theroot--2020-09-02--NFL Announces Plan to Do the Bare Minimum

If there was one entity Black America dreamed could take the baton of equality and sprint toward the finish line , it was not the billion-dollar social injustice advocacy collective known as the National Football League .
Asking the NFL to help fight racial injustice is like asking Kentucky Fried Chicken to promote veganism .
But on Tuesday ( which everyone knows is the perfect day for fuckshittery ) , NFL commissioner and Kaepernick blackballer Roger Goodell announced that the most profitable sports league in the known universe has come up with the most innovative idea to date on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During the Kaepernick-less 2020 football season , the NFL will paint “ End racism ” and “ It takes all of us ” in every stadium ’ s end zones , according to NBC Sports .
Evidently , a four-year study commissioned by the 32 billionaire white men ( funded with the salary saved by ousting a certain quarterback ) determined that racism persists because white people apparently didn ’ t know they could just stop being racist .
Or perhaps they didn ’ t know that white supremacy was a team sport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it signifies the NFL ’ s about-face on… Hold up .
I think I missed the part of the announcement that said Black Lives Matter .
I ’ m sure it ’ s there .
Especially after the league ’ s Inspire Change social justice initiative released those two PSAs during the Super Bowl that featured men who were killed by police officers but forgot to mention a single word about police brutality , racism or the disproportionate shootings of Black men .
The words Black Lives Matter must be in there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the press release .
Otherwise , this would be another case of the NFL cowing to its diehard white fan base while performatively pacifying its Black players and fans who are dying at disproportionate rates .
Maybe they ’ re going to paint it on the 50-yard line .
I ’ m sure the phrase “ Black Lives Matter ” is in there somewhere .
“ The NFL stands with the Black community , the players , clubs and fans confronting systemic racism , ” said Overseer Roger Goodell , who represents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a player who was also a member of the Black community when that player confronted systemic racism .
“ We will not relent in our work.
” Although the two meaningless , tap-dancing phrases are at the top of the NFL ’ s list for Black players to cabbage patch across as they shovel another pile of dollars into the pockets of Jay-Z ’ s “ partners ” who haven ’ t done shit since announcing that we were “ past kneeling , ” The Root obtained a list of the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the racism-ending stencils : 10 .
“ Tackle white supremacy ( But don ’ t lead with the helmet ) ” 9 .
“ Some of my best friends are cornerbacks ” 8 .
“ All scores matter ” 7 .
“ But what about the Bears ?
” 6 .
“ Football : The other Black-on-Black violence ” 5 .
“ CTE is a hoax ” 4 .
“ Be a Patriot .
Deflate racism ” 3 .
“ After further review , white supremacy is overturned ” 2 .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll break it ” 1 .
“ What Kaepernick said ” When asked what they thought about the NFL ’ s hollow , performative effort , “ all of us ” issued this statement about billionaire plantation owners :

If there was one entity Black America dreamed could take the baton of equality and sprint toward the finish line, it was not the billion-dollar social injustice advocacy collective known as the National Football League. Asking the NFL to help fight racial injustice is like asking Kentucky Fried Chicken to promote veganism.
But on Tuesday (which everyone knows is the perfect day for fuckshittery), NFL commissioner and Kaepernick blackballer Roger Goodell announced that the most profitable sports league in the known universe has come up with the most innovative idea to date on how to end the scourge of racism.
Advertisement
Stencils.
During the Kaepernick-less 2020 football season, the NFL will paint “End racism” and “It takes all of us” in every stadium’s end zones, according to NBC Sports. Evidently, a four-year study commissioned by the 32 billionaire white men (funded with the salary saved by ousting a certain quarterback) determined that racism persists because white people apparently didn’t know they could just stop being racist. Or perhaps they didn’t know that white supremacy was a team sport.
Advertisement Advertisement
While the stupid idea seems stupid, it signifies the NFL’s about-face on…
Hold up. I think I missed the part of the announcement that said Black Lives Matter. I’m sure it’s there. Especially after the league’s Inspire Change social justice initiative released those two PSAs during the Super Bowl that featured men who were killed by police officers but forgot to mention a single word about police brutality, racism or the disproportionate shootings of Black men.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The words Black Lives Matter must be in there somewhere. I must have received half of the press release. Otherwise, this would be another case of the NFL cowing to its diehard white fan base while performatively pacifying its Black players and fans who are dying at disproportionate rates. Maybe they’re going to paint it on the 50-yard line. I’m sure the phrase “Black Lives Matter” is in there somewhere.
“The NFL stands with the Black community, the players, clubs and fans confronting systemic racism,” said Overseer Roger Goodell, who represents the clubs that definitely did not stand with a player who was also a member of the Black community when that player confronted systemic racism. “We will not relent in our work.”
Advertisement
Although the two meaningless, tap-dancing phrases are at the top of the NFL’s list for Black players to cabbage patch across as they shovel another pile of dollars into the pockets of Jay-Z’s “partners” who haven’t done shit since announcing that we were “past kneeling,” The Root obtained a list of the top 10 rejected phrases that were considered for the racism-ending stencils:
10. “Tackle white supremacy (But don’t lead with the helmet)”
9. “Some of my best friends are cornerbacks”
8. “All scores matter”
7. “But what about the Bears?”
6. “Football: The other Black-on-Black violence”
5. “CTE is a hoax”
4. “Be a Patriot. Deflate racism”
3. “After further review, white supremacy is overturned”
2. “If there is a racist bone, we’ll break it”
1. “What Kaepernick said”
Advertisement
When asked what they thought about the NFL’s hollow, performative effort, “all of us” issued this statement about billionaire plantation owners:


theroot--2020-09-02--Raptors Exec Masai Ujiri Outed as the Real Racist After White Cop Accuses Him of 'Racial Animus', 'A

Raptors Exec Masai Ujiri Outed as the Real Racist After White Cop Accuses Him of 'Racial Animus', 'Anti-Law Enforcement Prejudices'

If American history has taught us anything , it ’ s that Black people are ba ld-faced liars .
We lie about our police interactions , we lie about the existence of white privilege , we lie about our own innocence , we lie about any and everything to do with the irreparable harm that white people have done to us for generations upon generations .
Hell , if you let them tell it , slavery never even happened .
We just all woke up one day predisposed to hypertension , inexplicably averse to police and a couple of billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wealth gap ” thing—which , of course , is only a myth .
Eager to carry on that tradition is Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri , who , as we ’ ve previously reported at The Root , has been entangled in a bullshit lawsuit filed against him by security guard Alan Strickland—who also moonlights as an Alameda County sheriff ’ s deputy—all because Stickland refuses to admit that he did this to Ujiri : When all Ujiri was trying to do was celebrate with his team on the court after winning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but was denied access because he allegedly had the wrong credential , Strickland falsely assumed Ujiri had no business being there—because he ’ s Black .
But it gets better .
Because as absurd as it sounds , Stickland genuinely believes that he was the victim in this encounter—because of course , he does .
Because Black people lie .
As we previously reported , Strickland alleges that he suffered “ injury to his body , health , strength , activity and person ” and that he continues to suffer “ great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and nervous pain and suffering ” as a result of unnecessarily shoving the shit out of a Black man .
Stickland also alleges that the encounter also caused him “ permanent disability ” and that he ’ s experienced “ great anxiety , embarrassment , anger , loss of enjoyment of life , injury to reputation and severe emotional and physical distress in an amount to be determined at trial.
” In response to this foolishness , Ujiri filed a countersuit in August : “ After being shoved and cursed at , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Strickland , ” the suit says .
“ Instead , he calmly asked Mr. Strickland why he had pushed him , informed Mr. Strickland he was the Raptors ’ President and held up his all-access arena credential to show it to Mr. Strickland .
Rather than trying to communicate with Mr. Ujiri , Mr. Strickland chose to dismiss Mr. Ujiri ’ s claim that he was the Raptors ’ President and ignore the all-access credential Mr. Ujiri was trying to show him .
Mr. Strickland then forcefully shoved Mr. Ujiri a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told to ‘ back the fuck up ’ and shoved twice did Mr. Ujiri show any response and return a shove to Mr. Strickland ’ s chest .
Mr. Ujiri ’ s defensive response was a reasonable and justified reaction to Mr. Strickland ’ s use of unnecessary and excessive force.
” And now nearly a month later , Stickland ’ s legal team is now alleging that Ujiri is attempting to capitalize off of a rising sentiment focusing on police accountability to railroad their client—who ’ s on camera quite clearly assaulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) sheriff ’ s deputy suing Toronto Raptors president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri for assault after Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals in Oakland accused the executive of exploiting current “ pervasive anti-law enforcement prejudices ” to paint himself as a victim when in fact he had broken the NBA ’ s own security rules , in a new court filing today .
“ The body camera video which plaintiff produced on July 17 , 2020 did not reveal any new information to Defendants , ” Strickland wrote , arguing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arena footage already showed .
“ In reality , Defendants brought this motion to take advantage of the now pervasive anti-law enforcement prejudices and to falsely allege racial animus and prejudicial bias is the reason for Plaintiff Alan Strickland ’ s conduct on the date of the incident.
” I told you Black people lie , though Ujiri made sure to call a thing a thing when he filed his countersuit in August .
“ Unfortunately , I was reminded in that moment that despite all of my hard work and success , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are supposed to protect us , who will always and only see me as something that is unworthy of respectful engagement , ” he said in a statement at the time .
“ And , there ’ s only one indisputable reason why that is the case—because I am Black.
” As if Black people didn ’ t have enough daily reminders of our place in American society , we now have a cop trying his damndest to ruin an innocent Black man—who history will immortalize as nothing more than another Black-ass @ @

