theroot--2020-05-04--From Lee Everett to Lucius Fox: The Black Actor Who Has Voiced Gaming’s Most Memorable Characters

Meet Dave Fennoy , the man behind the voice of some of the most popular video game characters around .
The award-winning actor is perhaps most known for voicing The Walking Dead ’ s Lee Everett and is credited for countless other roles .
You may also recognize his voice from shows like Young Sheldon , early Hulu advertisements , or ‘ 90s cartoons like ProStars .
Despite having major success in the world of gaming , his road to the industry wasn ’ t linear .
“ I was pursuing a career in acting and voiceover then video games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this for years , ” Fennoy told The Root .
“ It was only after being a voice in , 70 , 80 , 100 video games that I realized , ‘ Oh , you know what ?
This is a special industry.
’ ” Now , Fennoy estimates that he has voiced over 400 games .
Video games have proven to be a great escape for many , especially during the coronavirus pandemic .
Video game usage increased by 75 percent during the early stages of social-isolation measures , according to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a good thing we do have the video game industry and gives people an out .
While we ’ re in this quarantine , I just want to say thank you to the people who are on the front line .
I have a stepdaughter that ’ s an emergency room doctor in New York .
She ’ s facing this every day along with the nurses , the people who clean the rooms , the people who are in the grocery stores picking up trash , the mail carriers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there where we ’ re staying safe from our homes , making sure that we ’ re getting the things we need.
” Get to know the iconic Dave Fennoy in the video above .

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-05-04--All the Fabulous and Freaky Looks From Jezebel's First-Ever Net Gala

The first Monday in May is auspicious enough in the world of fashion to require a documentary named after it ; it signals the start of Spring and a guaranteed roster of which celebrities are still deemed important enough to land an invitation to Anna Wintour ’ s Met Gala .
But the “ Superbowl of Fashion , ” as style icon-turned-memoirist André Leon Talley deemed it in the aforementioned film , has evolved immensely from its slightly more egalitarian beginnings in 1948 , when attendees could attend a charitable dinner for a $ 50 fee ( which translates to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was still a bargain in comparison to today ’ s $ 35,000 ticket price ) .
In this century , the Met Gala has become shorthand for the elite of the elite , showcasing impossibly elaborate and sometimes conceptual pieces that make not statements but the more elevated moments , to also borrow a Talley term .
Clearly , this year ’ s Gala has been “ postponed indefinitely , ” due to continued shutdown orders , but even its specter has shifted to further highlight the more troubling undercurrent it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun to revel in the staggeringly fantastic looks and eye-roll at the try-hardiest interpretations of its themes—as I have done here , with anticipation and excitement , for the past five years .
But imagining such an extravagant gala occurring now , as the country sinks into an economic circumstance adjacent to a depression , feels like a lifetime away , particularly as leadership and brands alike fall in step with “ We ’ re all in this together ” messaging .
( As Anna Wintour wrote in an editorial , “ With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , the postponement of a party is nothing .
And yet , I am sad about it , and I suspect some of you are too.
” ) Vogue has mitigated by inviting readers to recreate looks from past balls with its # MetGalaChallenge , a decent compromise that both highlights reader creativity and underscores the ivory tower in which it ’ s historically operated , but simply recreating looks brings up a criticism I ’ ve had in the past which is that the Met Gala simply is not weird enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be more fun .
I ’ m still mad Jojo Siwa wasn ’ t invited to the Met Gala themed Camp .
At Jezebel , wanting to give our own spin a try , I asked staff and friends to email photos of their own , socially distanced looks for our Net Gala ( with credit to Jezebel contributor Garrett Schl ichte for the name ) .
My only rules : Looks must adhere to the would-be theme of the 2020 Met Gala , the hilariously prescient “ About Time : Fashion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw fit ( including their scrubbiest sweatpants , considering “ time ” has been bleeding into itself for the “ duration ” of what seems like forever ) ; and they had to answer the perpetually important question , “ Who are you wearing ” ?
Let ’ s check out what these looks are doing , no ?
Here , we have a glorious melange of hats and concept .
Jezebel pop culture reporter Hazel Cills is channeling tri-state chic in Peppa Pig and a leopard pillbox ; she says , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airbrushed Peppa Pig t-shirt , made by the House of Wildwood , New Jersey Boardwalk ( $ 15,300 ) , to represent the future of fashion , streetwear , and youth culture .
This piece is custom couture designed for me in the summer of 2019 under my exact specifications , it is NOT wrinkled it is purposefully distressed .
I keep it in a temperature-controlled closet and am thrilled to debut it this Gala .
For accessories , I am wearing a vintage leopard pillbox hat ( $ 10,532 ) to represent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Both articles of clothing make use of animal imagery in distinctive ways ; the hat with imitation fur , the shirt with imitation Peppa Pig , both pieces illustrating the cyclical nature of fashion ’ s obsession with animals as well as the mass production of patterns and characters.
” Maiysha Kai , Managing Editor of The Glow-Up , is simply destroying all red carpets with superior eye shadow skills and the moment-building this type of thing needs .
Of her look , she says : “ In thinking ‘ About Time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ everything old becomes new again , ’ the sacred often becomes the mundane .
Accordingly , I chose as my Net Gala headpiece the Bamileke or ‘ Juju ’ ceremonial hat traditionally worn by Cameroonian chiefs and elders—but now frequently found on the walls of design lovers like me worldwide ; a symbol of honor appropriated as a decorative accent .
Granted , in my case , a good portion of my own genealogy traces back to Cameroon but for me , the hat , which I ’ d pair with one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ironically also evokes the timeless yet exclusionary elegance of 20th century post-war fashion—and those ladies who lunched , always in fabulous hats.
” Jezebel contributor Justice Namaste has approached the theme with a surrealist spirit and a beret with , perhaps , a nod to the French greats : Breton , Duchamp .
“ I read that article like three times , ” she says , “ and still didn ’ t really understand where the depth was supposed to be in that theme soooo I went with my first instinct ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , attendees have adorned from head to toe in the unexpected , reinventing elements of the everyday .
Esther Wang , Jezebel senior reporter , makes a subtle commentary on the interplay between leisure and labor in a fur stole and shower cap .
“ Mixed up what I ’ ve been wearing a lot at home—a blue rayon caftan I bought in Mexico City what feels like ages ago but was only last year , with a shower cap that I sometimes leave on my head all day nowadays , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YAK FUR stole ( lol ) and some earrings because why not ?
What is time ?
Can I occupy two wholly different mindsets at once ?
I tried !
Please note that I am also wearing two pimple patches because despite the pandemic my skin still wants to be a little bitch.
” Dusty Childers , tarot enthusiast and Jezebel contributor , understands that when time is a flat circle , you better carry that shit around in a handbag ; he adds that he is wearing a “ McQueen Armadillo shoe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bouvier Kennedy-Onassis , Jezebel ’ s fifth cutest pet , has made a profound statement about the everyday object in Coca-Cola couture that she conceptualized herself .
Finally , the carpet gives us commentary on the “ duration ” portion of the theme .
Frida Garza , writer and former Jezebel staffer , has a stylish take on the everyday in a color story that speaks to the warped nature of time in this epoch .
“ I went for MONOCHROME , opting for warm red/orange tones instead of my usual black because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is not a radical act to remember one day it ’ ll be summer , ” she says .
“ It ’ s just the fact of the matter , the cut and dry of it , more inevitable than you or I.
” Garza wears “ pants by a friend who gave them to me with the tags cut off ; top by my tía who knows my taste better than I do ; chongo by me.
” Jezebel Senior Editor Kelly Faircloth is serving the timeless nature of the everyday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ a shirt that makes me look like I ’ m part of a community theater production of South Pacific playing third seebee from the right , which I purchased at TJ Maxx in White Plains in a haze the day after we won our last union contract .
It will not stay buttoned and it is dyed so it looks like it has a bleach stain on the front and I understand why it was on sale and I have been wearing it for god knows how many days .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covered in glitter glue but it was smeared with guac by the toddler so I had to make other Net Gala costume arrangements.
” And Jezebel senior writer Megan Reynolds , wearing Eileen Fisher , Hanes , and the utterly enviable , rare leopard Croc , reminds us that nothing is more emblematic or enduring than one ’ s personal uniform , a style that can not be replicated , for it is the wearer , not the garments .
Joan Summers , Jezebel staff writer , reminds us of the constant nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wang diffusion .
[ This caption has been updated to reflect that Joan does not have a zillion dollars to spend on a gown . ]
“ Before the pandemic , ” she says , “ my husband and I eloped .
We planned , between our friends , to hold a small ceremony after the fact at a beach house in the town where I group up , on the coast , where we ’ d spend the weekend doing lots of acid and smoking lots of weed .
That didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in interpreting this year ’ s theme , I figured it ’ s ‘ About Time ’ I get to wear this ridiculous Vera Wang dress I happened across .
( I ’ m sure there ’ s an applicable Virginia Woolf quote here . )
” Speaking of Virginia Woolfe , she prominently figured in this year ’ s theme , and it ’ s clear which attendees look to the past to make sense of the future .
Emily Alford , Jez staff writer , is serving sponge roller decadence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ eyebrowless performance in Orlando , ” she says , “ I chose to pair an ACE bandage cravat with a Spode teacup full of gin in homage to the Louis XVI tradition of encasing oneself in a ruffled bubble and gorging until the world beyond the garden wall ceases to matter.
” Jezebel contributor Garrett Schlichte is freed from 1800s restraint in a bouffant rooted in the past but with aplomb that rejects its constraints .
“ It ’ s very if Tilda Antoinette kept running through that maze and came out way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m wearing a robe I got when I was a bridesmaid in my friend ’ s wedding , a faux fur coat I stole from my friend Rachael and platforms I found on eBay that are the greatest thing I ’ ve ever purchased—and of course my real actual hair .
It ’ s all sustainable because it was either given or stolen or found !
” And incoming CNN Managing Editor Kelly Bourdet went straight Victorian , with a little bit of edge—accessorizing impeccably , as she always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two Kellys : Bourdet ’ s elaborate hairpiece and lace bodice , Faircloth ’ s Old Navy slippers , which she purchased because of the “ late 19th-century reproduction of the decadent late-middle 1700s vibes.
” We finish with three stunning contemporary concepts .
Prachi Gupta , writer and former Jezebel staffer , calls her look “ Cyberpunk Dadi ( which is grandmother in Hindi ) .
” She says , “ I ’ m wearing my Dadiji ’ s sari and fused it with a futuristic , dystopian cyberpunk aesthetic , wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black Aerie bralette in black of the traditional petticoat and blouse .
Paired with my Doc Marten boots and a purple Bob wig .
Wearing my mom and Dadiji ’ s jewelry.
” Someone give her a katana and cast her in an action film next , thanks !
Ashley Reese , staff writer , is giving us an awesome colorway in lilac and chartreuse Simonett , Intentionally Blank , and vintage American Apparel .
“ I ’ m serving jaundice ... accidentally , ” she says , because she had to mix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lime green .
Yet thematically , it ’ s perfectly on point ; nothing says “ history ” like jaundice !
Finally , Harron Walker , Vice staffer and Jezebel contributor , has given us Oak four ways , interpreting “ time ” by showing the multiplicity of self through the lens of the iPhone self timer .
She says “ my ‘ interpretation ’ of the theme beyond wanting to look hot on the internet , is A Woman in Stasis : Overgrown bangs , a dress I can ’ t fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the lack of other people since I ’ m stuck in isolation .
Quarantina !
Tick tock , tick tock.
” A banner year in Jezebel ’ s first annual Net Gala—and we wan na see your looks too !
Leave them in the comments or hit us up on Twitter and/or Instagram and we ’ ll share our faves in a later post .

