theroot--2020-07-01--August Alsina Speaks His Truth About Alleged Relationship With Jada Pinkett Smith, Says Will Smith G

August Alsina Speaks His Truth About Alleged Relationship With Jada Pinkett Smith, Says Will Smith Gave His Blessing

On Tuesday , August Alsina published a video from his recent sit-down with Angela Yee for a very lengthy conversation surrounding his new album The Product III : stateofEMERGEncy , his documentary stateofEMERGEncy : The Rise of August Alsina , his life , love and more .
“ I honor myself and I honor my authenticity , ” Alsina said in the in-depth interview that took place this past Saturday .
“ If honoring myself means you hate me , stone me , shoot me , crucify me ... whatever ... bury me an honest man.
” The part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viewers—and immediately became a trending topic on Twitter—was Alsina speaking about his relationship with Jada Pinkett Smith .
“ I don ’ t have anything bad to say about them , they are beautiful people , ” the 27-year-old stated about Pinkett Smith and her husband , Will Smith .
“ When something starts affecting my life , and not only affecting my life but affecting my wellness , my wellbeing and also starts to block my heart—my heart space is blocked ...
I don ’ t really have a choice but to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sat down with Will and had a conversation due to the transformation from their marriage to life partnership they ’ ve spoken on several times and it not involving romanticism , ” Alsina recalled .
“ He gave me his blessing and I totally gave myself to that relationship for years of my life .
I truly , really , really and deeply loved and have a ton of love for her .
I devoted myself to it .
I gave my full self to it ... so much so that I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I truly gave myself to somebody and I really loved a person .
I experienced that !
I know what that feels like and some people never get that in this lifetime.
” He noted that he is aware a lot of people will have a hard time understanding the complexities of their long-rumored romantic relationship , but he got to a point where he knew he had to “ speak up ” because it was beginning to affect his livelihood and psychological capacity .
Alsina has previously been open about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his sister , Chandra who died from cancer on Christmas Day in 2018 , noting that he went through “ months of a total depression.
” He had also opened up about becoming the caregiver for his 3 nieces in a 2019 interview , as the young girls ’ father Melvin was shot and killed in 2010 .
Naturally , some are now wondering whether Pinkett Smith will directly address this , particularly on her Facebook Watch series , Red Table Talk .
Alsina appeared in the premiere season of Pinkett Smith ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , where he joined her and Adrienne “ Gammy ” Banfield-Norris to discuss their respective struggles with addiction .
The Smiths have also been dealing with the aftermath of previous clips recently surfacing of YouTuber Shane Dawson sexualizing an advertisement photo of a young Willow Smith .
Pinkett Smith and Jaden Smith publicly responded to the completely disturbing reports and clips , directly letting Dawson know that his actions were completely unacceptable .
Shortly after the clips resurfaced ( as well as his apology video for his past racist content ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ channel .
The Root has reached out to Jada Pinkett Smith ’ s and Will Smith ’ s respective teams for comment in regard to Alsina ’ s interview and we are awaiting a response .

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

On Tuesday, August Alsina published a video from his recent sit-down with Angela Yee for a very lengthy conversation surrounding his new album The Product III: stateofEMERGEncy, his documentary stateofEMERGEncy: The Rise of August Alsina, his life, love and more.
“I honor myself and I honor my authenticity,” Alsina said in the in-depth interview that took place this past Saturday. “If honoring myself means you hate me, stone me, shoot me, crucify me...whatever...bury me an honest man.”
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The part of the interview that stood out to most viewers—and immediately became a trending topic on Twitter—was Alsina speaking about his relationship with Jada Pinkett Smith.
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“I don’t have anything bad to say about them, they are beautiful people,” the 27-year-old stated about Pinkett Smith and her husband, Will Smith. “When something starts affecting my life, and not only affecting my life but affecting my wellness, my wellbeing and also starts to block my heart—my heart space is blocked...I don’t really have a choice but to express my truth.
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“I actually sat down with Will and had a conversation due to the transformation from their marriage to life partnership they’ve spoken on several times and it not involving romanticism,” Alsina recalled. “He gave me his blessing and I totally gave myself to that relationship for years of my life. I truly, really, really and deeply loved and have a ton of love for her. I devoted myself to it. I gave my full self to it...so much so that I can die right now and be OK knowing that I truly gave myself to somebody and I really loved a person. I experienced that! I know what that feels like and some people never get that in this lifetime.”
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He noted that he is aware a lot of people will have a hard time understanding the complexities of their long-rumored romantic relationship, but he got to a point where he knew he had to “speak up” because it was beginning to affect his livelihood and psychological capacity.
Alsina has previously been open about his mental health struggles following the death of his sister, Chandra who died from cancer on Christmas Day in 2018, noting that he went through “months of a total depression.”
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He had also opened up about becoming the caregiver for his 3 nieces in a 2019 interview, as the young girls’ father Melvin was shot and killed in 2010.
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Naturally, some are now wondering whether Pinkett Smith will directly address this, particularly on her Facebook Watch series, Red Table Talk. Alsina appeared in the premiere season of Pinkett Smith’s Red Table Talk series back in 2018, where he joined her and Adrienne “Gammy” Banfield-Norris to discuss their respective struggles with addiction.
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The Smiths have also been dealing with the aftermath of previous clips recently surfacing of YouTuber Shane Dawson sexualizing an advertisement photo of a young Willow Smith.
Pinkett Smith and Jaden Smith publicly responded to the completely disturbing reports and clips, directly letting Dawson know that his actions were completely unacceptable. Shortly after the clips resurfaced (as well as his apology video for his past racist content), YouTube suspended monetization on Dawson’s channel.
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The Root has reached out to Jada Pinkett Smith’s and Will Smith’s respective teams for comment in regard to Alsina’s interview and we are awaiting a response.
Updated: Wednesday, 7/1/2020, 2:01 p.m., ET: TMZ has reported that Jada Pinkett Smith denies the claims made by Alsina during his recent interview with Angela Yee. TMZ says Pinkett Smith’s rep immediately denounced his claims, saying they are “absolutely not true!!!”


theroot--2020-07-01--Joe Biden Says Statues of Christopher Columbus, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington Should Be Pro

Joe Biden Says Statues of Christopher Columbus, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington Should Be Protected

In a world where you , an elderly white man , are in a presidential race in which you are trying to defeat the super boss evil overlord orange elderly white man with the ( alleged ) Adderall sniffs , how do you overcome his rabidly racist base while still trying to seemingly stay on the side of right ?
If you are former Vice President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. , you might think it ’ s a great idea to speak out against tearing down the statues of Christopher Columbus , Thomas Jefferson and George Washington—all of whom in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black people and other people of color in this country .
A ccording to Biden , however , their racism and genocidal tendencies weren ’ t as bad as those other dudes who actually , you know , fought to keep slavery as an institution .
Newsweek reports that when asked about his thoughts on the many monuments and statues of Confederate leaders being torn down around the country , Biden said : “ Taking down , toppling the Christopher Columbus statue or the George Washington statue , I think that is something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a responsibility to protect from happening.
” He then went on to explain what he believes the distinction is between Columbus , Jefferson and Washington versus those other racist white dudes in history .
“ I think there is a distinction between ... reminders and remembrances of history , and recovering from history , ” he said , citing former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu who said in 2017 “ There is a difference between remembrance of history and reverence of it.
” The white man with a middle name that sounds like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say that even though George Washington owned slaves and “ may have [ done ] things in the past that are now and then distasteful , ” he ’ s still wayyyyyyyyyyy different than the regular slave owners .
“ Sure , Thomas Jefferson repeatedly raped one of his female slaves , forced her to bear his children and then enslaved them as well , but that ’ s not as bad as , say , committing treason or fighting against his fellow countrymen to keep slavery in place , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just kidding .
He didn ’ t say that .
What he actually said was : “ The idea of comparing whether or not George Washington owned slaves or Thomas Jefferson owned slaves and somebody who was in rebellion , committing treason , and running trying to take down the Union to keep slavery— I think there is a distinction there , ” and that is just as fucking bad as the statement that I made up , because how tone-deaf and white do you have to be to rationalize slave owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , form or fashion ?
“ I think the idea of bringing down all those Confederate monuments to Confederate soldiers and generals who strongly supported succession and the maintenance of slavery , and going to war to do it , I think those statues belong in museums , ” Biden said , before going on to say that statues and monuments such as the Jefferson Memorial should be protected by the government because they are a “ remembrance.
” And there you have it , folks .
Coming to you live from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibly be our next president wants to leave remembrances that slavery was here , but that the people who participated in it sometimes did good things .
After all , as his competitor said , “ There ’ s good people on both sides .
”