If American history has taught us anything, it’s that Black people are ba ld-faced liars.
We lie about our police interactions, we lie about the existence of white privilege, we lie about our own innocence, we lie about any and everything to do with the irreparable harm that white people have done to us for generations upon generations. Hell, if you let them tell it, slavery never even happened. We just all woke up one day predisposed to hypertension, inexplicably averse to police and a couple of billion dollars behind in that whole “racial wealth gap” thing—which, of course, is only a myth.
Advertisement
We are ungrateful-ass, lying-ass, Black-ass liars.
Eager to carry on that tradition is Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri, who, as we’ve previously reported at The Root, has been entangled in a bullshit lawsuit filed against him by security guard Alan Strickland—who also moonlights as an Alameda County sheriff’s deputy—all because Stickland refuses to admit that he did this to Ujiri:
Advertisement Advertisement
When all Ujiri was trying to do was celebrate with his team on the court after winning the first NBA championship in Toronto Raptors history, but was denied access because he allegedly had the wrong credential, Strickland falsely assumed Ujiri had no business being there—because he’s Black.
Advertisement
But it gets better. Because as absurd as it sounds, Stickland genuinely believes that he was the victim in this encounter—because of course, he does. Because Black people lie.
Advertisement
As we previously reported, Strickland alleges that he suffered “injury to his body, health, strength, activity and person” and that he continues to suffer “great mental, emotional, psychological, physical, and nervous pain and suffering” as a result of unnecessarily shoving the shit out of a Black man. Stickland also alleges that the encounter also caused him “permanent disability” and that he’s experienced “great anxiety, embarrassment, anger, loss of enjoyment of life, injury to reputation and severe emotional and physical distress in an amount to be determined at trial.”
Right.
In response to this foolishness, Ujiri filed a countersuit in August:
“After being shoved and cursed at, Mr. Ujiri did not respond aggressively towards Mr. Strickland,” the suit says. “Instead, he calmly asked Mr. Strickland why he had pushed him, informed Mr. Strickland he was the Raptors’ President and held up his all-access arena credential to show it to Mr. Strickland. Rather than trying to communicate with Mr. Ujiri, Mr. Strickland chose to dismiss Mr. Ujiri’s claim that he was the Raptors’ President and ignore the all-access credential Mr. Ujiri was trying to show him. Mr. Strickland then forcefully shoved Mr. Ujiri a second time. “Only after being unjustifiably told to ‘back the fuck up’ and shoved twice did Mr. Ujiri show any response and return a shove to Mr. Strickland’s chest. Mr. Ujiri’s defensive response was a reasonable and justified reaction to Mr. Strickland’s use of unnecessary and excessive force.”
Advertisement
And now nearly a month later, Stickland’s legal team is now alleging that Ujiri is attempting to capitalize off of a rising sentiment focusing on police accountability to railroad their client—who’s on camera quite clearly assaulting Ujiri.
From The Athletic:
The Alameda County (Calif.) sheriff’s deputy suing Toronto Raptors president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri for assault after Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals in Oakland accused the executive of exploiting current “pervasive anti-law enforcement prejudices” to paint himself as a victim when in fact he had broken the NBA’s own security rules, in a new court filing today. “The body camera video which plaintiff produced on July 17, 2020 did not reveal any new information to Defendants,” Strickland wrote, arguing it only provided a new angle of what arena footage already showed. “In reality, Defendants brought this motion to take advantage of the now pervasive anti-law enforcement prejudices and to falsely allege racial animus and prejudicial bias is the reason for Plaintiff Alan Strickland’s conduct on the date of the incident.”
Advertisement
I told you Black people lie, though Ujiri made sure to call a thing a thing when he filed his countersuit in August.
Advertisement
“Unfortunately, I was reminded in that moment that despite all of my hard work and success, there are some people, including those who are supposed to protect us, who will always and only see me as something that is unworthy of respectful engagement,” he said in a statement at the time. “And, there’s only one indisputable reason why that is the case—because I am Black.”
Exactly that.
As if Black people didn’t have enough daily reminders of our place in American society, we now have a cop trying his damndest to ruin an innocent Black man—who history will immortalize as nothing more than another Black-ass liar.


theroot--2020-09-02--Cut the Cord on Cleaning: Dyson's V7 Allergy Is $60 off at Newegg

As I expressed in an earlier Co-op , I ’ m on the prowl for my first cordless vacuum .
@ @ @ @ @ t vouch for the Dyson V7 Absolute myself , hearsay suggests it ’ s one @ @ @ @ @ there ( let me know what you think in the comments ) , and Dyson @ @ @ @ @ makes this deal hard to ignore : Newegg is selling the Dyson V7 Absolute Cordless @ @ @ @ @ This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey on 6/10/2020 and updated by Jordan McMahon @ @ @ @ @ .

Gabe Carey and Jordan McMahon on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Dyson V7 Animal | $250 | Best Buy
Let me tell you, the Dyson V7 Animal is a game-changer, and I’m not just saying that because it’s on sale for $250 at Best Buy and we get a commission from each purchase. I bought one myself last June and haven’t regretted it.
Mounted to our wall, it’s much easier to store than a larger upright floor vac you might tuck away in a closet and rarely touch. I use mine almost every day to pick up kitty litter as my cat explodes from his spaceship. For smaller spaces, the canister yields a sufficient enough capacity that you can go about a month without emptying it out. Not to mention the actual process of dumping out the dirt and dust only requires the simple pull of a lever.
A $150 discount off the new price for this V7 Animal model is not nothing, especially considering I paid notably more for mine back in June. While it may not have the longest battery life in the world, clocking in at just 30 minutes, those living in quaint apartments or rancher-style homes shouldn’t take more than that to give their place a nice sweep.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey on 6/10/2020 and updated by Elizabeth Lanier with new information on 7/3/2021.


theroot--2020-09-02--Colonoscopies Are Easy! Colonoscopy Prep Is Hell on Earth!

The tragic death of Chadwick Boseman has inspired increased conversation about the importance of colonoscopies to catch colon cancer and other colorectal disorders .
The CDC recommends that you wait until you ’ re 50 to start screening .
But , since Black people are 20 percent more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer and 40 percent more likely to die from it , it ’ s prudent for us to go sooner if possible .
I got one at 39 .
I was having some digestive issues , and I wanted to make certain there wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
The anxiety people have about this procedure is understandable .
They ’ re basically putting a whole ass camera up your ass to view your colon and intestines and all the other shit that ’ s in a pot of chitlins .
But trust me when I say it ’ s as easy as taking a nap .
Cause that ’ s all you do .
You ’ ll go to some gastroenterology facility .
You ’ ll take off your clothes , put on a gown and lay on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to lay on your side .
They ’ ll roll you to the room where the procedure happens .
They ’ ll put you to sleep .
And then you ’ ll wake up in the room you got changed in .
You ’ ll be groggy and maybe a little gassy , but you won ’ t be sore .
Just hungry .
And then you go home .
( Or you ’ ll do like I did and go to the Whole Foods hot bar a quarter mile away and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unfortunately , the process of preparing for the colonoscopy is not as quick and easy .
It is the opposite of quick and easy .
It is long and hard .
And it requires an act that is not quite waterboarding but is not quite not waterboarding either .
For the procedure to work , your system needs to be clear .
And not the sort of clear that happens after a sizable bowel movement .
But whistle-clean clear .
As clear as an infant ’ s credit report .
A clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It begins a week before the procedure when you have to bar high-fiber foods from your diet .
And then , a day before the procedure , no solid foods or even thicker liquids like a smoothie or milkshake .
So that ’ s water , clear Gatorade , and maybe some chicken broth .
And then the evil happens .
The evening before the colonoscopy , you have to drink a 16-ounce cup of water mixed with this racist bowel cleansing solution .
And then , over the next 90 minutes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of water down your throat .
And then , six hours before the procedure , you have to repeat the entire process .
If your colonoscopy is scheduled for the early morning , this means you ’ ll have to get up at 2 or 3 a.m. and waterboard yourself .
Note that I said “ get up ” and not “ wake up.
” Because you won ’ t be sleep .
You ’ ll be shitting .
And not even quite “ shitting ” but “ releasing.
” And not even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” From the time you start the prep from the time you leave the house for the procedure , every 15 minutes you ’ ll be a fire hydrant , blowing streams of water out your ass that could feed plants and fill inflatable pools .
But when it ’ s done , your insides will be fresh and clean as a motherfucker .
So fresh and so clean that you ’ ll want to put them on a billboard and display them like they ’ re a pre-owned Audi .
Anyway , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one done , get one done !
You ’ ll feel magical afterward , and you might even extend your life .
You ’ ll just have to meet the Devil first !