Julianne Escobedo Shepherd on Jezebel, shared by Genetta M. Adams to The Root

The first Monday in May is auspicious enough in the world of fashion to require a documentary named after it; it signals the start of Spring and a guaranteed roster of which celebrities are still deemed important enough to land an invitation to Anna Wintour’s Met Gala. But the “Superbowl of Fashion,” as style icon-turned-memoirist André Leon Talley deemed it in the aforementioned film, has evolved immensely from its slightly more egalitarian beginnings in 1948, when attendees could attend a charitable dinner for a $50 fee (which translates to around $500 by 2020 standards, and was still a bargain in comparison to today’s $35,000 ticket price). In this century, the Met Gala has become shorthand for the elite of the elite, showcasing impossibly elaborate and sometimes conceptual pieces that make not statements but the more elevated moments, to also borrow a Talley term.
Clearly, this year’s Gala has been “postponed indefinitely,” due to continued shutdown orders, but even its specter has shifted to further highlight the more troubling undercurrent it has long represented. It has been endlessly fun to revel in the staggeringly fantastic looks and eye-roll at the try-hardiest interpretations of its themes—as I have done here, with anticipation and excitement, for the past five years. But imagining such an extravagant gala occurring now, as the country sinks into an economic circumstance adjacent to a depression, feels like a lifetime away, particularly as leadership and brands alike fall in step with “We’re all in this together” messaging. (As Anna Wintour wrote in an editorial, “With all the grief and hardship in this country, the postponement of a party is nothing. And yet, I am sad about it, and I suspect some of you are too.”)
Advertisement
Vogue has mitigated by inviting readers to recreate looks from past balls with its #MetGalaChallenge, a decent compromise that both highlights reader creativity and underscores the ivory tower in which it’s historically operated, but simply recreating looks brings up a criticism I’ve had in the past which is that the Met Gala simply is not weird enough. It’s fun, but could be more fun. I’m still mad Jojo Siwa wasn’t invited to the Met Gala themed Camp.
At Jezebel, wanting to give our own spin a try, I asked staff and friends to email photos of their own, socially distanced looks for our Net Gala (with credit to Jezebel contributor Garrett Schl ichte for the name). My only rules: Looks must adhere to the would-be theme of the 2020 Met Gala, the hilariously prescient “About Time: Fashion and Duration,” however the subject saw fit (including their scrubbiest sweatpants, considering “time” has been bleeding into itself for the “duration” of what seems like forever); and they had to answer the perpetually important question, “Who are you wearing”? Let’s check out what these looks are doing, no?
Here, we have a glorious melange of hats and concept. Jezebel pop culture reporter Hazel Cills is channeling tri-state chic in Peppa Pig and a leopard pillbox; she says, “This Net Gala I am wearing an airbrushed Peppa Pig t-shirt, made by the House of Wildwood, New Jersey Boardwalk ($15,300), to represent the future of fashion, streetwear, and youth culture. This piece is custom couture designed for me in the summer of 2019 under my exact specifications, it is NOT wrinkled it is purposefully distressed. I keep it in a temperature-controlled closet and am thrilled to debut it this Gala.
Advertisement
For accessories, I am wearing a vintage leopard pillbox hat ($10,532) to represent fashion’s past and formality. Both articles of clothing make use of animal imagery in distinctive ways; the hat with imitation fur, the shirt with imitation Peppa Pig, both pieces illustrating the cyclical nature of fashion’s obsession with animals as well as the mass production of patterns and characters.”
Maiysha Kai, Managing Editor of The Glow-Up, is simply destroying all red carpets with superior eye shadow skills and the moment-building this type of thing needs. Of her look, she says: “In thinking ‘About Time,’ I was reminded that just as ‘everything old becomes new again,’ the sacred often becomes the mundane. Accordingly, I chose as my Net Gala headpiece the Bamileke or ‘Juju’ ceremonial hat traditionally worn by Cameroonian chiefs and elders—but now frequently found on the walls of design lovers like me worldwide; a symbol of honor appropriated as a decorative accent. Granted, in my case, a good portion of my own genealogy traces back to Cameroon but for me, the hat, which I’d pair with one of Valentino’s voluminous black gowns, ironically also evokes the timeless yet exclusionary elegance of 20th century post-war fashion—and those ladies who lunched, always in fabulous hats.”
Advertisement
Jezebel contributor Justice Namaste has approached the theme with a surrealist spirit and a beret with, perhaps, a nod to the French greats: Breton, Duchamp. “I read that article like three times,” she says, “and still didn’t really understand where the depth was supposed to be in that theme soooo I went with my first instinct (lol).”
In other corners, attendees have adorned from head to toe in the unexpected, reinventing elements of the everyday.
Esther Wang, Jezebel senior reporter, makes a subtle commentary on the interplay between leisure and labor in a fur stole and shower cap. “Mixed up what I’ve been wearing a lot at home—a blue rayon caftan I bought in Mexico City what feels like ages ago but was only last year, with a shower cap that I sometimes leave on my head all day nowadays,” she says. “Threw on a vintage YAK FUR stole (lol) and some earrings because why not? What is time? Can I occupy two wholly different mindsets at once? I tried! Please note that I am also wearing two pimple patches because despite the pandemic my skin still wants to be a little bitch.” Dusty Childers, tarot enthusiast and Jezebel contributor, understands that when time is a flat circle, you better carry that shit around in a handbag; he adds that he is wearing a “McQueen Armadillo shoe Xmas ornament necklace.” And Ms. Truvy Bouvier Kennedy-Onassis, Jezebel’s fifth cutest pet, has made a profound statement about the everyday object in Coca-Cola couture that she conceptualized herself.
Advertisement
Finally, the carpet gives us commentary on the “duration” portion of the theme. Frida Garza, writer and former Jezebel staffer, has a stylish take on the everyday in a color story that speaks to the warped nature of time in this epoch. “I went for MONOCHROME, opting for warm red/orange tones instead of my usual black because against all odds it is spring and it is not a radical act to remember one day it’ll be summer,” she says. “It’s just the fact of the matter, the cut and dry of it, more inevitable than you or I.” Garza wears “pants by a friend who gave them to me with the tags cut off; top by my tía who knows my taste better than I do; chongo by me.” Jezebel Senior Editor Kelly Faircloth is serving the timeless nature of the everyday artist smock or, in her estimation, “a shirt that makes me look like I’m part of a community theater production of South Pacific playing third seebee from the right, which I purchased at TJ Maxx in White Plains in a haze the day after we won our last union contract. It will not stay buttoned and it is dyed so it looks like it has a bleach stain on the front and I understand why it was on sale and I have been wearing it for god knows how many days. I would be wearing the black linen tunic covered in glitter glue but it was smeared with guac by the toddler so I had to make other Net Gala costume arrangements.” And Jezebel senior writer Megan Reynolds, wearing Eileen Fisher, Hanes, and the utterly enviable, rare leopard Croc, reminds us that nothing is more emblematic or enduring than one’s personal uniform, a style that cannot be replicated, for it is the wearer, not the garments.
Joan Summers, Jezebel staff writer, reminds us of the constant nature of the blushing bride in deep-discounted Vera Wang diffusion. [This caption has been updated to reflect that Joan does not have a zillion dollars to spend on a gown.] “Before the pandemic,” she says, “my husband and I eloped. We planned, between our friends, to hold a small ceremony after the fact at a beach house in the town where I group up, on the coast, where we’d spend the weekend doing lots of acid and smoking lots of weed. That didn’t happen, of course. So in interpreting this year’s theme, I figured it’s ‘About Time’ I get to wear this ridiculous Vera Wang dress I happened across. (I’m sure there’s an applicable Virginia Woolf quote here.)”
Advertisement
Speaking of Virginia Woolfe, she prominently figured in this year’s theme, and it’s clear which attendees look to the past to make sense of the future. Emily Alford, Jez staff writer, is serving sponge roller decadence. “Inspired by Tilda Swinton’s eyebrowless performance in Orlando,” she says, “I chose to pair an ACE bandage cravat with a Spode teacup full of gin in homage to the Louis XVI tradition of encasing oneself in a ruffled bubble and gorging until the world beyond the garden wall ceases to matter.” Jezebel contributor Garrett Schlichte is freed from 1800s restraint in a bouffant rooted in the past but with aplomb that rejects its constraints. “It’s very if Tilda Antoinette kept running through that maze and came out way, way later,” they say. “I’m wearing a robe I got when I was a bridesmaid in my friend’s wedding, a faux fur coat I stole from my friend Rachael and platforms I found on eBay that are the greatest thing I’ve ever purchased—and of course my real actual hair. It’s all sustainable because it was either given or stolen or found!” And incoming CNN Managing Editor Kelly Bourdet went straight Victorian, with a little bit of edge—accessorizing impeccably, as she always does.
Period detail shots, from two Kellys: Bourdet’s elaborate hairpiece and lace bodice, Faircloth’s Old Navy slippers, which she purchased because of the “late 19th-century reproduction of the decadent late-middle 1700s vibes.”
Advertisement
We finish with three stunning contemporary concepts. Prachi Gupta, writer and former Jezebel staffer, calls her look “Cyberpunk Dadi (which is grandmother in Hindi).” She says, “I’m wearing my Dadiji’s sari and fused it with a futuristic, dystopian cyberpunk aesthetic, wearing Spanx black vegan leather leggings and a black Aerie bralette in black of the traditional petticoat and blouse. Paired with my Doc Marten boots and a purple Bob wig. Wearing my mom and Dadiji’s jewelry.” Someone give her a katana and cast her in an action film next, thanks! Ashley Reese, staff writer, is giving us an awesome colorway in lilac and chartreuse Simonett, Intentionally Blank, and vintage American Apparel. “I’m serving jaundice... accidentally,” she says, because she had to mix and match her eyeshadow to create a lime green. Yet thematically, it’s perfectly on point; nothing says “history” like jaundice! Finally, Harron Walker, Vice staffer and Jezebel contributor, has given us Oak four ways, interpreting “time” by showing the multiplicity of self through the lens of the iPhone self timer. She says “my ‘interpretation’ of the theme beyond wanting to look hot on the internet, is A Woman in Stasis: Overgrown bangs, a dress I can’t fully zip without another person’s help, the lack of other people since I’m stuck in isolation. Quarantina! Tick tock, tick tock.”
A banner year in Jezebel’s first annual Net Gala—and we wanna see your looks too! Leave them in the comments or hit us up on Twitter and/or Instagram and we’ll share our faves in a later post.


