theroot--2020-06-23--This White Florida Man Really Tried to Bum-Rush His Way Into Walmart After Being Blocked From Enteri

This White Florida Man Really Tried to Bum-Rush His Way Into Walmart After Being Blocked From Entering Without a Face Mask

Did the Black d elegation ever settle on a name for male Karens ?
I don ’ t like “ Chad ” because a Chad played Black Panther , so let ’ s go with “ Skip ” as in , “ Boy , if you don ’ t Skip your stupid ass to another store instead of going full Karen in this Walmart because they won ’ t let you in without a face mask ... ” A Florida man must have needed his Wrangler jeans and Great Value loaf of bread really badly , because after he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing a face mask—which became mandatory in Orange County on Saturday—he failed miserably at trying to force his way in .
Not to be stopped from shopping , the elderly shopper tried to push the store employee aside as the camera man chuckled and said , “ You got ta wear a mask bro.
” The employee stood with his hands in the air as the man tried to shove his way inside , even falling to the floor at one point .
“ The peoples is trippin ’ bro , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further , the man got up and scrambled inside as the employee continued to try to stop him .
Another shopper can even be heard offering up an extra face mask , but the elderly shopper ignored the offer and was able to make it half-way up an aisle before finally - angrily - agreeing to leave the store .
The cameraman can be heard saying , “ He ’ s just doing his job man !
” Skip eventually left .
It ’ s unclear whether he went straight to a local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped at his weekly White People Who Want to be Oppressed So Bad support group first , but the footage of the incident has since gone viral on social media .
I mean , this shit is just embarrassing .
First of all , how are you so light in the ass that shoving someone causes you to fall to the ground ?
You know he thought he was about to do something bad- ass , too .
If his rhythmless slip , fall and eventual retreat wasn ’ t captured on camera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his homies at the Elks Lodge ( I have no idea where old white people hang out ) that he pulled some Conan the Barbarian shit and toppled over an oppressive regime of face mask- wielding fascists who want to take away Americans ’ God-given right to ... potentially spread COVID-19 to the general public .
Seriously , though , what is it with white people and their resistance to wearing face masks ?
Like , there have been whole- ass protests .
Someone even tried to offer Skip a mask to wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At this point , I can only assume it ’ s because wypipo know how much their breath stinks .
Just think about how y ’ all ’ s president refuses the mask .
You can smell Trump ’ s breath through his Twitter posts .
You just know his shit smells like mothballs and earring backs .
So I guess I get it : When your breath smells like 400 years of oppression , the last thing you want to do is shoot it back at yourself by throwing on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still doesn ’ t explain why Skip was so desperate to get into Walmart that he thought his failed attempt to sack an employee was even necessary .
What the fuck did he need so bad ?
Home appliances that last for six months but come with a one-year warranty that you decline to purchase at the register couldn ’ t possibly be worth all this .
You could have just ordered your off-brand electric toothbrush online , Skip .
Not that he ’ d ever use an electric toothbrush when he can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going maskless ...
I ’ m just saying .

Did the Black d elegation ever settle on a name for male Karens? I don’t like “Chad” because a Chad played Black Panther, so let’s go with “Skip” as in, “Boy, if you don’t Skip your stupid ass to another store instead of going full Karen in this Walmart because they won’t let you in without a face mask...”
A Florida man must have needed his Wrangler jeans and Great Value loaf of bread really badly, because after he was blocked from entering an Orlando Walmart without wearing a face mask—which became mandatory in Orange County on Saturday—he failed miserably at trying to force his way in.
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From WDBO-FM:
Not to be stopped from shopping, the elderly shopper tried to push the store employee aside as the camera man chuckled and said, “You gotta wear a mask bro.” The employee stood with his hands in the air as the man tried to shove his way inside, even falling to the floor at one point. “The peoples is trippin’ bro,” the camera man said. Determined to go further, the man got up and scrambled inside as the employee continued to try to stop him. Another shopper can even be heard offering up an extra face mask, but the elderly shopper ignored the offer and was able to make it half-way up an aisle before finally - angrily - agreeing to leave the store. The cameraman can be heard saying, “He’s just doing his job man!”
Skip eventually left. It’s unclear whether he went straight to a local Bareface Lives Matter protest or if he stopped at his weekly White People Who Want to be Oppressed So Bad support group first, but the footage of the incident has since gone viral on social media.
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I mean, this shit is just embarrassing.
First of all, how are you so light in the ass that shoving someone causes you to fall to the ground? You know he thought he was about to do something bad- ass, too. If his rhythmless slip, fall and eventual retreat wasn’t captured on camera, he would’ve been telling his homies at the Elks Lodge (I have no idea where old white people hang out) that he pulled some Conan the Barbarian shit and toppled over an oppressive regime of face mask- wielding fascists who want to take away Americans’ God-given right to...potentially spread COVID-19 to the general public.
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Seriously, though, what is it with white people and their resistance to wearing face masks? Like, there have been whole- ass protests. Someone even tried to offer Skip a mask to wear while he shopped and he refused it.
At this point, I can only assume it’s because wypipo know how much their breath stinks.
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Just think about how y’all’s president refuses the mask. You can smell Trump’s breath through his Twitter posts. You just know his shit smells like mothballs and earring backs.
So I guess I get it: When your breath smells like 400 years of oppression, the last thing you want to do is shoot it back at yourself by throwing on a face covering.
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Of course, that still doesn’t explain why Skip was so desperate to get into Walmart that he thought his failed attempt to sack an employee was even necessary. What the fuck did he need so bad? Home appliances that last for six months but come with a one-year warranty that you decline to purchase at the register couldn’t possibly be worth all this. You could have just ordered your off-brand electric toothbrush online, Skip.
Not that he’d ever use an electric toothbrush when he can just avoid his own stank breath by going maskless...I’m just saying.


theroot--2020-06-23--Bernice A. King Gives Moving Speech at Funeral for Rayshard Brooks in the Atlanta Church Where Her F

Bernice A. King Gives Moving Speech at Funeral for Rayshard Brooks in the Atlanta Church Where Her Father Preached

“ I am here to stand with you in what feels like an all-too-familiar moment .
Having a father killed when I was only 5 years of age , my heart deeply grieves for [ his daughters ] Dream , Memory , Blessing and [ stepson ] Mekai , ” Bernice A .
King said at the funeral for Rayshard Brooks .
On Tuesday , the service for Brooks was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta , where King ’ s father , Martin Luther King Jr. , once served as co-pastor , according to ABC News .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and family as well as Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams .
Legendary civil rights icon , Georgia Rep. John Lewis , also sent a letter to the family .
Most everyone in attendance could be seen wearing a mask and gospel singer Tamela Mann gave a virtual performance along with the church choir in an effort to social distance .
“ Rayshard Brooks ’ life matters .
And he should ’ ve been able to live to enjoy his family and watch his kids grow up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which drew applause from mourners , ABC notes .
Brooks was remembered as a kind , fun-loving man who did his best to bring joy to the lives of the people around him .
“ He never had a bad day .
He radiated such a bright light that regardless of the cowardly act that took his life , his light will never be dimmed.
” Ambrea Mikolajczyk , one of Brooks ’ friends and former co-workers , said , ABC News notes .
She recounted a time when Brooks was biking home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broken down .
He hopped off his bike and walked with him for two hours so he wouldn ’ t be alone .
On June 12 , Brooks pulled into a Wendy ’ s drive-thru and fell asleep in his car .
Two Atlanta police officers arrived at the scene and pulled him over on suspicion of driving under the influence .
Brooks was mostly compliant during the stop before wrestling with the officers and then running away as they attempted to arrest him .
One of the officers .
Garrett Rolfe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , killing him .
Rolfe was fired by the Atlanta Police Department .
On June 17 , Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard charged Rolfe with felony murder among 10 other counts .
Officer Devin Brosnan , the other officer involved , was placed on administrative leave and charged with aggravated assault .