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

The tragic death of Chadwick Boseman has inspired increased conversation about the importance of colonoscopies to catch colon cancer and other colorectal disorders. The CDC recommends that you wait until you’re 50 to start screening. But, since Black people are 20 percent more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer and 40 percent more likely to die from it, it’s prudent for us to go sooner if possible. I got one at 39. I was having some digestive issues, and I wanted to make certain there wasn’t some sort of blockage (or worse).
The anxiety people have about this procedure is understandable. They’re basically putting a whole ass camera up your ass to view your colon and intestines and all the other shit that’s in a pot of chitlins. But trust me when I say it’s as easy as taking a nap. Cause that’s all you do. You’ll go to some gastroenterology facility. You’ll take off your clothes, put on a gown and lay on a hospital bed. They’ll tell you to lay on your side. They’ll roll you to the room where the procedure happens. They’ll put you to sleep. And then you’ll wake up in the room you got changed in. You’ll be groggy and maybe a little gassy, but you won’t be sore. Just hungry. And then you go home. (Or you’ll do like I did and go to the Whole Foods hot bar a quarter mile away and eat 17 plates of pasta.)
Advertisement
Unfortunately, the process of preparing for the colonoscopy is not as quick and easy. It is the opposite of quick and easy. It is long and hard. And it requires an act that is not quite waterboarding but is not quite not waterboarding either. For the procedure to work, your system needs to be clear. And not the sort of clear that happens after a sizable bowel movement. But whistle-clean clear. As clear as an infant’s credit report. A clear that only happens with an evil intentionality.
It begins a week before the procedure when you have to bar high-fiber foods from your diet. And then, a day before the procedure, no solid foods or even thicker liquids like a smoothie or milkshake. So that’s water, clear Gatorade, and maybe some chicken broth.
Advertisement Advertisement
And then the evil happens.
The evening before the colonoscopy, you have to drink a 16-ounce cup of water mixed with this racist bowel cleansing solution. And then, over the next 90 minutes, you have to force 32 more ounces of water down your throat.
Advertisement
And then, six hours before the procedure, you have to repeat the entire process. If your colonoscopy is scheduled for the early morning, this means you’ll have to get up at 2 or 3 a.m. and waterboard yourself. Note that I said “get up” and not “wake up.” Because you won’t be sleep. You’ll be shitting. And not even quite “shitting” but “releasing.” And not even quite “releasing” but “eradicating.” From the time you start the prep from the time you leave the house for the procedure, every 15 minutes you’ll be a fire hydrant, blowing streams of water out your ass that could feed plants and fill inflatable pools.
But when it’s done, your insides will be fresh and clean as a motherfucker. So fresh and so clean that you’ll want to put them on a billboard and display them like they’re a pre-owned Audi.
Advertisement
Anyway, if you’re able to get one done, get one done! You’ll feel magical afterward, and you might even extend your life. You’ll just have to meet the Devil first!


theroot--2020-09-02--Georgia Wrongfully Purged 200,000 Voters, Many in the Atlanta Metro Area, From Its Rolls, New Report

Georgia Wrongfully Purged 200,000 Voters, Many in the Atlanta Metro Area, From Its Rolls, New Report Finds

A seven-year investigation of voter suppression in Georgia has found that the state likely removed 200,000 voters from its rolls who were , in fact , eligible to vote .
The voters whose registrations were removed were also overwhelmingly concentrated in the counties comprising the Atlanta Metro area , according to initial findings released on Wednesday .
Conducted by the Palast Investigative Fund , which specializes in data journalism , and released by the ACLU of Georgia , the report reviewed more than 300,000 registered voters whom the state had purged from its rolls .
Their voter registrations had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at those addresses had moved and did not change the address on their voter registration .
According to the report , most of those people never actually moved from their addresses , and thus should have remained on Georgia ’ s voter rolls .
The report states that the percentage is a conservative estimate since the 63.3 percent error rate does not include “ the tens of thousands of other citizens who have moved within their neighborhood , some within their buildings ” and were still taken off the rolls .
Those voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the same polling places available to them in previous elections .
Principal investigator Greg Palast said the probe began in 2013 when his group was originally retained by a handful of news publications for a series of reports about voter purges in Georgia and other parts of the country .
“ Given our findings of what appears to be large-scale disenfranchisement of legitimate voters , our foundation has chosen , in the public interest , to make our findings available to the ACLU of Georgia for review in preparation for making our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Among the report ’ s most concerning findings was the fact that Georgia ’ s records contained “ extraordinary deviation ” from postal records , writes Palast .
According to the National Voter Registration Act , states are supposed to rely on official postal data when striking voters off their lists .
While the Georgia secretary of state ’ s records say more than 100,000 voters were purged because they showed up on the Postal Service ’ s National Change of Address ( NCOA ) registry , investigators who cross-referenced the data found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not on the official NCOA list .
Georgia also appeared to strike voters off the rolls if they did not respond to a mailed confirmation postcard or if the postcard sent was sent back as “ undeliverable.
” But a closer look at the data found that many of those undeliverable postcards were returned because they didn ’ t contain an apartment number on the address .
ACLU Georgia Executive Director Andrea Young told CNN that she was “ deeply saddened ” by the initial report , but was “ not entirely surprised.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ uses to maintain its voting list are “ prone to tremendous error ” and do not meet industry standards for residential address verification .
“ The real takeaway from this is the state of Georgia is using a methodology for maintaining its voter rolls that is both more expensive and less accurate than what industry would use to maintain a high-quality mailing list , ” Young said .
CNN cited previous reporting in which Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger characterized this mass removal of voters as routine maintenance , not a purge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for concern .
Palast said a final report containing detailed analysis about the demographics of the affected voters was forthcoming , but noted that the state ’ s methods would disproportionately cull registrations from young people , those living in urban areas , African American voters , and non-English speakers .
According to the report , there was an “ overwhelming concentration ” of wrongfully removed registrations from voters in the Atlanta Metro area .
Georgians concerned about whether they are on the voter purge list can check the Palast Investigative Fund ’ @ @ @ @ @

A seven-year investigation of voter suppression in Georgia has found that the state likely removed 200,000 voters from its rolls who were, in fact, eligible to vote. The voters whose registrations were removed were also overwhelmingly concentrated in the counties comprising the Atlanta Metro area, according to initial findings released on Wednesday.
Conducted by the Palast Investigative Fund, which specializes in data journalism, and released by the ACLU of Georgia, the report reviewed more than 300,000 registered voters whom the state had purged from its rolls. Their voter registrations had been canceled because officials concluded the people living at those addresses had moved and did not change the address on their voter registration.
Advertisement
According to the report, most of those people never actually moved from their addresses, and thus should have remained on Georgia’s voter rolls.
From CNN:
For the report, Palast hired expert firms to conduct an Advanced Address List Hygiene, a method of residential address verification, to review 313,243 names that were removed from the state’s voter rolls in late 2019. Their findings claim that 63.3% of voters had not, in fact, moved and were purged in error.
Advertisement Advertisement
The report states that the percentage is a conservative estimate since the 63.3 percent error rate does not include “the tens of thousands of other citizens who have moved within their neighborhood, some within their buildings” and were still taken off the rolls. Those voters would have still been eligible to vote at the same polling places available to them in previous elections.
Principal investigator Greg Palast said the probe began in 2013 when his group was originally retained by a handful of news publications for a series of reports about voter purges in Georgia and other parts of the country.
Advertisement
“Given our findings of what appears to be large-scale disenfranchisement of legitimate voters, our foundation has chosen, in the public interest, to make our findings available to the ACLU of Georgia for review in preparation for making our findings public,” Palast wrote.
Among the report’s most concerning findings was the fact that Georgia’s records contained “extraordinary deviation” from postal records, writes Palast. According to the National Voter Registration Act, states are supposed to rely on official postal data when striking voters off their lists.
Advertisement
While the Georgia secretary of state’s records say more than 100,000 voters were purged because they showed up on the Postal Service’s National Change of Address (NCOA) registry, investigators who cross-referenced the data found that 75 percent of those voters were not on the official NCOA list. Georgia also appeared to strike voters off the rolls if they did not respond to a mailed confirmation postcard or if the postcard sent was sent back as “undeliverable.” But a closer look at the data found that many of those undeliverable postcards were returned because they didn’t contain an apartment number on the address.
ACLU Georgia Executive Director Andrea Young told CNN that she was “deeply saddened” by the initial report, but was “not entirely surprised.” Young noted that the methods Georgia uses to maintain its voting list are “prone to tremendous error” and do not meet industry standards for residential address verification.
Advertisement
“The real takeaway from this is the state of Georgia is using a methodology for maintaining its voter rolls that is both more expensive and less accurate than what industry would use to maintain a high-quality mailing list,” Young said.
CNN cited previous reporting in which Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger characterized this mass removal of voters as routine maintenance, not a purge, which is all the more cause for concern.
Advertisement
Palast said a final report containing detailed analysis about the demographics of the affected voters was forthcoming, but noted that the state’s methods would disproportionately cull registrations from young people, those living in urban areas, African American voters, and non-English speakers. According to the report, there was an “overwhelming concentration” of wrongfully removed registrations from voters in the Atlanta Metro area.
Georgians concerned about whether they are on the voter purge list can check the Palast Investigative Fund’s website, SaveMyVote2020.org.


theroot--2020-09-02--Coming Attractions: Meghan and Harry Sign a Multiyear Deal With Netflix

Royal watchers , you ’ re about to see a lot more of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex—well , kind of .
On Wednesday , the New York Times reported that Prince Harry and wife Meghan have indeed signed a “ megawatt ” deal with Netflix after it was rumored last month that the couple had been in talks with several studios on a “ top secret ” pitch .
The reportedly multiyear deal is yet another development for the high-profile couple , who relocated to Meghan ’ s native California after the drama dubbed # Megxit , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minted billionaire Tyler Perry ’ s Beverly Hills mansion , recently moved into their own $ 14.7 million multi-acre compound in Montecito , Calif. Now , their new life in California includes careers as Hollywood producers , as the Times reports their Netflix deal includes “ documentaries , docu-series , feature films , scripted shows and children ’ s programming.
” What ’ s as yet undetermined is the level of visibility the Sussexes will have in their upcoming projects .
Fellow power couple production team Barack and Michelle Obama have primarily taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ productions ( save Michelle ’ s Becoming ) ; former Suits star Meghan has repeatedly said she will not return to acting .
However , the Times says she and Harry “ may appear on camera in documentary programming ” —and coincidentally , just last week , Harry appeared in Netflix ’ s Rising Phoenix , a documentary about the Paralympic Games ( Harry ’ s Invictus Games was founded for wounded veterans ) .
As for what the Sussexes ’ intended programming slate will include , the Times reports “ family programming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as revealing that Meghan and Harry ( who Meghan recently called “ a nurturing , feminist father ” on the MAKERS platform ) were already developing an animated series on inspiring women .
A statement from the couple notes that Netflix ’ s “ unprecedented reach will help us share impactful content that unlocks action.
” “ Our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope , ” the couple added .
“ As new parents , making inspirational family programming is also important to us.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deal ?
No figure has been disclosed , and a Netflix spokeswoman declined to comment to the Times .
But as the outlet rightly notes : “ The streaming service ... is known for backing up Brink ’ s trucks when it wants to be in business with high-profile people , particularly when other entertainment companies also want their services.
” As we reported in August , Meghan and Harry reportedly took meetings with several studios before brokering this deal .
“ We ’ re incredibly proud they have chosen Netflix as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling stories with them that can help build resilience and increase understanding for audiences everywhere , ” Ted Sarandos , Netflix ’ s co-chief executive and chief content officer , said in a statement .

