theroot--2020-07-28--A Black Family in Florida Received Racist Letter for Celebrating Their Twin Daughters Graduation

A family in Florida is outraged after receiving a racist letter last Thursday that targeted their two teenage daughters .
“ Don ’ t you think enough is enough ?
It ’ s time to take those hideous posters of that ugly fat Black girl down off your house , ” the unsigned letter said .
According to Buzzfeed News , the Sproul family had put up posters outside their home in Yulee , Fla. , to celebrate the high school graduation of their identical twin daughters , Xanah and Xarah .
Other families in the Timbercreek Plantation neighborhood had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the Sproul family were the only ones to receive any kind of hate mail .
I can only wonder why .
“ What a disgrace to the neighborhood .
In fact , your entire brood is a disgrace to the neighborhood , ” the letter added .
“ Consider moving to a ‘ hood ’ of your kind .
Your neighbors are watching you !
” “ I started reading the letter out loud to my wife and she thought I was joking .
And I ’ m like , ‘ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that about my daughters.
’ And so she grabbed the letter and she read it and instantly got furious and confused.
” David Sproul , the girls ’ father , told Buzzfeed News .
His wife , Toya , contacted the Nassau County Sheriff ’ s Office and filed a report .
“ We at the Nassau County Sheriff ’ s Office do not tolerate racism and hate crimes in our county .
This is out of character for Nassau County and we will continue to investigate this incident .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hope to get to the bottom of this soon , ” Undersheriff Roy Henderson said in a statement .
Xanah and Xarah weren ’ t home when the Sprouls received the letter and David Sproul was understandably nervous about how his twins were going to receive it .
“ They kind of threw [ the letter ] down and then they went about their way .
They are aware of what ’ s going on in the country [ with Black Lives Matter protests ] but after reading it they could clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know them .
That ’ s the nature of how they are because they ’ re just super sweet girls , ” David Sproul said .
Both girls graduated from Yulee High School with honors , were section leaders for the school ’ s marching band and members of the National Honor Society .
Xanah and Xarah both received scholarships to Saint Leo University to study in the school ’ s honors pre-med program this fall .
One of the girls ’ cousins posted the letter on Twitter , where it quickly went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon wish list was set up to purchase school supplies for the girls , and a parade throughout the neighborhood has been planned for later this week .
Sproul has said that while Xanah and Xarah appreciate the widespread support , they have declined to add anything to the wish list .
“ They actually hate all of this attention , but it definitely shows them that there ’ s more love than the hate that ’ s out there .
And so for that they ’ ve learned to be pretty grateful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this seems to be the start of a trend .
Earlier this month , an interracial family in Raleigh , N.C. , received a similarly racist , similarly anonymous letter , dissuading them from putting up any Black Lives Matter signs .
It appears that as the nationwide conversation on the lasting effects of systemic racism , white folks are becoming more emboldened to say how they really feel .
Sproul has said that he and the family wish to move on from the incident but he ’ s still disturbed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Your neighbors are watching you.
” “ Are we supposed to be looking over our shoulders now ?
Is something worse going to happen ?
We no longer feel really comfortable in our house anymore ... we ’ re not living in fear , but at the same time our life is different.
” Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !

A family in Florida is outraged after receiving a racist letter last Thursday that targeted their two teenage daughters.
“Don’t you think enough is enough? It’s time to take those hideous posters of that ugly fat Black girl down off your house,” the unsigned letter said. According to Buzzfeed News, the Sproul family had put up posters outside their home in Yulee, Fla., to celebrate the high school graduation of their identical twin daughters, Xanah and Xarah. Other families in the Timbercreek Plantation neighborhood had put up similar posters for their children but the Sproul family were the only ones to receive any kind of hate mail.
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I can only wonder why.
“What a disgrace to the neighborhood. In fact, your entire brood is a disgrace to the neighborhood,” the letter added. “Consider moving to a ‘hood’ of your kind. Your neighbors are watching you!”
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“I started reading the letter out loud to my wife and she thought I was joking. And I’m like, ‘There’s no way I would ever say that about my daughters.’ And so she grabbed the letter and she read it and instantly got furious and confused.” David Sproul, the girls’ father, told Buzzfeed News. His wife, Toya, contacted the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and filed a report.
“We at the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office do not tolerate racism and hate crimes in our county. This is out of character for Nassau County and we will continue to investigate this incident. We are proud of the Sproul twins’ accomplishments and hope to get to the bottom of this soon,” Undersheriff Roy Henderson said in a statement.
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Xanah and Xarah weren’t home when the Sprouls received the letter and David Sproul was understandably nervous about how his twins were going to receive it.
“They kind of threw [the letter] down and then they went about their way. They are aware of what’s going on in the country [with Black Lives Matter protests] but after reading it they could clearly see that the person doesn’t know them. That’s the nature of how they are because they’re just super sweet girls,” David Sproul said.
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Both girls graduated from Yulee High School with honors, were section leaders for the school’s marching band and members of the National Honor Society. Xanah and Xarah both received scholarships to Saint Leo University to study in the school’s honors pre-med program this fall.
One of the girls’ cousins posted the letter on Twitter, where it quickly went viral. As a result, an Amazon wish list was set up to purchase school supplies for the girls, and a parade throughout the neighborhood has been planned for later this week. Sproul has said that while Xanah and Xarah appreciate the widespread support, they have declined to add anything to the wish list. “They actually hate all of this attention, but it definitely shows them that there’s more love than the hate that’s out there. And so for that they’ve learned to be pretty grateful,” he added.
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Sadly, this seems to be the start of a trend. Earlier this month, an interracial family in Raleigh, N.C., received a similarly racist, similarly anonymous letter, dissuading them from putting up any Black Lives Matter signs. It appears that as the nationwide conversation on the lasting effects of systemic racism, white folks are becoming more emboldened to say how they really feel.
Anonymously, of course.
Sproul has said that he and the family wish to move on from the incident but he’s still disturbed by the last line of the letter: “Your neighbors are watching you.”
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“Are we supposed to be looking over our shoulders now? Is something worse going to happen? We no longer feel really comfortable in our house anymore ... we’re not living in fear, but at the same time our life is different.”
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-07-28--Get a Premium Clean at a Wallet-Friendly Price With Today's Best Dyson Deals