“I am here to stand with you in what feels like an all-too-familiar moment. Having a father killed when I was only 5 years of age, my heart deeply grieves for [his daughters] Dream, Memory, Blessing and [stepson] Mekai,” Bernice A. King said at the funeral for Rayshard Brooks.
On Tuesday, the service for Brooks was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where King’s father, Martin Luther King Jr., once served as co-pastor, according to ABC News. The service was attended by Brooks’ friends and family as well as Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. Legendary civil rights icon, Georgia Rep. John Lewis, also sent a letter to the family. Most everyone in attendance could be seen wearing a mask and gospel singer Tamela Mann gave a virtual performance along with the church choir in an effort to social distance.
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“Rayshard Brooks’ life matters. And he should’ve been able to live to enjoy his family and watch his kids grow up into adulthood,” King said, which drew applause from mourners, ABC notes.
Brooks was remembered as a kind, fun-loving man who did his best to bring joy to the lives of the people around him. “He never had a bad day. He radiated such a bright light that regardless of the cowardly act that took his life, his light will never be dimmed.” Ambrea Mikolajczyk, one of Brooks’ friends and former co-workers, said, ABC News notes. She recounted a time when Brooks was biking home and saw a co-worker whose car had broken down. He hopped off his bike and walked with him for two hours so he wouldn’t be alone.
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On June 12, Brooks pulled into a Wendy’s drive-thru and fell asleep in his car. Two Atlanta police officers arrived at the scene and pulled him over on suspicion of driving under the influence. Brooks was mostly compliant during the stop before wrestling with the officers and then running away as they attempted to arrest him. One of the officers. Garrett Rolfe, shot Brooks two times in the back, killing him. Rolfe was fired by the Atlanta Police Department. On June 17, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard charged Rolfe with felony murder among 10 other counts. Officer Devin Brosnan, the other officer involved, was placed on administrative leave and charged with aggravated assault.


theroot--2020-06-23--To the Suprise of Nobody, Some Asshole Just Flew a 'White Lives Matter' Banner Over a Soccer Stadium

One of my biggest pet peeves in life is when somebody goes out of their way to explain something I already know .
If you ’ ve spent more than two minutes on planet Earth , you ’ re acutely aware that white people have made themselves the center of the fucking universe for several centuries now at the expense of Black lives , Black dignity , Black progress and Black everything .
And in the latest example of their refusal to ever be de-centered , we have a police investigation that ’ s currently underway because some asshole thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fly a “ White Lives Matter Burnley ” banner over a soccer stadium in Manchester , England .
For those who have no idea what in the hell Burnley is , that would be Burnley FC , a soccer team based in Burnley , Lancashire .
You read that correctly .
English Premier League teams have made it a point to kneel in support of Black Lives Matter prior to their games , so it ’ s only fitting that some asshole would detract from such a powerful statement by pulling this “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , they did .
We get it .
We know .
We see it every damn day .
On executive boards , on juries , in the workplace , in courtrooms , in classrooms , in the government , on dollar bills , at the top of the food chain—y ’ all are every-damn-where but the seasoning rack .
In response to the banner , Burnley issued an impassioned statement : Burnley Football Club strongly condemns the actions of those responsible for the aircraft and offensive banner that flew over The Etihad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make it clear that those responsible are not welcome at Turf Moor .
This , in no way , represents what Burnley Football Club stands for and we will work fully with the authorities to identify those responsible and issue lifetime bans .
The club has a proud record of working with all genders , religions and faiths through its award-winning Community scheme , and stands against racism of any kind .
We are fully behind the Premier League ’ s Black Lives Matter initiative and , in line with all other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our players and football staff willingly took the knee at kick-off at Manchester City .
We apologise unreservedly to the Premier League , to Manchester City and to all those helping to promote Black Lives Matter .
Burnley ’ s captain Ben Mee admitted that he “ heard some whispers ” that something was going to happen and that “ the club tried to stop it.
” “ I ’ m ashamed and embarrassed that a small number of our fans have decided to put that around the stadium , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s responsible , but I ’ m inclined to believe that it was Muhamad Ali ’ s estranged son , Muhamad Ali Jr .
But if not , “ allies , ” come get your people .

One of my biggest pet peeves in life is when somebody goes out of their way to explain something I already know. If you’ve spent more than two minutes on planet Earth, you’re acutely aware that white people have made themselves the center of the fucking universe for several centuries now at the expense of Black lives, Black dignity, Black progress and Black everything.
And in the latest example of their refusal to ever be de-centered, we have a police investigation that’s currently underway because some asshole thought it would be a good idea to fly a “White Lives Matter Burnley” banner over a soccer stadium in Manchester, England.
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For those who have no idea what in the hell Burnley is, that would be Burnley FC, a soccer team based in Burnley, Lancashire.
From NBC News:
The aircraft flew over the stadium just after the start of the game between Burnley and Manchester City. In keeping with other recent English Premier League games since the competition re-started, players and staff of both teams kneeled in support of the Black Lives Matter movement just moments earlier.
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You read that correctly. English Premier League teams have made it a point to kneel in support of Black Lives Matter prior to their games, so it’s only fitting that some asshole would detract from such a powerful statement by pulling this “White Lives Matter” bullshit because of course, they did.
We get it. We know.
We see it every damn day.
On executive boards, on juries, in the workplace, in courtrooms, in classrooms, in the government, on dollar bills, at the top of the food chain—y’all are every-damn-where but the seasoning rack.
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In response to the banner, Burnley issued an impassioned statement:
Burnley Football Club strongly condemns the actions of those responsible for the aircraft and offensive banner that flew over The Etihad Stadium on Monday evening. We wish to make it clear that those responsible are not welcome at Turf Moor. This, in no way, represents what Burnley Football Club stands for and we will work fully with the authorities to identify those responsible and issue lifetime bans. The club has a proud record of working with all genders, religions and faiths through its award-winning Community scheme, and stands against racism of any kind. We are fully behind the Premier League’s Black Lives Matter initiative and, in line with all other Premier League games undertaken since Project Restart, our players and football staff willingly took the knee at kick-off at Manchester City. We apologise unreservedly to the Premier League, to Manchester City and to all those helping to promote Black Lives Matter.
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Burnley’s captain Ben Mee admitted that he “heard some whispers” that something was going to happen and that “the club tried to stop it.”
“I’m ashamed and embarrassed that a small number of our fans have decided to put that around the stadium,” he said.
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No word yet on who’s responsible, but I’m inclined to believe that it was Muhamad Ali’s estranged son, Muhamad Ali Jr.
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But if not, “allies, ” come get your people.