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

Royal watchers, you’re about to see a lot more of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex—well, kind of. On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that Prince Harry and wife Meghan have indeed signed a “megawatt” deal with Netflix after it was rumored last month that the couple had been in talks with several studios on a “top secret” pitch.
Advertisement
The reportedly multiyear deal is yet another development for the high-profile couple, who relocated to Meghan’s native California after the drama dubbed #Megxit, and, after spending several months in newly minted billionaire Tyler Perry’s Beverly Hills mansion, recently moved into their own $14.7 million multi-acre compound in Montecito, Calif. Now, their new life in California includes careers as Hollywood producers, as the Times reports their Netflix deal includes “documentaries, docu-series, feature films, scripted shows and children’s programming.”
What’s as yet undetermined is the level of visibility the Sussexes will have in their upcoming projects. Fellow power couple production team Barack and Michelle Obama have primarily taken a lowkey approach to their now award-winning productions (save Michelle’s Becoming); former Suits star Meghan has repeatedly said she will not return to acting. However, the Times says she and Harry “may appear on camera in documentary programming”—and coincidentally, just last week, Harry appeared in Netflix’s Rising Phoenix, a documentary about the Paralympic Games (Harry’s Invictus Games was founded for wounded veterans).
Advertisement Advertisement
As for what the Sussexes’ intended programming slate will include, the Times reports “family programming is particularly important to Netflix,” as well as revealing that Meghan and Harry (who Meghan recently called “a nurturing, feminist father” on the MAKERS platform) were already developing an animated series on inspiring women. A statement from the couple notes that Netflix’s “unprecedented reach will help us share impactful content that unlocks action.”
“Our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope,” the couple added . “As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us.”
Advertisement
What is the young family garner from the deal? No figure has been disclosed, and a Netflix spokeswoman declined to comment to the Times. But as the outlet rightly notes: “The streaming service...is known for backing up Brink’s trucks when it wants to be in business with high-profile people, particularly when other entertainment companies also want their services.” As we reported in August, Meghan and Harry reportedly took meetings with several studios before brokering this deal.
“We’re incredibly proud they have chosen Netflix as their creative home and are excited about telling stories with them that can help build resilience and increase understanding for audiences everywhere,” Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-chief executive and chief content officer, said in a statement.


theroot--2020-09-02--Owner of Destroyed Kenosha Business Declines Photo Op With Trump, So Trump Gets Store’s Former Owner

Owner of Destroyed Kenosha Business Declines Photo Op With Trump, So Trump Gets Store’s Former Owner to Do It Instead

We all know that y ’ all ’ s president is a photo-op whore .
We also know that whenever there ’ s a riot over racial injustice , Trump ’ s pandering-protocol requires him to take a fake stand against fake police persecution as well as make a big public display out of denouncing lawlessness and property damage .
We knew all of this after the bunker-beyotch-in-chief had a whole crowd of peaceful protesters tear-gassed outside the White House so he could walk the streets and pose with a Bible in hand for a photo in front of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the death of George Floyd .
And we saw it again in Kenosha , Wis. , where a business owner declined to take a photo with Trump in front of his destroyed store , which was damaged during unrest over the shooting of Jacob Blake .
Trump—in true Trumpanzee fashion—had the business owner replaced with the business ’ former owner so that he could get that photo and then lie about it .
According to TMJ 4 , Tom Gram has owned Rode ’ s Camera Shop for eight years .
Gram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroyed a week ago , he got a call from the White House on Monday requesting that he join the president in his riot aftermath tour of Kenosha , which would include Gram ’ s smashed-up shop .
Despite the pain he must have felt having his business destroyed , Gram didn ’ t go for Trump ’ s orangey-white nonsense and declined the White House ’ s invitation , telling reporters that he thinks “ everything he [ Trump ] does turns into a circus and I just didn ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think he needs to bring this country together rather than divide it , ” Gram said .
“ I think there ’ s a lot of good people in this community and to say that only law enforcement is correct is not the message we need to hear right now.
” After Gram opted out of appearing on camera with the Church ’ s Chicken of greasy-ass presidents , he got an unpleasant surprise when he turned on the TV to see Trump standing in front of his leveled store introducing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t owned the store in nearly a decade .
Gram said he watched Tuesday as the man who never met a lie he didn ’ t want to tell looked reporters dead in the face and introduced “ John Rode III , owner of Rode ’ s Camera Shop.
” To be fair , while Rode no longer owns Rode ’ s Camera Shop , he does own the property the shop sits on .
But that ’ s likely not the only reason Trump chose him for the photo-op—he also needed someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I just appreciate President Trump coming today , everybody here does , ” Rode said Tuesday while standing next to the guy who says Black Lives Matter is “ bad for Black people ” in his ultra-white-ass opinion .
“ We ’ re so thankful we got the federal troops here .
Once they got here things did calm down quite a bit.
” “ A day earlier would have saved his store , ” Trump responded .
This is just further proof that y ’ all ’ s president leaves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he opens his mouth and that he will choose political posturing over reality every time .

We all know that y’all’s president is a photo-op whore. We also know that whenever there’s a riot over racial injustice, Trump’s pandering-protocol requires him to take a fake stand against fake police persecution as well as make a big public display out of denouncing lawlessness and property damage.
We knew all of this after the bunker-beyotch-in-chief had a whole crowd of peaceful protesters tear-gassed outside the White House so he could walk the streets and pose with a Bible in hand for a photo in front of a church that was damaged during civil unrest over the death of George Floyd. And we saw it again in Kenosha, Wis., where a business owner declined to take a photo with Trump in front of his destroyed store, which was damaged during unrest over the shooting of Jacob Blake. Trump—in true Trumpanzee fashion—had the business owner replaced with the business’ former owner so that he could get that photo and then lie about it.
Advertisement
According to TMJ 4, Tom Gram has owned Rode’s Camera Shop for eight years. Gram told TMJ that after his store was destroyed a week ago, he got a call from the White House on Monday requesting that he join the president in his riot aftermath tour of Kenosha, which would include Gram’s smashed-up shop. Despite the pain he must have felt having his business destroyed, Gram didn’t go for Trump’s orangey-white nonsense and declined the White House’s invitation, telling reporters that he thinks “everything he [Trump] does turns into a circus and I just didn’t want to be involved in it.
“I think he needs to bring this country together rather than divide it,” Gram said. “I think there’s a lot of good people in this community and to say that only law enforcement is correct is not the message we need to hear right now.”
Advertisement Advertisement
After Gram opted out of appearing on camera with the Church’s Chicken of greasy-ass presidents, he got an unpleasant surprise when he turned on the TV to see Trump standing in front of his leveled store introducing a man as the owner who hadn’t owned the store in nearly a decade.
Gram said he watched Tuesday as the man who never met a lie he didn’t want to tell looked reporters dead in the face and introduced “John Rode III, owner of Rode’s Camera Shop.”
Advertisement
To be fair, while Rode no longer owns Rode’s Camera Shop, he does own the property the shop sits on. But that’s likely not the only reason Trump chose him for the photo-op—he also needed someone who would lick his ass a little.
Advertisement
“I just appreciate President Trump coming today, everybody here does,” Rode said Tuesday while standing next to the guy who says Black Lives Matter is “bad for Black people” in his ultra-white-ass opinion. “We’re so thankful we got the federal troops here. Once they got here things did calm down quite a bit.”
“A day earlier would have saved his store,” Trump responded.
This is just further proof that y’all’s president leaves his integrity in his tanning bed whenever he opens his mouth and that he will choose political posturing over reality every time.


theroot--2020-09-02--In Ghana, I Experienced an Interaction With the Police Unlike Any I'd Expect in America

