents: It’s Lit: Maya Rockeymoore Cummings on Whether We’re Better Than This, featuring the brilliant Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, now available on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Amazon, NPR One, TuneIn, and Radio Public. Also available is a transcript of this week’s episode.


theroot--2020-11-13--How Much Would You Pay to Watch a Secret Service Agent Drag Trump Out of the White House?

My parents and I used to play a game where one of us would think of some ridiculous dare , assign an arbitrarily low price to it , and then would keep increasing the ask until a “ Yes ” happened .
Sometimes , the game would branch into a less fun variant of it , where we ’ d ask ourselves how much we ’ d pay to experience or just witness a desired activity .
This has been on my mind for the past year , as the possibility of Donald Trump facing some sort of criminal prosecution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to be increasing .
( Which I suspect is why he ’ s fighting so hard to stay .
Well that , and he ’ s broke as fuck . )
It ’ s been a year of tragedy , of upheaval , of ubiquitous disruption , of perpetual anxiety , and of a whiplash-inducing ecosystem of loss that ’ s scaffolding quicker than our ability to process it .
And while watching Trump and his assemblage of feckless sycophants and triflin ’ hellspawn get perp-walked is still unlikely—and would essentially be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So , let ’ s say the Trump perp walk was a live PPV event .
How much money would you pay to witness that ?
$ 500 is too low .
I ’ d pay that alone to watch game seven of a Nets/Warriors NBA Finals next year .
$ 1,000 is too , because that ’ s what I ’ d pay to watch Ben Carson parallel park .
So I think $ 2,000 is the sweet spot where the schadenfreude experienced would still surpass the loss of cash .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be to witness him get physically dragged out of the White House by the Secret Service—an act they ’ d seem to have quite the incentive to do , considering that he ’ s a stank-bootied outbreak monkey endangering the lives of their families .
I can see it now : him haughty and defeated , but performatively defiant , while they horse-collar him down the stairs , out the door , and on the lawn like how Belle did Willie and Leonard in I ’ m Gon na Git You Sucka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think I ’ d pay $ 10,000 .

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

My parents and I used to play a game where one of us would think of some ridiculous dare, assign an arbitrarily low price to it, and then would keep increasing the ask until a “Yes” happened.
Mom, to me and Dad: Would you walk to Get n’ Go butt-ass naked for 100 bucks? Dad and me: Nope. Mom: 1,000?
Dad and me: Nah. Mom: 4,000? Me: Still no. Dad: Cash? Mom: Yup. Dad: Aiight.
(Apparently, after I grew up and moved out, they’d lower the stakes with the dares—“20 bucks to go outside and get the paper butt-ass naked”—and one of them goofy niggas would invariably do it. I miss my mom.)
Sometimes, the game would branch into a less fun variant of it, where we’d ask ourselves how much we’d pay to experience or just witness a desired activity. This has been on my mind for the past year, as the possibility of Donald Trump facing some sort of criminal prosecution the moment he exits the White House seems to be increasing. (Which I suspect is why he’s fighting so hard to stay. Well that, and he’s broke as fuck.)
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It’s been a year of tragedy, of upheaval, of ubiquitous disruption, of perpetual anxiety, and of a whiplash-inducing ecosystem of loss that’s scaffolding quicker than our ability to process it. And while watching Trump and his assemblage of feckless sycophants and triflin’ hellspawn get perp-walked is still unlikely—and would essentially be a pyrrhic victory—a nigga can still dream.
So, let’s say the Trump perp walk was a live PPV event. How much money would you pay to witness that?
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$500 is too low. I’d pay that alone to watch game seven of a Nets/Warriors NBA Finals next year. $1,000 is too, because that’s what I’d pay to watch Ben Carson parallel park. So I think $2,000 is the sweet spot where the schadenfreude experienced would still surpass the loss of cash.
The real prize, I think, would be to witness him get physically dragged out of the White House by the Secret Service—an act they’d seem to have quite the incentive to do, considering that he’s a stank-bootied outbreak monkey endangering the lives of their families. I can see it now: him haughty and defeated, but performatively defiant, while they horse-collar him down the stairs, out the door, and on the lawn like how Belle did Willie and Leonard in I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.
To see that live, I think I’d pay $10,000.