theroot--2020-06-23--The 10 Best Deals From Amazon's Big Style Sale

This week Amazon kicked off its Big Style Sale , in which you can save up to 60 % on a variety of clothing and accessory lines including Champion LIFE streetwear , New Balance shoes and apparel , Levi ’ s jeans , Puma , Vineyard Vines , J .
Crew , and more .
Basically , they ’ re trying to raise awareness of their fashion department since most of you probably aren ’ t buying new fits with your Prime memberships .
With the status of Prime Day up in the air , there ’ s no telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discounts this deep again .
While I won ’ t fault you for diving in and exploring all deals and sales curated here by Amazon and their publishing partners , we ’ ve also covered the Big Style Sale extensively on Kinja Deals where it ’ s prominently featured in our deals of the day post , updated daily .
However , tempting as it is losing yourself in a boundless abyss of wallet-fattening deals recommended by our editors , I ’ ve put together a handy list of the best deals from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , complete with excerpts from The Inventory staff .
To guide you through one of the biggest sales events of the year , I ’ ve brought the whole team along to bring you up to date on anything and everything we ’ ve covered so far .
Amazon is known for its rotation of often deeply discounted items in its daily deals and lightning deals and it looks like those in its big style sale starting today will be no different .
This beautifully constructed stainless steel watch from Fossil is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 86 off its original price .
- Sheilah Villari White sneakers are the pinnacle of summer fashion and go with basically anything .
Pair them with the denim dress for a sporty and fun vibe .
These , from Superga , are 65 % off their original price and are being recommended by a few stylists .
It ’ s probably because they are such a versatile item to have in your wardrobe .
- Sheilah Villari Step into a new pair of jeans from Levi ’ s for up to 35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , am a huge Levi ’ s stan and would start with a pair of classic 501 jeans as well as the matching Trucker Jacket .
Actually , I ’ m thinking about bringing overalls back into style .
Grab these deals before they ’ re gone !
- Ignacia Fulcher Streetwear from Champion is up to 30 % off !
I ’ m talking about leggings , shorts , bike shorts , workout shirts , and more .
I personally might go ahead a cop a crop top or two because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gear up for fall weather with this colorful pullover , now marked down $ 50 .
- Ignacia Fulcher For a short time , you can save up to 30 % percent on New Balance sneakers and apparel .
So if you need some running sneakers , or even a new pair just for summer , I would pick some up before the sale ends Friday .
- Ignacia Fulcher

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

This week Amazon kicked off its Big Style Sale, in which you can save up to 60% on a variety of clothing and accessory lines including Champion LIFE streetwear, New Balance shoes and apparel, Levi’s jeans, Puma, Vineyard Vines, J. Crew, and more. Basically, they’re trying to raise awareness of their fashion department since most of you probably aren’t buying new fits with your Prime memberships. With the status of Prime Day up in the air, there’s no telling if or when we’ll see discounts this deep again.
While I won’t fault you for diving in and exploring all deals and sales curated here by Amazon and their publishing partners, we’ve also covered the Big Style Sale extensively on Kinja Deals where it’s prominently featured in our deals of the day post, updated daily. However, tempting as it is losing yourself in a boundless abyss of wallet-fattening deals recommended by our editors, I’ve put together a handy list of the best deals from Amazon’s Big Style Sale here, complete with excerpts from The Inventory staff.
To guide you through one of the biggest sales events of the year, I’ve brought the whole team along to bring you up to date on anything and everything we’ve covered so far.
#1: Fossil Chronograph quartz watch
Amazon is known for its rotation of often deeply discounted items in its daily deals and lightning deals and it looks like those in its big style sale starting today will be no different. This beautifully constructed stainless steel watch from Fossil is one of these products with a savings of $86 off its original price. - Sheilah Villari
#2: Superga platform shoes
White sneakers are the pinnacle of summer fashion and go with basically anything. Pair them with the denim dress for a sporty and fun vibe. These, from Superga, are 65% off their original price and are being recommended by a few stylists. It’s probably because they are such a versatile item to have in your wardrobe. - Sheilah Villari
#3: Aldo Block heel sandals
#4: cubcoat plush doll hoodies
#5: AMERICAN APPAREL EASY HOT SHORTS
Introduce your wardrobe to these dope shorts from American Apparel! Select styles are up to 40% off and look trendy AF, even if the brick and mortar stores aren’t exactly open for business. - Ignacia Fulcher
#6: ADIDAS DEFENDER III DUFFEL BAG
#7: Levi’s jeans, jackets, and overalls
Step into a new pair of jeans from Levi’s for up to 35% off! I, for one, am a huge Levi’s stan and would start with a pair of classic 501 jeans as well as the matching Trucker Jacket. Actually, I’m thinking about bringing overalls back into style. Grab these deals before they’re gone! - Ignacia Fulcher
#8: Champion life mixed media pullover
Streetwear from Champion is up to 30% off! I’m talking about leggings, shorts, bike shorts, workout shirts, and more. I personally might go ahead a cop a crop top or two because it’s SUMMER! Or think ahead and gear up for fall weather with this colorful pullover, now marked down $50. - Ignacia Fulcher
#9: New Balance sneakers
For a short time, you can save up to 30% percent on New Balance sneakers and apparel. So if you need some running sneakers, or even a new pair just for summer, I would pick some up before the sale ends Friday. - Ignacia Fulcher
#10: Ray-ban Wayfarer Ii sunglasses


theroot--2020-06-23--Climate Change and Air Pollution Linked to Pregnancy Risks—With Black Mothers and Their Infants Suff

Climate Change and Air Pollution Linked to Pregnancy Risks—With Black Mothers and Their Infants Suffering the Most

A wave of research and media coverage over the last several years has ensured that the public knows more about America ’ s B lack maternal health crisis than ever before .
But as a new study reveals , the systemic factors that propel such disparities in maternal and infant health may be getting worse .
The new study , published last Thursday in JAMA Network Open , part of the Journal of the American Medical Association , found that climate change is adversely affecting birthing parents and their children—with Black women being the group suffering the most severe impacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed to high temperatures or air pollution were more likely to birth premature children , reports the New York Times .
Infants were also more likely to be underweight or stillborn .
But Black birthing parents and their children were more likely to experience these harms than the population at large .
The sweeping study looked at 32 million births in the U.S. , compiling and analyzing dozens of studies published since 2007 that focused on birth outcomes and environmental factors .
Recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control found Black birthing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women .
CDC research also shows that Black women give birth prematurely at 50 percent higher rates than white parents .
According to the authors of the study , the disparities are driven by systemic problems , including worsening air pollution and climate change .
Dr. Rupa Basu , who leads the air and climate epidemiological section for the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment in California and co-authored the paper , pointed to the fact that African Americans are more likely to live close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The exposure to fumes from diesel exhaust and factories has been linked to a number of conditions , ranging from asthma to lung cancer and heart disease .
Basu also noted to Vogue that Black and Latinx neighborhoods are more likely to be “ heat islands ” —hotter than surrounding communities due to “ more blacktops , less green space.
” Black households also typically have fewer resources to push back against these environmental factors .
They may continue to find obstacles to living in neighborhoods with more green spaces , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afford air conditioning to help cool down their homes .
Then , there ’ s the issue of what happens when a serious condition arises—Black people are more likely to live in “ medical deserts ” —places where primary care physicians are difficult to find .
Once they find a physician , Black patients are also less likely to get adequate treatment than their white counterparts once they do seek help—a story that frequently comes up with regard to black maternal care in particular .
“ We already know that these pregnancy outcomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Basu told the Times .
“ It ’ s even more exacerbated by these exposures.
” Environmental justice advocates say the paper highlights the need for tighter federal regulations against air pollution .
“ This is a moment of reckoning for racial injustice and health disparities , ” Catherine Garcia Flowers , a field organizer in Houston for the advocacy group Moms Clean Air Force , told the Times .
“ Doing nothing about air pollution , which so clearly has a greater impact on Black Americans , is racism in action.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squarely on Black families , namely , on the infants who will live with the long-term consequences of their community ’ s exposure to worsening pollution .
Premature birth and low birth weight has serious longterm consequences , impacting brain development and making children more vulnerable to future diseases , says Dr. Nathaniel DeNicola , one of the paper ’ s co-authors and an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at George Washington University ’ s School of Medicine and Health Sciences .
As he told the Times , “ This really does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Anne Branigin on The Glow Up, shared by Anne Branigin to The Root