In a world where you, an elderly white man, are in a presidential race in which you are trying to defeat the super boss evil overlord orange elderly white man with the (alleged) Adderall sniffs, how do you overcome his rabidly racist base while still trying to seemingly stay on the side of right?
If you are former Vice President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., you might think it’s a great idea to speak out against tearing down the statues of Christopher Columbus, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington—all of whom in some form or another did harm to Black people and other people of color in this country. According to Biden, however, their racism and genocidal tendencies weren’t as bad as those other dudes who actually, you know, fought to keep slavery as an institution.
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Newsweek reports that when asked about his thoughts on the many monuments and statues of Confederate leaders being torn down around the country, Biden said: “Taking down, toppling the Christopher Columbus statue or the George Washington statue, I think that is something that the government has an opportunity and a responsibility to protect from happening.”
He then went on to explain what he believes the distinction is between Columbus, Jefferson and Washington versus those other racist white dudes in history.
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“I think there is a distinction between...reminders and remembrances of history, and recovering from history,” he said, citing former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu who said in 2017 “There is a difference between remembrance of history and reverence of it.”
The white man with a middle name that sounds like its parents were born enslaved went on to say that even though George Washington owned slaves and “may have [done] things in the past that are now and then distasteful,” he’s still wayyyyyyyyyyy different than the regular slave owners.
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“Sure, Thomas Jefferson repeatedly raped one of his female slaves, forced her to bear his children and then enslaved them as well, but that’s not as bad as, say, committing treason or fighting against his fellow countrymen to keep slavery in place,” the sentient eggplant in the bespoke suit said.
Just kidding. He didn’t say that.
What he actually said was: “The idea of comparing whether or not George Washington owned slaves or Thomas Jefferson owned slaves and somebody who was in rebellion, committing treason, and running trying to take down the Union to keep slavery—I think there is a distinction there,” and that is just as fucking bad as the statement that I made up, because how tone-deaf and white do you have to be to rationalize slave owners as heroes in any way, shape, form or fashion?
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“I think the idea of bringing down all those Confederate monuments to Confederate soldiers and generals who strongly supported succession and the maintenance of slavery, and going to war to do it, I think those statues belong in museums,” Biden said, before going on to say that statues and monuments such as the Jefferson Memorial should be protected by the government because they are a “remembrance.”
And there you have it, folks. Coming to you live from the salad bowl, the vegetable that could possibly be our next president wants to leave remembrances that slavery was here, but that the people who participated in it sometimes did good things.
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After all, as his competitor said, “There’s good people on both sides.”
Whiteness is a helluva drug.
And Joe Biden is a whole-ass goofy.


theroot--2020-07-01--Wash Yourself With a $8 Jumbo Dove Bodywash

If you ’ re looking to restock on body wash , Dove has a jumbo-sized bottle for a low $ @ @ @ @ @ not much to say about this except it gives you extra moisture while also being @ @ @ @ @ I suggest you buy it because summer is here and it ’ s rude to @ @ @ @ @ , not to wear a mask in public ) .

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

Dove Body Wash | $8 | Amazon
If you’re looking to restock on body wash, Dove has a jumbo-sized bottle for a low $8. There’s not much to say about this except it gives you extra moisture while also being easy on sensitive skin. I suggest you buy it because summer is here and it’s rude to smell (and in COVID-times, not to wear a mask in public).


theroot--2020-07-01--Zendaya, John David Washington, Niecy Nash, Matthew A. Cherry Among 819 New Members Invited to The A

Zendaya, John David Washington, Niecy Nash, Matthew A. Cherry Among 819 New Members Invited to The Academy

It ’ s time to welcome a new class into the most elite membership in the film industry .
On Tuesday , The Academy announced it is welcoming 819 new members .
Per a press release sent to The Root , the Academy Class of 2020 is “ is 45 percent women , 36 percent underrepresented ethnic/racial communities , and 49 percent international from 68 countries.
” Of the variety of branches within the membership , 5 of them invited a majority of people from underrepresented ethnic/racial communities ( Actors , Casting Directors , Directors , Music and Producers ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create a more equitable and inclusive community , the Academy recently launched Academy Aperture 2025 , setting new standards such as hiring practices , changing rules for the Oscars , and more .
“ The Academy is delighted to welcome these distinguished fellow travelers in the motion picture arts and sciences .
We have always embraced extraordinary talent that reflects the rich variety of our global film community , and never more so than now , ” Academy President David Rubin said in a statement .
But , enough of that stuffy stuff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here !
You want to know what black-ass talent has been invited !
Well , there are over 800 members so I can ’ t ( and won ’ t ) list every single black person , but let ’ s grab some highlights : Shout-out to Zendaya Coleman , John David Washington , Niecy Nash , Zazie Beetz , Lakeith Stanfield , Kelvin Harrison Jr. , Cynthia Erivo , Brian Tyree Henry , Rob Morgan and more .
I see y ’ all !
I also spy Mati Diop—acclaimed director of Cannes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history as the first female Star Wars director .
Oh , and I have to give some special love to Matthew A. Cherry ( who recently won an Oscar for his animated short , Hair Love ) .
The Hair Love squad is deep because co-director Everett Downing was also invited into the 2020 class .
Oh , and don ’ t worry ( like I preemptively did before searching and confirming ) , Karen Rupert Toliver , the woman who stood next to him onstage with her own statuette that night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as she was invited in 2018 .
Some of the members are listed under more than one branch such as Erivo ( who is under Actors and Music ) and I really wish I could go through each and every name to shout you out , but please know I extend my congrats to you !
I look forward to each new member doing their part to make sure the Oscars looks more and more like the diverse world we ’ re living in .
To check out the new ( and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over to oscars.org .

It’s time to welcome a new class into the most elite membership in the film industry. On Tuesday, The Academy announced it is welcoming 819 new members.
Per a press release sent to The Root, the Academy Class of 2020 is “is 45 percent women, 36 percent underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 49 percent international from 68 countries.” Of the variety of branches within the membership, 5 of them invited a majority of people from underrepresented ethnic/racial communities (Actors, Casting Directors, Directors, Music and Producers).
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As part of their efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive community, the Academy recently launched Academy Aperture 2025, setting new standards such as hiring practices, changing rules for the Oscars, and more.
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“The Academy is delighted to welcome these distinguished fellow travelers in the motion picture arts and sciences. We have always embraced extraordinary talent that reflects the rich variety of our global film community, and never more so than now,” Academy President David Rubin said in a statement.
But, enough of that stuffy stuff...I know why you’re here! You want to know what B lack-ass talent has been invited! Well, there are over 800 members so I can’t (and won’t) list every single B lack person, but let’s grab some highlights:
Shout-out to Zendaya Coleman, John David Washington, Niecy Nash, Zazie Beetz, Lakeith Stanfield, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Cynthia Erivo, Brian Tyree Henry, Rob Morgan and more. I see y’all!
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I also spy Mati Diop—acclaimed director of Cannes darling Atlantics—and Victoria Mahoney, who made history as the first female Star Wars director.
Oh, and I have to give some special love to Matthew A. Cherry (who recently won an Oscar for his animated short, Hair Love). The Hair Love squad is deep because co-director Everett Downing was also invited into the 2020 class. Oh, and don’t worry (like I preemptively did before searching and confirming), Karen Rupert Toliver, the woman who stood next to him onstage with her own statuette that night, is already a member of The Academy, as she was invited in 2018.
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Some of the members are listed under more than one branch such as Erivo (who is under Actors and Music) and I really wish I could go through each and every name to shout you out, but please know I extend my congrats to you! I look forward to each new member doing their part to make sure the Oscars looks more and more like the diverse world we’re living in.
To check out the new (and robust!) list, head on over to oscars.org.


theroot--2020-07-01--Mike Espy: With the Confederate Emblem Gone, I Look Forward to Seeing a New Flag Fly Over Mississipp

Mike Espy: With the Confederate Emblem Gone, I Look Forward to Seeing a New Flag Fly Over Mississippi

It ’ s taken a long time , but change is coming to Mississippi : Our state flag—with its archaic symbol of the confederacy—is finally coming down .
Unlike the flags that commonly fly over other states , our flag was never intended to unite and uplift .
It was designed to perpetuate a longstanding division among our citizens .
It did not remind us of some brilliant past , but of a shameful period in our history .
Since its creation 126 years ago , that flag has only cast a pall over Mississippi .
And like many other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lived through some of the worst of what that flag has represented .
That banner flew over our state when I was a small child , too young to understand that our family ’ s funeral home was performing the heartrending task of recovering the body of Emmitt Till—lynched here in Mississippi—and sending it home to his family in Chicago .
I saw it flying as a teenager who , together with my twin sister , Michelle , was one of the first Black students to integrate Yazoo City High School amid ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I saw it flying still years later when , as a member of the U.S. Congress , I came home to find the n-word scrawled on the door of my Mississippi home , where my two young children were sleeping .
Today , as then , that flag remains a symbol of hatred—an emblem of what Mississippi used to be , and the antithesis of equality and inclusion .
But now , I have lived to see that flag finally—and irrevocably—consigned to history .
The effort to rid our state of this burden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is not about burying the past .
It ’ s about looking to the future .
The fact is that Mississippi is on the cusp of historic progress .
I look around our state and I see our people—black , brown , white , young and old—energized , ready for change , and ready to move Mississippi forward .
The same confluence of recent events—the pandemic , the weakening economy , and the outrage resulting from the tragic killing of George Floyd—that added fuel to the call to change our state flag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortcomings in our communities , and given sudden urgency to our desire to effect broader changes in Mississippi—and across the United States .
The way forward will not be easy .
But in my life , I have seen how every crisis , and every challenge has the power to make us stronger and more determined .
At this very moment in history , I see this same kind of strength and sense of purpose building—not only in Mississippi , but throughout our nation .
I believe the challenges we face today have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desperately need to make at the local , state and federal levels to address inequalities in income , health outcomes and opportunities for educational advancement .
I look forward to seeing a new flag fly over Mississippi , and to continue our work to lead our nation forward under a new banner of fairness , equity , respect and cooperation .
Mike Espy is the former secretary of agriculture under the Clinton administration and former Congressman from Mississippi ’ s second congressional district .
He is currently a private practicing attorney and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