The best Dyson deals on vacuums and air purifiers for July 2020 are here .
Dyson vacuums aren ’ t cheap compared to the competition , but when you factor in the quality of the clean with the convenienc e of the added features ( not to mention the cool designs ) , it might be worth the investment .
Better yet , if you can jump on a great deal , then it won ’ t seem so expensive after all .
We ’ ve found killer deals on new and refurbished Dyson vacuums and fans , all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead vacuum is cordless , chargeable , and ready to deal with whatever you ’ ve spilled on multiple surfaces , from carpet to hardwood .
People love this model for its wall mounting dock and ability to shift into a handheld vacuum for small spaces .
You can snag it for $ 100 off the list price right now from Dyson .
• None Buy it now for $ 400 Got pets ?
If so , then you probably need a heavy-duty vacuum to deal with all of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and/or carpets .
Dyson ’ s V8 Animal Pro+ cordless vac is designed specifically for the purpose , digging dug-in dirt and animal hair out of carpets and rugs thanks to its powerful head motor .
This cordless wonder is $ 150 off from Dyson right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 300 Can you imagine the immense power of a Dyson vacuum in reverse… and blowing against your head ?
That ’ s the promise of the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer .
Dyson ’ s hair products aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sticker shock than with the vacuums , but right now Newegg has a refurbished version of the black model for just $ 220 .
• None Buy it now for $ 220 Dyson ’ s Pure Cool White air purifier and tower fan pulls double duty in both cleaning the air with its HEPA filter and cooling the space around you .
It ’ s billed to capture 99.97 % of allergens and is also Wi-Fi enabled , letting you view reports and control it from your smartphone .
Meanwhile , a night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid interrupting your precious slumber .
Dyson is currently taking $ 100 off the list price , direct from its own website .
• None Buy it now for $ 300 Dyson ’ s all-in-wonder machine serves as an air purifier , removing up to 99.97 % of allergens , but it ’ s also a futuristic-looking fan and heater .
One cool device , plenty of year-round functionality .
You can even control it via a smartphone app or use voice commands via an Amazon Echo .
Right now , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price direct from Dyson .
• None Buy it now for $ 450 As you can probably tell at a glance , the Dyson DC33 upright vacuum isn ’ t as new or fancy-looking as the company ’ s recent cord-free , stick-like models .
But at $ 12 0 for a refurbished model direct from Dyson at Walmart , this is almost certainly the cheapest Dyson you can get right now with any sort of official warranty ( 6 months FYI ) .
• None Buy it now for $ 12 0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ll ever see for one of Dyson ’ s signature cordless vacuums thanks to this refurbished offer at Newegg , direct from Dyson .
The Dyson V6 doesn ’ t have quite the battery life ( 20 minutes ) as the newer models , but still gives you the incredible versatility to clean up your space , plus you can remove the pipe to clean smaller spaces like your car .
• None Buy it now for $ 150 Get even more sucking power with the Dyson V6 Absolute , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provides up to 75 % additional power .
It also has whole-machine HEPA filtration for those concerned about allergens — a worthy couple of upgrades for just $ 40 more than the refurbished V6 above .
• None Buy it now for $ 190 The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is a must-have for pet owners who sometimes become concerned that their pet must be running around completely bald after shedding so much pet hair onto the carpets .
With multiple accessory options to get spots high and low , the pet vacuum also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seal of approval from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America .
Right now , it ’ s $ 200 off direct from Dyson .
• None Buy it now for $ 45 0 Need a powerful vacuum that excels at sucking but doesn ’ t , you know , suck ?
The lightweight Dyson V7 Origin ought to do the trick .
It can give you up to 30 minutes of standard vacuuming , or you can switch on the motorized head for about six minutes of super-sucking .
It charges via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always ready when you need it , and you can eject the pipe and use it as a compact handheld vacuum in a pinch .
• None Buy it now for $ 200 A larger model than most Dyson vacuums , this multi-use machine is powerful .
Promising to tackle dirt and allergens , accessories like a reach wand allow you to clean high molding and even ceiling cobwebs .
Its high-speed action and collection of bristles mean you can clean carpet , tile , or hardwood .
You can snag it for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .

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

Featured Deal: Dyson V7 Animal (Refurbished) | $170 | Walmart
The best Dyson deals on vacuums and air purifiers for July 2021 are here.
Dyson has set the standard for high-quality vacuums with excellent performance and fantastic design. They’re not cheap, however, so bringing one into your home is typically a well-considered investment.
Luckily, some of Dyson’s most popular cordless vacuums are on sale right now, along with other striking products such as fans and hair styling products. These are the best Dyson deals we’ve seen right now.
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The Dyson V8 Motorhead is effectively the base model of the V8 line, delivering more suction power than the earlier V7 lineup and up to 40 minutes of power on a full charge. It’s $100 off at Newegg right now, where the new unit is marked down to $280.
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Looking for a powerful higher-end Dyson designed specifically to suck up pesky allergens? That’s just what the Dyson Cyclone V10 Allergy is made for. The V10 models have more suction power than the lower-numbered models, and this one boasts whole-machine filtration that traps 99.99% of fine dust particles. Save $80 direct from Dyson right now.
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Save $100 off the price of Dyson’s TP02 Pure Cool Link air purifier/fan right now when you buy refurbished from Newegg. Dyson’s sleek app-connected devices suck out 99.97% of allergens and pollutants from the air in your space while providing cooling air, and sports the ultra-cool look with no spinning blades in sight. This is a serious bargain if you don’t mind a certified refurbished model, sold by Dyson itself through Newegg.
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A bigger model than most Dyson vacuums, this corded Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Total Clean is powerful indeed. It promises to tackle dirt and allergens, while accessories like a reach wand allow you to clean high molding and even ceiling cobwebs. Save $250 at Best Buy, today only.
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Did you know that Dyson makes hair-styling products? While they’re unsurprisingly a lot more expensive than your average device, you’re paying for a high-quality device that does things a bit differently—and probably better. In this case, the Dyson Airwrap both styles and dries and does so without extreme heat levels. Dyson has this refurbished model for $50 off.
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The Dyson V7 Animal has a HEPA filter than some of the other V7 models don’t have, along with additional attachments. That makes it a versatile, carpet-centric cordless stick vacuum that’s well primed to handle your space. Save $230 off the new list price when you buy a certified refurbished model from Walmart.
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Can you imagine the immense power of a Dyson vacuum in reverse… and blowing against your head? That’s the promise of the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. Dyson’s hair products aren’t cheap, with perhaps even more sticker shock than with the vacuums, but it ought to be worth the investment. This is at regular price, but Dyson is throwing in a complementary carrying case valued at $60.
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It’s no slender stick-like vacuum, but this multi-use machine is powerful. Equipped with a HEPA filter, the Dyson Ball promises to tackle dirt and allergens, while accessories like a reach wand allow you to clean high molding and even ceiling cobwebs. Save $44 at Amazon.
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If you have pets, you have filth—whether you can see it all or not. Luckily, that’s what the Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal is for. It’s built to suck animal fur out of carpets and can last up to 35 minutes with the Torque drive cleaner head (or 60 minutes without). Save $50 right now through Amazon.


theroot--2020-07-28--Jagged Edge Is Releasing a New Album Soon. Here's What I Think Each Song Is About Based on Its Title