A wave of research and media coverage over the last several years has ensured that the public knows more about America’s B lack maternal health crisis than ever before. But as a new study reveals, the systemic factors that propel such disparities in maternal and infant health may be getting worse.
The new study, published last Thursday in JAMA Network Open, part of the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that climate change is adversely affecting birthing parents and their children—with Black women being the group suffering the most severe impacts.
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Overall, researchers found pregnant women exposed to high temperatures or air pollution were more likely to birth premature children, reports the New York Times. Infants were also more likely to be underweight or stillborn. But Black birthing parents and their children were more likely to experience these harms than the population at large.
The sweeping study looked at 32 million births in the U.S., compiling and analyzing dozens of studies published since 2007 that focused on birth outcomes and environmental factors.
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Recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control found Black birthing parents are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. CDC research also shows that Black women give birth prematurely at 50 percent higher rates than white parents.
According to the authors of the study, the disparities are driven by systemic problems, including worsening air pollution and climate change.
Advertisement
Dr. Rupa Basu, who leads the air and climate epidemiological section for the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment in California and co-authored the paper, pointed to the fact that African Americans are more likely to live close to power plants and closer to freeways. The exposure to fumes from diesel exhaust and factories has been linked to a number of conditions, ranging from asthma to lung cancer and heart disease. Basu also noted to Vogue that Black and Latinx neighborhoods are more likely to be “heat islands”—hotter than surrounding communities due to “more blacktops, less green space.”
Black households also typically have fewer resources to push back against these environmental factors. They may continue to find obstacles to living in neighborhoods with more green spaces, and low-income households may not be able to afford air conditioning to help cool down their homes. Then, there’s the issue of what happens when a serious condition arises—Black people are more likely to live in “medical deserts”—places where primary care physicians are difficult to find. Once they find a physician, Black patients are also less likely to get adequate treatment than their white counterparts once they do seek help—a story that frequently comes up with regard to black maternal care in particular.
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“We already know that these pregnancy outcomes are worse for black women,” Basu told the Times. “It’s even more exacerbated by these exposures.”
Environmental justice advocates say the paper highlights the need for tighter federal regulations against air pollution.
Advertisement
“This is a moment of reckoning for racial injustice and health disparities,” Catherine Garcia Flowers, a field organizer in Houston for the advocacy group Moms Clean Air Force, told the Times. “Doing nothing about air pollution, which so clearly has a greater impact on Black Americans, is racism in action.”
The cost for government inaction will fall squarely on Black families, namely, on the infants who will live with the long-term consequences of their community’s exposure to worsening pollution. Premature birth and low birth weight has serious longterm consequences, impacting brain development and making children more vulnerable to future diseases, says Dr. Nathaniel DeNicola, one of the paper’s co-authors and an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
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As he told the Times, “This really does set the stage for an entire generation.”


theroot--2020-06-23--Sen. Cory Booker Breaks Down What 'Defund the Police' Means to Him

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker ( D-N.J. ) told The Root during an Instagram live interview on Juneteenth that he agrees @ @ @ @ @ “ defund the police ” movement but is not for an all-out abolishment of law @ @ @ @ @ into what exactly defunding the police looks like from his perspective and how getting rid @ @ @ @ @ case of police officers accused of killing people would bring more accountability to policing .
@ @ @ @ @ rights , the recent SCOTUS rulings , COVID 19 relief efforts in the Senate and @ @ @ @ @ interview with The Root .
Check out the video above .

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-06-23--Five Grill Brushes That Won’t Kill You

Five Grill Brushes That Won’t Kill You

After writing about cleaning for almost a decade , there are some times in my professional year that I look especially forward to : The tales of debauchery and vomit that flow in on January 1 ; in March , we make our beds and make [ groan ] a grand old time of it ; and , most excitingly , the early part of summer when , each year , I get to tell you that your grill brush is trying to kill you !
Hmm , yes indeed , your grill brush is trying to kill you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ brushes have a lifespan .
Yup !
The thing is , the lifespan of grill brushes is a thing most people don ’ t know about because they ’ re not told that it ’ s a thing .
But !
You have me and so now you know that grill brushes have a lifespan—and that it ’ s important to check it regularly for signs of wear and tear .
And now I shall tell you why !
Over time , a grill brush ’ s bristles will become frayed or start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will end up in your food .
You will ingest it .
And I can probably leave it at that and move ahead to the part where I offer new grill brush recommendations !
While some very expensive grill brushes exist in this world , on the whole , grill brushes don ’ t tend to be overly pricey—but since you now know that they need to be replaced , cost is certainly a factor when choosing a new one .
At under $ 10 , this Weber grill brush is a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The main brush head , for cleaning the surface of the grates , is wide , and the smaller bristled sides allow you to scour the area in between the grill grates .
When I mentioned that there are expensive grill brushes out there , the Grill Daddy brushes were what I had in mind .
The thing is , they ’ re very good grill brushes—but they ’ ll cost you between $ 30 and $ 80 , and that ’ s a lot of money for a grill brush I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently sold out because I guess we ’ re having a shortage of grill brushes now ? )
This knock-off features the key , um , feature of the Grill Daddy : A water chamber that allows you to spritz the grill when it ’ s hot , creating steam that will loosen stuck-on food and char , making it super easy to scrape off the grates .
And , it ’ ll only run you about $ 10 , so replacing it when it shows signs of wear and tear will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maybe my gleeful grill brush fearmongering has instilled such terror in your heart that you don ’ t ever want to look at another grill brush in your life .
Fair enough !
But still , your grates , they need cleaning … enter , the grill scraper .
This red cedar scraper is paddle-shaped , with a beveled edge that will wear down over time and shape itself to the contours of your grill ’ s grates ; it can also be turned on its side to clean in between the grates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ size of a kitchen sponge—are basically pumice stones for your grill .
Truly , they ’ re made of the same stuff you use to scrub dead skin off your feet !
To use it , just run it over the grates and it will scour away stuck-on food and greasy residue .
A nice thing about grill scouring stones is that , unlike most other grill cleaning tools , they ’ re meant to be used on only slightly-warm or cold grills , so there ’ s less of a burn risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be used on a hot grill .
Put Some Power Into It The shortage of grill brushes has come for the grill cleaning robot , the Grillbot , which is currently sold out on Amazon , but it is in stock at Home Depot , and can be ordered direct ( with shipping delays , fair warning ) on Grillbot ’ s site .
So look , a grill cleaning robot probably isn ’ t in the cards for you in 2020 , but if the idea of using machinery to clean your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that our beloved DrillBrush makes a brush head that can be used on grills !