It’s taken a long time, but change is coming to Mississippi: o ur state flag—with its archaic symbol of the confederacy—is finally coming down.
Advertisement
Unlike the flags that commonly fly over other states, our flag was never intended to unite and uplift. It was designed to perpetuate a longstanding division among our citizens. It did not remind us of some brilliant past, but of a shameful period in our history.
Since its creation 126 years ago, that flag has only cast a pall over Mississippi. And like many other people in our state, I have lived through some of the worst of what that flag has represented.
Advertisement Advertisement
That banner flew over our state when I was a small child, too young to understand that our family’s funeral home was performing the heartrending task of recovering the body of Emmitt Till—lynched here in Mississippi—and sending it home to his family in Chicago.
I saw it flying as a teenager who, together with my twin sister, Michelle, was one of the first Black students to integrate Yazoo City High School amid ongoing threats and incidents of violence.
Advertisement
And I saw it flying still years later when, as a member of the U.S. Congress, I came home to find the n-word scrawled on the door of my Mississippi home, where my two young children were sleeping.
Today, as then, that flag remains a symbol of hatred—an emblem of what Mississippi used to be, and the antithesis of equality and inclusion. But now, I have lived to see that flag finally—and irrevocably—consigned to history.
Advertisement
The effort to rid our state of this burden has been long and hard. But this is not about burying the past. It’s about looking to the future.
The fact is that Mississippi is on the cusp of historic progress. I look around our state and I see our people—black, brown, white, young and old—energized, ready for change, and ready to move Mississippi forward.
Advertisement
The same confluence of recent events—the pandemic, the weakening economy, and the outrage resulting from the tragic killing of George Floyd—that added fuel to the call to change our state flag, also has awakened Mississippians to other shortcomings in our communities, and given sudden urgency to our desire to effect broader changes in Mississippi—and across the United States.
The way forward will not be easy. But in my life, I have seen how every crisis and every challenge has the power to make us stronger and more determined. At this very moment in history, I see this same kind of strength and sense of purpose building—not only in Mississippi but throughout our nation.
Advertisement
I believe the challenges we face today have opened our eyes to the changes we desperately need to make at the local, state and federal levels to address inequalities in income, health outcomes and opportunities for educational advancement.
I look forward to seeing a new flag fly over Mississippi, and to continue our work to lead our nation forward under a new banner of fairness, equity, respect and cooperation.
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Mike Espy is the former secretary of agriculture under the Clinton administration and former Congressman from Mississippi’s second congressional district. He is currently a private practicing attorney and the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Mississippi.


theroot--2020-07-01--Amid a Firestorm, Essence Appoints an Interim CEO, Promising an Independent Review and 'Transparency

Amid a Firestorm, Essence Appoints an Interim CEO, Promising an Independent Review and 'Transparency'

The pioneering and still most prominent media brand for Black women will once again have one at the helm—at least , for the immediate future .
This is just one of the announcements Essence Communications made in a statement emailed to The Glow Up on Tuesday night , just two days after a now-viral open letter was published by a group of current and former staffers identifying themselves only as # BlackFemaleAnonymous .
The letter , titled “ The Truth About Essence , ” alleged mistreatment , misconduct and mismanagement at the magazine under its current C-suite leadership , calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular Essence Festival , currently in progress— “ fraudulent.
” Threatening to release damning information if said leadership did not resign within five business days , the letter-writers launched a social media campaign to # TakeBackEssence .
“ For past and present Black female talent once lucky enough to walk its prestigious halls , Essence is the most deceptive Black media company in America , ” the writers claimed .
“ Why ?
Essence aggressively monetizes # BlackGirlMagic but the company does not internally practice # BlackGirlMagic .
The company ’ s longstanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Black female employees is the biggest open secret in the media business.
” As noted in our previous coverage , at least one former Essence staffer immediately corroborated several claims made in the # BlackFemaleAnonymous letter to The Glow Up , specifically citing pay inequity , mismanagement and nepotism as concerning issues .
Subsequently , we were contacted by two former staffers at Afropunk , another Essence Ventures acquisition , both of whom confirmed the existence of questionably worded NDAs and expressed similar concerns about the potential conflict of interest posed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owner and CEO Richelieu Dennis ’ family , including wife Martha as the director of Human Resources and cousin Cyrus Dennis , a senior vice president at the Dennis-founded Sundial Brands , in an unidentified role .
( It should be noted that the two-year-old Essence Ventures created upon Dennis ’ acquisition of the media entity openly states that it is “ a 100 % Black family-owned company.
” ) All of our sources asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation , echoing a claim made in the # BlackFemaleAnonymous letter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ flatly refuting the allegations made by # BlackFemaleAnonymous and maintaining its commitment to elevating Black women and talents .
Furthermore , the company clarified that on June 2 , it had , in fact , hired as its new Chief Growth Officer Caroline Wanga , the former top diversity and inclusion executive at Target .
Wanga was due to assume oversight of HR when she entered the role on June 29—instead , if reports are accurate , she was likely part of “ an emergency Zoom meeting ” Page Six reports took place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she began what will undoubtedly be a challenging new job .
“ The editor was concerned about this going on into Essence Festival and was worried about it upsetting Festival sponsors , ” a source told Page Six .
“ She never addressed the accusations or offered people to reach out with concerns .
It made it even worse.
” Expressing a wish to “ further foster the transparency , ” it was announced on Tuesday that Wanga will now be stepping in as interim CEO of Essence Communications , Inc. , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longtime President and CEO Michelle Ebanks left the role in March , retaining a seat on the Essence board .
In that aforementioned interim , the company promises to subject itself to a “ fair and independent ” review which will “ assess and review the company ’ s policies and practices and conduct comprehensive employee interviews , as well as independently review any harassment , discrimination , retaliation or other behaviors or issues that may adversely impact workplace culture.
” We are reprinting their statement in full below .
ESSENCE reiterates its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and our employees .
That commitment has been continually evidenced not just by our words , but by our actions fighting for , celebrating and investing in our community and each other over decades .
ESSENCE is grateful and proud that efforts we have supported and amplified to protect Black women and promote women ’ s rights have opened up more opportunities for more of our voices to be heard and for more changes to be made .
We take our role in advancing these efforts internally and externally very seriously .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is no doubt or question about who we are , what we represent and what we believe in .
Yesterday , in step one , we addressed the accusations made in an anonymous blog post , as well as our ongoing transition in rebuilding the business .
Today , in step two , we are addressing more of the action we are taking to further ensure that ESSENCE is the safe haven that we all expect .
Out of an abundance of caution and an unwavering commitment to transparency , ESSENCE is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other independent external experts to assess and review the company ’ s policies and practices and conduct comprehensive employee interviews , as well as independently review any harassment , discrimination , retaliation or other behaviors or issues that may adversely impact workplace culture .
To further foster the transparency we practice and value as well as to provide necessary confidence to our employees and community that the process will be conducted in a fair and independent fashion , we shared with our staff earlier today that Caroline Wanga , who joined ESSENCE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Growth Officer , will step in as interim CEO of Essence Communications , Inc. to work with team leads across the organization and run day-to-day operations , as well as oversee the independent review process .
At ESSENCE , we remain committed to fostering a safe , transparent and respectful workspace for everyone .
Our decision to commission an independent review is to ensure the ongoing trust of our communities and employees .
The findings will help guide us as we continue to stand strong in our work to create the healthiest workplace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , decidedly ominous letter published on social media by # BlackFemaleAnonymous in response to Wanga ’ s hiring is any indication , the clock may not stop on their threat to produce evidence of the allegations they leveled against Essence .
“ EXPECT US .
FIX IT OR FOLD , Essence , ” another tweet read , while still another called on newly announced ( and groundbreaking ) cover star Billy Porter to disavow the brand or be deemed complicit .
Wednesday marks Day 3 of the five business days # BlackFemaleAnonymous has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue to report on this story as it develops .