Jagged Edge , easily one of the greatest R & B groups of all time—baby , baby baby , it ’ s actual and it ’ s factual—is releasing a new album , A Jagged Love Story , soon .
Each member of the group has posted both the album ’ s cover art and track-listing on their respective IG feeds , noting that the album has been submitted to all platforms and will formally release , presumably , in the coming days .
I don ’ t think I have to tell you that I ’ m super-excited about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m excited about all new Jagged Edge albums , because they ’ re all good .
I ’ ve written about the group here , here , here and here—the love is real .
This new album has 31 songs , which used to be an ungodly amount of records to release on one project .
Artists nowadays , however , are releasing albums to streaming platforms with 30+ songs at a pretty regular clip , largely to game the system—the more songs you have to stream the more streaming numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deluxe ” versions is another new-age game-the-system tactic .
It turns out that Master P , with his No Limit releases with bloated track-lists , was a visionary in this regard .
Back to Jagged Edge .
Much like everybody else in the world , I ’ m patiently waiting for the sonic goodness that is sure to come with this new record .
I ’ m aware that many critics of JE feel like they have one formula and repeat it , ad nauseam .
My counter to that is this : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what a formula it is .
That means I ’ ll get 31 of the same awesome song over and over .
How is this a loss ?
It ’ s not .
Well , because I like to write about things that I think about when I ’ m thinking about them , I decided to write about what I think all 31 songs are about , based on the song titles , some of which are truly interesting .
Remember , the album is titled A Jagged Love Story .
Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ album so this is all speculation .
We ’ re starting with past participles .
This album is about to be as educational as it will be good .
We ’ re already out of love .
We ’ ve done the hard work of falling out of love , you know where you have to decide if you hate your significant other ’ s face .
Nope , we ’ re already there .
I ’ m going to invoke some Blackness and assume the first ‘ bad ’ is really in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Black community we emphasize how strongly we feel about something by occasionally using the same word twice , but the first time is said with oomph ?
Like that shit was good good to mean it was really , really good .
Or like if something is real real it ’ s said to prepare you for the realness .
In this case , I ’ m assuming—given that we ’ ve fallen out of love already—that it ’ s really bad bad around here .
Also , because I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow any real storyline , the women they ’ re talking about could also be bad bad , which just means the hottest thing on two legs or whatever transportation system she ’ s using when the JE chaps are speaking of her in the moment .
Guessing this is about asking a genie for certain attributes .
Or maybe wishing for a long matrimonial life .
Either way , I ’ m pretty sure this song will include the word “ wish ” at some point .
Ray J also has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could have also worked just as well had it been called “ Genie ” but was much better being called “ One Wish ” where he asked for as many as 14 wishes ; I hope JE understands how genies work on their song .
SWV already made “ Weak ” so they ’ re taking it a step further .
They broke something , so they are going to outline how to fix it .
The “ it ” is presumably their relationship .
But it could also be a clock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even a cracked iPhone .
The possibilities are endless .
I feel like this is the song about the ever-present push and pull of asking your significant other what they want to eat for dinner .
Upgrading your phone ’ s operating system doesn ’ t always make it better immediately .
Wrote a song about it , like to hear it ; here it go .
If this doesn ’ t feature Lil Webbie we all lose .
A song about the DMX movie Exit Wounds .
Wild card .
I like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this movie .
Consent jam .
It is 2020 after all .
Cross country love jam about a trailer on the back of the car .
Since Keith Sweat already has “ Merry Go Round , ” JE , after watching ( or reading ) The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind was like , “ windmill.
” The song might also double as an alternative energy source advocacy jam .
I ’ ll bet you do , bucko .
Go back and listen to “ If You Let Me ” .
If this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classic “ I Can ’ t Help It , ” I ’ m here for it .
After you have kids , you both stall each other out trying not to do something that needs to be done ; this is the song about what that feels like when you are always the one deciding to do it .
Relatable content here .
Since “ the rain ” has been done , not being able to stand the thought is the logical next stop .
I really want to know why this song @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ v ” or even spelling it “ love ” like… “ love.
” If this song doesn ’ t answer those questions I will be unhappy while still jamming on the 1 .
This is probably one of those paradigm shift songs where the woman decides to roll out after smashing and JE is like , baby won ’ t you please stay , for a little while .
This ain ’ t for everybody .
It ’ s an exclusive .
Much like their love , which either does or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The mixed messages are really all over the place .
Also , I ’ m here for a remake of the Shai classic , the acapella version .
Look at JE getting all political .
This is for the white folks who act like racism isn ’ t a thing .
This song is asking for an old school kind of love .
Instead of communicating through social media , giving somebody your number is a big deal .
This is asking for a big deal kind of love .
This is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the social distance learning snack jam .
This has to be a gospel song , right ?
More Black , civil rights content .
Who knew JE had so much social justice in their spirits .
Response record to Boyz II Men ’ s “ 4 Seasons of Loneliness.
” More R & Beef .
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updates today !

Panama Jackson on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Panama Jackson to The Root