Jolie Kerr on The Inventory, shared by Ignacia to The Root

After writing about cleaning for almost a decade, there are some times in my professional year that I look especially forward to: The tales of debauchery and vomit that flow in on January 1; in March, we make our beds and make [groan] a grand old time of it; and, most excitingly, the early part of summer when, each year, I get to tell you that your grill brush is trying to kill you!
“Hmm, what now, Jolie?”
Hmm, yes indeed, your grill brush is trying to kill you.
Here’s the jam: Grill brushes have a lifespan. Yup! The thing is, the lifespan of grill brushes is a thing most people don’t know about because they’re not told that it’s a thing. But! You have me and so now you know that grill brushes have a lifespan—and that it’s important to check it regularly for signs of wear and tear. And now I shall tell you why! Over time, a grill brush’s bristles will become frayed or start to come loose. And then one will end up in your food. You will ingest it. And I can probably leave it at that and move ahead to the part where I offer new grill brush recommendations!
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A Top-Rated Budget Choice
Weber Grill Brush | $10 | Amazon
While some very expensive grill brushes exist in this world, on the whole, grill brushes don’t tend to be overly pricey—but since you now know that they need to be replaced, cost is certainly a factor when choosing a new one. At under $10, this Weber grill brush is a great buy. It has three bristled sides: The main brush head, for cleaning the surface of the grates, is wide, and the smaller bristled sides allow you to scour the area in between the grill grates.
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A Grill Daddy Knock Off
Advertisement
Stainless Steel Grill Brush | $10 | Amazon
When I mentioned that there are expensive grill brushes out there, the Grill Daddy brushes were what I had in mind. The thing is, they’re very good grill brushes—but they’ll cost you between $30 and $80, and that’s a lot of money for a grill brush I think! (They’re also currently sold out because I guess we’re having a shortage of grill brushes now?) This knock-off features the key, um, feature of the Grill Daddy: A water chamber that allows you to spritz the grill when it’s hot, creating steam that will loosen stuck-on food and char, making it super easy to scrape off the grates. And, it’ll only run you about $10, so replacing it when it shows signs of wear and tear will be much less painful on your wallet.
Advertisement
A Bristle-Free Option
Cedar Grill Scraper | $20 | Amazon
Maybe my gleeful grill brush fearmongering has instilled such terror in your heart that you don’t ever want to look at another grill brush in your life. Fair enough! But still, your grates, they need cleaning … enter, the grill scraper. This red cedar scraper is paddle-shaped, with a beveled edge that will wear down over time and shape itself to the contours of your grill’s grates; it can also be turned on its side to clean in between the grates.
Advertisement
Grill Stones
Advertisement
Grill Cleaning Stones | $14 | Amazon
Grill cleaning stones—which are about the size of a kitchen sponge—are basically pumice stones for your grill. Truly, they’re made of the same stuff you use to scrub dead skin off your feet! To use it, just run it over the grates and it will scour away stuck-on food and greasy residue. A nice thing about grill scouring stones is that, unlike most other grill cleaning tools, they’re meant to be used on only slightly-warm or cold grills, so there’s less of a burn risk than there is with products designed to be used on a hot grill.
Advertisement
Put Some Power Into It
Grill Brush Drill Attachment | $10 | Amazon
The shortage of grill brushes has come for the grill cleaning robot, the Grillbot, which is currently sold out on Amazon, but it is in stock at Home Depot, and can be ordered direct (with shipping delays, fair warning) on Grillbot’s site. So look, a grill cleaning robot probably isn’t in the cards for you in 2020, but if the idea of using machinery to clean your grill appeals to you, please know that our beloved DrillBrush makes a brush head that can be used on grills!


theroot--2020-06-23--If Damon Lindelof 'Doesn't See It' for Watchmen Season 2, 'It's a No’ for Regina King, Too

Yes , fans are still watching Watchmen—and not only the TV show itself but watching out for possible Season 2 news , despite the slim chances of that happening .
Regina King and Reese Witherspoon recently appeared on Variety ’ s longtime Actors on Actors interview series ( a series I ’ ve enjoyed binge-watching since before I knew that was a term ) where they talked to each other about their massive TV projects , such as Watchmen and Little Fires Everywhere .
Since we ’ re in a virtual world , the two actresses weren ’ t sitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room , they were interviewing each other via Zoom or Skype from their respective homes .
Witherspoon touched on the one question fans of the series will not stop asking about : will there be a Season 2 of Watchmen ?
Show creator Damon Lindelof already told us at the top of the year that he had no interest in a second season of the show and that he was satisfied with the story he ’ d already told .
Still , there ’ s a possibility that HBO would want another season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network his “ blessing ” to pursue a sophomore season with another writer-producer .
If that were to happen , would King be down ?
“ I don ’ t know , ” King said .
“ Honestly , I feel like I think HBO would want it back in a heartbeat , but if [ showrunner ] Damon Lindelof doesn ’ t see an entry point for Season 2 , I think that the possibilities are infinite .
But I feel that if Damon doesn ’ t see it , then it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me.
” There you have it .
No Lindelof , no King .
They ’ re a combo meal , y ’ all .
As previous collaborators ( they notably worked together in The Leftovers ) , Lindelof feels a similar kinship with King , of course .
“ Regina shows up and does awesome things and I just sit back and go holy—I just feel like the luckiest person in the world , ” Lindelof told The Root at the world premiere of Watchmen last year .
“ There is this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is like someone who really inspires you .
I think that when you know that Regina is going to be saying the words or acting in a scene , the bar is very , very high .
She raises everybody ’ s game a thousand percent .
She ’ s number one on our call sheet .
She ’ s a natural-born leader .
[ And ] she ’ s a director in her own right .
I just feel immense gratitude that we get to collaborate again.
” It may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward to a future project where Lindelof and King get to work together again .

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

Yes, fans are still watching Watchmen—and not only the TV show itself but watching out for possible Season 2 news, despite the slim chances of that happening.
Regina King and Reese Witherspoon recently appeared on Variety’s longtime Actors on Actors interview series (a series I’ve enjoyed binge-watching since before I knew that was a term) where they talked to each other about their massive TV projects, such as Watchmen and Little Fires Everywhere. Since we’re in a virtual world, the two actresses weren’t sitting across from each other in an elegant room, they were interviewing each other via Zoom or Skype from their respective homes.
Advertisement
Witherspoon touched on the one question fans of the series will not stop asking about: will there be a Season 2 of Watchmen? Show creator Damon Lindelof already told us at the top of the year that he had no interest in a second season of the show and that he was satisfied with the story he’d already told.
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Still, there’s a possibility that HBO would want another season. After all, Lindelof gave the network his “blessing” to pursue a sophomore season with another writer-producer. If that were to happen, would King be down?
“I don’t know,” King said. “Honestly, I feel like I think HBO would want it back in a heartbeat, but if [showrunner] Damon Lindelof doesn’t see an entry point for Season 2, I think that the possibilities are infinite. But I feel that if Damon doesn’t see it, then it’s going to be a no for me.”
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There you have it. No Lindelof, no King. They’re a combo meal, y’all.
As previous collaborators (they notably worked together in The Leftovers), Lindelof feels a similar kinship with King, of course.
Advertisement
“Regina shows up and does awesome things and I just sit back and go holy—I just feel like the luckiest person in the world,” Lindelof told The Root at the world premiere of Watchmen last year. “There is this idea of a muse for writers, which is like someone who really inspires you. I think that when you know that Regina is going to be saying the words or acting in a scene, the bar is very, very high. She raises everybody’s game a thousand percent. She’s number one on our call sheet. She’s a natural-born leader. [And] she’s a director in her own right. I just feel immense gratitude that we get to collaborate again.”
It may not be Watchmen, but I certainly look forward to a future project where Lindelof and King get to work together again.


theroot--2020-06-23--Big Beauty Tuesday: Loving the Skin We're In, With Urban Skin Rx