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

The pioneering and still most prominent media brand for Black women will once again have one at the helm—at least, for the immediate future. This is just one of the announcements Essence Communications made in a statement emailed to The Glow Up on Tuesday night, just two days after a now-viral open letter was published by a group of current and former staffers identifying themselves only as #BlackFemaleAnonymous. The letter, titled “The Truth About Essence,” alleged mistreatment, misconduct and mismanagement at the magazine under its current C-suite leadership, calling its much-revered image—which notably includes the highly popular Essence Festival, currently in progress—“fraudulent.” Threatening to release damning information if said leadership did not resign within five business days, the letter-writers launched a social media campaign to #TakeBackEssence.
“For past and present Black female talent once lucky enough to walk its prestigious halls, Essence is the most deceptive Black media company in America,” the writers claimed. “Why? Essence aggressively monetizes #BlackGirlMagic but the company does not internally practice #BlackGirlMagic. The company’s longstanding pattern of gross mistreatment and abuse of its Black female employees is the biggest open secret in the media business.”
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As noted in our previous coverage, at least one former Essence staffer immediately corroborated several claims made in the #BlackFemaleAnonymous letter to The Glow Up, specifically citing pay inequity, mismanagement and nepotism as concerning issues. Subsequently, we were contacted by two former staffers at Afropunk, another Essence Ventures acquisition, both of whom confirmed the existence of questionably worded NDAs and expressed similar concerns about the potential conflict of interest posed by the positions held by members of Essence Ventures founder and owner Richelieu Dennis’ family, including wife Martha as the director of Human Resources and cousin Cyrus Dennis, a senior vice president at the Dennis-founded Sundial Brands, in an unidentified role. (It should be noted that the two-year-old Essence Ventures created upon Dennis’ acquisition of the media entity openly states that it is “a 100% Black family-owned company.”) All of our sources asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, echoing a claim made in the #BlackFemaleAnonymous letter.
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On Monday, Essence issued a statement flatly refuting the allegations made by #BlackFemaleAnonymous and maintaining its commitment to elevating Black women and talents. Furthermore, the company clarified that on June 2, it had, in fact, hired as its new Chief Growth Officer Caroline Wanga, the former top diversity and inclusion executive at Target. Wanga was due to assume oversight of HR when she entered the role on June 29—instead, if reports are accurate, she was likely part of “an emergency Zoom meeting” Page Six reports took place on Sunday afternoon, a day before she began what will undoubtedly be a challenging new job.
“The editor was concerned about this going on into Essence Festival and was worried about it upsetting Festival sponsors,” a source told Page Six. “She never addressed the accusations or offered people to reach out with concerns. It made it even worse.”
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Expressing a wish to “further foster the transparency,” it was announced on Tuesday that Wanga will now be stepping in as interim CEO of Essence Communications, Inc., duties previously assumed by Dennis himself after longtime President and CEO Michelle Ebanks left the role in March, retaining a seat on the Essence board. In that aforementioned interim, the company promises to subject itself to a “fair and independent” review which will “assess and review the company’s policies and practices and conduct comprehensive employee interviews, as well as independently review any harassment, discrimination, retaliation or other behaviors or issues that may adversely impact workplace culture.” We are reprinting their statement in full below.
ESSENCE reiterates its commitment to Black women, our communities and our employees. That commitment has been continually evidenced not just by our words, but by our actions fighting for, celebrating and investing in our community and each other over decades. ESSENCE is grateful and proud that efforts we have supported and amplified to protect Black women and promote women’s rights have opened up more opportunities for more of our voices to be heard and for more changes to be made. We take our role in advancing these efforts internally and externally very seriously. It is of critical importance to us that there is no doubt or question about who we are, what we represent and what we believe in. Monday, in step one, we addressed and refuted the accusations made in an anonymous blog post, as well as discussed our ongoing transition in rebuilding the business. Yesterday, in step two, we addressed more of the action we are taking to further ensure that ESSENCE is the safe haven that we all expect. Out of an abundance of caution and an unwavering commitment to transparency, ESSENCE is in the process of hiring law firms and other independent external experts to assess and review the company’s policies and practices and conduct comprehensive employee interviews, as well as independently review any harassment, discrimination, retaliation or other behaviors or issues that may adversely impact workplace culture. To further foster the transparency we practice and value as well as to provide necessary confidence to our employees and community that the process will be conducted in a fair and independent fashion, we shared with our staff yesterday that Caroline Wanga, who joined ESSENCE on June 29 as its new Chief Growth Officer, will step in as interim CEO of Essence Communications, Inc. to work with team leads across the organization and run day-to-day operations, as well as oversee the independent review process. Following the departure of the company’s long-time former CEO in March, Richelieu Dennis assumed temporary leadership as the company launched a new CEO search, a process subsequently delayed by COVID-19. To reinforce the fairness of the review process, Dennis has appointed Wanga to formally serve in an interim CEO capacity during the independent review and until a permanent CEO is identified. At ESSENCE, we remain committed to fostering a safe, transparent and respectful workspace for everyone. Our decision to commission an independent review is to ensure the ongoing trust of our communities and employees. The findings will help guide us as we continue to stand strong in our work to create the healthiest workplace possible. #BlackWomenRiseTogether
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But if another, decidedly ominous letter published on social media by #BlackFemaleAnonymous in response to Wanga’s hiring is any indication, the clock may not stop on their threat to produce evidence of the allegations they leveled against Essence. “EXPECT US. FIX IT OR FOLD, Essence,” another tweet read, while still another called on newly announced (and groundbreaking) cover star Billy Porter to disavow the brand or be deemed complicit.
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Wednesday marks Day 3 of the five business days #BlackFemaleAnonymous has given Essence leadership to resign. We will continue to report on this story as it develops.
Updated: Thursday, 7/2/20 at 10:17 p.m., ET: On Thursday evening, the New York Times’ reporting on this issue revealed additional details pertinent to the demands of #BlackFemaleAnonymous:
In a statement on Thursday, Latraviette Smith-Wilson, an Essence spokeswoman, described the essay’s “accusations and demands” as “unsupported and outdated.” The statement also addressed Ms. Ebanks, saying she “has had no role in day-to-day operations since her departure,” and said that Ms. Collins Profet “had already accepted a new role with another company before the anonymous blog was posted.” Ms. Luu, the head of content, “will step back from day-to-day operations during the course of the review,” the statement said.
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As of this update, #BlackFemaleAnonymous has yet to confirm whether these developments and clarifications meet their conditions.
Updated: Thursday, 7/2/20 at 3:27 p.m., ET: Further clarifying Dennis’ role at the organization, Essence has issued yet another statement, writing: “There was no interim CEO at ESSENCE Communications, Inc. (ECI), following the departure of Michelle Ebanks on March 31 until Richelieu Dennis appointed Caroline Wanga to this position on July 1. As owner, Dennis helped to lead the team along with the ECI senior leadership team, but never took on the roles or responsibilities of CEO. So he never stepped down from, resigned from or was replaced in any role.”
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We have made title changes in our coverage to reflect this clarification.
Additionally, interim CEO Caroline Wanga has seemingly, if indirectly, responded to #BlackFemaleAnonymous via social media, which the coalition republished on Instagram. Notably, her statement, which stated a goal of “flourishing while fixing,” did not outline an action plan or discuss any C-suite resignations.
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Updated: Thursday, 7/2/20 at 8:10 a.m., ET: Confirming receipt of Essence’s statement and Dennis’ resignation from the role of CEO, on Wednesday #BlackFemaleAnonymous issued a letter to interim CEO Caroline Wanga, shared via series of tweets.
“Congratulations on your ‘interim’ role as CEO, Caroline” it read. “We, the current and former employees as well as the consumers, are personally holding you accountable for the emotional safety and economic equity of your Black female employees.”
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Among the demands reiterated by the group was public confirmation that Dennis would no longer have any involvement in day-to-day operations at Essence. Additionally, the writers once again demanded the removal of former Essence Communications CEO Michelle Ebanks from the board, as well as the resignations of Chief Operating Officer Joy Collins Profet and Chief Content and Creative Officer Moana Luu by end of day on July 3, stating: “They failed us all and must exit now.”
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#Black FemaleAnonymous also demanded the public identification of and transparency from the law firms conducting Essence’s independent review, stipulating that the firms must have no preexisting relationship with Dennis, his family, or any other C-suite exec employed at Essence. “You must assure these interviews do not advance the existing workforce intimidation and bullying that has occurred,” they wrote.
As a final ultimatum, by end of day Friday, Wanga is expected to deliver “a comprehensive action plan” detailing how she plans to make Essence safe and equitable for its Black female workforce—again, Wanga started her own tenure on Monday before being announced as interim CEO Wednesday, so clearly, she already has her work cut out for her.
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Updated: Wednesday, 7/1/20 at 1:10 p.m., ET: On Wednesday afternoon, Essence emailed an updated statement to The Glow Up which clarified that Dennis was only temporary CEO while the company sought a permanent replacement for Ebanks. We have accordingly replaced the previously reprinted statement with the updated version.


theroot--2020-07-01--Take 15% off These Temperature Regulating Sheets and Hopefully a Few Degrees More off Your Bedding S

Take 15% off These Temperature Regulating Sheets and Hopefully a Few Degrees More off Your Bedding Set

15 % off Climacool Sheets | My Sheets Rock | Use code FIREWORK It ’ s that time of year where if you can ’ t make your bedroom like an icebox you need backup .
If you aren ’ t lucky enough to coexist with central air getting cool and comfy for a peaceful summer slumber can be a challenge .
My Sheets Rock is here to the rescue with 15 % off temperature regulating sheets .
It ’ s not just the pillow that ’ s the cool side of sleepy time now , it ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brings that chill to your entire bedding experience .
Their temperature regulating sheets are heaven-sent to the sweaty and the overheated apartment .
If you have significant other who runs a bit hot this is gamechanger .
Even my small terrier sometimes sleeping on top of me is just too much when the temps get tropical .
Knowing I ’ ve got sheets that make everything temperate so I can still snuggle my pooch in summer is wonderful .
And all for less .
Sale runs until July 5 and there is free @ @

Sheilah Villari on Kinja Deals, shared by Quentyn Kennemer to The Root

15% off Regulator Climacool Sheets | My Sheets Rock | Use Code COOL22
It’s never a bad time to think about making your sleep space comfier. If you prefer an icebox situation or cohabitate with someone who does, getting cool enough for a peaceful slumber can be challenging. My Sheets Rock is here to the rescue; take 15% off their temperature regulating sheets with the code COOL22.
It’s not just the pillow that’s the cool side of sleepy time now; it’s the whole plushy set. My Sheets Rock brings that chill to your entire bedding experience. Their temperature regulating sheets are heaven-sent to the sweaty and help in an overheated apartment. This is a gamechanger if you have a significant other who runs a bit hot. Even my small terrier sometimes sleeping on top of me is just too much when the temps get tropical. Knowing I’ve got sheets that make everything temperate so I can still snuggle my pooch in summer is wonderful. And all for less. They are made from premium bamboo rayon and designed to be lightweight but strong enough to withstand multiple washes. They come in ten colors, and the size range is extensive, one of the best I’ve seen from a company like this.
These will ship for free, and you even get a ninety-day free trial to see if they’re for you. I trust they will be.


theroot--2020-07-01--Mahershala Ali to Play Legendary Black Boxer Jack Johnson in HBO Limited Series

Mahershala Ali has been tapped to play Jack Johnson , the world ’ s first Black heavyweight champion , for an upcoming limited series on HBO .
According to a report from Variety , the Oscar-winning actor will star in a retelling of Johnson ’ s life that focuses heavily on the challenges he faced as a talented and outspoken Black athlete in the Jim Crow era .
The six-part series is titled “ Unruly.
” It is described as an unapologetically Black , no-holds-barred telling of Johnson ’ s life .
The first ever Black heavyweight boxing champion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise to greatness and the costs he paid for his skin color and defiance .
The series is based on the PBS documentary “ Unforgivable Blackness : The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson , ” which was produced and directed by Ken Burns , as well as the accompanying book by Geoffrey C. Ward .
Johnson ’ s career was characterized by heights of success and bouts of controversy—the latter of which was often racial .
The boxing champion was notoriously victorious in a 1910 match-up against the so-called “ great white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the results of which left white people so mad they responded by rioting and killing black people all across the U.S. Ali depicted the boxer in a 2000 stage production of his life and earned an Emmy nomination for his last starring role on HBO in season three of True Detective .
The new series will be written and executive produced by Dominique Morisseau , a Macarthur Genius Grant recipient and writer of the Tony-nominated play “ Ain ’ t Too Proud–The Life and Times of The Temptations.
” Sounds like a whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no news yet on when the series will premiere , but we ’ ll certainly be watching when it does .