theroot--2020-05-04--Grab Milk Makeup's Kush Triple Brow Pen For $22

If you ’ ve been itching for a way to fill in your eyebrows , why not try Milk Makeup @ @ @ @ @ Pen ?
Made with hemp cannabis seed oil and other vegan ingredients , it is @ @ @ @ @ , and build brows that are thick enough to make a statement .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ Sephora , so I would grab this in your shade before it ’ s gone @

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

Milk Makeup Kush Triple Brow Pen | $22 | Sephora
If you’ve been itching for a way to fill in your eyebrows, why not try Milk Makeup’s Kush Triple Brow Pen? Made with hemp cannabis seed oil and other vegan ingredients , it is able to fill, feather, and build brows that are thick enough to make a statement. It’s only $22 at Sephora, so I would grab this in your shade before it’s gone!


theroot--2020-05-04--Michigan Police Searching for Two Suspects Who Reportedly Killed a Security Guard for Asking a Woman

Michigan Police Searching for Two Suspects Who Reportedly Killed a Security Guard for Asking a Woman to Wear a Mask

Police in Flint , Mich. are on the lookout for two men who are accused of fatally shooting a Family Dollar security guard on Friday after he asked a woman to put on a mask before entering the store .
Michigan has an executive order requiring members of the public to wear masks in enclosed spaces like grocery stores , pharmacies and restaurants until the end of May .
In a news conference on Monday , Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said witnesses saw a woman arguing with the security guard , Calvin Munerlyn , about wearing a mask .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a nearby apartment building and returning to the store with two men , Edward Teague Jr. and Ramonyea Bishop , shortly after .
Witnesses told police that the men accused the security guard of disrespecting the woman and then shot him in the head .
All three have been charged with first-degree premeditated murder as well as violations of the executive order now in place in Michigan .
The two men are still at large , but prosecutors say they have the female suspect , Charmelle Teague , in custody .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now in mourning , NBC25News reports .
Demonte is Calvin ’ s oldest son and says his dad was always a protector , taking his job very seriously .
“ He always done security , he ’ s done security in night clubs in the worst of the worst nightclubs and nobody still ever just thought to do my baby like that , ” his wife Latryna Munerlyn said .
“ When I found out what happened to him , it really broke my heart because I know what kind of person he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said at the press conference .
He added that Munerlyn would sometimes join dance classes with elderly residents at a senior housing facility in their community .
Munerlyn ’ s family has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with his funeral expenses .

Police in Flint, Mich. are on the lookout for two men who are accused of fatally shooting a Family Dollar security guard on Friday after he asked a woman to put on a mask before entering the store.
Michigan has an executive order requiring members of the public to wear masks in enclosed spaces like grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants until the end of May.
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In a news conference on Monday, Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said witnesses saw a woman arguing with the security guard, Calvin Munerlyn, about wearing a mask. Surveillance cameras then captured the woman driving to a nearby apartment building and returning to the store with two men, Edward Teague Jr. and Ramonyea Bishop, shortly after. Witnesses told police that the men accused the security guard of disrespecting the woman and then shot him in the head.
All three have been charged with first-degree premeditated murder as well as violations of the executive order now in place in Michigan. The two men are still at large, but prosecutors say they have the female suspect, Charmelle Teague, in custody.
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The family of the deceased security guard is now in mourning, NBC25News reports.
From NBC25News:
Demonte is Calvin’s oldest son and says his dad was always a protector, taking his job very seriously. “He always done security, he’s done security in night clubs in the worst of the worst nightclubs and nobody still ever just thought to do my baby like that,” his wife Latryna Munerlyn said.
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“When I found out what happened to him, it really broke my heart because I know what kind of person he was,” Police Commissioner Bryant Noelden said at the press conference. He added that Munerlyn would sometimes join dance classes with elderly residents at a senior housing facility in their community.
Munerlyn’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with his funeral expenses.


theroot--2020-05-04--It Took 7 Months for a St. Louis County Officer to Be Charged in the Death of the 12-Year-Old Black

It Took 7 Months for a St. Louis County Officer to Be Charged in the Death of the 12-Year-Old Black Girl He Hit With His Car

On Oct. 14 , 2019 , 12-year-old Akeelah Jackson was hit by a police car as she stepped into the street on her way home in St. Louis County , Mo .
Jackson died of her injuries one month later on Nov. 12 .
Now , the officer involved is charged in her death .
KMOV4 reports that Officer Preston Marquart was charged with second-degree involuntary manslaughter for Jackson ’ s death after “ an exhaustive and detailed investigation , ” according to St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner .
Marquart was reportedly pursuing a traffic stop and , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle he was looking to pull over , struck Akeelah with his patrol SUV .
The 25-year-old officer reached speeds of 59 miles per hour on a 30-mile-per-hour street and failed to turn on his lights and siren .
A witness told KMOV4 that Akeelah looked up at the vehicle but had no time to get out of the way before she was hit .
According to the Associated Press , the St. Louis County Police Association originally found no basis to charge Marquart with Akeelah ’ s death .
They , along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are accusing Gardner of being politically motivated in her decision to bring charges against the officer .
“ Today is a sad day , ” Hogan said in a statement .
“ Our client is devastated by the tragedy that took the life of Akeelah Jackson and continues to pray for her family daily .
The SLMPD conducted an extensive investigation in this case and determined no criminal charges were warranted against my client.
” “ The Circuit Attorney , conducting her own investigation , has now charged our client .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make charging decisions based on scoring political points , despite the effect this decision will have not only on our client , but on the entire Jackson family .
We are confident that when all the facts come to light of this tragedy that took place in 30 seconds , our client will be completely exonerated of all charges.
” It ’ s funny how fast the pursuit of justice for black victims becomes a political issue—especially when a police officer is involved .
Anyone whose reckless behavior ends in someone ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the law should not be exempt from that standard .