Jagged Edge, easily one of the greatest R&B groups of all time—baby, baby baby, it’s actual and it’s factual—is releasing a new album, A Jagged Love Story, soon. Each member of the group has posted both the album’s cover art and track-listing on their respective IG feeds, noting that the album has been submitted to all platforms and will formally release, presumably, in the coming days. I don’t think I have to tell you that I’m super-excited about this new album. I mean, I’m excited about all new Jagged Edge albums, because they’re all good. I’ve written about the group here, here, here and here—the love is real.
This new album has 31 songs, which used to be an ungodly amount of records to release on one project. Artists nowadays, however, are releasing albums to streaming platforms with 30+ songs at a pretty regular clip, largely to game the system—the more songs you have to stream the more streaming numbers you get; re-issuing albums as “deluxe” versions is another new-age game-the-system tactic. It turns out that Master P, with his No Limit releases with bloated track-lists, was a visionary in this regard.
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Back to Jagged Edge. Much like everybody else in the world, I’m patiently waiting for the sonic goodness that is sure to come with this new record. I’m aware that many critics of JE feel like they have one formula and repeat it, ad nauseam. My counter to that is this: they might have a formula, but what a formula it is. That means I’ll get 31 of the same awesome song over and over. How is this a loss? It’s not. Well, because I like to write about things that I think about when I’m thinking about them, I decided to write about what I think all 31 songs are about, based on the song titles, some of which are truly interesting. Remember, the album is titled A Jagged Love Story. Also, I haven’t heard the album so this is all speculation.
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1. “Fallen Out of Love”
We’re starting with past participles. This album is about to be as educational as it will be good. We’re already out of love. We’ve done the hard work of falling out of love, you know where you have to decide if you hate your significant other’s face. Nope, we’re already there.
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I’m going to invoke some Blackness and assume the first ‘bad’ is really in italics. Like, you know how in the Black community we emphasize how strongly we feel about something by occasionally using the same word twice, but the first time is said with oomph? Like that shit was good good to mean it was really, really good. Or like if something is real real it’s said to prepare you for the realness. In this case, I’m assuming—given that we’ve fallen out of love already—that it’s really bad bad around here. Also, because I don’t actually expect this album to follow any real storyline, the women they’re talking about could also be bad bad, which just means the hottest thing on two legs or whatever transportation system she’s using when the JE chaps are speaking of her in the moment.
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Guessing this is about asking a genie for certain attributes. Or maybe wishing for a long matrimonial life. Either way, I’m pretty sure this song will include the word “wish” at some point. Ray J also has a song where he mentions a genie, that could have also worked just as well had it been called “Genie” but was much better being called “One Wish” where he asked for as many as 14 wishes; I hope JE understands how genies work on their song.
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SWV already made “Weak” so they’re taking it a step further.
5. “How To Fix It”
They broke something, so they are going to outline how to fix it. The “it” is presumably their relationship. But it could also be a clock, a car, a heart or even a cracked iPhone. The possibilities are endless.
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I feel like this is the song about the ever-present push and pull of asking your significant other what they want to eat for dinner.
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Upgrading your phone’s operating system doesn’t always make it better immediately. Wrote a song about it, like to hear it; here it go.
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If this doesn’t feature Lil Webbie we all lose.
A song about the DMX movie Exit Wounds. Wild card. I like it. I also have feelings about this movie.
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10. “If You Let Me”
Consent jam. It is 2020 after all.
Cross country love jam about a trailer on the back of the car.
Since Keith Sweat already has “Merry Go Round,” JE, after watching (or reading) The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind was like, “windmill.” The song might also double as an alternative energy source advocacy jam.
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I’ll bet you do, bucko. Go back and listen to “If You Let Me”.
14. “Can’t Help It”
If this is a remake of the Michael Jackson classic “I Can’t Help It,” I’m here for it.
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15. “I’ll Do It”
After you have kids, you both stall each other out trying not to do something that needs to be done; this is the song about what that feels like when you are always the one deciding to do it. Relatable content here.
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16. “Can’t Stand The Thought”
Since “the rain” has been done, not being able to stand the thought is the logical next stop.
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I really want to know why this song utilizes the “h” instead of the “v” or even spelling it “love” like… “love.” If this song doesn’t answer those questions I will be unhappy while still jamming on the 1.
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18. “Stay Here Tonight”
This is probably one of those paradigm shift songs where the woman decides to roll out after smashing and JE is like, baby won’t you please stay, for a little while.
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This ain’t for everybody. It’s an exclusive. Much like their love, which either does or doesn’t exist, exclusively.
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20. “If I Ever Fall In Love”
The mixed messages are really all over the place. Also, I’m here for a remake of the Shai classic, the acapella version.
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Social justice anti-police brutality jam.
Look at JE getting all political. This is for the white folks who act like racism isn’t a thing.
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A response record to John Legend and Andre 3000’s “Green Light.” R&B Beef jams.
24. “Here Goes My Number”
This song is asking for an old school kind of love. Instead of communicating through social media, giving somebody your number is a big deal. This is asking for a big deal kind of love.
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This is the social distance learning teacher jam.
This is the social distance learning snack jam.
27. “Closest Thing to Perfect”
This has to be a gospel song, right?
28. “Along For The Ride”
Robbery jam.
29. “Joy From Pain”
More Black, civil rights content. Who knew JE had so much social justice in their spirits.
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30. “Seasons Of Us”
Response record to Boyz II Men’s “4 Seasons of Loneliness.” More R&Beef.
31. “What Can I Do”
Listen to this album.
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-07-28--‘Mind the Gap’: A 20-Year-Old Black Medical Student Is Writing a Guide Illustrating How Common Medic

‘Mind the Gap’: A 20-Year-Old Black Medical Student Is Writing a Guide Illustrating How Common Medical Symptoms Appear on Dark Skin