theroot--2020-11-13--Can I Get a "YER?!" Desus & Mero Timberlands Drop Today, So You May Wanna Cop a Pair

Ayo , if you ’ re a true New Yorker , you know Timbs are an all-year staple !
Whether you ’ re playing a pick-up game with the boys or trying out some all pink fashions like Camron , a pair of Timbaland ’ s have been there for you through thick and thin .
Well , pop culture icons Desus & Mero have put their own spin on a classic .
They say this exclusive was inspired by growing up in the Boog ie Down , and while I personally prefer a pair of buttas , I also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 '' boots , that has the look of marble notebooks , yeah you know the ones .
And because they ’ re a duo , they dropped two shoes , so the waterproof field boots can also get you through the tough city streets with enough swag for the ‘ Gram or any other social event .
Look , I think this is so damn clever and on-brand for Desus and Mero—like every native New Yorker , staying true to yourself is the best way to gain respect and they definitely have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s sizes soon , because I ’ d love to rock a pair with my fur puffer because you already know .
It ’ s safe to say this Brooklyn girl agrees with the push , so make sure you cop a pair no matter what borough you rep .

Ignacia on News, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Black Waterproof 6" Boots | $210 | Timberland
Brown Waterproof Field Boots | $185 | Timberland
Ayo, if you’re a true New Yorker, you know Timbs are an all-year staple! Whether you’re playing a pick-up game with the boys or trying out some all pink fashions like Camron, a pair of Timbaland’s have been there for you through thick and thin. Well, pop culture icons Desus & Mero have put their own spin on a classic. They say this exclusive was inspired by growing up in the Boog ie Down, and while I personally prefer a pair of buttas, I also love the intrigue of the black waterproof 6" boots, that has the look of marble notebooks, yeah you know the ones.
And because they’re a duo, they dropped two shoes, so the waterproof field boots can also get you through the tough city streets with enough swag for the ‘Gram or any other social event. Look, I think this is so damn clever and on-brand for Desus and Mero—like every native New Yorker, staying true to yourself is the best way to gain respect and they definitely have mine. Hopefully, they get women’s sizes soon, because I’d love to rock a pair with my fur puffer because you already know. It’s safe to say this Brooklyn girl agrees with the push, so make sure you cop a pair no matter what borough you rep.


theroot--2020-11-13--At Least 130 of Trump's Secret Service Staff Have Coronavirus or Are Quarantining After Being Expose

At Least 130 of Trump's Secret Service Staff Have Coronavirus or Are Quarantining After Being Exposed

Even after being hospitalized for COVID-19 , President Donald Trump and his senior staff didn ’ t appear to take concerns about spreading the virus seriously—continuing to campaign furiously while eschewing masks and hosting large indoor events .
The possible fallout from those decisions : The Washington Post is now reporting that more than 130 Secret Service officers charged with protecting the White House and the president have either tested positive for the coronavirus or are quarantining because they came in close contact with an infected coworker .
With just about 1,300 officers in its Uniformed Division guarding the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residence , this means 10 percent of the Secret Service ’ s core staff—agents who must protect Trump during trips and other official events—have been depleted .
The nation is also heading into a crucial inflection point : While coronavirus cases are surging nationwide to new peaks in many states , President-elect Joe Biden is now preparing a transition without the aid of the current administration .
The agency is investigating the source ( or sources ) of the outbreaks .
From the Washington Post : Trump went on a travel blitz in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making five campaign stops on each of the last two days .
On Nov. 2 , Trump ’ s campaign schedule required five separate groups of Secret Service officers — each numbering 20 to several dozen—to travel to Fayetteville , N.C. ; Scranton , Pa. ; Traverse City , Mich. ; and Kenosha and Grand Rapids , Wis. ; to screen spectators and secure the perimeter around the president ’ s events .
President-elect Joe Biden made two campaign stops that day that also required Secret Service protection , but in smaller numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some portion of the current infections are not travel-related , one government official said , but instead trace back to the site where many Secret Service officers report for duty each day : the White House .
White House staff largely eschew wearing masks , despite public health guidelines that they help contain the spread of the virus , and some Secret Service officers on duty at the complex have also been seen without them .
The problem , of course , hasn ’ t been limited to the Secret Service .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dozen White House aides—from Trump ’ s chief of staff to low-level assistants and secretaries—have tested positive for the coronavirus , the Post reports .
Trump ’ s circle has been rife with coronavirus infections this year—at this point , it may be easier to name who hasn ’ t contracted it than who has .
But the latest outbreak , believed to be related to a campaign party hosted in the White House ’ s East Room last week , has been especially devastating .
Among the latest round of cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what you think of Trump and his senior advisors and supporters , the blatant dismissal of COVID guidelines in the White House is affecting people who have nothing to do with Trump ’ s politics , including cleaning and service staff .
In a just world , they would receive the same level of care their bosses who cavalierly exposed them to the virus would receive—but that ’ s not this world , and that ’ s not this president .