On Oct. 14, 2019, 12-year-old Akeelah Jackson was hit by a police car as she stepped into the street on her way home in St. Louis County, Mo. Jackson died of her injuries one month later on Nov. 12. Now, the officer involved is charged in her death.
KMOV4 reports that Officer Preston Marquart was charged with second-degree involuntary manslaughter for Jackson’s death after “an exhaustive and detailed investigation,” according to St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner.
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Marquart was reportedly pursuing a traffic stop and, in an effort to get closer to the vehicle he was looking to pull over, struck Akeelah with his patrol SUV. The 25-year-old officer reached speeds of 59 miles per hour on a 30-mile-per-hour street and failed to turn on his lights and siren. A witness told KMOV4 that Akeelah looked up at the vehicle but had no time to get out of the way before she was hit.
According to the Associated Press, the St. Louis County Police Association originally found no basis to charge Marquart with Akeelah’s death. They, along with Marquart’s attorney Joseph Hogan, are accusing Gardner of being politically motivated in her decision to bring charges against the officer.
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“Today is a sad day,” Hogan said in a statement. “Our client is devastated by the tragedy that took the life of Akeelah Jackson and continues to pray for her family daily. The SLMPD conducted an extensive investigation in this case and determined no criminal charges were warranted against my client.”
“The Circuit Attorney, conducting her own investigation, has now charged our client. It is unfortunate that Ms. Gardner continues to make charging decisions based on scoring political points, despite the effect this decision will have not only on our client, but on the entire Jackson family. We are confident that when all the facts come to light of this tragedy that took place in 30 seconds, our client will be completely exonerated of all charges.”
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It’s funny how fast the pursuit of justice for black victims becomes a political issue—especially when a police officer is involved. Anyone whose reckless behavior ends in someone’s death should be held accountable. Officers of the law should not be exempt from that standard.


theroot--2020-05-04--For Lawmakers, Protecting Black and Brown People from a Recession Hinges on Passing Rent Protection

For Lawmakers, Protecting Black and Brown People from a Recession Hinges on Passing Rent Protection Legislation

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to pick apart black and brown communities at devastating rates , California Congresswoman Maxine Waters and other lawmakers are fighting fiercely to protect communities of color from one of the most devastating effects of a looming recession : losing their homes .
As Politico reports , Waters , who chairs the House Financial Service Committee , is lobbying for billions of dollars in direct rental assistance in the next economic relief package Congress passes .
Waters ’ rescue package would ban evictions and funnel $ 100 billion in rental assistance to renters living in unsubsidized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone we must include my $ 100 [ billion ] plan to protect renters from evictions , ” she tweeted last month .
“ I ’ m prepared to fight till hell freezes over to get it done !
” Waters is among a group of lawmakers who have been fiercely advocating for stronger protections for renters in upcoming rescue packages to help them weather the dual storms of the coronavirus and widespread business closures .
More than 30 million people have filed for unemployment since mid-March—nearly 20 percent of the American labor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latinx households , already vulnerable to the coronavirus itself , found themselves disproportionately hit by the massive hemorrhaging of jobs that followed , as states tried to manage the spread of the virus by closing down non-essential businesses .
This impacted the kinds of professions—retail and gig jobs—black and Latinx Americans are more likely to work in .
“ The labor market is very segregated , ” Rebecca Dixon , executive director of the nonprofit National Employment Law Project , recently told The Root .
“ Black people are often in the lowest-paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most dangerous jobs in our labor market .
And that ’ s been true across history , ” Dixon said .
“ Their labor is often undervalued and their jobs are more precarious than the jobs of their peers.
” As businesses downsized , black and Latinx workers were also less likely to be able to telework than white people .
The results of that job segregation showed up in the early unemployment numbers .
According to Politico , in March alone—before the height of the pandemic—the unemployment rate was 6.7 percent for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers .
The unemployment rate for white workers was 4.0 percent .
These rapidly increasing rates of joblessness , combined with housing insecurity and a substantial racial wealth gap , means black and brown Americans can face the kind of economic devastation similar to what they experienced during the 2007 financial crisis .
Politico , citing numbers from the online real estate database Zillow , reports that Black and Latinx households in major metropolitan areas pay a higher share of their monthly income on rent than white households do .
Black and Latinx @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their homes than white people ; according to the Census , less than half of black and Latinx people own the homes they ’ re living in ( 44 percent and 49 percent , respectively ) , compared to white households ( 74 percent ) .
This is due in part to the 2007 crisis when black and brown people were forced out of their homes at higher rates than white people were .
Those lower rates of ownership mean many black and brown families are locked out of the financial safety nets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loans so missed payments are shuffled to the end of the mortgage .
“ White residents are getting a better deal because they ’ re disproportionately homeowners , ” National Fair Housing Alliance President and CEO Lisa Rice told Politico .
The CARES Act , passed in March , offers a number of protections for homeowners , but relatively little for renters .
It banned evictions from federally subsidized apartment buildings , “ but that only applies to only one in four rental units , ” Politico noted , leaving many low to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or with drastically reduced hours in a lurch .
Moreover , evictions protections don ’ t stop rent from accruing .
And missed payments could not only result in eviction but lower credit scores that make it harder for people to find safe , affordable housing in the future , as well as build other kinds of wealth .
This has prompted several lawmakers , including Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) , Ayanna Pressley ( D-Mass . )
, and Ilhan Omar ( D-Minn. ) , to call for outright rent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
As the deadline for May rent approached , rent strikes also cropped up all over the country .
Over the weekend , Cortez and Pressley pointed to the rent strikes as evidence that stronger protections are needed , touting Rep. Omar ’ s Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act .
The bill would , the New York Times writes , “ relieve tenants of their obligation to pay rent , transfer mortgages to the federal government and allow landlords to recoup their rent costs—but only if they agree to a vast new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the inability to collect back payments.
” While Waters ’ proposal doesn ’ t cancel rent , it does tackle a key part of any major legislation : education .
From Politico : Rep. Barbara Lee ( D-Calif. ) is among those seeking an expansion of the existing legislation , calling for an immediate moratorium on evictions for all rentals , not just those subsidized by the federal government .
“ [ Communities of color ] haven ’ t recovered from the last recession in terms of the loss of one ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ we have a pandemic upon a pandemic .
”