A Zimbabwe-born medical student living in London is filling in an important blind spot in the medical community : informing healthcare providers and patients how symptoms for a broad range of conditions appear on darker skin .
It ’ s the kind of problem that feels shockingly outdated for the 21st century , but as 20-year-old St. George student Malone Mukwende recently told t he Washington Post , the lack of teaching about darker skin tones , and how certain symptoms would present differently on nonwhite skin , was obvious by his first class at the University of London school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that certain symptoms would not present the same on my own skin , ” Mukwende told The Post , referring to conditions like rashes , bruises , and blue lips .
He quickly extrapolated that the same would be true of other people sharing similarly dark skin .
That realization led Mukwende to create a “ universal tool ” to help address the lack of training .
With the support of St. George faculty , Mukwende , who recently completed his second year in medical school , is writing a guide for medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Handbook of Clinical Signs in Black and Brown Skin .
The guide will contain images of how a wide variety of conditions—from psoriasis to COVID-19—show up on dark skin , but Mukwende also took particular care with the language used to describe the symptoms .
“ It ’ s really about the words we use , ” Margot Turner , a senior lecturer in diversity and medical education who is assisting with the project , told The Post .
“ We are looking to decolonize the curriculum and make sure the medical education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ methods of teaching were unfairly disadvantaging and ‘ othering ’ students from black and minority ethnic groups , ” said Dr. Peter Tamony , who is also working on the guide and has been responsible for making sure St. George ’ s curriculum reflects greater diversity .
“ The other issue is one of patient safety .
Are we adequately training our students to be competent health-care professionals who can detect important clinical signs in all patient groups ?
” The name of the guide is inspired by the routine reminders given on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watch their step before they enter the car .
“ ‘ Mind the gap ’ is a warning sign to alert you of a danger and if you don ’ t do anything about it , there can be fatal consequences , ” said Mukwende .
“ Similarly , if we don ’ t do anything about addressing the issue at hand , people will continue being misdiagnosed.
” Healthcare providers don ’ t just risk misdiagnosing Black patients by not noticing symptoms or describing them in insensitive ways .
Fraught and frustrating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lack of trust between Black communities and non-Black healthcare providers , resulting in a reluctance to seek care .
In the spirit of community input , the Mind The Gap team intends for the manual to be a “ live document , ” with ongoing contributions from patients , medical students and clinicians , the Post reports .
The input is crucial to the manual ’ s mission .
While other texts on how to assess medical symptoms on darker skin have been written , Mind the Gap aims to be unique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be responsive to the people who use it .
Dr. Minal Singh , the curriculum director at the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Manchester , told The Post the book identifies “ an absolute need ” in the medical community , one that centers Black and darker-skinned patients in a much-needed way .
“ It ’ s not so much just the visual pictures that are important , ” said Singh , “ it ’ s understanding the story the patient has told .
”

A Zimbabwe-born medical student living in London is filling in an important blind spot in the medical community: informing healthcare providers and patients how symptoms for a broad range of conditions appear on darker skin.
It’s the kind of problem that feels shockingly outdated for the 21st century, but as 20-year-old St. George student Malone Mukwende recently told t he Washington Post, the lack of teaching about darker skin tones, and how certain symptoms would present differently on nonwhite skin, was obvious by his first class at the University of London school.
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“It was clear to me that certain symptoms would not present the same on my own skin,” Mukwende told The Post, referring to conditions like rashes, bruises, and blue lips. He quickly extrapolated that the same would be true of other people sharing similarly dark skin.
That realization led Mukwende to create a “universal tool” to help address the lack of training. With the support of St. George faculty, Mukwende, who recently completed his second year in medical school, is writing a guide for medical professionals: Mind the Gap: A Handbook of Clinical Signs in Black and Brown Skin.
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The guide will contain images of how a wide variety of conditions—from psoriasis to COVID-19—show up on dark skin, but Mukwende also took particular care with the language used to describe the symptoms.
“It’s really about the words we use,” Margot Turner, a senior lecturer in diversity and medical education who is assisting with the project, told The Post. “We are looking to decolonize the curriculum and make sure the medical education is reflective of everyone.”
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“Our methods of teaching were unfairly disadvantaging and ‘othering’ students from black and minority ethnic groups,” said Dr. Peter Tamony, who is also working on the guide and has been responsible for making sure St. George’s curriculum reflects greater diversity. “The other issue is one of patient safety. Are we adequately training our students to be competent health-care professionals who can detect important clinical signs in all patient groups?”
The name of the guide is inspired by the routine reminders given on London subway platforms, cautioning passengers to watch their step before they enter the car.
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“‘Mind the gap’ is a warning sign to alert you of a danger and if you don’t do anything about it, there can be fatal consequences,” said Mukwende. “Similarly, if we don’t do anything about addressing the issue at hand, people will continue being misdiagnosed.”
Healthcare providers don’t just risk misdiagnosing Black patients by not noticing symptoms or describing them in insensitive ways. Fraught and frustrating interactions with medical professionals have contributed to a lack of trust between Black communities and non-Black healthcare providers, resulting in a reluctance to seek care.
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In the spirit of community input, the Mind The Gap team intends for the manual to be a “live document,” with ongoing contributions from patients, medical students and clinicians, the Post reports.
The input is crucial to the manual’s mission. While other texts on how to assess medical symptoms on darker skin have been written, Mind the Gap aims to be unique in its accessibility and its ability to be responsive to the people who use it.
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Dr. Minal Singh, the curriculum director at the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Manchester, told The Post the book identifies “an absolute need” in the medical community, one that centers Black and darker-skinned patients in a much-needed way.
“It’s not so much just the visual pictures that are important,” said Singh, “it’s understanding the story the patient has told.”