Mahershala Ali has been tapped to play Jack Johnson, the world’s first Black heavyweight champion, for an upcoming limited series on HBO.
According to a report from Variety, the Oscar-winning actor will star in a retelling of Johnson’s life that focuses heavily on the challenges he faced as a talented and outspoken Black athlete in the Jim Crow era.
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From Variety:
The six-part series is titled “Unruly.” It is described as an unapologetically Black, no-holds-barred telling of Johnson’s life. The first ever Black heavyweight boxing champion, the show would follow Johnson’s rise to greatness and the costs he paid for his skin color and defiance. The series is based on the PBS documentary “Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson,” which was produced and directed by Ken Burns, as well as the accompanying book by Geoffrey C. Ward.
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Johnson’s career was characterized by heights of success and bouts of controversy—the latter of which was often racial. The boxing champion was notoriously victorious in a 1910 match-up against the so-called “great white hope,” James J. Jeffries, the results of which left white people so mad they responded by rioting and killing black people all across the U.S.
Ali depicted the boxer in a 2000 stage production of his life and earned an Emmy nomination for his last starring role on HBO in season three of True Detective.
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The new series will be written and executive produced by Dominique Morisseau, a Macarthur Genius Grant recipient and writer of the Tony-nominated play “Ain’t Too Proud–The Life and Times of The Temptations.”
Sounds like a whole lotta Black excellence! There’s no news yet on when the series will premiere, but we’ll certainly be watching when it does.


theroot--2020-07-01--4 San Jose Officers Put on Leave After, You Guessed It, Racist Facebook Posts

I don ’ t know how many cops have to lose their jobs before they realize that maybe they shouldn ’ t be racist .
Let alone be racist on Facebook .
Apparently , four cops in San Jose , Calif. felt like learning that lesson the hard way .
CNN reports that four officers in the San Jose Police Department have been put on administrative leave while racist and anti-Muslim comments made in a private Facebook group are investigated .
The group is allegedly composed of both current and former San Jose police officers .
The comments were brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Medium article written by an anonymous source who claimed to be “ the partner of an active law enforcement officer in a San Francisco Bay Area police department.
” Some of the comments shown in the article include an officer commenting “ I say re-purpose the hijabs into nooses , ” in response to an article about a Muslim woman getting her hijab removed by an officer in Los Angeles .
Another comment made on a public post by one of the officers says “ black lives really don ’ t matter.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed outrage over the comments and warned that any officers who are found to have been involved could be fired .
“ I have previously responded with discipline up to termination after an investigation into off duty online activity that runs counter to our standards of conduct , ” Garcia said in a statement .
“ While I have no control over what former employees post online , I can voice my outrage after hearing about these comments made online , ” the police chief said .
“ Any current employee involved with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and held accountable to the fullest extent in my power .
We have no place for this.
” San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo has called for an independent investigation into the matter .
“ I demand and expect a full investigation , and further expect that racist , anti-Muslim or menacing comments expressed by any current SJPD Officer will be met with termination , ” Liccardo said .
The San Jose Police Officers Association has also come out against the officers involved in the group .
Paul Kelly , the president of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denouncing the officers .
“ The news that I read today about members of our union and former members of our union participating in an online ring of hate makes me sick .
I want to be crystal clear : There is no place in our police department or our union for racists or bigots , or for those that enable them by not speaking up.
” Kelly went on to say that the union will not offer financial assistance to any officer found to be a member of the Facebook group .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will work every day to restore trust with our community .
We can be and we are much better than this.
” Kelly added .

I don’t know how many cops have to lose their jobs before they realize that maybe they shouldn’t be racist. Let alone be racist on Facebook. Apparently, four cops in San Jose, Calif. felt like learning that lesson the hard way.
CNN reports that four officers in the San Jose Police Department have been put on administrative leave while racist and anti-Muslim comments made in a private Facebook group are investigated. The group is allegedly composed of both current and former San Jose police officers. The comments were brought to light after screenshots were shared in a Medium article written by an anonymous source who claimed to be “the partner of an active law enforcement officer in a San Francisco Bay Area police department.”
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Some of the comments shown in the article include an officer commenting “I say re-purpose the hijabs into nooses,” in response to an article about a Muslim woman getting her hijab removed by an officer in Los Angeles. Another comment made on a public post by one of the officers says “black lives really don’t matter.”
Oof.
From CNN:
San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia expressed outrage over the comments and warned that any officers who are found to have been involved could be fired. “I have previously responded with discipline up to termination after an investigation into off duty online activity that runs counter to our standards of conduct,” Garcia said in a statement. “While I have no control over what former employees post online, I can voice my outrage after hearing about these comments made online,” the police chief said. “Any current employee involved with bigoted activity online will promptly be investigated and held accountable to the fullest extent in my power. We have no place for this.”
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San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo has called for an independent investigation into the matter. “I demand and expect a full investigation, and further expect that racist, anti-Muslim or menacing comments expressed by any current SJPD Officer will be met with termination,” Liccardo said.
The San Jose Police Officers Association has also come out against the officers involved in the group. Paul Kelly, the president of the union, released a video to YouTube denouncing the officers. “The news that I read today about members of our union and former members of our union participating in an online ring of hate makes me sick. I want to be crystal clear: There is no place in our police department or our union for racists or bigots, or for those that enable them by not speaking up.”
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Kelly went on to say that the union will not offer financial assistance to any officer found to be a member of the Facebook group. “I’m saddened by this and will work every day to restore trust with our community. We can be and we are much better than this.” Kelly added.


theroot--2020-06-30--North Carolina Wilmington Professor Retires Amid Calls for His Firing Over Bigoted and Insensitive T

North Carolina Wilmington Professor Retires Amid Calls for His Firing Over Bigoted and Insensitive Tweets

A University of North Carolina Wilmington professor is retiring because of increasing calls for him to be fired over “ vile ” and inappropriate tweets that have been deemed bigoted because ... well ... that ’ s exactly what they are .
NBC News reports that the retirement of sociology and criminology professor Mike Adams was announced by the university on Monday .
Adams might be a college professor—or at least he is until August 1 , when his retirement starts—but his tweets have “ basic- ass dude-bro ” written all over them .
On May 29 , Adams tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and drank beer with six guys at a six seat table top .
I almost felt like a free man who was not living in a slave state of North Carolina .
Massa Cooper , let my people go.
” He was referring to Gov .
Roy Cooper ’ s measures put in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
“ Massa ” is a dialect term that is often used in a mocking way to mimic what users imagine was the pronunciation that enslaved people used for “ master.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seem to get them right off the bat , ” Adams had tweeted earlier in the month .
After protesters took to the streets following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police , Adams shared : “ Rioters don ’ t care about social issues .
They are thugs looking for an opportunity to break the law with impunity.
” And another May tweet from Adams read : “ Don ’ t shut down the universities .
Shut down the non essential majors .
Like Women ’ s Studies.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticize Adams , he responded : “ When you write the university asking them to fire me don ’ t forget to leave a mailing address so I can send you a box of panty liners.
” Seriously , is he a sociology professor or a white frat boy who has likely attended an on-campus blackface party or two ?
It ’ s not just that he ’ s racist and sexist—he ’ s a middle-aged white man , after all—it ’ s that his discount Louis C.K .
jokes aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How Adams has lasted this long at UNCW—especially after authoring a book called Feminists Say the Darndest Things : A Politically Incorrect Professor Confronts ‘ Womyn ’ on Campus as well as an article called “ A ‘ Queer Muslim ’ Jihad ?
” which targeted a student activist at the university who identifies as queer and Muslim—is beyond me .
Students and faculty at UNCW have been calling for Adams ’ removal for weeks .
According to NBC , two separate Change.org petitions calling for his firing got about 90,000 signatures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Justice And Equality For UNCW ” which is composed of mostly students , former students and faculty members who shared stories about verbal abuse they received from Adams .
The group has about 8,000 members and includes the hashtag “ # CancelMikeAdams ” It ’ s possible that any hesitation to fire Adams is due to him winning a lawsuit against the university in 2014 .
He alleged that his views cost him a promotion and that his First Amendment rights were violated and he was awarded $ 50,000 in back pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settlement , StarNews reports .
“ Over the past several weeks , many of you have inquired about the status of a UNCW faculty member , Dr. Mike Adams , in light of the public attention generated by comments he made on his personal social media channels , ” the statement reads .
“ We can now share the update that after a discussion with Chancellor [ Jose V. ] Sartarelli , Dr. Adams has decided to retire from UNCW , effective August 1 , 2020 .
We will have no further comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we plan to share an update later this week regarding how we hope to move forward as a university community .
”