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to pick apart black and brown communities at devastating rates, California Congresswoman Maxine Waters and other lawmakers are fighting fiercely to protect communities of color from one of the most devastating effects of a looming recession: losing their homes.
As Politico reports, Waters, who chairs the House Financial Service Committee , is lobbying for billions of dollars in direct rental assistance in the next economic relief package Congress passes. Waters’ rescue package would ban evictions and funnel $100 billion in rental assistance to renters living in unsubsidized housing.
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“I’ve warned everyone we must include my $100 [billion] plan to protect renters from evictions,” she tweeted last month. “I’m prepared to fight till hell freezes over to get it done!”
Waters is among a group of lawmakers who have been fiercely advocating for stronger protections for renters in upcoming rescue packages to help them weather the dual storms of the coronavirus and widespread business closures. More than 30 million people have filed for unemployment since mid-March—nearly 20 percent of the American labor force, CNN reports.
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Black and Latinx households, already vulnerable to the coronavirus itself, found themselves disproportionately hit by the massive hemorrhaging of jobs that followed, as states tried to manage the spread of the virus by closing down non-essential businesses. This impacted the kinds of professions—retail and gig jobs—black and Latinx Americans are more likely to work in.
“The labor market is very segregated,” Rebecca Dixon, executive director of the nonprofit National Employment Law Project, recently told The Root.
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“Black people are often in the lowest-paid jobs, the dirtiest jobs, the most dangerous jobs in our labor market. And that’s been true across history,” Dixon said. “Their labor is often undervalued and their jobs are more precarious than the jobs of their peers.”
As businesses downsized, black and Latinx workers were also less likely to be able to telework than white people.
Advertisement
The results of that job segregation showed up in the early unemployment numbers. According to Politico, in March alone—before the height of the pandemic—the unemployment rate was 6.7 percent for black workers and 6.0 percent of Latinx workers. The unemployment rate for white workers was 4.0 percent.
These rapidly increasing rates of joblessness, combined with housing insecurity and a substantial racial wealth gap, means black and brown Americans can face the kind of economic devastation similar to what they experienced during the 2007 financial crisis.
Advertisement
Politico, citing numbers from the online real estate database Zillow, reports that Black and Latinx households in major metropolitan areas pay a higher share of their monthly income on rent than white households do. Black and Latinx Americans are also less likely to own their homes than white people; according to the Census, less than half of black and Latinx people own the homes they’re living in (44 percent and 49 percent, respectively), compared to white households (74 percent). This is due in part to the 2007 crisis when black and brown people were forced out of their homes at higher rates than white people were.
Those lower rates of ownership mean many black and brown families are locked out of the financial safety nets available to homeowners, like modifying their loans so missed payments are shuffled to the end of the mortgage.
Advertisement
“White residents are getting a better deal because they’re disproportionately homeowners,” National Fair Housing Alliance President and CEO Lisa Rice told Politico.
The CARES Act, passed in March, offers a number of protections for homeowners, but relatively little for renters. It banned evictions from federally subsidized apartment buildings, “but that only applies to only one in four rental units,” Politico noted, leaving many low to middle-income tenants who find themselves without jobs or with drastically reduced hours in a lurch. Moreover, evictions protections don’t stop rent from accruing. And missed payments could not only result in eviction but lower credit scores that make it harder for people to find safe, affordable housing in the future, as well as build other kinds of wealth.
Advertisement
This has prompted several lawmakers, including Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), to call for outright rent cancellation for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. As the deadline for May rent approached, rent strikes also cropped up all over the country.
Over the weekend, Cortez and Pressley pointed to the rent strikes as evidence that stronger protections are needed, touting Rep. Omar’s Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act. The bill would, the New York Times writes, “relieve tenants of their obligation to pay rent, transfer mortgages to the federal government and allow landlords to recoup their rent costs—but only if they agree to a vast new regulatory program that includes a rent freeze and the inability to collect back payments.”
Advertisement
While Waters’ proposal doesn’t cancel rent, it does tackle a key part of any major legislation: education. From Politico:
Part of the problem with the existing eviction moratorium, according to housing advocates, is that it’s nearly impossible for most renters to figure out if the protection applies to them because they don’t know whether their landlord has a federally backed mortgage. Waters’ bill includes $10 million for HUD to “carry out a national media campaign to educate the public of increased housing rights” during the pandemic.
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Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) is among those seeking an expansion of the existing legislation, calling for an immediate moratorium on evictions for all rentals, not just those subsidized by the federal government.
“[Communities of color] haven’t recovered from the last recession in terms of the loss of one’s home,” Lee told Politico. “we have a pandemic upon a pandemic.”


theroot--2020-05-04--LL Cool J Believes If He Didn't 'Need Love,' Drake Wouldn't Have Been Able to 'Find Your Love'

Want to take another trip down memory lane while in the confines of your house during self-isolation ?
Well , you ’ re in luck , because LL Cool J ( born James Todd Smith ) reminisced about his impact on the hip-hop game .
Specifically , LL says he paved the way for some artists to openly express themselves in regard to the love they have for the ladies .
Songs like , “ I Need Love , ” “ I Can Give You More ” and “ I Want You ” were standout examples of LL ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m very grateful , very thankful and I ’ m glad that it created a genre , ” he recently told Complex .
“ I ’ m glad that now , years later , a Fabolous can go out and do his thing and still be very well-respected as a lyricist , ” he said .
“ A Jadakiss can do his love song and still be well-respected as a lyricist.
” “ I put that love [ and ] female [ based ] vibe in there that gives dudes , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lane , ” he continued .
“ People compare me to Drake all the time , but we ’ re very different artists because I have a lot of hard records and I ’ m very diverse .
But in that aspect of my career , it paved the way for guys like that ... who I ’ m happy for .
I like a lot of his music too.
” I mean , the man ’ s name alone was branded in being the conduit to what women truly want , i.e @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As The Glow Up ’ s Managing Editor Maiysha Kai pointed out , “ LL licked his lips so Drake could fly.
” Or maybe so he could cry ... in “ Marvin ’ s Room.
” Either way !
If I had to cite my first big crush in the music industry , it would likely be LL Cool J. I was completely all for that lip-licking lyricist .
In fact , one of the most devastating moments of my life was when LL took off his hat .
But , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit of discussion on Black Twitter .
LL was certainly roasted when he initially deviated from the expected hard exterior in hip-hop , as it was deemed too “ soft ” to openly express your love for women that wasn ’ t wrapped in sexual exploitation and dehumanization .
Shout-out to misogyny and patriarchy !
To watch the complete interview , which is part of Complex ’ s Last Prisoner Project fundraiser , hit the play button below : LL Cool J On Drake Comparisons , Meeting 50 Cent Before Fame , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Complex News ( YouTube )

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

Want to take another trip down memory lane while in the confines of your house during self-isolation? Well, you’re in luck, because LL Cool J (born James Todd Smith) reminisced about his impact on the hip-hop game.
Specifically, LL says he paved the way for some artists to openly express themselves in regard to the love they have for the ladies. Songs like, “I Need Love,” “I Can Give You More” and “I Want You” were standout examples of LL’s “softer” side.
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“I’m very grateful, very thankful and I’m glad that it created a genre,” he recently told Complex. “I’m glad that now, years later, a Fabolous can go out and do his thing and still be very well-respected as a lyricist,” he said. “A Jadakiss can do his love song and still be well-respected as a lyricist.”
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“I put that love [and] female [based] vibe in there that gives dudes, like, you know, these guys a lane,” he continued. “People compare me to Drake all the time, but we’re very different artists because I have a lot of hard records and I’m very diverse. But in that aspect of my career, it paved the way for guys like that...who I’m happy for. I like a lot of his music too.”
I mean, the man’s name alone was branded in being the conduit to what women truly want, i.e. “Ladies Love Cool James.” As The Glow Up’s Managing Editor Maiysha Kai pointed out, “LL licked his lips so Drake could fly.” Or maybe so he could cry...in “Marvin’s Room.” Either way!
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If I had to cite my first big crush in the music industry, it would likely be LL Cool J. I was completely all for that lip-licking lyricist. In fact, one of the most devastating moments of my life was when LL took off his hat.
But, I digress. Naturally, the quote caused a bit of discussion on Black Twitter.
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LL was certainly roasted when he initially deviated from the expected hard exterior in hip-hop, as it was deemed too “soft” to openly express your love for women that wasn’t wrapped in sexual exploitation and dehumanization. Shout-out to misogyny and patriarchy!
To watch the complete interview, which is part of Complex’s Last Prisoner Project fundraiser, hit the play button below:


theroot--2020-05-04--20% off Two or More Items From Homesick Candles, No Travel Required to Your Favorite Cities

20 % Two or More Items & Free Shipping | Homesick Candles Homesick Candles conjures nostalgia for places we ’ ve grown up with , tr aveled to , lived in , and were born in .
Through each meticulously crafted candle , they believe sensory memory brings you right back to all those spots .
Until the end of the week get 20 % off two or more items and free shipping .
I had a trip planned to Boston the week after my state ’ s ( New Jersey ) quarantine restrictions went into place .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer for baseball but I ’ ll just have to pick up their candle for the ‘ city on a hill ’ until I can do that .
But it ’ s not just our home states and hometowns they ’ ve mastered the scents of it ’ s our favorite memories too .
How many of you are missing road trips , backyard barbeques , or even beach vacations ?
Homesick C andles have got you covered until we can do all those things again .
This sale runs until May 10th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ code needed .
This story has updated by Sheilah Villari with new information on 5/4/2020 .