Even after being hospitalized for COVID-19, President Donald Trump and his senior staff didn’t appear to take concerns about spreading the virus seriously—continuing to campaign furiously while eschewing masks and hosting large indoor events. The possible fallout from those decisions: The Washington Post is now reporting that more than 130 Secret Service officers charged with protecting the White House and the president have either tested positive for the coronavirus or are quarantining because they came in close contact with an infected coworker.
With just about 1,300 officers in its Uniformed Division guarding the White House and the vice president’s residence, this means 10 percent of the Secret Service’s core staff—agents who must protect Trump during trips and other official events—have been depleted. The nation is also heading into a crucial inflection point: While coronavirus cases are surging nationwide to new peaks in many states, President-elect Joe Biden is now preparing a transition without the aid of the current administration.
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The agency is investigating the source (or sources) of the outbreaks. From the Washington Post:
Trump went on a travel blitz in the final stretch of the campaign, making five campaign stops on each of the last two days. On Nov. 2, Trump’s campaign schedule required five separate groups of Secret Service officers — each numbering 20 to several dozen—to travel to Fayetteville, N.C.; Scranton, Pa.; Traverse City, Mich.; and Kenosha and Grand Rapids, Wis.; to screen spectators and secure the perimeter around the president’s events. President-elect Joe Biden made two campaign stops that day that also required Secret Service protection, but in smaller numbers. The agency is also examining whether some portion of the current infections are not travel-related, one government official said, but instead trace back to the site where many Secret Service officers report for duty each day: the White House. White House staff largely eschew wearing masks, despite public health guidelines that they help contain the spread of the virus, and some Secret Service officers on duty at the complex have also been seen without them.
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The problem, of course, hasn’t been limited to the Secret Service. In the past week alone, more than a dozen White House aides—from Trump’s chief of staff to low-level assistants and secretaries—have tested positive for the coronavirus, the Post reports.
Trump’s circle has been rife with coronavirus infections this year—at this point, it may be easier to name who hasn’t contracted it than who has. But the latest outbreak, believed to be related to a campaign party hosted in the White House’s East Room last week, has been especially devastating. Among the latest round of cases is Housing Secretary Ben Carson.
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Regardless of what you think of Trump and his senior advisors and supporters, the blatant dismissal of COVID guidelines in the White House is affecting people who have nothing to do with Trump’s politics, including cleaning and service staff. In a just world, they would receive the same level of care their bosses who cavalierly exposed them to the virus would receive—but that’s not this world, and that’s not this president.