America may tentatively be reopening , but after what felt like endless weeks of quarantine , many of us are emerging with some new habits—which might include a more thorough skincare regimen .
Blame it on more time spent alone and makeup-free ( or simply more time spent scrutinizing ourselves ) , but a basic Google search of “ quarantine skincare ” shows increased interest in our skin was a Spring 2020 trend ; one we weren ’ t immune to as the days blurred into months .
With our minds set on being as healthy as possible , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention as well , especially as we suddenly had ample time to try out some of the many products gathering dust in The Glow Up ’ s beauty closet .
Granted , here at The Glow Up , there ’ s a pretty hefty stash to dig into , which is why we started with one of the contemporary forerunners in melanated skincare , Urban Skin Rx .
Founded by medical aesthetician & melanin expert Rachel Roff , the 10-year-old brand was one of the first to bring spa-level services specifically formulated for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market , and there ’ s a reason her products have been such a success : they work .
It ’ s also worth mentioning that as a white woman who specializes in darker complexions , Roff is something of an outlier in the ethnic skincare space—and one happy to share the growing platform .
“ It ’ s really a benefit for all of us , ” she told The Glow Up earlier this year , shouting out some of the black-owned brands that share shelf space with her in big box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people that are drawn to my section—whether or not if it ’ s looking for Bolden or Specific Beauty as supposed to me—it still puts more eyes on my product .
So it ’ s really a win-win for everybody.
” While The Glow Up primarily features black-owned brands , we both respect Roff ’ s ethos and the fact that her products remain unparalleled in terms of treating conditions specific to darker skin tones .
As she told us , her brand focus was born of a genuine desire to see equality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think just from a very young age I have been aware of things that aren ’ t inclusive or [ are ] prejudiced , ” Roff recalled , reflecting on her upbringing in a family of liberal attorneys .
“ When I started posing those questions in aesthetic school , about , ‘ Well , what about treating skin conditions for darker skin ?
’ it was always this message that : ‘ That skin type is very sensitive and burns very easily and so we just don ’ t really treat it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of opportunities to practice on like non-white people .
So me just initially wanting to treat the people that I loved and have full expertise , [ I ] just had to push for more education ...
It was just like , if I ’ m gon na be a skin expert , I can ’ t ignore this skin type .
That makes no sense , ” she added .
Roff would prove to be well ahead of the curve in an industry that has largely seemed to only acknowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has paid off tremendously , as Urban Skin Rx is now sold internationally and boasts a loyal following .
And as America continues to reckon with its persistent racial inequities , Roff says she hopes to do the same in the beauty space .
“ There is a huge lack of inclusion in this industry and in general , and I actually feel like it is my duty to fix that , ” Roff said .
“ I have the opportunity to take something that I love so much , which is clinical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is so unjust going on in my industry that I care so much about.
” Of course , skincare may seem the least of our equity issues at present , but in a moment when self-care has also become a necessity , we happily turned our spare time into spa time with one of the more intimidating products in Urban Skin Rx ’ s at-home offerings : dermaplaning .
If you ’ re unfamiliar with dermaplaning , it ’ s a bit like shaving—well actually , that ’ s exactly what it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fine facial hairs with a microblading tool , revealing more luminous skin underneath that is more receptive to products like chemical peels , serums and moisturizers .
The process is regularly used by aestheticians and isn ’ t without its risks—in fact , Keke Palmer made news earlier this week when her facialist razored off her baby hairs during the procedure ( h/t Allure ) —all the more reason why you might want to perfect the technique for yourself .
True confession : I ’ d been in possession of Urban Skin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treatment 2 Step System ( currently on sale for $ 44 ) for many months before I finally got up the nerve to try it for myself .
In fact , it was only while sequestered and sheltering in place that I finally embarked upon what would become a month-long skin journey with the brand ’ s dermaplaning tools and Complexion Correction Chemical Peel Pad .
As it turned out , I had nothing to lose—not even baby hairs—and everything to gain as my stressed-out skin enjoyed a gradual refresh .
Check out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process and ( makeup-free ) results !

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


theroot--2020-06-24--Here’s the Best Pride Gear You Can Buy to Support LGBTQ Organizations and Causes

I ’ ve loved Pride month since I first came out while in foster care .
There ’ s just something about the pure joy in living life out loud and celebrating yourself exactly as you are .
I didn ’ t have the money to spend on rainbow shoes or fancy eyelashes but I always dreamed of what I could buy one day .
Now as a queer adult , I try to make sure that my celebration makes an actual impact .
To me , that means spending my hard-earned money at small queer-owned businesses or with cooperations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re intending to uplift .
Here is some of the best Pride gear this year has to offer .
Not only will you get to tout your Pride , you ’ ll be supporting queer-owned small businesses or community non-profits with your purchases , too .
I don ’ t know about you , but I ’ m tired of my boring old mask .
Since masks are now part of our everyday life , it makes sense to buy one that makes you smile every time you catch your reflection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that centers the support of transgender people of color .
This community creator donates a portion of proceeds to directly support low-income transgender people of color .
The ultimate form of mutual aid , it doesn ’ t come with any operational costs , budget meetings , or rent .
Instead , every dollar is made the most of .
Teva sandals , a cult favorite , are known to be incredibly comfortable and certainly make a statement no matter where you choose to wear them .
For the last few years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collection , and this year is no different .
They ’ ll also be donating $ 20,000 to It Gets Better Project in conjunction with this collection .
The It Gets Better Project works to make the world a better place for LGBTQ youth around the globe .
The organization understands that growing up has enough of its own challenges without adding the stigma of being queer to the mix .
Their viral social media campaign “ It Gets Better ” has reached nearly every corner of the globe .
Lane Bryant is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair of jeans that actually fit me .
Since then , Lane Bryant has dressed me for more than just job interviews and dates .
Every year as long as I can remember , the company has released a Pride collection that spans everything from jewelry to sleepwear and swimsuits .
Lane Bryant offers you all the plus size clothing you need in the rainbow colors you want .
I can personally attest to the comfort and fit of this collection as they recently gifted me a shirt , and I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donating 10 % to GLSEN , for a total donation of up to $ 30,000 .
GLSEN believes that every LGBTQ student has a right to a safe supportive education , and the organization has a network of educators and local chapters supporting students and uplifting their voices to make this belief a reality .
I ’ m a sucker for makeup , and this Tarte palette makes me so happy .
Every year I try out a palette like this one to create a rainbow look for my local Pride celebration .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ look or any other colorful or creative makeup looks you might conjure up .
Plus , Sephora will donate $ 1 from each purchase to LGBT organizations .
Available year-round , Black LGBT entrepreneur Raiden created this line of affordable and handmade lip glosses .
They come in a multitude of Pride variations , including the traditional rainbow , bi pride , pansexual pride , and others .
I love that these lip glosses are intentionally vegan and cruelty-free .
Pride Lips is also not sticky , a problem that can be found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re infused with almond oil to help moisturize your lips and lightly scented for a pleasant experience .
While a portion of the proceeds won ’ t go to supporting a specific cause , the sale of these lip glosses supports a Black-owned small business , and that ’ s enough of a reason for me .
Are you looking to add a little joy to your home ?
dezARTdez prints are just what your place needs to jazz it up and put a smile on your face .
The pictured art print @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They all have highly saturated colors and are really soft since they ’ re printed on high-quality Epson matte paper .
Designed and printed by a Black queer artist , the prints are ready to frame and hang on your wall .
Glasses are such an important part of the way you present yourself to the world .
For all of you glasses wearers out there , Zenni has a lovely Pride collection this year .
Zenni makes it easy to own multiple rotating pairs because the prices are just so good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bonus : they ’ ll also be donating ALL revenue from this collection to the It Gets Better project , which focuses on helping young LGBT people worldwide , during the entire month of June .
While many collections focus on rainbows and gay pride , Social Miscreants colors a bit outside the box .
A non-binary owned shop , Social Miscreants features t-shirts that represent a variety of sexual orientations and gender identities .
T-shirts feature colors of gender identity flags and pronouns .
Support this queer-owned shop and get yourself a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4x ) and wear your pride on your chest .
Are watches your thing ?
This Pride watch from Fossil is a limited collection timepiece that ’ s both classic and allows you to share your pride subtly .
A portion of sales from this watch is being donated to the Hetrick-Martin Institute .
The Hetrick-Martin Institue works to better the lives of LGBT youth in the USA and beyond .
As the host agency of the Harvey Milk School in New York City , The Hetrick-Martin Institute is at the forefront of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and using their platform to influence policy decisions .
In transgender pride flag colors , this tie-dye jacket is the perfect lightweight option for summer and year-round .
With 100 % of revenue from this jacket going to OutRight Action International , it ’ s something you want to buy before it sells out .
I have seen Fabletics everywhere for the last six months or so and finally decided to give them a try myself .
Their workout clothing delivered on the comfort and quality I needed .
They offer leggings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sport bra options as well as other athletic wear—buying from the new Pride collection is a no brainer !
Fabletics is donating 10 % of net proceeds to the It Gets Better Project , with a minimum donation of $ 25,000 .
Have you ever been to an airport and seen the Baked by Melissa cupcakes ?
Every time I am traveling , I can ’ t help but treat myself to one ( well who am I kidding , definitely more than one ) .
Those little mini cakes are packed full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know you can have them delivered to your home ?
They will be donating 10 % from the sale of their Pride desserts to The Lesbian , Gay , Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in NYC .
Community centers are a family hub , serving every part of the community from youth to elderly .
The Lesbian , Gay , Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in NYC serves an incredible amount of people , so their donation will be put to good use .
Pride gear is not limited to June nor does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can show your support for the community or fly your own Pride flag high ( symbolically ) year-round .
From yard signs that proclaim your support or more subtly jewelry that supports a Black queer artist , you have the opportunity to use your wallet to support the LGBT community all year long .
Shop queer made soaps , candles , and even genderless evening wear .