All I could say after “ it ” concluded—and after I picked my face and bowels up off the floor of the car—was , “ it is amazing what is possible when racism isn ’ t central to interactions with the authorities.
” I may have fainted after that ; I ’ ll ask my wife .
The “ it ” in question was an interaction with police in Ghana ( officially the Ghana Police Service ) that I ’ m fairly certain would have ended up with somebody being shot had it occurred in America .
But I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything ... allow me to tell you a story .
Back in December of 2019 , I , along with thousands of other diasporic Black folks , ventured to Accra , Ghana ( and other parts of the country ) for the Year of Return , a yearlong celebration of sorts centered around welcoming people ( Black Americans , in particular ) back to Ghana 400 years after the first slaves made landfall in Virginia in 1619 .
I wrote about some observations I had about my first trip and the experience of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elmina and Cape Coast , including the infamous “ Door of No Return ” that you saw pop up in pictures of every single person you know who ventured to Ghana .
What I didn ’ t write about in that piece about Elmina and Cape Coast was how I wasn ’ t sure if I was going to return ( as it were ) back to America .
While everybody who went to Ghana probably had wonderful stories about their experience overall —a molasses-paced food-services industry , varying opinions on Afrochella , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t mention was the police checkpoints set up all around the city .
Every single day that I was in Ghana , we hit at least one police checkpoint .
Part of this was because we were staying in East Legon and there was what seemed like an eternal checkpoint on Lagos Avenue right by where we were .
Folks who lived there all had the same groan-ish reaction to them : “ They ’ re all just looking for extra tips during the holiday season ; just give them some money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” And that ’ s usually what happened .
We ’ d pull up to the police officer who would look into the car , ask where we were going , and , depending on who we were riding with , it was either a really short convo or a few Ghana cedis were passed out the window .
In one very humorous interaction , one of my car ’ s passengers—a Ghanaian woman—took on her impression of an “ American ” accent and told the officer , “ we ’ re just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what sounded like a goofy white , country Texan voice .
I was floored and we laughed about it , and it made me realize that Black folks around the world affect a goofy white country Texan when mimicking white people .
We truly are all cousins .
Ghana was fun .
Anyway , the point of all that was that there were many police checkpoints .
That , too , was the case traveling to and from Cape Coast and Elmina .
We had a driver—whose name escapes me—who like most Ghanaians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well , it turns out on our drive back to Accra , he ’ d had enough .
Here is MY recollection of those events .
This particular checkpoint had two parts : The first one , where they either let you go , in which case , you could drive through the second—or the first , where they told you to go to the second .
My man , the driver , decided he didn ’ t feel like stopping at the first one .
Sure , he slowed down and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t tell him to stop .
I know this because I HEARD THE POLICE TELLING HIM TO STOP .
At this point—as his slowdown turned into a speedup towards the next checkpoint , probably 50 yards in front of us—I literally felt like shit was about to go down .
Again , I heard and saw the police beckon to us to stop and he slowed down and then hit the gas .
My wife and I went silent as I ’ m going full American at this point and thinking that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to Ghana to die at the hands of the police ; I could have done that in America with ease .
I also had no idea what my now unpredictable driver was about to do at this second checkpoint .
I saw several police officers yelling to him to pull over and he wasn ’ t slowing down enough ( for my liking ) for somebody who was being pulled over by police with M-16s .
I guess he either decided it wasn ’ t worth it or realized we were PAYING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we came alive because he did pull over to an officer YELLING at him .
So what does he do ?
He rolled down the passenger side window and started YELLING back at the cop .
The officer was yelling at him , asking him why he didn ’ t stop at the first checkpoint .
He even yelled , “ You didn ’ t hear him say stop ?
” Our driver yelled at him in both English and Twi that the initial set of police officers DIDN ’ T tell him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All this was not only untrue , it was a bald-faced lie .
I WATCHED the officers wave their arms and yell at him to pull over .
So what did our driver THEN do ?
He turned around to the two passengers , including the Black American man who was praying and wondering what the articles about my life would say , and said , “ DID YOU HEAR ANYBODY SAY STOP ?
?
?
” I also lied because well , there was no other option on the table .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were Americans and the still annoyed and pissed off cops with M-16s who were still 38-hot and still yelling , waved off our driver , and let us go .
Our driver , with the window STILL down , continued to yell at the police .
And he continued to be pissed at the police after we drove off .
Our driver not only barreled through a police checkpoint , he THEN proceeded to yell nonstop at police officers , incredulously and with vigor for minutes , only for them to let us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nobody pulled out a weapon or got shot .
As you can imagine , my level of discomfort was present for probably at least another hour on this drive back to Accra going over and over in my head what I just witnessed .
Racism wasn ’ t at the core of this interaction ; these were two black men .
Our driver was in the wrong , by a country mile , but still managed to be pissed at the police to the point of yelling at them dismissively , as if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whitest police interaction I ’ ve ever witnessed up close and personal .
We went on to enjoy the rest of our night and I believe even went OUT that night to some party or something or other .
We lived to see another day .
And it never would have happened in America .

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

All I could say after “it” concluded—and after I picked my face and bowels up off the floor of the car—was, “it is amazing what is possible when racism isn’t central to interactions with the authorities.” I may have fainted after that; I’ll ask my wife.
The “it” in question was an interaction with police in Ghana (officially the Ghana Police Service) that I’m fairly certain would have ended up with somebody being shot had it occurred in America. But I’m telling you too much without saying anything...allow me to tell you a story.
Advertisement
Back in December of 2019, I, along with thousands of other diasporic Black folks, ventured to Accra, Ghana (and other parts of the country) for the Year of Return, a yearlong celebration of sorts centered around welcoming people (Black Americans, in particular) back to Ghana 400 years after the first slaves made landfall in Virginia in 1619. I wrote about some observations I had about my first trip and the experience of visiting the “slave castles” at Elmina and Cape Coast, including the infamous “Door of No Return” that you saw pop up in pictures of every single person you know who ventured to Ghana.
What I didn’t write about in that piece about Elmina and Cape Coast was how I wasn’t sure if I was going to return (as it were) back to America. While everybody who went to Ghana probably had wonderful stories about their experience overall —a molasses-paced food-services industry, varying opinions on Afrochella, etc. — what they probably didn’t mention was the police checkpoints set up all around the city. Every single day that I was in Ghana, we hit at least one police checkpoint. Part of this was because we were staying in East Legon and there was what seemed like an eternal checkpoint on Lagos Avenue right by where we were. Folks who lived there all had the same groan-ish reaction to them: “They’re all just looking for extra tips during the holiday season; just give them some money and they’ll let us go.” And that’s usually what happened. We’d pull up to the police officer who would look into the car, ask where we were going, and, depending on who we were riding with, it was either a really short convo or a few Ghana cedis were passed out the window.
Advertisement Advertisement
In one very humorous interaction, one of my car’s passengers—a Ghanaian woman—took on her impression of an “American” accent and told the officer, “we’re just visitors trying to get home” in what sounded like a goofy white, country Texan voice. I was floored and we laughed about it, and it made me realize that Black folks around the world affect a goofy white country Texan when mimicking white people. We truly are all cousins. Ghana was fun.
Anyway, the point of all that was that there were many police checkpoints. That, too, was the case traveling to and from Cape Coast and Elmina. We had a driver—whose name escapes me—who like most Ghanaians was annoyed by police checkpoints. And well, it turns out on our drive back to Accra, he’d had enough. Here is MY recollection of those events.
Advertisement
This particular checkpoint had two parts: The first one, where they either let you go, in which case, you could drive through the second—or the first, where they told you to go to the second.
My man, the driver, decided he didn’t feel like stopping at the first one. Sure, he slowed down and then he pretended that the police officer didn’t tell him to stop. I know this because I HEARD THE POLICE TELLING HIM TO STOP.
Advertisement
At this point—as his slowdown turned into a speedup towards the next checkpoint, probably 50 yards in front of us—I literally felt like shit was about to go down. Again, I heard and saw the police beckon to us to stop and he slowed down and then hit the gas. My wife and I went silent as I’m going full American at this point and thinking that I didn’t come all the way to Ghana to die at the hands of the police; I could have done that in America with ease. I also had no idea what my now unpredictable driver was about to do at this second checkpoint.
I saw several police officers yelling to him to pull over and he wasn’t slowing down enough (for my liking) for somebody who was being pulled over by police with M-16s. I guess he either decided it wasn’t worth it or realized we were PAYING him to get us back from whence we came alive because he did pull over to an officer YELLING at him. So what does he do?
Advertisement
He rolled down the passenger side window and started YELLING back at the cop. The officer was yelling at him, asking him why he didn’t stop at the first checkpoint. He even yelled, “You didn’t hear him say stop?” Our driver yelled at him in both English and Twi that the initial set of police officers DIDN’T tell him to stop and waved him through. All this was not only untrue, it was a bald-faced lie. I WATCHED the officers wave their arms and yell at him to pull over.
So what did our driver THEN do?
He turned around to the two passengers, including the Black American man who was praying and wondering what the articles about my life would say, and said, “DID YOU HEAR ANYBODY SAY STOP???”
Advertisement
Me: Ummmmmm..NOPE.
I also lied because well, there was no other option on the table. He then explained to the cops that we were Americans and the still annoyed and pissed off cops with M-16s who were still 38-hot and still yelling, waved off our driver, and let us go. Our driver, with the window STILL down, continued to yell at the police. And he continued to be pissed at the police after we drove off.
Advertisement
Our driver not only barreled through a police checkpoint, he THEN proceeded to yell nonstop at police officers, incredulously and with vigor for minutes, only for them to let us go, while still mad, and nobody pulled out a weapon or got shot.
As you can imagine, my level of discomfort was present for probably at least another hour on this drive back to Accra going over and over in my head what I just witnessed. Racism wasn’t at the core of this interaction; these were two black men. Our driver was in the wrong, by a country mile, but still managed to be pissed at the police to the point of yelling at them dismissively, as if they were inconveniencing him. It was the whitest police interaction I’ve ever witnessed up close and personal.
Advertisement
We went on to enjoy the rest of our night and I believe even went OUT that night to some party or something or other. We lived to see another day.
And it never would have happened in America.


theroot--2020-09-02--September Is Sexual Health Awareness Month so Naturally, Ella Paradis Made a Bunch of Bundles to Cel

September Is Sexual Health Awareness Month so Naturally, Ella Paradis Made a Bunch of Bundles to Celebrate

Up to 60 % off and Free Shipping | Ella Paradis | Use Code LABOR Ella Paradis is kicking off Sexual Health Awareness Month in style .
They aren ’ t shy about giving us all good deals with these gems are no different .
Starting today get up to 60 % off and free shipping with the code LABOR on your next purchase .
It ’ ll work until September 10 .
But that ’ s not all , of course , they ’ ve got more !
Bountiful bundles , gift to gratify all month long .
Come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toys .
First up is the Sexual Health Bundle ( $ 50 ) .
Valued at $ 160 it ’ s got the Pixie Wand Massager , Dona Oil , Lelo Toy Cleaner , and a l arge s atin b ag to put them all in .
This is an excellent starter kit .
That ’ s a 69 % discount on all this , nice .
The Goddess Vibes Bundle ( $ 44 ) is all about e mbracing your inner Aphrodite .
This bundle also has the Better Love Pixie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Couples Vibrator .
But my favorite in this bundle is the deck of Kheper Games Sex Fortunes Tarot Cards .
Fortune favors the bold .
This pack is 78 % so it won ’ t last !
The Sona # Stay Safe Bundle ( $ 70 ) is all about staying in and indulging in some self-care .
Engage in some solo sexy time with the best selling Lelo Sona clitoral stimulator .
You ’ ll also get Lelo ’ s Toy Cleaner , so please take care of them too .
Plus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep your new bestie safe and sound .
This deal is 52 % off the original price .
And finally the Clitorally Amazing Bundle ( $ 65 ) the best in batch .
If this isn ’ t a treat yo ’ self pack then I don ’ t know what is .
It ’ s all about showing your double clicker the love it deserves .
Take your pick from the Butterfly Clitoral Stimulator , Better Love Blowfish , and Mini Zip .
This is a crazy deal and you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best-reviewed products .
Free shipping on all orders and the code works until next Thursday .