theroot--2020-11-13--GTFOH Trump Watch: Enough Already

GTFOH Trump Watch: Enough Already

You know that TV show , Intervention ?
It ’ s a reality show featuring family and friends confronting a loved one who is suffering through an addiction crisis .
Well , it feels like some folks in the Trump administration have had enough and are doing their own version of an intervention for a president who is addicted to telling lies and undermining democracy .
A coordinating council of federal , state and local election officials issued a statement declaring that this election “ was the most secure in American history ” and that “ there is no evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the New York Times reports .
Now here ’ s the best part : The statement was released by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency , which is part of Homeland Security—you know , a White House cabinet position .
The truth is coming from inside the house !
The group that issued the statement was the Elections Infrastructure Government Coordinating Council , which includes top officials from the cybersecurity agency , the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and secretaries of state and state election directors from around the country .
The group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry , which has often been accused of being slow to admit to technological shortcomings and resistant to creating paper backups .
“ While we know there are many unfounded claims and opportunities for misinformation about the process of our elections , we can assure you we have the utmost confidence in the security and integrity of our elections , and you should , too , ” the officials added in their statement .
“ When you have questions , turn to elections officials as trusted voices as they administer elections.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Homeland Security ’ s cyber-agency , which is responsible for helping states ensure that their election processes are safe and secure , means somebody is probably about to lose their job .
And that person very well may be Christopher Krebs .
Who is Christopher Krebs , you ask ?
Well , he ’ s the director of the agency that released the statement and a real unsung hero of these elections .
Even before Trump began all his legal fuckery on election results , Krebs was running a “ rumor control ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has basically been calling bullshit on Trump ’ s lies since before and after the elections .
Again , from the Times : Mr. Krebs , a former Microsoft executive with a quick wit and a willingness to resist political pressure , did not back down when these efforts created a backlash in the White House .
And he was praised in public recently by the acting secretary of homeland security , Chad F. Wolf , for the “ rumor control ” effort .
Mr. Krebs has widely been rumored to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be fired by the White House , along with the C.I.A .
director , Gina Haspel , and the F.B.I .
director , Christopher A. Wray .
But so far , the boom has not been lowered .
No boom .
Just the silent sulking of a little man who wanted to be dictator so bad he ’ s willing to destroy democracy .
One of the last official duties of the president is granting presidential pardons .
Given all the people in this administration who have been sent to prison , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal charges in the future , Trump ’ s list is bound to be long AF .
But the big question is , will the president try to pardon himself ?
Well , CNN reports that Trump has been asking since 2017 whether he can pardon himself or members of his family .
He ’ s even asked if he could pre-emptively grant pardons to people if they are brought up on charges in the future , sort of like a twisted version of Minority Report .
“ Once he learned about it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pardons , ” an official told CNN .
“ I always thought he also liked it because it was a way to do a favor.
” Can Trump self-pardon ?
As CNN explains , not likely : The Justice Department looked at the question in the Nixon era and concluded it wasn ’ t within the president ’ s power to pardon himself .
“ Under the fundamental rule that no one may be a judge in his own case , the President can not pardon himself , ” the Office of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The OLC memo laid out alternate possibilities of which Trump could avail himself : he could temporarily declare himself unable to perform his presidential duties , allowing the vice president to act as president , including by issuing him a pardon , and then the president could resume his duties as president , or resign .
The OLC memo also said Congress could pass a legislative pardon .
Several people familiar with the matter said that despite the President ’ s interest , the White House counsel ’ s office under Don McGahn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t research the matter and didn ’ t consider it as a serious possibility .
And anyway , even if he did somehow magically figure out a way to pardon himself , this would only protect him from federal crimes , not from ongoing investigations from the New York attorney general ’ s office or the Manhattan district attorney .
I fully expect AG Tish James to be standing outside of the White House with handcuffs come Jan. 20 .
That is my dream .
That is my wish .
That is @ @ @ @ @ @