theroot--2020-07-28--Will Fenty Skin Help Our Skin Find Love in a Hopeless Place? Rihanna Tells Us All About Her Newest B

Will Fenty Skin Help Our Skin Find Love in a Hopeless Place? Rihanna Tells Us All About Her Newest Beauty Brand

“ [ M ] y skincare journey has been quite complex ... some parts of my face are oily , some are dry , fatigue from travel , plus I have super sensitive skin , and chile now being in my 30s ?
!
!
” Rihanna , you ain ’ t tweeted nothing but a word—and spoiler alert : it doesn ’ t get better in your 40s .
But the woman who once offered us a spot under her umbrella ( ella , ella , eh , eh , eh ... ) is now hoping to cover all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After announcing that Fenty Skin would be launching this Friday , July 31 , the bad girl of beauty made a special appearance on the also newly launched Fenty Skin YouTube channel to discuss the inspiration and star ingredients that went into creating products for all skin types .
“ One of the main things for me creating products for Fenty Beauty was making makeup that looked like skin because I believe that great skin makes great makeup , and so great makeup looks like great skin , ” the megastar explained .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fenty Skin was just creating that foundation—whether you want to wear makeup , light makeup , heavy makeup—whatever you prefer or are in the mood for , there ’ s always a great foundation underneath that , and that ’ s the inspiration for Fenty Skin.
” No doubt the upcoming product line will be every bit as beautiful and stylish as its founder , but Rihanna also promises that just like her , Fenty Skin will work , work , work , work , work , work .
( Please forgive us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to revisit that refrain—especially with no album announcement yet ! )
“ I wanted a product that just worked—I just wanted it to work , ” she says .
“ I wanted the best ingredients and I didn ’ t want it to cost a lot ... because I believe that that ’ s what people deserve : they deserve great product , great skin and it should not be inaccessible .
I ’ m a woman of color and I have a lot of sensitivity in a lot of areas on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with products and a lot of times I get scared and cautious .
So in developing these products , I really wanted to make sure that it felt comfortable ; [ that ] they were effective , credible for people who really know skincare but also , I wanted a product that worked .
More than anything , that was just the most important thing for me : something that worked for everyone.
” Rih was especially thoughtful when it came to protection , creating a line that is both considerate of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moisturizer , for instance , contains SPF , a component some of us melanated folk are sadly overlooking .
“ A lot of people have their own ideas about SPF and who should use it and who shouldn ’ t but SPF is for everyone , ” Rihanna declares—and we couldn ’ t agree more .
Fenty Skin also boasts that it ’ s coral reef-friendly ; not a minor concern as we should all care about the longterm impact on our shared environment .
“ It was important to me that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any harmful ingredients and it was also important to me that we didn ’ t create any excess packaging , ” Rih explained .
“ So overall , we ’ re using less packaging .
we ’ re eliminating boxes wherever we could ; we are using recyclable materials whenever we can , and we are also having refillable systems where you just buy the outside packaging once and from there you just keep refilling and you can recycle.
” You can also get a taste of where the Bajan beauty comes from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delicious ingredients like Kalahari melon ( for hydration ) , fig ( for antioxidants ) , quince ( which conditions the skin—and is worth watching Rih ’ s video , just to hear her hilariously debate its pronunciation ) , and the Barbados cherry , which Rihanna fondly calls “ the Bajan cherry.
” “ It ’ s a very healing ingredient , it ’ s a brightening ingredient but it ’ s also very high in vitamin C ; more vitamin C than even an orange , ” she explains .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to include for skincare because it ’ s something that I use—even if I go to Barbados and I get a cold , the first thing I do is have a Bajan cherry juice and you come right back to life.
” Also included are what she calls “ skincare gold standards ” niacinamide ( which reduces the look of dark spots ) and hyaluronic acid ( which plumps and retains hydration in the skin ) .
“ I know my shit !
Tuh !
” says the multihyphenate mogul .
And if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yours truly , Rih says the scents of Fenty Skin will “ never [ be ] perfumey , ” and will never contain more than one percent synthetic fragrance , which will be right on the label .
“ I want you to always feel triggered and have an emotion connected to that experience , and it ’ s tailor-made for every product ... the throughline for Fenty Skin is that the fragrance is always warm and clean ...
It ’ s warm and clean because it ’ s trustworthy ; you want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to trust that is working ... We ’ re a clean brand , we ’ re a very honest brand and we ’ re a very upfront brand and we try to give you guys the best of everything.
” Sold yet ?
This payday is already feeling a little lighter for us , proving Rihanna is definitely her own best brand ambassador .
Hopefully , she ’ s got a solution for all this “ maskne ” we ’ ve been developing .
“ Real talk , I ’ m so excited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I made it and because I would love you guys to get involved in it , but I think you deserve it , ” she says .
“ It really works ; it ’ s affordable , I made it best possible way I can—I put the best ingredients that I could , I put my love and my heart into it ... now it ’ s your turn to try it , so you don ’ t have to take my word for it ; you ’ ll get to see your @ @ @ @ @ @