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

I’ve loved Pride month since I first came out while in foster care. There’s just something about the pure joy in living life out loud and celebrating yourself exactly as you are. I didn’t have the money to spend on rainbow shoes or fancy eyelashes but I always dreamed of what I could buy one day.
Now as a queer adult, I try to make sure that my celebration makes an actual impact. To me, that means spending my hard-earned money at small queer-owned businesses or with cooperations that intentionally give back to the community they’re intending to uplift.
Here is some of the best Pride gear this year has to offer. Not only will you get to tout your Pride, you’ll be supporting queer-owned small businesses or community non-profits with your purchases, too.
Advertisement
I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of my boring old mask. Since masks are now part of our everyday life, it makes sense to buy one that makes you smile every time you catch your reflection. Mita Bear Designs makes this mask that centers the support of transgender people of color.
This community creator donates a portion of proceeds to directly support low-income transgender people of color. The ultimate form of mutual aid, it doesn’t come with any operational costs, budget meetings, or rent. Instead, every dollar is made the most of.
Advertisement Advertisement
Teva sandals, a cult favorite, are known to be incredibly comfortable and certainly make a statement no matter where you choose to wear them. For the last few years, Teva has come out with a Pride collection, and this year is no different. They’ll also be donating $20,000 to It Gets Better Project in conjunction with this collection.
Advertisement
The It Gets Better Project works to make the world a better place for LGBTQ youth around the globe. The organization understands that growing up has enough of its own challenges without adding the stigma of being queer to the mix. Their viral social media campaign “It Gets Better” has reached nearly every corner of the globe.
Advertisement
Lane Bryant is the first place I ever bought a pair of jeans that actually fit me. Since then, Lane Bryant has dressed me for more than just job interviews and dates. Every year as long as I can remember, the company has released a Pride collection that spans everything from jewelry to sleepwear and swimsuits. Lane Bryant offers you all the plus size clothing you need in the rainbow colors you want. I can personally attest to the comfort and fit of this collection as they recently gifted me a shirt, and I’m in love!
Lane Bryant will be donating 10% to GLSEN, for a total donation of up to $30,000. GLSEN believes that every LGBTQ student has a right to a safe supportive education, and the organization has a network of educators and local chapters supporting students and uplifting their voices to make this belief a reality.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I’m a sucker for makeup, and this Tarte palette makes me so happy. Every year I try out a palette like this one to create a rainbow look for my local Pride celebration. This compact is perfect for that rainbow look or any other colorful or creative makeup looks you might conjure up. Plus, Sephora will donate $1 from each purchase to LGBT organizations.
Advertisement
Available year-round, Black LGBT entrepreneur Raiden created this line of affordable and handmade lip glosses. They come in a multitude of Pride variations, including the traditional rainbow, bi pride, pansexual pride, and others.
I love that these lip glosses are intentionally vegan and cruelty-free. Pride Lips is also not sticky, a problem that can be found with many lip glosses. They’re infused with almond oil to help moisturize your lips and lightly scented for a pleasant experience.
Advertisement
While a portion of the proceeds won’t go to supporting a specific cause, the sale of these lip glosses supports a Black-owned small business, and that’s enough of a reason for me.
Advertisement
Are you looking to add a little joy to your home? dezARTdez prints are just what your place needs to jazz it up and put a smile on your face. The pictured art print is one of many this artist offers. They all have highly saturated colors and are really soft since they’re printed on high-quality Epson matte paper. Designed and printed by a Black queer artist, the prints are ready to frame and hang on your wall.
Advertisement
Glasses are such an important part of the way you present yourself to the world. For all of you glasses wearers out there, Zenni has a lovely Pride collection this year. Zenni makes it easy to own multiple rotating pairs because the prices are just so good! This collection has a special added bonus: they’ll also be donating ALL revenue from this collection to the It Gets Better project, which focuses on helping young LGBT people worldwide, during the entire month of June.
Advertisement
While many collections focus on rainbows and gay pride, Social Miscreants colors a bit outside the box. A non-binary owned shop, Social Miscreants features t-shirts that represent a variety of sexual orientations and gender identities. T-shirts feature colors of gender identity flags and pronouns. Support this queer-owned shop and get yourself a t-shirt (available up to a size 4x) and wear your pride on your chest.
Advertisement
Are watches your thing? This Pride watch from Fossil is a limited collection timepiece that’s both classic and allows you to share your pride subtly. A portion of sales from this watch is being donated to the Hetrick-Martin Institute. The Hetrick-Martin Institue works to better the lives of LGBT youth in the USA and beyond. As the host agency of the Harvey Milk School in New York City, The Hetrick-Martin Institute is at the forefront of both on-the-ground support for the LGBT youth and using their platform to influence policy decisions.
Advertisement
In transgender pride flag colors, this tie-dye jacket is the perfect lightweight option for summer and year-round. With 100% of revenue from this jacket going to OutRight Action International, it’s something you want to buy before it sells out.
Advertisement
I have seen Fabletics everywhere for the last six months or so and finally decided to give them a try myself. Their workout clothing delivered on the comfort and quality I needed.
They offer leggings, shorts, t-shirts, a variety of sport bra options as well as other athletic wear—buying from the new Pride collection is a no brainer!
Advertisement
Fabletics is donating 10% of net proceeds to the It Gets Better Project, with a minimum donation of $25,000.
Advertisement
Have you ever been to an airport and seen the Baked by Melissa cupcakes? Every time I am traveling, I can’t help but treat myself to one (well who am I kidding, definitely more than one). Those little mini cakes are packed full of sugar and love. Did you know you can have them delivered to your home?
They will be donating 10% from the sale of their Pride desserts to The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in NYC. Community centers are a family hub, serving every part of the community from youth to elderly. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in NYC serves an incredible amount of people, so their donation will be put to good use.
Advertisement
Pride gear is not limited to June nor does it have to be rainbow at all. You can show your support for the community or fly your own Pride flag high (symbolically) year-round. From yard signs that proclaim your support or more subtly jewelry that supports a Black queer artist, you have the opportunity to use your wallet to support the LGBT community all year long. Shop queer made soaps, candles, and even genderless evening wear.