You know that TV show, Intervention? It’s a reality show featuring family and friends confronting a loved one who is suffering through an addiction crisis. Well, it feels like some folks in the Trump administration have had enough and are doing their own version of an intervention for a president who is addicted to telling lies and undermining democracy.
A coordinating council of federal, state and local election officials issued a statement declaring that this election “was the most secure in American history” and that “there is no evidence” that any voting systems were compromised, the New York Times reports.
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Now here’s the best part: The statement was released by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which is part of Homeland Security—you know, a White House cabinet position. The truth is coming from inside the house!
From the Times:
The group that issued the statement was the Elections Infrastructure Government Coordinating Council, which includes top officials from the cybersecurity agency, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and secretaries of state and state election directors from around the country. The group also includes representatives from the voting machine industry, which has often been accused of being slow to admit to technological shortcomings and resistant to creating paper backups. “While we know there are many unfounded claims and opportunities for misinformation about the process of our elections, we can assure you we have the utmost confidence in the security and integrity of our elections, and you should, too,” the officials added in their statement. “When you have questions, turn to elections officials as trusted voices as they administer elections.”
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The fact that the statement was delivered from Homeland Security’s cyber-agency, which is responsible for helping states ensure that their election processes are safe and secure, means somebody is probably about to lose their job. And that person very well may be Christopher Krebs.
Who is Christopher Krebs, you ask? Well, he’s the director of the agency that released the statement and a real unsung hero of these elections. Even before Trump began all his legal fuckery on election results, Krebs was running a “rumor control” page on his agency’s website that has basically been calling bullshit on Trump’s lies since before and after the elections.
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Again, from the Times:
Mr. Krebs, a former Microsoft executive with a quick wit and a willingness to resist political pressure, did not back down when these efforts created a backlash in the White House. And he was praised in public recently by the acting secretary of homeland security, Chad F. Wolf, for the “rumor control” effort. Mr. Krebs has widely been rumored to be on the hit list of officials who may be fired by the White House, along with the C.I.A. director, Gina Haspel, and the F.B.I. director, Christopher A. Wray. But so far, the boom has not been lowered.
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No boom. Just the silent sulking of a little man who wanted to be dictator so bad he’s willing to destroy democracy.
Pardon Me?
One of the last official duties of the president is granting presidential pardons. Given all the people in this administration who have been sent to prison, charged with crimes or may be facing criminal charges in the future, Trump’s list is bound to be long AF. But the big question is, will the president try to pardon himself?
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Well, CNN reports that Trump has been asking since 2017 whether he can pardon himself or members of his family. He’s even asked if he could pre-emptively grant pardons to people if they are brought up on charges in the future, sort of like a twisted version of Minority Report.
“Once he learned about it, he was obsessed with the power of pardons,” an official told CNN. “I always thought he also liked it because it was a way to do a favor.”
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Can Trump self-pardon? As CNN explains, not likely:
The Justice Department looked at the question in the Nixon era and concluded it wasn’t within the president’s power to pardon himself. “Under the fundamental rule that no one may be a judge in his own case, the President cannot pardon himself,” the Office of Legal Counsel wrote in August 1974. The OLC memo laid out alternate possibilities of which Trump could avail himself: he could temporarily declare himself unable to perform his presidential duties, allowing the vice president to act as president, including by issuing him a pardon, and then the president could resume his duties as president, or resign. The OLC memo also said Congress could pass a legislative pardon. Several people familiar with the matter said that despite the President’s interest, the White House counsel’s office under Don McGahn, Ty Cobb and Emmet Flood didn’t research the matter and didn’t consider it as a serious possibility.
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And anyway, even if he did somehow magically figure out a way to pardon himself, this would only protect him from federal crimes, not from ongoing investigations from the New York attorney general’s office or the Manhattan district attorney. I fully expect AG Tish James to be standing outside of the White House with handcuffs come Jan. 20. That is my dream. That is my wish. That is my hope. Manifest it!


theroot--2020-11-13--'Million Maga March,' (White) Women for Trump, and ‘Stop the Steal’ Marches to Descend on Washington

'Million Maga March,' (White) Women for Trump, and ‘Stop the Steal’ Marches to Descend on Washington, D.C. This Weekend