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

20% Two or More Items & Free Shipping | Homesick Candles
Homesick Candles conjures nostalgia for places we’ve grown up with, tr aveled to, lived in, and were born in. Through each meticulously crafted candle, they believe sensory memory brings you right back to all those spots. Until the end of the week get 20% off two or more items and free shipping.
I had a trip planned to Boston the week after my state’s (New Jersey) quarantine restrictions went into place. I’m still hoping to get there this summer for baseball but I’ll just have to pick up their candle for the ‘city on a hill’ until I can do that.
But it’s not just our home states and hometowns they’ve mastered the scents of it’s our favorite memories too. How many of you are missing road trips, backyard barbeques, or even beach vacations? Homesick C andles have got you covered until we can do all those things again.
This sale runs until May 10th and includes items already discounted. No code needed.
This story has updated by Sheilah Villari with new information on 5/4/2020.


theroot--2020-05-04--When Instagram Models Attack: DJ Khaled Shuts Down Twerker Gone Wild In Viral Video

Nobody wants to sleep on the couch .
It ’ s cold , uncomfortable as hell and sleeping alone isn ’ t exactly conducive to cuddling with your wife .
So in his efforts to protect the sanctity of his marriage and actually sleep in his bed with his lovely spouse , Nicole Tuck , every night , DJ Khaled made a business decision : he begged and pleaded for a rogue twerker to stop the madness during his Instagram Live on Sunday and keep her bouncing booty meat to herself .
Let me paint the picture .
DJ Khaled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a simple man .
He ’ s home by 8 p.m. , rakes his neighbor ’ s leaves and wouldn ’ t be caught dead using a plastic straw because Mother Nature is his friend , dammit .
He ’ s a loving father and devoted husband who built his $ 65 million empire from hard work and dedication , and would never , ever do anything to embarrass his wife , endanger his child or jeopardize his marriage .
So imagine his horror when he hopped on Instagram Live to connect with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temptress began to pour water on herself while shaking what her momma gave her .
Do you see the fear in that man ’ s eyes ?
“ Oh shit , ” he blurted out in horror .
“ No , no !
Don ’ t do that !
” And you know what she did ?
She laughed .
And proceeded to pop that ass .
Aaaaaand continued pouring water on it .
“ I got love and everything , but I got a family and— ” he replied , while looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife load a firearm .
Thankfully , the 44-year-old hitmaker shut down the Instagram Live session with his life intact , but The Root has yet to receive confirmation on whether or not Nicole put his ass on the couch afterward .
If so , he ’ s clearly a victim of his own success who not only deserves swift justice , but whose character has unfairly been called into question due to unruly butt cheeks that he had nothing to do with .
That didn ’ t stop Twitter from getting its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a case of mistaken identity and the woman in question thought she had hopped on IG Live with Tory Lanez , because the father of Asahd would never .
Please keep Khaled ’ s marriage in your thoughts and prayers .

Jay Connor on The Grapevine, shared by Jay Connor to The Root

Nobody wants to sleep on the couch.
It’s cold, uncomfortable as hell and sleeping alone isn’t exactly conducive to cuddling with your wife. So in his efforts to protect the sanctity of his marriage and actually sleep in his bed with his lovely spouse, Nicole Tuck, every night, DJ Khaled made a business decision: he begged and pleaded for a rogue twerker to stop the madness during his Instagram Live on Sunday and keep her bouncing booty meat to herself.
Let me paint the picture.
DJ Khaled, born Khaled Mohamed Khaled, is a simple man. He’s home by 8 p.m., rakes his neighbor’s leaves and wouldn’t be caught dead using a plastic straw because Mother Nature is his friend, dammit. He’s a loving father and devoted husband who built his $65 million empire from hard work and dedication, and would never, ever do anything to embarrass his wife, endanger his child or jeopardize his marriage.
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So imagine his horror when he hopped on Instagram Live to connect with his fans and some insidious, half-naked temptress began to pour water on herself while shaking what her momma gave her.
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Do you see the fear in that man’s eyes?
“Oh shit,” he blurted out in horror. “No, no! Don’t do that!”
And you know what she did? She laughed. And proceeded to pop that ass. Aaaaaand continued pouring water on it.
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“I got love and everything, but I got a family and—” he replied, while looking over his shoulder after possibly hearing his wife load a firearm.
Thankfully, the 44-year-old hitmaker shut down the Instagram Live session with his life intact, but The Root has yet to receive confirmation on whether or not Nicole put his ass on the couch afterward. If so, he’s clearly a victim of his own success who not only deserves swift justice, but whose character has unfairly been called into question due to unruly butt cheeks that he had nothing to do with.
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He’s a simple man, dammit.
That didn’t stop Twitter from getting its jokes off though.
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Clearly this is a case of mistaken identity and the woman in question thought she had hopped on IG Live with Tory Lanez, because the father of Asahd would never.
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Please keep Khaled’s marriage in your thoughts and prayers.


theroot--2020-05-04--Drake's Dark Lane Demo Tapes, Reviewed (in 200 Words)

The solidly listenable and immediately forgettable Dark Lane Demo Tapes is quintessential Drake—vacillating , as he ’ s wont to do , from haughty trap elevator angst to nostalgia for shit that just happened 17 minutes ago .
It ’ s the music you listen to when driving to and eating at The Cheesecake Factory , alone , while deciding when you should reply to been-read texts .
Drake ’ s brand is discardable ubiquity , and Dark Lane Demo Tapes , like Scorpion and Views and More Life preceding it , will be everywhere for the next four to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter bios—and then it will be nowhere , like it never existed .
You ’ d have to return to If You ’ re Reading This It ’ s Too Late for the last Drake album that people voluntarily return to .
This is accomplished by creating music that ’ s aggressively risk-averse , but lathering it with a veneer of soulfulness while performing rumination , a process akin to ripping out hardwood floors to replace them with laminate .
It ’ s snorkeling in a kiddie pool .
He is who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hookah smoke—and wanting him to attempt to make an album that matters instead of IG story soundtracks is like wanting the sun to be chocolate .

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

The solidly listenable and immediately forgettable Dark Lane Demo Tapes is quintessential Drake—vacillating, as he’s wont to do, from haughty trap elevator angst to nostalgia for shit that just happened 17 minutes ago. It’s the music you listen to when driving to and eating at The Cheesecake Factory, alone, while deciding when you should reply to been-read texts.
Drake’s brand is discardable ubiquity, and Dark Lane Demo Tapes, like Scorpion and Views and More Life preceding it, will be everywhere for the next four to six months—in playlists, at parties, on Twitter bios—and then it will be nowhere, like it never existed. You’d have to return to If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late for the last Drake album that people voluntarily return to.
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This is accomplished by creating music that’s aggressively risk-averse, but lathering it with a veneer of soulfulness while performing rumination, a process akin to ripping out hardwood floors to replace them with laminate. It’s snorkeling in a kiddie pool. He is who he is—an unfathomably prolific and lucrative puff of hookah smoke—and wanting him to attempt to make an album that matters instead of IG story soundtracks is like wanting the sun to be chocolate.


theroot--2020-05-04--Shopper Wears KKK Hood as Face Covering in California Grocery Store

If we have learned anything since the beginning of the coronavirus health crisis , it ’ s that a global pandemic isn ’ t enough for white supremacists to take a break .
In Santee , Calif. , one grocery store shopper wore a Ku Klux Klan hood as a face covering to demonstrate safe social distancing practices while letting everyone know that he ’ s still racist AF .
NBC San Diego reports that photos taken of the man wearing a white hood at a Vons grocery store made the rounds on social media over the weekend .
Melissa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Albertsons and Pavilions stores in Southern California , said workers at the grocery chain repeatedly asked him to remove the hood but were ignored .
“ Unfortunately , an alarming and isolated incident occurred at our Vons store in Santee , where a customer chose an inflammatory method of wearing a face covering , ” Hill said in a statement .
“ This was a disturbing incident for our associates and customers , and we are reviewing with our team how to best handle such inappropriate situations in the future.
” Hill isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unidentified man ’ s actions .
Santee Mayor John Minto denounced him while praising citizens and Vons employees for their efforts to address the situation .
“ The citizens and Vons employees took steps to address the situation , ” Minto said in a joint statement with the city council , NBC notes .
“ Many thanks to all who stepped forward to curtail this sad reminder of intolerance .
Santee , its leaders , and I will not tolerate such behavior .
Santee and its citizens are great , and this particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us as a people and a wonderful city.
” Some witnesses to the incident pointed out that—despite the mayor ’ s claim that racists “ are not representative ” of Santee—the city has a history of racist behavior by skinhead groups and other white nationalists , which has earned Santee nicknames such as “ Klantee ” and “ Stantucky , ” according to the San Diego Tribune .
Anti-Defamation League San Diego Regional Director Tammy Gillies also joined people in condemning the man in the KKK hood .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these challenging times , we see people emboldened to express hate , ” Gillies said .
“ History teaches us that during times of crisis people are looking for a scapegoat.
” According to the Tribune , the incident occurred a day after a mandate took effect requiring San Diego County residents to wear face coverings in public places .