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

Up to 60% off and Free Shipping | Ella Paradis | Use Code LABOR
Ella Paradis is kicking off Sexual Health Awareness Month in style. They aren’t shy about giving us all good deals with these gems are no different. Starting today get up to 60% off and free shipping with the code LABOR on your next purchase . It’ll work until September 10. But that’s not all, of course, they’ve got more! Bountiful bundles, gift to gratify all month long. Come for the deals, stay for the toys.
First up is the Sexual Health Bundle ($50). Valued at $160 it’s got the Pixie Wand Massager, Dona Oil, Lelo Toy Cleaner, and a l arge s atin b ag to put them all in. This is an excellent starter kit. That’s a 69% discount on all this , nice.
The Goddess Vibes Bundle ($44) is all about e mbracing your inner Aphrodite. This bundle also has the Better Love Pixie Wand Vibrator plus a Queen of Hearts Couples Vibrator. But my favorite in this bundle is the deck of Kheper Games Sex Fortunes Tarot Cards. Fortune favors the bold. This pack is 78% so it won’t last!
The Sona # Stay Safe Bundle ($70) is all about staying in and indulging in some self-care. Engage in some solo sexy time with the best selling Lelo Sona clitoral stimulator. You’ll also get Lelo’s Toy Cleaner, so please take care of them too. Plus you get the large satin bag to keep your new bestie safe and sound. This deal is 52% off the original price.
And finally the Clitorally Amazing Bundle ($65) the best in batch. If this isn’t a treat yo’ self pack then I don’t know what is. It’s all about showing your double clicker the love it deserves. Take your pick from the Butterfly Clitoral Stimulator, Better Love Blowfish, and Mini Zip. This is a crazy deal and you’re saving 76% on some of the best-reviewed products.
Free shipping on all orders and the code works until next Thursday.


theroot--2020-09-02--Game, Set, Match: Serena Williams Becomes All-Time Leader in U.S. Open Match Wins

In case you missed the memo , Serena Williams is really fucking good at tennis ; so much so that it ’ s easy to lose sight of how exceptional she actually is .
But on Tuesday , she was kind enough to provide us all with a timely reminder of how ruthless she ’ s been on the court for over two decades now after she gave fellow American Kristie Ahn the business ( 7-5 , 6-4 ) for her 102nd win at the U.S. Open .
CNN reports that by doing so , the greatest female tennis player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the all-time leader in matches won at the U.S. Open .
“ I don ’ t think I appreciate it enough , which is unfortunate , ” Serena told reporters after her latest career milestone .
“ But I ’ m in the middle of a grand slam , so it ’ s not the time to be focused [ ... ] on records when I ’ m thinking about winning a tournament.
” The journey leading up to her record-breaking win has been anything but effortless as of late , as she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading up the tournament , and 96th-ranked Ahn proved a viable foe .
However , in her quest to collect her 24th grand slam title , Williams admits that she ’ s still adjusting to not having fans in the stands due to COVID-19 precautions .
“ I think the hardest [ thing ] is making sure you stay pumped , ” she said .
“ For me , it was clearly easy because I ’ m always overly passionate .
I love being passionate .
It ’ s what I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , her sister Venus , who ’ s won two U.S .
Opens her damn self , suffered her first-ever opening match defeat ( 6 -3 , 7-5 ) at the hands of Karolína Muchová , but stayed positive despite the loss .
“ I love this game , ” Venus told reporters .
“ It ’ s easy to stay motivated and excited about doing something so amazing .
Not many people get to do this.
” On Thursday , Serena will face off against Russia ’ s Margarita Gasparyan .

In case you missed the memo, Serena Williams is really fucking good at tennis; so much so that it’s easy to lose sight of how exceptional she actually is.
But on Tuesday, she was kind enough to provide us all with a timely reminder of how ruthless she’s been on the court for over two decades now after she gave fellow American Kristie Ahn the business (7-5, 6-4) for her 102nd win at the U.S. Open.
Advertisement
CNN reports that by doing so, the greatest female tennis player who ever lived surpassed Chris Evert as the all-time leader in matches won at the U.S. Open.
Advertisement Advertisement
“I don’t think I appreciate it enough, which is unfortunate,” Serena told reporters after her latest career milestone. “But I’m in the middle of a grand slam, so it’s not the time to be focused [...] on records when I’m thinking about winning a tournament.”
Advertisement
The journey leading up to her record-breaking win has been anything but effortless as of late, as she caught a few surprising L’s leading up the tournament, and 96th-ranked Ahn proved a viable foe. However, in her quest to collect her 24th grand slam title, Williams admits that she’s still adjusting to not having fans in the stands due to COVID-19 precautions.
“I think the hardest [thing] is making sure you stay pumped,” she said. “For me, it was clearly easy because I’m always overly passionate. I love being passionate. It’s what I’m best at.”
Advertisement
On the flip side, her sister Venus, who’s won two U.S. Opens her damn self, suffered her first-ever opening match defeat (6 -3, 7-5) at the hands of Karolína Muchová, but stayed positive despite the loss.
“I love this game,” Venus told reporters. “It’s easy to stay motivated and excited about doing something so amazing. Not many people get to do this.”
Advertisement
On Thursday, Serena will face off against Russia’s Margarita Gasparyan.


theroot--2020-09-02--John Boyega's Experiences With Racism Throughout His Star Wars Journey Made Him 'Much More Militant'

Like his Star Wars character Finn , John Boyega is a trooper in the midst of the storm in that he ’ ll get his work done—but best believe , he ’ ll fight for what is right , even if it means ruffling a few establishment feathers ( also like Finn ) .
What wasn ’ t right ( and downright disgusting ) was the racist treatment he received during his Star Wars trilogy journey and beyond .
Shit , from his very first epic reveal ( when he rose into the frame in a Stormtrooper suit during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Force Awakens teaser ) to now , Boyega has faced countless racist attacks .
These have only exacerbated since he became more outspoken and used his large celebrity platform in support of the Black Lives Matter movement .
And despite the bigoted backlash , Boyega has not backed down .
Nor does he plan to anytime soon .
In his first formal interview since his Star Wars experience and his powerful BLM speech during the London protests , Boyega spoke with British GQ about his evolution , his upcoming role in Steve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even told a fascinating story about the time he was stranded at sea in Nigeria .
“ I ’ m the only cast member who had their own unique experience of that franchise based on their race , ” he said .
“ Let ’ s just leave it like that .
It makes you angry with a process like that .
It makes you much more militant ; it changes you .
Because you realize , ‘ I got given this opportunity but I ’ m in an industry that wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else in the cast had people saying they were going to boycott the movie because [ they were in it ] .
Nobody else had the uproar and death threats sent to their Instagram DMs and social media , saying , ‘ Black this and Black that and you shouldn ’ t be a Stormtrooper.
’ Nobody else had that experience .
But yet people are surprised that I ’ m this way .
That ’ s my frustration.
” As mentioned , the very existence of Finn caused controversy , especially as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Of course , the Black community and those of us with some damn sense were excited to see such representation in this way .
However , that excitement was short-lived when it became apparent that Finn wasn ’ t going to be developed as richly as the character was teased .
This is an occurrence Boyega also believes happened to other cast members of color such as Kelly Marie Tran ( who shared in her own terrible experiences due to racism ) , Naomi Ackie and Oscar Isaac .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he mused .
“ You get yourself involved in projects and you ’ re not necessarily going to like everything .
[ But ] what I would say to Disney is do not bring out a Black character , market them to be much more important in the franchise than they are and then have them pushed to the side .
It ’ s not good .
I ’ ll say it straight up.
” “ Like , you guys knew what to do with Daisy Ridley , you knew what to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You knew what to do with these other people , but when it came to Kelly Marie Tran , when it came to John Boyega , you know fuck all .
So what do you want me to say ?
What they want you to say is , ‘ I enjoyed being a part of it .
It was a great experience ... ’ Nah , nah , nah .
I ’ ll take that deal when it ’ s a great experience .
They gave all the nuance to Adam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ridley .
Let ’ s be honest .
Daisy knows this .
Adam knows this .
Everybody knows .
I ’ m not exposing anything.
” Of course , since Boyega spoke out in this way , it generated a lot of buzz .
Yes , that includes the hit dogs hollering when he opened up about the racism he endured .
“ These conversations and me sharing isn ’ t about a witch hunt , ” Boyega wrote on Twitter , shortly after the cover story was released .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be seen as selfish , disruptive and self-indulgent .
Obviously in hopes of better change .
Bruh .
In short .
I said what I said .
Love to you all seriously .
Your support is amazing !
”