As Donald Trump continues his refusal to accept the results of this year ’ s presidential election , his supporters are ratcheting up their efforts to try and shout down and talk over the voice of the American people by marching in our nation ’ s capital on Saturday in support of their little friend who is basically fired but refusing to leave the building until he is physically dragged out by security .
The Washington Post reports that “ far-right media personalities , white nationalists and conspiracy theorists , ” some of whom actually have plans to show up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have promoted a Women for Trump event , a “ Million Maga March ” and a “ Stop the Steal ” demonstration—all of which will reportedly take place in and around Freedom Plaza beginning Saturday morning .
According to the Post , the events are endorsed by Fox News host Sean Hannity , Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio , Jack Posobiec—who famously pushed the “ Pizzagate ” conspiracy theory that led to a shooting at Comet Ping Pong pizzeria in D.C. , anti-Muslim and pro-Trump “ activist ” Scott Presler , and Alex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pusher of the conspiracy that the Sandy Hook school shooting ever happened .
Jones has reportedly said he will be leading a “ Stop the Steal ” from Texas that would arrive in D.C. on Friday night .
“ Stop the Steal ” refers to the completely unfounded and false assertion ( read : lie ! )
that the election was stolen from Donald Trump through voter fraud and machinations by the Democrats— who , for whatever reason , would steal a presidency but not simultaneously secure the House and the Senate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense , right ?
And because Trump , his administration and his merry band of sycophants are nothing if not patent enablers of the bullshit , Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller tweeted out support for the events , saying “ Love the outpouring of support for @ realDonaldTrump !
” A small number of anti-Trump rallies have also been planned , including one by Refuse Fascism D.C. , which has vowed to stand against “ the Trump regime ’ s attempts to steal the election , ” according to the Post .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D.C. police or the National Park Service for any of the demonstrations , but the Park Service does work with groups to help them get permits day- of .
Still , it is unclear whether or not the Park Police or the Park Service has plans to go anywhere near Saturday ’ s demonstrations .
At a news conference this week , D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser told reporters that city officials have been monitoring social media for talk about the events and said , “ We continue to follow those activities and be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a similar posture this weekend as he did last week .
We will be there to support peaceful First Amendment demonstrations.
” Along with that came a warning to out- of- town visitors about bringing firearms into the city , as D.C. has stricter gun laws than any other parts of the country .
D.C. police have already announced road closures and parking restrictions in anticipation of the events , and they have already been on high alert since Biden was declared president-elect last weekend .
Although anticipated unrest and violent protests never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain boarded up as a precaution .
Be safe out there .

As Donald Trump continues his refusal to accept the results of this year’s presidential election, his supporters are ratcheting up their efforts to try and shout down and talk over the voice of the American people by marching in our nation’s capital on Saturday in support of their little friend who is basically fired but refusing to leave the building until he is physically dragged out by security.
The Washington Post reports that “far-right media personalities, white nationalists and conspiracy theorists,” some of whom actually have plans to show up in D.C. this weekend as well, have promoted a Women for Trump event, a “Million Maga March” and a “Stop the Steal” demonstration—all of which will reportedly take place in and around Freedom Plaza beginning Saturday morning.
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According to the Post, the events are endorsed by Fox News host Sean Hannity, Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio, Jack Posobiec—who famously pushed the “Pizzagate” conspiracy theory that led to a shooting at Comet Ping Pong pizzeria in D.C., anti-Muslim and pro-Trump “activist” Scott Presler, and Alex Jones, the founder of Infowars and pusher of the conspiracy that the Sandy Hook school shooting ever happened.
Jones has reportedly said he will be leading a “Stop the Steal” from Texas that would arrive in D.C. on Friday night.
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“Stop the Steal” refers to the completely unfounded and false assertion (read: lie!) that the election was stolen from Donald Trump through voter fraud and machinations by the Democrats— who, for whatever reason, would steal a presidency but not simultaneously secure the House and the Senate for themselves as well. That makes total sense, right?
And because Trump, his administration and his merry band of sycophants are nothing if not patent enablers of the bullshit, Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller tweeted out support for the events, saying “Love the outpouring of support for @realDonaldTrump!”
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A small number of anti-Trump rallies have also been planned, including one by Refuse Fascism D.C., which has vowed to stand against “the Trump regime’s attempts to steal the election,” according to the Post.
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There have been no permits issued by the D.C. police or the National Park Service for any of the demonstrations, but the Park Service does work with groups to help them get permits day- of. Still, it is unclear whether or not the Park Police or the Park Service has plans to go anywhere near Saturday’s demonstrations.
At a news conference this week, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser told reporters that city officials have been monitoring social media for talk about the events and said, “We continue to follow those activities and be prepared. Our police chief will have a similar posture this weekend as he did last week. We will be there to support peaceful First Amendment demonstrations.”
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Along with that came a warning to out- of- town visitors about bringing firearms into the city, as D.C. has stricter gun laws than any other parts of the country.
D.C. police have already announced road closures and parking restrictions in anticipation of the events, and they have already been on high alert since Biden was declared president-elect last weekend. Although anticipated unrest and violent protests never materialized, businesses in the area still remain boarded up as a precaution.
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Be safe out there.


