theroot--2020-07-23--Black Woman Who Faced Up to 19 Months in Prison for Voting While on Probation Now Facing More Charge

Black Woman Who Faced Up to 19 Months in Prison for Voting While on Probation Now Facing More Charges

There is something especially cruel and nefarious about the willingness of legal officials to take a person ’ s freedom away just for voting when they weren ’ t supposed to be .
A 32-year-old Black woman in North Carolina was charged with a felony in 2016 for voting while on probation for another crime .
She said she was unaware that she was ineligible to vote but that didn ’ t stop a district attorney from filing charges against her anyway .
Now , that woman is facing even more charges filed by that same district attorney who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law to prosecute her in the first place .
The Guardian reports that Lanisha Bratcher—a mother of two who is expecting her third child in December—faced up to 19 months in prison for casting a vote while on probation for a felony assault charge .
Voting while on parole or probation is illegal in N.C. , so Hoke County District Attorney Kristy Newton decided to charge her with a Class I felony for voting while serving a criminal sentence .
Bratcher ’ s attorney John Carella argued last year that the law used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presently racist and meant to disenfranchise Black voters .
Carella disputed the original charge by arguing that the law prohibiting those with felony convictions from voting was unconstitutional and racist .
In a court filing , he noted that North Carolina ’ s felon disenfranchisement statute dates back to the late 19th century , when white lawmakers used it openly as a tool to disenfranchise African Americans and diminish their political power after the civil war .
A North Carolina Democratic handbook from 1898 speaks of rescuing the “ white people of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 1903 , Charles Aycock , the state ’ s governor , said the solution to the “ negro problem ” was to “ disenfranchise him ” .
Since the 19th century , North Carolina lawmakers have adjusted the law , but its core practice of disenfranchising all felons until they finish their sentence remains intact .
Of the 441 people with felony convictions the state suspected of voting in 2016 , 68 % were black .
At the end of 2016 , African Americans made up 46 % of the 52,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of registered voters in the state .
In Hoke County , three other people were brought up on voter fraud charges along with Bratcher .
All of them are Black and it ’ s possible none of them knew they were ineligible to vote .
The original decision to bring voter fraud charges against Bratcher and three other African American people in Hoke county was unusual .
Prosecutors across the state chose not to pursue many cases of illegal voting in 2016 , a Guardian review of state data last year found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was charged , investigators from the state board of elections wrote a letter to the Hoke county district attorney , Kristy Newton , saying that many felons are not told about restrictions on voting that it was possible Bratcher and the three others just made a mistake , according to documents obtained by the Guardian .
The investigators told the prosecutor they did not have the resources to investigate the circumstances of Bratcher ’ s case .
Newton , the district attorney , chose to bring the charges anyway .
After the charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other defendants appeared on the local news .
One of the three other men has since pleaded guilty , Carella said , and charges against the two other defendants are still pending .
Last month , the district attorney ’ s office informed Carella that they will be dropping the original charges against Bratcher , but presented two new indictments to a grand jury citing a different provision of the same law they used to prosecute her the first time .
Carella accused the DA of doing this in retaliation for him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ client .
“ It feels like in some ways she ’ s being punished or targeted for fighting back , ” John Carella said , The Guardian reports .
“ She ’ s certainly upset this is still going on .
She is trying to move on with her life.
” “ In response to being made aware of the explicitly white supremacist history of the law and the unconstitutional way in which it was applied , the DA decided , rather than to dismiss or back off those charges , to essentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent that history and that unconstitutional challenge from being aired in court , ” he continued .
“ The prosecutions serve the same purpose as the original law—to intimidate black voters in North Carolina.
” Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