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

Like his Star Wars character Finn, John Boyega is a trooper in the midst of the storm in that he’ll get his work done—but best believe, he’ll fight for what is right, even if it means ruffling a few establishment feathers (also like Finn).
What wasn’t right (and downright disgusting) was the racist treatment he received during his Star Wars trilogy journey and beyond. Shit, from his very first epic reveal (when he rose into the frame in a Stormtrooper suit during the opening of the first Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser) to now, Boyega has faced countless racist attacks. These have only exacerbated since he became more outspoken and used his large celebrity platform in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. And despite the bigoted backlash, Boyega has not backed down. Nor does he plan to anytime soon.
Advertisement
In his first formal interview since his Star Wars experience and his powerful BLM speech during the London protests, Boyega spoke with British GQ about his evolution, his upcoming role in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe and he even told a fascinating story about the time he was stranded at sea in Nigeria.
Advertisement Advertisement
“I’m the only cast member who had their own unique experience of that franchise based on their race,” he said. “Let’s just leave it like that. It makes you angry with a process like that. It makes you much more militant; it changes you. Because you realize, ‘I got given this opportunity but I’m in an industry that wasn’t even ready for me.’ Nobody else in the cast had people saying they were going to boycott the movie because [they were in it]. Nobody else had the uproar and death threats sent to their Instagram DMs and social media, saying, ‘Black this and Black that and you shouldn’t be a Stormtrooper.’ Nobody else had that experience. But yet people are surprised that I’m this way. That’s my frustration.”
As mentioned, the very existence of Finn caused controversy, especially as a Black stormtrooper who wielded the lightsaber. Of course, the Black community and those of us with some damn sense were excited to see such representation in this way. However, that excitement was short-lived when it became apparent that Finn wasn’t going to be developed as richly as the character was teased. This is an occurrence Boyega also believes happened to other cast members of color such as Kelly Marie Tran (who shared in her own terrible experiences due to racism), Naomi Ackie and Oscar Isaac.
Advertisement
“It’s so difficult to maneuver,” he mused. “You get yourself involved in projects and you’re not necessarily going to like everything. [But] what I would say to Disney is do not bring out a Black character, market them to be much more important in the franchise than they are and then have them pushed to the side. It’s not good. I’ll say it straight up.”
Advertisement
“Like, you guys knew what to do with Daisy Ridley, you knew what to do with Adam Driver,” he added. “You knew what to do with these other people, but when it came to Kelly Marie Tran, when it came to John Boyega, you know fuck all. So what do you want me to say? What they want you to say is, ‘I enjoyed being a part of it. It was a great experience...’ Nah, nah, nah. I’ll take that deal when it’s a great experience. They gave all the nuance to Adam Driver, all the nuance to Daisy Ridley. Let’s be honest. Daisy knows this. Adam knows this. Everybody knows. I’m not exposing anything.”
Of course, since Boyega spoke out in this way, it generated a lot of buzz. Yes, that includes the hit dogs hollering when he opened up about the racism he endured.
Advertisement
“These conversations and me sharing isn’t about a witch hunt,” Boyega wrote on Twitter, shortly after the cover story was released. “It’s about clarity to an anger that can be seen as selfish, disruptive and self-indulgent. Obviously in hopes of better change. Bruh. In short. I said what I said. Love to you all seriously. Your support is amazing!”
Advertisement
You are amazing, John Boyega.


theroot--2020-09-02--Remembering Chadwick Boseman: Letitia Wright, Phylicia Rashad, Michael B. Jordan, and More Continue

Remembering Chadwick Boseman: Letitia Wright, Phylicia Rashad, Michael B. Jordan, and More Continue to Pay Tribute [Updated]

Tributes continue to pour in for Chadwick Boseman , who died at the age of 43 on Friday after a four-year battle with colon cancer .
On Monday , Letitia Wright—who portrayed King T ’ Challa ’ s sister Shuri in Black Panther—performed a spoken word piece she wrote in honor of her movie brother .
In the five-minute clip , she details the day they first met , and how she aims to carry on his legacy in the years to come .
The video was filled with images and videos of the world ’ s natural beauty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and also featured footage of them working and hanging out .
“ A soul so beautiful , when you walked into a room , there was calm .
You always moved with grace and ease , ” Wright says .
“ Every time I saw you , the world would be a better place.
” When news first broke of Boseman ’ s death , Wright tweeted that the loss “ really hurts.
” Phylicia Rashad , who served as Boseman ’ s acting teacher and mentor at Howard University , discussed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Rolling Stone .
She stated that he was “ very conscientious ” when it came to the roles he selected and that during his time as her student , he was “ specific , detailed , and thorough , ” as well as “ respectful , polite and courteous.
” “ I watch his movies every time they come on television and I marvel at his work , ” she continued .
“ It ’ s like butter , whatever he is , it ’ s that smooth .
He is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was just beginning to do the things that he had intended to do because he was a great storyteller.
” Clarke Peters , who acted alongside Boseman in the Spike Lee-directed Netflix film Da 5 Bloods , was interviewed by Good Morning Britain about his co-star .
He admitted that he passed judgment on the actor during filming , and now expresses his regret and sends his condolences .
“ I probably wasn ’ t the most altruistic in that environment , ” he says , adding that he told his wife that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over him on set , which prompted him to believe Boseman was acting like a big shot .
“ I ’ m thinking maybe the Black Panther thing went to his head , ” he continues before choking up .
“ But now , I regret even having those thoughts because they were really looking after him.
” There have also been calls to erect physical and tangible tributes to Chadwick Boseman ’ s legacy , some of which have been successful .
According to TMZ , Boseman ’ s high school , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is aiming to begin a memorial scholarship in Boseman ’ s name .
They are working with Boseman ’ s family on the development of the award , and hope to raise enough funds to make the scholarship a sustainable one .
Per Variety , thousands of people also reportedly signed a petition to replace a Confederate statue in Boseman ’ s hometown of Anderson , S.C. After receiving more signatures than expected , the petition now has a goal of 35,000 backers .
“ I believe the community should come together to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that was able to change the movie industry , ” the petition reads .
“ He opened many doors for many young Black people with his leading roles in movies such as Black Panther or Marshall .
It is only natural that his hometown honors what he did.
” Lastly , Whoopi Goldberg urgently tweeted that Disney World needs to erect a Wakanda attraction in honor of Boseman ’ s legacy , stating that “ another Frozen Land ” isn ’ t necessary .
According to CNN , there are Frozen-themed attractions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Disney ’ s Hollywood Studios .
While many have agreed with The View host ( over 58,000 people have liked her tweet ) , there ’ s no official statement from Disney World regarding the possibility of bringing Wakanda to their gates .
Disney Parks announced via Twitter in 2019 that Marvel-themed experiences , such as meet-and-greets with members of Wakanda , Iron Man , Black Widow and more of the Avengers , would be possible at the parks .
Updated : Wednesday , 9/2/2020 , 5:11 p.m. , ET : Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Black Panther , also shared his warm memories with Boseman and thoughts on his untimely death .
I ’ ve been trying to find the words , but nothing comes close to how I feel .
I ’ ve been reflecting on every moment , every conversation , every laugh , every disagreement , every hug…everything .
I wish we had more time .
One of the last times we spoke , you said we were forever linked , and now the truth of that means more to me than ever .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , starting with All My Children when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me .
You showed me how to be better , honor purpose , and create legacy .
And whether you ’ ve known it or not…I ’ ve been watching , learning and constantly motivated by your greatness .
I wish we had more time .
Everything you ’ ve given the world … the legends and heroes that you ’ ve shown us we are … will live on forever .
But the thing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are .
Through it all , you never lost sight of what you loved most .
You cared about your family , your friends , your craft , your spirit .
You cared about the kids , the community , our culture and humanity .
You cared about me .
You are my big brother , but I never fully got a chance to tell you , or to truly give you your flowers while you were here .
I wish we had more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire .
I ’ m gon na miss your honesty , your generosity , your sense of humor , and incredible gifts .
I ’ ll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes .
I ’ m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did .
With grace , courage , and no regrets .
“ Is this your king !
?
” Yes .
he .
is !
Rest In Power Brother. Additionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designer Hannah Beachler tweeted about her experiences with Boseman on set , writing that he was “ always uplifting us , ” and that she is praying for his family .
On Instagram , Black Panther ’ s Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth Carter wrote about her experiences working with Boseman , which began with the film Marshall .
It was at the start of that film ’ s production that she discovered they ’ d be working together again on Black Panther immediately after —but didn ’ t share the news with Boseman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and as yet unproven .
When she finally disclosed to him that they ’ d be reunited on the Marvel blockbuster , she learned that he ’ d known the entire time .
“ That was the man he was , ” she wrote .
“ He could keep it simple .
Hold on to integrity .
Allow the process to unfold .
And in alignment with you .
We went on to work together on Black Panther with the highest level of respect and trust .
And the rest is history .
@