theroot--2020-06-24--Walmart to No Longer Display Mississippi State Flag in Stores

It ’ s kind of sad when Walmart is quicker to stop doing something that ’ s blatantly messed up before the actual government .
The company has a tradition of flying the local state flag in front of its stores .
That tradition will be suspended in the state of Mississippi .
CNN reports that the retailer will stop flying the Mississippi state flag in front of its stores due to it prominently featuring the Confederate battle flag .
Nationwide , calls have only intensified for Confederate monuments to be taken down and for the Confederate flag to no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there has been a bi partisan effort by legislators to change the state flag .
“ We know the design of the Mississippi state flag is being discussed by various stakeholders .
While the issue continues to be discussed , we ’ ve made the decision to remove the Mississippi state flag from display in its current form from our stores , ” Walmart said in a statement released to CNN Business .
The company also added that this decision falls in line with the policy it implemented in 2015 to no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The company has also committed to no longer selling the Mississippi state flag in its current state .
This is not the first time the Mississippi state flag has been banned in the state .
Both the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University no longer fly the flag .
The city of Gulfport said last week that it would no longer fly the state flag due to the Confederate imagery .
This move comes following similar steps by NASCAR to ban the Confederate flag at its events .
The United States Marines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banned the flag from their bases .

It’s kind of sad when Walmart is quicker to stop doing something that’s blatantly messed up before the actual government. The company has a tradition of flying the local state flag in front of its stores. That tradition will be suspended in the state of Mississippi.
CNN reports that the retailer will stop flying the Mississippi state flag in front of its stores due to it prominently featuring the Confederate battle flag. Nationwide, calls have only intensified for Confederate monuments to be taken down and for the Confederate flag to no longer be displayed. In Mississippi, there has been a bi partisan effort by legislators to change the state flag.
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“We know the design of the Mississippi state flag is being discussed by various stakeholders. While the issue continues to be discussed, we’ve made the decision to remove the Mississippi state flag from display in its current form from our stores,” Walmart said in a statement released to CNN Business. The company also added that this decision falls in line with the policy it implemented in 2015 to no longer sell merchandise featuring the Confederate flag. The company has also committed to no longer selling the Mississippi state flag in its current state.
This is not the first time the Mississippi state flag has been banned in the state. Both the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University no longer fly the flag. The city of Gulfport said last week that it would no longer fly the state flag due to the Confederate imagery.
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This move comes following similar steps by NASCAR to ban the Confederate flag at its events. The United States Marines as well as the Navy have also banned the flag from their bases.


theroot--2020-06-24--Two White Men in a Car Yelled Slurs and Chased Down Three Black Teens Who Were Riding Bikes

Being Black in America is having to exist in a constant state of self-preservation .
No matter our age we are seen as a threat ; a thing to be terrorized .
Three Black teenagers in Connecticut learned this sad truth when two white men chased them down while yelling racial slurs at them .
NBC News reports that 27-year-old Matthew Lemelin and his 28-year-old brother Michael were arrested on Monday and face charges of risk of injury to a minor and second-degree reckless endangerment .
Matthew Lemelin also faces a charge of second-degree intimidation based on bigotry or bias @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-degree breach of peace .
On Sunday , Manchester police received a call informing them that someone in a car tried to run over a pedestrian on a bike .
One of the boys told police that they were on their way to the gas station when they were run off the road by the two men and another said he was almost hit by the car .
One of the men got out of the car and called them “ the N-word ” as he chased after them .
The boys took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceeded to call 911 .
The man stole one of the bikes that were dropped when the boys took off .
Luckily , none of the boys were injured during the incident .
After interviewing the children and witnesses the police identified the suspects , located the car at their home , and made an unsuccessful attempt at contacting them .
After more evidence had been gathered on Monday , a warrant was issued for the arrest of the two men .
“ These are children and something needs to be done because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their life .
They should not have to fear for their life and my son was in a bush fearing for his life and we need justice.
” Christina Torres told NBC Connecticut .
Torres is the mother of Nasir White , a 13-year-old who was among the boys targeted .
“ There ’ s no doubt in my mind that if they got their hands on one of these little boys , they were going to hurt them .
We got to stand together because this could have been very different ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning hearing that my child was dead.
” Torres continued .
The men are being held on $ 150,000 bond and have their first court date on Aug. 18 .
A woman named Samantha Bartone contacted NBC Connecticut and said she was Michael Lemelin ’ s fiancé .
She said that Lemelin is “ an upstanding citizen and not a racist.
” “ We support Black Lives Matter , ” Bartone told NBC Connecticut .
Given that her man felt the need to terrorize three Black children who were doing nothing but riding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to NBC Connecticut , the community has rallied behind the boys .
A rally was held on Monday night where people held signs and vocalized their anger at what occurred .
A local business gave three new bikes to the boys .
While these are nice gestures , it doesn ’ t change the fact these boys were traumatized for simply existing while Black .

Being Black in America is having to exist in a constant state of self-preservation. No matter our age we are seen as a threat; a thing to be terrorized. Three Black teenagers in Connecticut learned this sad truth when two white men chased them down while yelling racial slurs at them.
NBC News reports that 27-year-old Matthew Lemelin and his 28-year-old brother Michael were arrested on Monday and face charges of risk of injury to a minor and second-degree reckless endangerment. Matthew Lemelin also faces a charge of second-degree intimidation based on bigotry or bias and Michael Lemelin faces a charge with second-degree breach of peace.
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On Sunday, Manchester police received a call informing them that someone in a car tried to run over a pedestrian on a bike. One of the boys told police that they were on their way to the gas station when they were run off the road by the two men and another said he was almost hit by the car. One of the men got out of the car and called them “the N-word” as he chased after them. The boys took off, hid in a bush and proceeded to call 911. The man stole one of the bikes that were dropped when the boys took off. Luckily, none of the boys were injured during the incident.
After interviewing the children and witnesses the police identified the suspects, located the car at their home, and made an unsuccessful attempt at contacting them. After more evidence had been gathered on Monday, a warrant was issued for the arrest of the two men.
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“These are children and something needs to be done because they should not have to fear for their life. They should not have to fear for their life and my son was in a bush fearing for his life and we need justice.” Christina Torres told NBC Connecticut. Torres is the mother of Nasir White, a 13-year-old who was among the boys targeted. “There’s no doubt in my mind that if they got their hands on one of these little boys, they were going to hurt them. We got to stand together because this could have been very different; I could have woke up on Sunday morning hearing that my child was dead.” Torres continued.
The men are being held on $150,000 bond and have their first court date on Aug. 18. A woman named Samantha Bartone contacted NBC Connecticut and said she was Michael Lemelin’s fiancé. She said that Lemelin is “an upstanding citizen and not a racist.” “We support Black Lives Matter,” Bartone told NBC Connecticut.
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Given that her man felt the need to terrorize three Black children who were doing nothing but riding their bikes, I highly doubt that.
According to NBC Connecticut, the community has rallied behind the boys. A rally was held on Monday night where people held signs and vocalized their anger at what occurred. A local business gave three new bikes to the boys. While these are nice gestures, it doesn’t change the fact these boys were traumatized for simply existing while Black.