If we have learned anything since the beginning of the coronavirus health crisis, it’s that a global pandemic isn’t enough for white supremacists to take a break. In Santee, Calif., one grocery store shopper wore a Ku Klux Klan hood as a face covering to demonstrate safe social distancing practices while letting everyone know that he’s still racist AF.
NBC San Diego reports that photos taken of the man wearing a white hood at a Vons grocery store made the rounds on social media over the weekend. Melissa Hill, a spokesperson for Vons, Albertsons and Pavilions stores in Southern California, said workers at the grocery chain repeatedly asked him to remove the hood but were ignored.
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“Unfortunately, an alarming and isolated incident occurred at our Vons store in Santee, where a customer chose an inflammatory method of wearing a face covering,” Hill said in a statement. “This was a disturbing incident for our associates and customers, and we are reviewing with our team how to best handle such inappropriate situations in the future.”
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Hill isn’t the only one condemning the unidentified man’s actions. Santee Mayor John Minto denounced him while praising citizens and Vons employees for their efforts to address the situation.
“The citizens and Vons employees took steps to address the situation,” Minto said in a joint statement with the city council, NBC notes. “Many thanks to all who stepped forward to curtail this sad reminder of intolerance. Santee, its leaders, and I will not tolerate such behavior. Santee and its citizens are great, and this particular individual’s actions are not representative of us as a people and a wonderful city.”
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Some witnesses to the incident pointed out that—despite the mayor’s claim that racists “are not representative” of Santee—the city has a history of racist behavior by skinhead groups and other white nationalists, which has earned Santee nicknames such as “Klantee” and “Stantucky,” according to the San Diego Tribune.
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Anti-Defamation League San Diego Regional Director Tammy Gillies also joined people in condemning the man in the KKK hood.
“It’s shocking yet not surprising that even during these challenging times, we see people emboldened to express hate,” Gillies said. “History teaches us that during times of crisis people are looking for a scapegoat.”
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According to the Tribune, the incident occurred a day after a mandate took effect requiring San Diego County residents to wear face coverings in public places.


theroot--2020-05-04--Trump Claims He’s Been Treated Worse Than President Who Was Assassinated

Trump brings out the “ ass ” in “ assassinated.
” Sitting outside the Lincoln Memorial—which , for those who ’ ve never seen it , is a big-ass statue of Lincoln sitting in a chair looking out with a facial expression that says , “ You better not lie on my good name ” —Trump claimed that he ’ s been treated worse than the president who was snuffed out while watching Stand by Me .
On Sunday , Fox News hosted a virtual town hall , which is like a day party for Klans-members in which everyone shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump literally fixed his anus-shaped mouth to claim that he is being treated “ worse ” than President Abraham Lincoln , who was assassinated in 1865 while trying to watch Goonies .
According to the Daily Beast , a caller , who surely believes that he should be allowed to walk into his area Loaf ‘ N Jug mask-free , asked Trump about his unrelenting attack on reporters .
The president of people who believe that Joe Exotic is a mood noted , “ I am greeted by a hostile press , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever seen…They always said nobody got treated worse than Lincoln .
I believe I am treated worse .
You see those press conferences [ about the coronavirus response ] , they come at me with questions that are disgraceful .
Their manner of presentation and their words .
I feel if I was kind to them , I would be walked off the stage.
” Trump added : “ They come at you with the most horrible , horrendous , biased questions.
” By “ horrible , horrendous , biased questions , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask him about the lies he ’ s told or the decisions he ’ s made since taking office that have led to America becoming the laughingstock of the world .
Apparently , Trump forgot that Lincoln was shot at Ford ’ s Theatre in Washington , D.C. while trying to watch Set It Off .
But this is the thing that Trump does , he likens himself to great leaders and then positions himself as having to overcome even greater odds—because being assassinated in Trump ’ s mind is akin to answering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have told .
In Trump ’ s world , being Trump is the toughest job that Trump has ever had .
It ’ s also the only job Trump has ever had .

Trump brings out the “ass” in “assassinated.”
Sitting outside the Lincoln Memorial—which, for those who’ve never seen it, is a big-ass statue of Lincoln sitting in a chair looking out with a facial expression that says, “You better not lie on my good name”—Trump claimed that he’s been treated worse than the president who was snuffed out while watching Stand by Me.
On Sunday, Fox News hosted a virtual town hall, which is like a day party for Klans-members in which everyone shows up wearing all white hoods. There, Trump literally fixed his anus-shaped mouth to claim that he is being treated “worse” than President Abraham Lincoln, who was assassinated in 1865 while trying to watch Goonies.
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According to the Daily Beast, a caller, who surely believes that he should be allowed to walk into his area Loaf ‘N Jug mask-free, asked Trump about his unrelenting attack on reporters. The president of people who believe that Joe Exotic is a mood noted, “I am greeted by a hostile press, the likes of which no president has ever seen…They always said nobody got treated worse than Lincoln. I believe I am treated worse. You see those press conferences [about the coronavirus response], they come at me with questions that are disgraceful. Their manner of presentation and their words. I feel if I was kind to them, I would be walked off the stage.”
Trump added: “They come at you with the most horrible, horrendous, biased questions.”
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By “horrible, horrendous, biased questions,” he was referring to the reporters who ask him about the lies he’s told or the decisions he’s made since taking office that have led to America becoming the laughingstock of the world.
Apparently, Trump forgot that Lincoln was shot at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. while trying to watch Set It Off. But this is the thing that Trump does, he likens himself to great leaders and then positions himself as having to overcome even greater odds—because being assassinated in Trump’s mind is akin to answering questions about lies he and his administration have told. In Trump’s world, being Trump is the toughest job that Trump has ever had. It’s also the only job Trump has ever had.


theroot--2020-05-04--Add to Your Soothing Skincare Routine With This Free Flower Power Set From L’Occitane

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This set includes @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s one of the company ’ s most fragrant and soft smelling collections @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve never tried L ’ Occitane before this is a great way to earn @ @ @ @ @ .
If you ’ re still stumped with a gift idea for mom , this @ @ @ @ @ too .
The hand cream here is world-famous for a reason .
The rose hand @ @ @ @ @ ) is a great value set to pick up and test out .
Your hands @ @ @ @ @ have ever been , I guarantee .
I got one of these gift sets a @ @ @ @ @ and still continue to buy their number one best-seller , the shea butter hand cream @ @ @ @ @ for yourself , your mom , or friends .
Hey , w e all need @ @ @ @ @ with all that washing .

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Grab this nine-piece Flower Power set for free with any $65 purchase with code Bloom. This set includes the almond shower line and it’s one of the company’s most fragrant and soft smelling collections at that. If you’ve never tried L’Occitane before this is a great way to earn extra goodies while doing so. If you’re still stumped with a gift idea for mom, this company is very much mom-approved too . The hand cream here is world-famous for a reason.
The rose hand cream trio ($29) is a great value set to pick up and test out. Your hands will be the softest they have ever been, I guarantee . I got one of these gift sets a few years ago for Christmas and still continue to buy their number one best-seller , the shea butter hand cream. Pick a few things for yourself, your mom, or friends. Hey, w e all need good moisturizers for our hands with all that washing.
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theroot--2020-05-04--Monica Is Open to a Brandy 'Verzuz' Match-Up...But There Are Conditions

With the first-ever female Verzuz battle between Erykah Badu and Jill Scott happening this weekend , a few other talented women ’ s names are being tossed around for potential battles in the future .
Fans are clamoring for a possible matchup of R & B superstars and longtime rivals , Brandy and Monica .
Last week , Brandy ’ s brother Ray J told Wendy Williams during a recent video chat interview that while he doesn ’ t have the hits to make a worthwhile Verzuz appearance ( we ’ re glad he ’ s self-aware ) , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norwood would absolutely slay , adding that he ’ d love to see her go toe-to-toe with her “ The Boy Is Mine ” collaborator .
When asked by the Atlanta radio station V-103 if she would participate in a Verzuz battle , Monica said that she doesn ’ t think so .
However , she said she ’ d sing with Brandy for the popular Instagram Live series if it ’ s more like Teddy Riley and Babyface ’ s battle , which she believes was more of a “ celebration.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Verzuz ] and I think it ’ s really , really entertaining and an incredible idea , ” she said .
“ What I do like is it ’ s kind of turning into a celebration .
I can handle a celebration .
I think battles ... One thing that has happened to me my whole career is being put against someone else that I ’ m not even remotely similar to .
I think the reality is , us being polar opposites makes it dope.
” “ The only battle or Verzuz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me against Brandy , and the reality is , people have put us against each other for twenty-something years , ” she continues , adding that she believes Brandy is “ one of the greatest artists of our time , ” and she ’ d rather celebrate both of their music .
“ That would be the only thing that makes sense to me , ” she adds , “ because I ’ ve been trying to tell people for about 25 years , you can like both !
You ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again and I have no interest in that.
” In an interview with Essence on Friday ( May 1 ) , Brandy said that she ’ s “ not closed-minded ” to the idea of a Monica Verzuz match-up , but she ’ s still rather hesitant .
If we can keep this Verzuz clean , I think it would be excellent to see these two incredible talents celebrating each other ’ s music .