J'na Jefferson on The Grapevine, shared by J'na Jefferson to The Root

Tributes continue to pour in for Chadwick Boseman, who died at the age of 43 on Friday after a four-year battle with colon cancer.
On Monday, Letitia Wright—who portrayed King T’Challa’s sister Shuri in Black Panther—performed a spoken word piece she wrote in honor of her movie brother. In the five-minute clip, she details the day they first met, and how she aims to carry on his legacy in the years to come. The video was filled with images and videos of the world’s natural beauty, including sunsets, flowers, and rain, and also featured footage of them working and hanging out.
Advertisement
“A soul so beautiful, when you walked into a room, there was calm. You always moved with grace and ease,” Wright says. “Every time I saw you, the world would be a better place.” When news first broke of Boseman’s death, Wright tweeted that the loss “really hurts.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Phylicia Rashad, who served as Boseman’s acting teacher and mentor at Howard University, discussed her experiences with him through the years with Rolling Stone. She stated that he was “very conscientious” when it came to the roles he selected and that during his time as her student, he was “specific, detailed, and thorough,” as well as “respectful, polite and courteous.”
“I watch his movies every time they come on television and I marvel at his work,” she continued. “It’s like butter, whatever he is, it’s that smooth. He is one of the greatest actors ever. He was just beginning to do the things that he had intended to do because he was a great storyteller.”
Advertisement
It's Fine to Just Cry, Too I keep coming back to resilience. And how I hate how we consider it to be an essential and inherent Read more
Clarke Peters, who acted alongside Boseman in the Spike Lee-directed Netflix film Da 5 Bloods, was interviewed by Good Morning Britain about his co-star. He admitted that he passed judgment on the actor during filming, and now expresses his regret and sends his condolences.
Advertisement
“I probably wasn’t the most altruistic in that environment,” he says, adding that he told his wife that people appeared to be “fawning” over him on set, which prompted him to believe Boseman was acting like a big shot.
“I’m thinking maybe the Black Panther thing went to his head,” he continues before choking up. “But now, I regret even having those thoughts because they were really looking after him.”
Advertisement
There have also been calls to erect physical and tangible tributes to Chadwick Boseman’s legacy, some of which have been successful. According to TMZ, Boseman’s high school, T.L. Hanna in South Carolina, is aiming to begin a memorial scholarship in Boseman’s name. They are working with Boseman’s family on the development of the award, and hope to raise enough funds to make the scholarship a sustainable one.
Advertisement
Per Variety, thousands of people also reportedly signed a petition to replace a Confederate statue in Boseman’s hometown of Anderson, S.C. After receiving more signatures than expected, the petition now has a goal of 35,000 backers.
“I believe the community should come together to honor someone from Anderson, South Carolina, that was able to change the movie industry,” the petition reads. “He opened many doors for many young Black people with his leading roles in movies such as Black Panther or Marshall. It is only natural that his hometown honors what he did.”
Advertisement
Chadwick Boseman Forever It seemed like a “normal” Friday night—or as normal as any day could be in 2020—and all of a… Read more
Lastly, Whoopi Goldberg urgently tweeted that Disney World needs to erect a Wakanda attraction in honor of Boseman’s legacy, stating that “another Frozen Land” isn’t necessary. According to CNN, there are Frozen-themed attractions and experiences in Orlando’s Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Advertisement
While many have agreed with The View host (over 58,000 people have liked her tweet), there’s no official statement from Disney World regarding the possibility of bringing Wakanda to their gates. Disney Parks announced via Twitter in 2019 that Marvel-themed experiences, such as meet-and-greets with members of Wakanda, Iron Man, Black Widow and more of the Avengers, would be possible at the parks.
Advertisement
Updated: Wednesday, 9/2/2020, 5:11 p.m., ET: Michael B. Jordan, who playe Eric Killmonger in Black Panther, also shared his warm memories with Boseman and thoughts on his untimely death.
Via Instagram, he wrote:
I’ve been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel. I’ve been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything.
I wish we had more time.
One of the last times we spoke, you said we were forever linked , and now the truth of that means more to me than ever. Since nearly the beginning of my career, starting with All My Children when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me. You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you’ve known it or not…I’ve been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness.
I wish we had more time.
Everything you’ve given the world … the legends and heroes that you’ve shown us we are … will live on forever. But the thing that hurts the most is that I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are. Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most. You cared about your family, your friends, your craft, your spirit. You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me. You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here.
I wish we had more time.
I’m more aware now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire. I’m gonna miss your honesty, your generosity, your sense of humor, and incredible gifts. I’ll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes. I’m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. “Is this your king!?” Yes . he . is! Rest In Power Brother.
Advertisement
Additionally, Black Panther’s Oscar-winning production designer Hannah Beachler tweeted about her experiences with Boseman on set, writing that he was “always uplifting us,” and that she is praying for his family.
Advertisement
On Instagram, Black Panther’s Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth Carter wrote about her experiences working with Boseman, which began with the film Marshall. It was at the start of that film’s production that she discovered they’d be working together again on Black Panther immediately after —but didn’t share the news with Boseman , as their working relationship was new and as yet unproven . When she finally disclosed to him that they’d be reunited on the Marvel blockbuster , she learned that he’d known the entire time.
Advertisement
“That was the man he was,” she wrote. “He could keep it simple. Hold on to integrity. Allow the process to unfold. And in alignment with you. We went on to work together on Black Panther with the highest level of respect and trust. And the rest is history.”


theroot--2020-09-02--Get a 10-Pack of Protective Face Shields for 50% Off! [Exclusive]

No matter how much y ’ all gripe and groan on here , COVID-19 is still out there , killing @ @ @ @ @ morbid , but it ’ s true .
Face shields can be a great way @ @ @ @ @ virus , especially when used with a mask .
They ’ re also handy if @ @ @ @ @ all day for your job .
MQDirect has a deal on a 10-pack of face @ @ @ @ @ with the exclusive code KINJASHIELDS !
That ’ s 50 % off the original price @ @ @ @ @ protect yourself and other folks from germs .
What are you waiting for ?

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

10-Pack Protective Face Shields | $15 | MQDirect | Promo code KINJASHIELDS
No matter how much y’all gripe and groan on here, COVID-19 is still out there, killing people. Not to sound morbid, but it’s true. Face shields can be a great way to increase protection from the virus, especially when used with a mask. They’re also handy if you’re around folks all day for your job. MQDirect has a deal on a 10-pack of face shields for only $15 with the exclusive code KINJASHIELDS! That’s 50% off the original price of $30. So protect yourself and other folks from germs. What are you waiting for?


theroot--2020-09-02--California Is Close to Banning Karens From Weaponizing 911, But What About the State’s Police Reform

California Is Close to Banning Karens From Weaponizing 911, But What About the State’s Police Reforms?

Earlier this week , California lawmakers passed a bill that would ban residents and visitors to the state from making racist , false 911 calls .
It now awaits Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s signature before it becomes law .
The bill was part of an array of criminal justice reforms proposed by lawmakers in the wake of George Floyd ’ s killing at the hands of Minneapolis police in May .
But the most substantial of these proposed bills were not passed by the Democrat-heavy legislature , making the 911 ban a notable exception .
While making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime , the bill adds another layer on the basis of one ’ s identity .
From the Los Angeles Times : “ You can make jokes about it .
But it ’ s not a laughing matter .
An individual could lose their life in the wrong situation , ” Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer ( D-Los Angeles ) , who introduced the bill , told the Times .
“ I was watching more and more people being adversely affected by it as this [ Trump ] administration gave license for someone who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the law could face the same challenges as other state and federal “ hate crime ” laws , which require law enforcement to prove that someone knowingly committed a crime against another person strictly on the basis of their identity .
And as the Sacramento Bee ’ s editorial board points out , the bigger story is the policing reforms that were not passed by California lawmakers .
A bill that would allow local law enforcement leaders and district attorneys to request the California attorney general investigate police shootings did not pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposed the legislation .
The Sacramento Bee noted the attorney general is “ no friend of police reform.
” Beccera and law enforcement leaders also opposed legislation that would have enhanced police transparency , requiring police departments and agencies to “ turn over records related to officers accused of racist or discriminatory behavior or who have been repeatedly accused of violating rules to conduct searches and arrests , ” writes the Bee .
A bill that proposed going a step further , decertifying cops who break the law or who are responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite it already being law in 45 other states .
The 911 ban , then , is a significant but small victory when taking into account all that was possible for a state that prides itself as being a progressive leader .
While the 911 bill is commendable in some ways , it still repeats a formula that state Democrats , Republicans and law enforcement are very comfortable with : fixing deeply embedded social problems through punitive measures .
In the best-case scenario , more racists are fined or perhaps , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black people , but the police themselves are no less powerful now than they were at the beginning of the year .
Now , all that ’ s left is to see whether the law truly encourages Karens to mind their own business , or whether this all amounts to more paperwork for overfunded police departments , with no additional safety for nonwhite Californians .

Earlier this week, California lawmakers passed a bill that would ban residents and visitors to the state from making racist, false 911 calls. It now awaits Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature before it becomes law.
The bill was part of an array of criminal justice reforms proposed by lawmakers in the wake of George Floyd’s killing at the hands of Minneapolis police in May. But the most substantial of these proposed bills were not passed by the Democrat-heavy legislature, making the 911 ban a notable exception.
Advertisement
While making a false police report is already a crime, the bill adds another layer on the basis of one’s identity. From the Los Angeles Times:
The bill approved by state lawmakers on Monday states that a person who knowingly makes a false and harassing 911 call on another person in a protected class — which includes race, color, ethnicity, religion, nationality, country of origin, ancestry, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation — can be charged with a misdemeanor and punishable by up to one year in a county jail and a fine of not less than $500.
Advertisement Advertisement
“You can make jokes about it. But it’s not a laughing matter. An individual could lose their life in the wrong situation,” Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), who introduced the bill, told the Times. “I was watching more and more people being adversely affected by it as this [Trump] administration gave license for someone who was bigoted to target Blacks and Latinos.”
But the law could face the same challenges as other state and federal “hate crime” laws, which require law enforcement to prove that someone knowingly committed a crime against another person strictly on the basis of their identity. And as the Sacramento Bee’s editorial board points out, the bigger story is the policing reforms that were not passed by California lawmakers.
Advertisement
A bill that would allow local law enforcement leaders and district attorneys to request the California attorney general investigate police shootings did not pass, largely because current AG Xavier Beccera opposed the legislation. The Sacramento Bee noted the attorney general is “no friend of police reform.”
Beccera and law enforcement leaders also opposed legislation that would have enhanced police transparency, requiring police departments and agencies to “turn over records related to officers accused of racist or discriminatory behavior or who have been repeatedly accused of violating rules to conduct searches and arrests,” writes the Bee.
Advertisement
A bill that proposed going a step further, decertifying cops who break the law or who are responsible for serious misconduct, also did not pass, despite it already being law in 45 other states.
The 911 ban, then, is a significant but small victory when taking into account all that was possible for a state that prides itself as being a progressive leader. While the 911 bill is commendable in some ways, it still repeats a formula that state Democrats, Republicans and law enforcement are very comfortable with: fixing deeply embedded social problems through punitive measures. In the best-case scenario, more racists are fined or perhaps, even discouraged from falsely calling the police on Black people, but the police themselves are no less powerful now than they were at the beginning of the year.
Advertisement
Now, all that’s left is to see whether the law truly encourages Karens to mind their own business, or whether this all amounts to more paperwork for overfunded police departments, with no additional safety for nonwhite Californians.