A University of North Carolina Wilmington professor is retiring because of increasing calls for him to be fired over “vile” and inappropriate tweets that have been deemed bigoted because...well...that’s exactly what they are.
NBC News reports that the retirement of sociology and criminology professor Mike Adams was announced by the university on Monday.
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Adams might be a college professor—or at least he is until August 1, when his retirement starts—but his tweets have “basic- ass dude-bro” written all over them.
From NBC:
On May 29, Adams tweeted: “This evening I ate pizza and drank beer with six guys at a six seat table top. I almost felt like a free man who was not living in a slave state of North Carolina. Massa Cooper, let my people go.” He was referring to Gov. Roy Cooper’s measures put in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus. “Massa” is a dialect term that is often used in a mocking way to mimic what users imagine was the pronunciation that enslaved people used for “master.” “When I tell covid 19 jokes people seem to get them right off the bat,” Adams had tweeted earlier in the month. After protesters took to the streets following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, Adams shared: “Rioters don’t care about social issues. They are thugs looking for an opportunity to break the law with impunity.” And another May tweet from Adams read: “Don’t shut down the universities. Shut down the non essential majors. Like Women’s Studies.” As more people began to publicly criticize Adams, he responded: “When you write the university asking them to fire me don’t forget to leave a mailing address so I can send you a box of panty liners.”
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Seriously, is he a sociology professor or a white frat boy who has likely attended an on-campus blackface party or two? It’s not just that he’s racist and sexist—he’s a middle-aged white man, after all—it’s that his discount Louis C.K. jokes aren’t even funny by immature Twitter-douche standards.
How Adams has lasted this long at UNCW—especially after authoring a book called Feminists Say the Darndest Things: A Politically Incorrect Professor Confronts ‘Womyn’ on Campus as well as an article called “A ‘Queer Muslim’ Jihad?” which targeted a student activist at the university who identifies as queer and Muslim—is beyond me.
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Students and faculty at UNCW have been calling for Adams’ removal for weeks. According to NBC, two separate Change.org petitions calling for his firing got about 90,000 signatures. There is also a Facebook group called “Justice And Equality For UNCW” which is composed of mostly students, former students and faculty members who shared stories about verbal abuse they received from Adams. The group has about 8,000 members and includes the hashtag “#CancelMikeAdams”
It’s possible that any hesitation to fire Adams is due to him winning a lawsuit against the university in 2014. He alleged that his views cost him a promotion and that his First Amendment rights were violated and he was awarded $50,000 in back pay and a $9,000 raise in a settlement, StarNews reports.
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Anyway, the university released a statement announcing Adams’ retirement Monday.
“Over the past several weeks, many of you have inquired about the status of a UNCW faculty member, Dr. Mike Adams, in light of the public attention generated by comments he made on his personal social media channels,” the statement reads. “We can now share the update that after a discussion with Chancellor [Jose V.] Sartarelli, Dr. Adams has decided to retire from UNCW, effective August 1, 2020. We will have no further comment on this matter at this time, but we plan to share an update later this week regarding how we hope to move forward as a university community.”


theroot--2020-06-30--Two Florida Officials Fired for Whitewashing the Faces of Black Firefighters on a Public Mural

The level of headassery that ’ s endemic to Florida is truly astounding .
Even in a situation designed to be a layup , they find a way to turn it into an airball .
Take , for instance , a recently unveiled mural that whitewashed the faces of two black firefighters .
NBC News reports that two city officials in Boynton Beach , Fla. , have been fired for whiting out the faces of Latosha Clemons and Glenn Joseph on a mural dedicated to the firefighters .
“ The City Manager has concluded her inquiry into this matter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Operations Latosha Clemons and Chief Glenn Joseph for the alterations of their photos ... and the mural was removed Thursday , June 4 , ” the city manager said in a statement to NBC News .
Clemons was the only Black female firefighter in the city and the first Black woman to become deputy fire chief in Boynton Beach .
She has since hired an attorney to investigate how this even happened in the first place .
“ My role is to get to who is responsible , how they came to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to push the issue for the need to examine policies and determine whether or not there needs to be racial sensitivity training , ” Nicole Hunt Jackson , the attorney for Clemons , told NBC News .
Jackson has filed a request to obtain all records related to the planning of the mural .
Clemons , understandably , has expressed dismay over the situation .
“ I was stunned , hurt , shocked .
I had to suppress my emotions , but after the event a ton of emotions came over me.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force only a few months ago .
She didn ’ t attend the unveiling but was flooded with calls and texts from friends expressing disbelief at what happened .
“ I wanted little Black girls to look at that mural and know they can have their face on a mural , ” Clemons said .
The community of Boynton Beach was outraged when the mural was initially revealed .
Pastor Rae Whitely of the Boynton Beach Coalition of Clergy , an interfaith group that “ works to empower the black and brown communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know the fire chief was a part of that conversation makes you ask , ‘ What else has been going on ?
What other influence has he had in decisions ?
’ ” Whitely said “ social media erupted ” after the unveiling of the mural .
He said he and other leaders have had to calm down some activists “ who really want to do some stuff .
Young people are pissed , and so are people who served with her — Black and white .
It was obvious that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described Clemons as a “ local hero , ” to some of the residents in the community .
“ To have this happen to her in the climate we are in , it just reaggravated the trauma .
It was unreal.
” Whitely told NBC News .
The mural is going to be replaced with the original design though there is no set date for when that will happen .

The level of headassery that’s endemic to Florida is truly astounding. Even in a situation designed to be a layup, they find a way to turn it into an airball. Take, for instance, a recently unveiled mural that whitewashed the faces of two black firefighters.
NBC News reports that two city officials in Boynton Beach, Fla., have been fired for whiting out the faces of Latosha Clemons and Glenn Joseph on a mural dedicated to the firefighters.
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“The City Manager has concluded her inquiry into this matter and issued a public apology to Deputy Chief of Operations Latosha Clemons and Chief Glenn Joseph for the alterations of their photos ... and the mural was removed Thursday, June 4, ” the city manager said in a statement to NBC News.
Clemons was the only Black female firefighter in the city and the first Black woman to become deputy fire chief in Boynton Beach. She has since hired an attorney to investigate how this even happened in the first place. “My role is to get to who is responsible, how they came to the conclusion it was acceptable — and to push the issue for the need to examine policies and determine whether or not there needs to be racial sensitivity training,” Nicole Hunt Jackson, the attorney for Clemons, told NBC News. Jackson has filed a request to obtain all records related to the planning of the mural.
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Clemons, understandably, has expressed dismay over the situation. “I was stunned, hurt, shocked. I had to suppress my emotions, but after the event a ton of emotions came over me.” said Clemons, who retired from the force only a few months ago. She didn’t attend the unveiling but was flooded with calls and texts from friends expressing disbelief at what happened. “I wanted little Black girls to look at that mural and know they can have their face on a mural,” Clemons said. The community of Boynton Beach was outraged when the mural was initially revealed.
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From NBC News:
Pastor Rae Whitely of the Boynton Beach Coalition of Clergy, an interfaith group that “works to empower the black and brown communities,” Whitely said. “Just to know the fire chief was a part of that conversation makes you ask, ‘What else has been going on? What other influence has he had in decisions?’” Whitely said “social media erupted” after the unveiling of the mural. He said he and other leaders have had to calm down some activists “who really want to do some stuff. Young people are pissed, and so are people who served with her — Black and white. It was obvious that this was not a mistake.”
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Whitely has described Clemons as a “local hero,” to some of the residents in the community. “To have this happen to her in the climate we are in, it just reaggravated the trauma. It was unreal.” Whitely told NBC News. The mural is going to be replaced with the original design though there is no set date for when that will happen.


theroot--2020-06-30--Black Information Network: Introducing the 1st and Only 24/7 Comprehensive All-News Audio Service fo

Black Information Network: Introducing the 1st and Only 24/7 Comprehensive All-News Audio Service for Black Voices

Now more than ever , we need and deserve as many platforms as possible that are spearheaded by Black voices .
As such , it is exciting news to see that Black Information Network ( BIN ) , the first and only 24/7 comprehensive national and local all-news audio service dedicated to the Black community has launched .
Per the press release sent to The Root : BIN will be distributed nationally through the iHeartRadio app and accessible via mobile , smart speakers , smart TVs and other connected platforms , and on dedicated all-news local AM/FM broadcast radio stations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports in addition to national news — all focused on the Black community and from the Black perspective — in markets including Atlanta , Augusta , Charlotte , Cleveland , Columbus , GA , Detroit , Greenville , Macon , Minneapolis , Nashville , New Orleans , Norfolk , Riverside , San Francisco and Seattle , with additional local markets being added over the next 60 days .
BIN will also provide the news service for iHeartMedia ’ s 91 Hip Hop , R & B and Gospel stations across the country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Real 92.3 in Los Angeles , WDAS and Power 99 in Philadelphia , WGCI and WVAZ in Chicago , WJLB in Detroit , The Beat in Houston , The Beat in Miami , WQUE in New Orleans , KMEL in San Francisco and more .
Instead of going the traditional media route of ad-supported content , BIN is enabled by National Founding Partners Bank of America , CVS Health , GEICO , Lowe ’ s , McDonald ’ s USA , Sony , 23andMe and Verizon .
Clear Channel Outdoor Americas ( CCOA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Leading the launch will be Tony Coles , p resident of BIN and Tanita Myers , d irector of n ews o perations .
Coles has a relationship with iHeartMedia , serving as the division president of iHeartMedia Markets Group and Myers has over 15 years ’ experience at Reach Media , including formerly serving as the director of operations for The Tom Joyner Morning Show , executive producer of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show and more .
“ BIN : Black Information Network will fill a void by providing continual news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Black community , ” Coles said in a statement .
“ We began developing our 24/7 Black news source last year , and events of the last few weeks , especially the senseless and tragic death of George Floyd , highlighted the need for this network .
Now is the time for our voice to be heard , and I could not be more proud of our work and the team we are assembling at BIN.
” “ We are pleased and proud to support the launch of BIN : Black Information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the greatest impact—our reach , our multiple platforms , our technology infrastructure and our broad , in-depth relationships with consumers , ” Bob Pittman , c hairman and CEO of iHeartMedia said in a statement .
“ The commitment to service , and the immediate need we saw for a news and information destination for the Black community , accelerated the launch of BIN : Black Information Network to serve this community in an important new way .
We are honored to be joined by some of the most important companies in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mission.
” For more information about BIN : Black Information Network and to tune in , visit binnews.com .