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

“[M]y skincare journey has been quite complex...some parts of my face are oily, some are dry, fatigue from travel, plus I have super sensitive skin, and chile now being in my 30s?!!”
Rihanna, you ain’t tweeted nothing but a word—and spoiler alert: it doesn’t get better in your 40s. But the woman who once offered us a spot under her umbrella (ella, ella, eh, eh, eh...) is now hoping to cover all our skincare needs, as well. After announcing that Fenty Skin would be launching this Friday, July 31, the bad girl of beauty made a special appearance on the also newly launched Fenty Skin YouTube channel to discuss the inspiration and star ingredients that went into creating products for all skin types.
Advertisement
“One of the main things for me creating products for Fenty Beauty was making makeup that looked like skin because I believe that great skin makes great makeup, and so great makeup looks like great skin,” the megastar explained . “And so, the inspiration behind Fenty Skin was just creating that foundation—whether you want to wear makeup, light makeup, heavy makeup—whatever you prefer or are in the mood for, there’s always a great foundation underneath that, and that’s the inspiration for Fenty Skin.”
Advertisement Advertisement
No doubt the upcoming product line will be every bit as beautiful and stylish as its founder, but Rihanna also promises that just like her, Fenty Skin will work, work, work, work, work, work. (Please forgive us; we can’t miss an opportunity to revisit that refrain—especially with no album announcement yet!)
“I wanted a product that just worked—I just wanted it to work,” she says. “I wanted the best ingredients and I didn’t want it to cost a lot...because I believe that that’s what people deserve: they deserve great product, great skin and it should not be inaccessible. I’m a woman of color and I have a lot of sensitivity in a lot of areas on my face so I get really picky with products and a lot of times I get scared and cautious. So in developing these products, I really wanted to make sure that it felt comfortable; [that] they were effective, credible for people who really know skincare but also, I wanted a product that worked. More than anything, that was just the most important thing for me: something that worked for everyone.”
Rih was especially thoughtful when it came to protection, creating a line that is both considerate of our skin and the environment. Her daily moisturizer, for instance, contains SPF, a component some of us melanated folk are sadly overlooking.
Advertisement
“A lot of people have their own ideas about SPF and who should use it and who shouldn’t but SPF is for everyone,” Rihanna declares—and we couldn’t agree more. Fenty Skin also boasts that it’s coral reef-friendly; not a minor concern as we should all care about the longterm impact on our shared environment.
“It was important to me that we formulated products that didn’t have any harmful ingredients and it was also important to me that we didn’t create any excess packaging,” Rih explained. “So overall, we’re using less packaging. we’re eliminating boxes wherever we could; we are using recyclable materials whenever we can, and we are also having refillable systems where you just buy the outside packaging once and from there you just keep refilling and you can recycle.”
Advertisement
You can also get a taste of where the Bajan beauty comes from, as her mostly all-natural brand features delicious ingredients like Kalahari melon (for hydration), fig (for antioxidants), quince (which conditions the skin—and is worth watching Rih’s video, just to hear her hilariously debate its pronunciation), and the Barbados cherry, which Rihanna fondly calls “the Bajan cherry.”
“It’s a very healing ingredient, it’s a brightening ingredient but it’s also very high in vitamin C; more vitamin C than even an orange,” she explains. “So that was very important for me to include for skincare because it’s something that I use—even if I go to Barbados and I get a cold, the first thing I do is have a Bajan cherry juice and you come right back to life.” Also included are what she calls “skincare gold standards” niacinamide (which reduces the look of dark spots) and hyaluronic acid (which plumps and retains hydration in the skin).
Advertisement
“I know my shit! Tuh!” says the multihyphenate mogul.
And if you’re a fragrance junkie like yours truly, Rih says the scents of Fenty Skin will “never [be] perfumey,” and will never contain more than one percent synthetic fragrance, which will be right on the label.
Advertisement
“I want you to always feel triggered and have an emotion connected to that experience, and it’s tailor-made for every product...the throughline for Fenty Skin is that the fragrance is always warm and clean...It’s warm and clean because it’s trustworthy; you want to feel comfortable but you also want to trust that is working...We’re a clean brand, we’re a very honest brand and we’re a very upfront brand and we try to give you guys the best of everything.”
Sold yet? This payday is already feeling a little lighter for us, proving Rihanna is definitely her own best brand ambassador. Hopefully, she’s got a solution for all this “maskne” we’ve been developing.
Advertisement
“Real talk, I’m so excited for everybody to try it—not just because I made it and because I would love you guys to get involved in it, but I think you deserve it,” she says. “It really works; it’s affordable, I made it best possible way I can—I put the best ingredients that I could, I put my love and my heart into it...now it’s your turn to try it, so you don’t have to take my word for it; you’ll get to see your results on your own.”