theroot--2020-11-14--Trailer for HBO Adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between the World and Me Promises a Gripping Product

Trailer for HBO Adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between the World and Me Promises a Gripping Production This November

The promised HBO adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates ’ award-winning nonfiction work Between The World and Me is set to premiere in a matter of days , and the network has released a stunning trailer to further build anticipation .
The trailer features a veritable who ’ s-who of Black Hollywood .
As previously reported by The Root , the cast for the film includes a list of veteran actors like Angela Basset , Courtney B. Vance , Oprah Winfrey , Mahershala Ali , and Wendell Pierce , as well as relative newcomers like Kendrick Sampson , Yara Shahidi , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and T.I.
, are among the musical artists who feature in the special .
There ’ s also well-known activists shown reciting Coates ’ words , written in the form of a treatise to his Black son about his experiences as a Black man in America .
Angela King leads off the trailer , her recognizable voice declaring , “ Black is beautiful , the Black body is beautiful .
And we must never submit our original self.
” Other scenes from the special—which will feature documentary footage from the actors ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animation according to HBO—include images of Howard University ( whose “ mecca ” Coates ’ speaks powerfully of in the book ) , dashcam and cell phone footage of police brutalizing Black people , and clips from this summer ’ s protests against racism and police violence .
Coates himself also shows up in the trailer for the film , which he executive produced alongside Susan Kelechi Watson and director Kamilah Forbes , who was behind a 2018 stage adaptation of Between the World and Me at the Apollo Theater .
An early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forbes for “ combining powerful performances with elements of the Apollo ’ s production , which primarily comprised of actors performing passages as a band played in the background , ” and adds that it ’ s worth watching even if you ’ ve already read the book .
Between the World and Me will premiere Saturday November 21 at 8pm on HBO Max .

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

The promised HBO adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ award-winning nonfiction work Between The World and Me is set to premiere in a matter of days, and the network has released a stunning trailer to further build anticipation.
The trailer features a veritable who’s-who of Black Hollywood. As previously reported by The Root, the cast for the film includes a list of veteran actors like Angela Bassett, Courtney B. Vance, Oprah Winfrey, Mahershala Ali, and Wendell Pierce, as well as relative newcomers like Kendrick Sampson, Yara Shahidi, and Mj Rodriquez. Music- wise, Ledisi, Black Thought, and T.I. are among the artists featured in the upcoming special .
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There are also well-known activists shown reciting Coates’ words, written in the form of a treatise to his Black son about his experiences as a Black man in America. Angela Davis leads off the trailer, her recognizable voice declaring, “Black is beautiful, the Black body is beautiful. And we must never submit our original self.”
Other scenes from the special—which will feature documentary footage from the actors’ home life, archival footage, and animation according to HBO—include images of Howard University (whose “mecca” Coates’ speaks powerfully of in the book), dashcam and cell phone footage of police brutalizing Black people and clips from this summer’s protests against racism and police violence.
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Coates himself also shows up in the trailer for the film, which he executive produced alongside Susan Kelechi Watson and director Kamilah Forbes, who was behind a 2018 stage adaptation of Between the World and Me at the Apollo Theater.
An early review of the film by IndieWire praises Forbes for “combining powerful performances with elements of the Apollo’s production, which primarily comprised of actors performing passages as a band played in the background,” and adds that it’s worth watching even if you’ve already read the book.
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Between the World and Me will premiere Saturday, November 21, at 8pm on HBO Max.
Correction: 11/18/2020, 2:20 p.m. ET: In an earlier version of this story, Angela Bassett and Angela Davis were misidentified. The story has been updated.