Now more than ever, we need and deserve as many platforms as possible that are spearheaded by Black voices.
As such, it is exciting news to see that Black Information Network (BIN), the first and only 24/7 comprehensive national and local all-news audio service dedicated to the Black community has launched.
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Per the press release sent to The Root:
BIN will be distributed nationally through the iHeartRadio app and accessible via mobile, smart speakers, smart TVs and other connected platforms, and on dedicated all-news local AM/FM broadcast radio stations providing local news, weather traffic and sports in addition to national news — all focused on the Black community and from the Black perspective — in markets including Atlanta, Augusta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Columbus, GA, Detroit, Greenville, Macon, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, Norfolk, Riverside, San Francisco and Seattle, with additional local markets being added over the next 60 days. BIN will also provide the news service for iHeartMedia’s 91 Hip Hop, R&B and Gospel stations across the country, including Power 105.1 in New York, Real 92.3 in Los Angeles, WDAS and Power 99 in Philadelphia, WGCI and WVAZ in Chicago, WJLB in Detroit, The Beat in Houston, The Beat in Miami, WQUE in New Orleans, KMEL in San Francisco and more.
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Instead of going the traditional media route of ad-supported content, BIN is enabled by National Founding Partners Bank of America, CVS Health, GEICO, Lowe’s, McDonald’s USA, Sony, 23andMe and Verizon. Clear Channel Outdoor Americas (CCOA) will be a national marketing partner.
Leading the launch will be Tony Coles, p resident of BIN and Tanita Myers, d irector of n ews o perations. Coles has a relationship with iHeartMedia, serving as the division president of iHeartMedia Markets Group and Myers has over 15 years’ experience at Reach Media, including formerly serving as the director of operations for The Tom Joyner Morning Show, executive producer of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show and more.
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“BIN: Black Information Network will fill a void by providing continual news and objective information with full focus on the Black community,” Coles said in a statement. “We began developing our 24/7 Black news source last year, and events of the last few weeks, especially the senseless and tragic death of George Floyd, highlighted the need for this network. Now is the time for our voice to be heard, and I could not be more proud of our work and the team we are assembling at BIN.”
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“We are pleased and proud to support the launch of BIN: Black Information Network by contributing resources that will have the greatest impact—our reach, our multiple platforms, our technology infrastructure and our broad, in-depth relationships with consumers,” Bob Pittman, c hairman and CEO of iHeartMedia said in a statement. “The commitment to service, and the immediate need we saw for a news and information destination for the Black community, accelerated the launch of BIN: Black Information Network to serve this community in an important new way. We are honored to be joined by some of the most important companies in the world that are also committed to this mission.”
For more information about BIN: Black Information Network and to tune in, visit binnews.com.


theroot--2020-06-30--Pour Yourself a Glass of Something Strong for These Can't-Miss Huckberry Deals

The best Huckberry deals of July 2020 are here .
Huckberry is highlighting two big sales over the next week , starting with Flint and Tinder swim trunks and boardshorts , which are up to 30 % off .
You ’ ll also find Astorflex ’ s stylish soft leather shoes for up to 30 % off right now .
Hit those links to check out the wider selection of sale items in those particular promotions , or scroll down to find our top picks from both sales as well as other deals from throughout the Huckberry site , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backpacks , bath towels , and more .
Huckberry has free shipping on orders of $ 75+ , along with free returns .
Grab some great swim trunks from Huckberry right now , with Flint and Tinder ’ s Breaker trunks curre ntly marked down $ 18 from the list price .
These trunks have been improved from last year ’ s edition thanks to additional spandex for comfort and fit , yet have the same lightweight and breathable feel as before .
They ’ re available in Navy , Jungle Green , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buy it now for $ 40 These slip-on loafers are built from soft leather and have been handmade in Northern Italy by the same family fo r six generations now .
According to Huckberry , they ’ re “ eco-friendly , handsome as hell , and represent the best value on the market.
” They ’ re marked down $ 58 off the list right now , so that last part is especially true .
• None Buy it now for $ 107 Flint and Tinder ’ s vintage-style , California-made boardshorts are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer , whether you ’ re having fun outdoors or just getting things done .
They ’ re $ 15 off the list price right now and available in Green/Navy and Rust/Charcoal as of this writing .
• None Buy it now for $ 53 Whether intended for cool summer nights or the autumn ahead , Grayers ’ Paragon quilted featherweight jacket is a thin a nd lightweight way to retain heat .
This nylon zip jacket is built to resist the wind without bulking you up , and right now it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price .
• None Buy it now for $ 70 Plan ahead with the Topo Designs Mountain Jacket , which i s marked down more than 50 % from the original $ 349 price point .
This heavy duty coat is perfect for those bitter winter days and built to resist cold and snow alike , thanks to 200g of PrimaLoft Black Eco insulation made from recycled plastic bottles .
• None Buy it now for $ 157 Wellen ’ s Playa stretch chinos pair comfort wi th a classic chino silhouette , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detailing and stitching throughout .
They ’ re $ 35 off the list price right now , whether you opt for slate ( shown ) , cobalt , or khaki .
• None Buy it now for $ 53 Save $ 67 right now on this sleek and stylish Proof Elements jacket , which looks like the perfect option for cool summe r nights and then autumn beyond .
The ThermoTech fabric warms up as you wear it , keeping you comfortable despite the thin build .
• None Buy it now for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ merino-blend travel shirt , which is currently marked down from $ 128 in this black and white check pattern .
It ’ s made from merino wool and polyester and is claimed to be “ temperature-regulating , moisture-wicking , and super breathable.
” • None Buy it now for $ 51 Be prepared for your next outdoors adventure by snagging the Mystery Ranch Mission Duffel 40L while it ’ s 30 % off t he list price .
This backpack is made from a “ waxed wood textile ” for durability , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a weekend worth of gear .
• None Buy it now for $ 105 This lightweight coat is perfect fo r year-round adventuring and ideal for layering , with water and wind-resistant materials .
It has button-snaps , zippers , and drawstrings to keep you as bundled up and enclosed from the elements as you please , and right now it ’ s $ 179 off the regular price .
• None Buy it now for $ 119 Whether you need something warm for wandering your local surroundings or just want a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Wellen Waffle Raglan Pullover looks to fit the bill .
The waffle weave design keeps it feeling soft while the front pocket will warm your hands during spring strolls , plus it ’ s $ 31 off the normal price right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 57 Well-worn towels might still do the job , but if you ’ re keen on adding some “ insanely soft ” towels to your home , then Huckberry can help .
The Nutrl Classic Bath Set promises just that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ re discounted from $ 110 right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 93