With the first-ever female Verzuz battle between Erykah Badu and Jill Scott happening this weekend, a few other talented women’s names are being tossed around for potential battles in the future. Fans are clamoring for a possible matchup of R&B superstars and longtime rivals, Brandy and Monica.
Last week, Brandy’s brother Ray J told Wendy Williams during a recent video chat interview that while he doesn’t have the hits to make a worthwhile Verzuz appearance (we’re glad he’s self-aware), he did say that his big sis Ms. Norwood would absolutely slay, adding that he’d love to see her go toe-to-toe with her “The Boy Is Mine” collaborator.
When asked by the Atlanta radio station V-103 if she would participate in a Verzuz battle, Monica said that she doesn’t think so. However, she said she’d sing with Brandy for the popular Instagram Live series if it’s more like Teddy Riley and Babyface’s battle, which she believes was more of a “celebration.”
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“I understand the idea of [Verzuz] and I think it’s really, really entertaining and an incredible idea,” she said. “What I do like is it’s kind of turning into a celebration. I can handle a celebration. I think battles...One thing that has happened to me my whole career is being put against someone else that I’m not even remotely similar to. I think the reality is, us being polar opposites makes it dope.”
“The only battle or Verzuz they want to see with me is me against Brandy, and the reality is, people have put us against each other for twenty-something years,” she continues, adding that she believes Brandy is “one of the greatest artists of our time,” and she’d rather celebrate both of their music.
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“That would be the only thing that makes sense to me,” she adds, “because I’ve been trying to tell people for about 25 years, you can like both! You’re going to turn this into 1998 all over again and I have no interest in that.”
In an interview with Essence on Friday (May 1), Brandy said that she’s “not closed-minded” to the idea of a Monica Verzuz match-up, but she’s still rather hesitant.
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If we can keep this Verzuz clean, I think it would be excellent to see these two incredible talents celebrating each other’s music.


theroot--2020-05-04--What We’re Reading Now: Mikki Kendall’s Hood Feminism

This book isn ’ t just for white women .
While other publications praise Mikki Kendall ’ s Hood Feminism : Notes From the Women That a Movement Forgot for being “ a much-needed addition to feminist discourse ” ( Kirkus ) or “ a searing indictment of mainstream feminism ” ( NPR ) , they focus on what Kendall ’ s essay collection tells so-called mainstream ( read : white ) feminists about marginalized women .
Rightfully so .
Kendall ’ s sub-title “ Notes from the Women that a Movement Forgot ” indicates that her book is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To some extent .
But , like I said , this book isn ’ t just for white women .
To be clear , many of us have a vocabulary for what we experience .
Kendall is clear about that .
As she writes , “ the hood doesn ’ t lack answers .
It lacks resources.
” Kendall explains how white supremacist structures play out in the every day .
For instance , in her education essay , she links her grandmother nearly going upside her head for her fleeting desire to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that prompted her desire in the first place .
For white women , she notes her desire was not proof that black folk do not want to be educated , but that failures in the system make education part of an impossible calculus .
The solutions hinge on valuing black life enough in policies , hiring practices , tax law and distribution of resources .
Kendall ’ s book is also for those among us who need that vocabulary afresh .
Under quarantine , I ’ ve lost my words to describe how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership will screw over the most vulnerable among us .
I have little more than incoherent yelling or side-eyes for those who can but refuse to stay at home .
Reading this book gave me back the words and ideas that came so easily to me in January .
If you ever wondered how other women ’ s struggles related to black women ’ s , Hood Feminism helps you get information ( shout out Beyoncé ) .
Too often , black women ’ s struggles are understood as separate .
Our stereotypes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power .
Cis women and trans* women have different needs .
Disabled women aren ’ t like the rest of us .
Their blues ain ’ t like mine .
So on and so forth .
Kendall ’ s work pinpoints where our struggles are bound up .
So , no : the barrio , the reservation and the suburbs do not all look the same as Kendall ’ s South Side Chicago .
For that matter , Kendall ’ s South Side is not Michelle Obama ’ s South Side .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ y et shared interests are also real .
In fact , the more real they are , the smaller the problems are in comparison .
Kendall ( nor I ) endorse coming together while ignoring how one group of women ’ s privilege has the power to oppress another .
But , we agree the danger between us is the belief – usually supported by ideas that pit women against each other – that rights for one group must limit rights for others .
It isn ’ t pie .
Central to Kendall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ intersectionality , ” a term coined by Prof. Kimberlé Crenshaw that addresses how race , gender , class , sexuality and ability function all together .
Since people tend to misuse the word , here ’ s a little explanation on how intersectionality works : Prof. Crenshaw theorizes the term in 1989 in a legal volume : The University of Chicago Legal Forum Volume 1989 : Feminism in the Law : Theory Practice and Criticism .
This is important because “ intersectionality ” is not a term that someone used to describe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk about how the law itself was not capable of understanding the various conditions affecting the lives of black women .
The law literally could not protect those vulnerable to multiple acts of violence .
That lack has ( yep , present tense ) serious consequences .
In her original article , she uses the metaphor of an intersection to describe how identities operate .
That is , they criss-cross—intersect—at all times .
In other words , it is not possible to separate race from gender , from sexuality , from ability , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly mobile places .
You drive through unharmed if you live and travel in certain social locations .
You can get run over at others .
Mikki Kendall ’ s Hood Feminism isn ’ t just an instructional manual for white women seeking to be more woke—though , certainly , I hope many of them find it instructive and act on it .
Hood Feminism is for those of us who the movement is still forgetting ; for those of us who refuse to remain still ; for those of us who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Therí Pickens is a poet , literature nerd and home chef .
You can find her in these Twitter streets @ TAPPhD .

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

This book isn’t just for white women.
While other publications praise Mikki Kendall’s Hood Feminism: Notes From the Women That a Movement Forgot for being “a much-needed addition to feminist discourse” (Kirkus) or “a searing indictment of mainstream feminism” (NPR), they focus on what Kendall’s essay collection tells so-called mainstream (read: white) feminists about marginalized women. Rightfully so. Kendall’s sub-title “Notes from the Women that a Movement Forgot” indicates that her book is not for those women but from them. To some extent.
But, like I said, this book isn’t just for white women.
To be clear, many of us have a vocabulary for what we experience. Kendall is clear about that. As she writes, “the hood doesn’t lack answers. It lacks resources.” Kendall explains how white supremacist structures play out in the every day. For instance, in her education essay, she links her grandmother nearly going upside her head for her fleeting desire to drop out of school and the inequality that prompted her desire in the first place. For white women, she notes her desire was not proof that black folk do not want to be educated, but that failures in the system make education part of an impossible calculus. The solutions hinge on valuing black life enough in policies, hiring practices, tax law and distribution of resources.
Advertisement
Kendall’s book is also for those among us who need that vocabulary afresh. Under quarantine, I’ve lost my words to describe how and why ineffective, greedy and cowardly leadership will screw over the most vulnerable among us. I have little more than incoherent yelling or side-eyes for those who can but refuse to stay at home. Reading this book gave me back the words and ideas that came so easily to me in January.
If you ever wondered how other women’s struggles related to black women’s, Hood Feminism helps you get information (shout out Beyoncé). Too often, black women’s struggles are understood as separate. Our stereotypes are different. They have more economic power. Cis women and trans* women have different needs. Disabled women aren’t like the rest of us. Their blues ain’t like mine. So on and so forth. Kendall’s work pinpoints where our struggles are bound up. So, no: the barrio, the reservation and the suburbs do not all look the same as Kendall’s South Side Chicago. For that matter, Kendall’s South Side is not Michelle Obama’s South Side. That 10-year age gap makes a difference, y et shared interests are also real. In fact, the more real they are, the smaller the problems are in comparison. Kendall (nor I) endorse coming together while ignoring how one group of women’s privilege has the power to oppress another. But, we agree the danger between us is the belief – usually supported by ideas that pit women against each other – that rights for one group must limit rights for others. It isn’t pie.
Advertisement Advertisement
Central to Kendall’s ideas is the theory of “intersectionality,” a term coined by Prof. Kimberlé Crenshaw that addresses how race, gender, class, sexuality and ability function all together. Since people tend to misuse the word, here’s a little explanation on how intersectionality works: Prof. Crenshaw theorizes the term in 1989 in a legal volume: The University of Chicago Legal Forum Volume 1989: Feminism in the Law: Theory Practice and Criticism. This is important because “intersectionality” is not a term that someone used to describe identity alone. Crenshaw used it to talk about how the law itself was not capable of understanding the various conditions affecting the lives of black women. The law literally could not protect those vulnerable to multiple acts of violence. That lack has (yep, present tense) serious consequences.
In her original article, she uses the metaphor of an intersection to describe how identities operate. That is, they criss-cross—intersect—at all times. In other words, it is not possible to separate race from gender, from sexuality, from ability, from citizenship from class. Intersections are highly mobile places. You drive through unharmed if you live and travel in certain social locations. You can get run over at others.
Advertisement
Mikki Kendall’s Hood Feminism isn’t just an instructional manual for white women seeking to be more woke—though, certainly, I hope many of them find it instructive and act on it. Hood Feminism is for those of us who the movement is still forgetting; for those of us who refuse to remain still; for those of us who are far more awake than we ever imagined.
Therí Pickens is a poet, literature nerd and home chef. You can find her in these Twitter streets @TAPPhD.