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

Featured Deal: Alba Optics Solo | $174
Huckberry’s best deals of September 2021 are here!
After spending the better part of the calendar year in a pandemic, I bet that your co-workers have probably seen every shirt you own on your Zoom meetings. If I’m right, then there’s no better excuse to spice up your virtual workwear by cashing in on Huckberry’s best deals.
From apparel to footwear, Huckberry has everything you can think of on sale.
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Made from hemp and organic cotton, the Wellen Hemp Polo provides long-lasting wear with sustainable materials that you can wear guilt-free. It is an easy-going , ultra-flattering design that will give you plenty of room without being baggy.
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The Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts - 9" is a performance short chino that was carefully constructed from a blended fabric to create a soft, year-round garment. It’s pre-shrunk for the ideal fit right out of the box. Note that it was expertly made from a sustainable factory in Indonesia.
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I don’t know about you, but I love tie-dye. Available in mustard, navy, and tide, the Wellen Shibori Stripe Tee features a beautiful pattern, made from the shibori dyeing process which is all done by hand.
Made from 100% organic cotton, these t-shirts also have the signature Wellen softness and are environmentally friendly.
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Having a solid set of whiskey glasses is key to kicking off the summer right! When you raise a glass to toast at the next outdoor party, do it in style!
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Huckberry is selling some beautiful Whiskey Peaks glasses, including American Mountains, Grand Tetons, and International Mountains. These glasses are made from 100% lead-free handblown glass, which is lighter than leaded glass and equally durable.
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As part of the summer sale, Huckberry is offering an up to 25% discount on hybrid shorts, which can be worn either in the water or on land. Plus, the hydrophobic fabrics dry super quickly, so you’re ready to hit your local bar.
The Beardedgoat Ridgeline Short is versatile and durable. It provides a four-way stretch for maximum mobility. Made from nylon ripstop fabric, this product is lightweight, yet durable. Plus, it comes with two side hand pockets, two rear pockets, and a hidden stash pocket for valuables.
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Handmade in Northern Italy, Astorflex can guarantee quality shoes that are stylish and eco-friendly. Plus, their soles are 100% made from natural rubber to ensure that you’re walking on a cloud. For Memorial Day weekend, Huckberry is offering deals on products from this brand at up to 35% off.
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The line-up includes styles and designs that will satisfy even the pickiest of shoe shoppers. One example is the highly flexible Astorflex Patnoflex Travel, the ideal summer shoe for those on the move. Another is the Astroflex Rolflex, a great shoe to transition from one season to another.
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Linen shirts are super stylish and functional for the summertime. However, my biggest pet peeve is how easily they wrinkle. Well, no more! Introducing the Wills Wrinkle-Free Linen Shirt (Bright Navy).
This breathable, lightweight garment pairs well with chinos, slacks, and even shorts. Note that it comes with a single pocket at the left chest, which is a great place to store a handy pen.
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With temperatures rising, everyone needs to have a beach towel in their arsenal. And why not cash in on one at a discounted price? At up to 45% off, Turkish Towels are a steal this Memorial Day weekend. They are super soft and plush, regardless if you are sitting by the pool, the lake, or the ocean.
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Named after the 45 RPM, Forty Five makes classic, vintage t-shirts to pay homage to the ‘60s and ‘70s. The brand’s shirts are made from 100% USA-grown Supima cotton in Los Angeles’ Fashion District. They’ve been designed at the perfect length for tucking and untucking and with a timeless sleeve length. They’re also been garment-dyed for added softness and preshrunk to ensure that you get the perfect fit.
This weekend, buy three t-shirts at the bundled price of $95.
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Looking for a new pair of glasses? Try the Alba Optics Solo, which features stunning lenses to choose from. They are designed to withstand the rigors of hiking and provides blue light and UV protection. Its color equalizer gives beautiful clarity and temple tips are telescopic to provide a custom fit. Note that these are made it Italy, so you’re getting the best of the best fashion-wise .
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Marine Layer Banks Pullover Hoodie is a great garment for a casual outing. As a brand, Marine Layer is known for providing the ultimate comfort and quality. This fabric has a heathered look to give a vintage impression. It also has a kangaroo pouch for storage. And it has a functional drawstring hoodie to ward off a cold breeze.
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Every guy needs a smart pair of trousers to take them from the office to the cornerstore without missing a beat. Available in 10 vibrant colors, the Flint and Tinder 365 pants are now on sale at two for $175. You can put that extra $21 on a summer date night. They’re super lightweight and dyed to comfortable straight out of the box. They even come with a fifth front pocket to securely carry all of your belongings.
This story was originally written by Sheilah Villari on 03/31/2020 and updated with new information by Juliana Clark on 09/09/2021.


theroot--2020-06-30--Georgia History Teacher Suspended for Teaching History

Authorities in a rural Georgia school district are punishing a history instructor who seemingly dedicated all of his spare time to teaching students .
The district banned the beloved educator from coaching after administrators charged the man with a heinous rule violation—the history teacher was teaching history .
Jordan Huerta has been teaching history at Tattnall County High School in Reidsville , Ga. , for three years , according to All on Georgia and the Tattnall Journal-Sentinel .
Aside from teaching history , Huerta coaches baseball , basketball and football as well as leading a mentoring program for Tattnall students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low-income families , according to Great Schools .
Huerta also somehow finds time for more activities such as organizing a community rally and protest in his hometown .
Needless to say , Jordan Huerta is a good man .
* * Good men do not make it in America .
No story that called someone a “ good man ” has ever ended well .
Huerta often finds time to post thoughtful , anti-racist comments on Facebook , including : • Sharing an article where he dutifully recounted to his right-wing friends why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Explaining how it isn ’ t any more disrespectful to the U.S. flag than the beloved “ thin blue line ” flag adored by people who wear wraparound sunglasses .
• Breaking down the historical truths on why Confederate flags are racist .
• Patiently telling one of his friends when nooses “ became inherently racist ” ( Hint : He replied “ as recently as the Jim Crow era.
” ) I assume Huerta made all of these posts on the toilet because , when else would he have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 posts from Huerta that were forwarded to The Root contained profanity , offensive language or a single lie .
But , the history teacher teaching history online somehow violated the school ’ s “ behavior policy.
” So , even though the school does not have a social media policy , the Tattnall County school district relieved Huerta of his coaching duties for one year .
The issue at hand in a disciplinary matter related to social media is not whether or not Huerta has free speech protections ( which apply to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , but instead whether or not his comments violated the school system personnel policy on employee behavior on social media .
Allison Cobb with the Journal Sentinel in Tattnall County said Monday that the school system does not have a social media policy for employees and AllOnGeorgia filed a public information request on the item Monday afternoon .
At this time , it is not known which posts in particular led to administrative action against Huerta .
And , while Huerta ’ s representatives would not address my suspicion that Huerta is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jordan Huertas , his attorney did issue this statement : Coach Huerta was called in for a meeting on June 24 , 2020 , and by the end of the meeting he was told that he would be suspended from coaching for the upcoming year .
Administrators at Tattnall County High cited violations of his professionalism as a teacher for engaging in “ both politically and racially charged banter with both a current student and parent , inciting unrest amongst a parent in regards to her child ’ s educator.
” Critically , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular conversation or exchange that forms the basis of such an extremely serious allegation .
First and foremost , Coach Huerta ’ s class and teaching have been observed 9 different times by administrators over the last two years – and not once was his professionalism called into question .
Coach Huerta has been a coach at Tattnall County High since January 2017 .
And without notice , hearing , or even a detailed reason , he was relieved of his coaching duties – with no assurance of a return .
This was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in both due process and free speech .
The action taken against Coach Huerta was without question a punitive response to his duties as a teacher .
Accordingly , he should be afforded due process rights under the Tattnall Board of Education ’ s policy and Georgia law .
Huerta ’ s attorney went on to say that the teacher requested a hearing with the school board to see what “ politically and racially charged banter ” was used but I think we can add one and one together .
( I swear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ license ! )
Meanwhile , Huerta has seen an outpouring of support and students have even organized a Change.org petition asking the school board to reverse the disciplinary action .
Citing personnel laws and privacy concerns , the Tattnall County School Board has not responded to The Root ’ s request for comment .
However , I did tell him about that “ good man ” shit .

Authorities in a rural Georgia school district are punishing a history instructor who seemingly dedicated all of his spare time to teaching students. The district banned the beloved educator from coaching after administrators charged the man with a heinous rule violation—the history teacher was teaching history.
Jordan Huerta has been teaching history at Tattnall County High School in Reidsville, Ga., for three years, according to All on Georgia and the Tattnall Journal-Sentinel. Aside from teaching history, Huerta coaches baseball, basketball and football as well as leading a mentoring program for Tattnall students, 90 percent of whom come from low-income families, according to Great Schools. Huerta also somehow finds time for more activities such as organizing a community rally and protest in his hometown.
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Needless to say, Jordan Huerta is a good man.*
* Good men do not make it in America. No story that called someone a “good man” has ever ended well.
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Huerta often finds time to post thoughtful, anti-racist comments on Facebook, including:
Sharing an article where he dutifully recounted to his right-wing friends why flag-burning was protected by the First Amendment.
Explaining how it isn’t any more disrespectful to the U.S. flag than the beloved “thin blue line” flag adored by people who wear wraparound sunglasses.
Breaking down the historical truths on why Confederate flags are racist.
Patiently telling one of his friends when nooses “became inherently racist” (Hint: He replied “as recently as the Jim Crow era.”)
Posts illustrating the statistics behind disproportionate police shootings.
A cartoon supporting Black Lives Matter
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I assume Huerta made all of these posts on the toilet because, when else would he have the time? However, none of the 23 posts from Huerta that were forwarded to The Root contained profanity, offensive language or a single lie. But, the history teacher teaching history online somehow violated the school’s “behavior policy.” So, even though the school does not have a social media policy, the Tattnall County school district relieved Huerta of his coaching duties for one year.
All on Georgia reports:
The issue at hand in a disciplinary matter related to social media is not whether or not Huerta has free speech protections (which apply to government limitations and not employment discipline matters), but instead whether or not his comments violated the school system personnel policy on employee behavior on social media. Allison Cobb with the Journal Sentinel in Tattnall County said Monday that the school system does not have a social media policy for employees and AllOnGeorgia filed a public information request on the item Monday afternoon. At this time, it is not known which posts in particular led to administrative action against Huerta.
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And, while Huerta’s representatives would not address my suspicion that Huerta is actually a clone and there are three Jordan Huertas, his attorney did issue this statement:
Coach Huerta was called in for a meeting on June 24, 2020, and by the end of the meeting he was told that he would be suspended from coaching for the upcoming year. Administrators at Tattnall County High cited violations of his professionalism as a teacher for engaging in “both politically and racially charged banter with both a current student and parent, inciting unrest amongst a parent in regards to her child’s educator.” Critically, no one informed Coach Huerta of the particular conversation or exchange that forms the basis of such an extremely serious allegation. First and foremost, Coach Huerta’s class and teaching have been observed 9 different times by administrators over the last two years – and not once was his professionalism called into question. Coach Huerta has been a coach at Tattnall County High since January 2017. And without notice, hearing, or even a detailed reason, he was relieved of his coaching duties – with no assurance of a return. This was a rush to judgment that has implications in both due process and free speech. The action taken against Coach Huerta was without question a punitive response to his duties as a teacher. Accordingly, he should be afforded due process rights under the Tattnall Board of Education’s policy and Georgia law.
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Huerta’s attorney went on to say that the teacher requested a hearing with the school board to see what “politically and racially charged banter” was used but I think we can add one and one together. (I swear I wasn’t teaching without a license!) Meanwhile, Huerta has seen an outpouring of support and students have even organized a Change.org petition asking the school board to reverse the disciplinary action.
Citing personnel laws and privacy concerns, the Tattnall County School Board has not responded to The Root’s request for comment.
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However, I did tell him about that “good man” shit.