There is something especially cruel and nefarious about the willingness of legal officials to take a person’s freedom away just for voting when they weren’t supposed to be.
A 32-year-old Black woman in North Carolina was charged with a felony in 2016 for voting while on probation for another crime. She said she was unaware that she was ineligible to vote but that didn’t stop a district attorney from filing charges against her anyway. Now, that woman is facing even more charges filed by that same district attorney who has been accused of using a racist 19th-century law to prosecute her in the first place.
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The Guardian reports that Lanisha Bratcher—a mother of two who is expecting her third child in December—faced up to 19 months in prison for casting a vote while on probation for a felony assault charge. Voting while on parole or probation is illegal in N.C., so Hoke County District Attorney Kristy Newton decided to charge her with a Class I felony for voting while serving a criminal sentence.
Bratcher’s attorney John Carella argued last year that the law used to prosecute Bratcher is both historically and presently racist and meant to disenfranchise Black voters.
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From The Guardian:
Carella disputed the original charge by arguing that the law prohibiting those with felony convictions from voting was unconstitutional and racist. In a court filing, he noted that North Carolina’s felon disenfranchisement statute dates back to the late 19th century, when white lawmakers used it openly as a tool to disenfranchise African Americans and diminish their political power after the civil war. A North Carolina Democratic handbook from 1898 speaks of rescuing the “white people of the East” from “negro domination”. In 1903, Charles Aycock, the state’s governor, said the solution to the “negro problem” was to “disenfranchise him”. Since the 19th century, North Carolina lawmakers have adjusted the law, but its core practice of disenfranchising all felons until they finish their sentence remains intact. Of the 441 people with felony convictions the state suspected of voting in 2016, 68% were black. At the end of 2016, African Americans made up 46% of the 52,000 people on parole or probation and 22% of registered voters in the state.
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In Hoke County, three other people were brought up on voter fraud charges along with Bratcher. All of them are Black and it’s possible none of them knew they were ineligible to vote.
The original decision to bring voter fraud charges against Bratcher and three other African American people in Hoke county was unusual. Prosecutors across the state chose not to pursue many cases of illegal voting in 2016, a Guardian review of state data last year found. And nearly a year before she was charged, investigators from the state board of elections wrote a letter to the Hoke county district attorney, Kristy Newton, saying that many felons are not told about restrictions on voting that it was possible Bratcher and the three others just made a mistake, according to documents obtained by the Guardian. The investigators told the prosecutor they did not have the resources to investigate the circumstances of Bratcher’s case. Newton, the district attorney, chose to bring the charges anyway. After the charges were announced, mugshots of Bratcher and the other defendants appeared on the local news. One of the three other men has since pleaded guilty, Carella said, and charges against the two other defendants are still pending.
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Last month, the district attorney’s office informed Carella that they will be dropping the original charges against Bratcher, but presented two new indictments to a grand jury citing a different provision of the same law they used to prosecute her the first time. Carella accused the DA of doing this in retaliation for him arguing that racism was weaponized against his client.
“It feels like in some ways she’s being punished or targeted for fighting back,” John Carella said, The Guardian reports. “She’s certainly upset this is still going on. She is trying to move on with her life.”
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“In response to being made aware of the explicitly white supremacist history of the law and the unconstitutional way in which it was applied, the DA decided, rather than to dismiss or back off those charges, to essentially double down with more felonies and try to prevent that history and that unconstitutional challenge from being aired in court,” he continued. “The prosecutions serve the same purpose as the original law—to intimidate black voters in North Carolina.”
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-07-23--Stock up on Clean Beauty with an Extra 30% off at bareMinerals

Take an Extra 30 % Sale Items | bareMinerals | Use Code SALETIME Long before clean beauty became a common term in our lifestyle vernacular bareMinerals were pioneers in the space .
Since 1995 all their products have been 100 % clean and cruelty-free .
Starting today treat yourself to these clean and conscientious darlings by taking an extra 30 % off already discounted items .
Just use the code SALETIME at check out .
All your favorite lipsticks , foundations , blushes , and highlighters are here for almost nothing .
There are some very nice sets that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kit is a three-piece set with a lip lacquer , moisturizer , and the best selling SkinLongevity serum is just $ 17 .
The beautiful fourteen pan Mesa Gen Nude eyeshadow palette will be $ 28 with the discount .
Grab a full size and two travel size jars of the fan-favorite hydrating and purifying clay masks also just $ 17 .
Sets are already starting to sell out so make your purchases soon .
And this is a great time to give this ethical brand a try if you ’ ve ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders over $ 50 and sale runs until July 26 .

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

Take an Extra 30% Sale Items | bareMinerals | Use Code SALETIME
Long before clean beauty became a common term in our lifestyle vernacular bareMinerals were pioneers in the space. Since 1995 all their products have been 100% clean and cruelty-free. Starting today treat yourself to these clean and conscientious darlings by taking an extra 30% off already discounted items. Just use the code SALETIME at check out.
All your favorite lipsticks, foundations, blushes, and highlighters are here for almost nothing. There are some very nice sets that are incredibly affordable now. The Treat Yourself Kit is a three-piece set with a lip lacquer, moisturizer, and the best selling SkinLongevity serum is just $17. The beautiful fourteen pan Mesa Gen Nude eyeshadow palette will be $28 with the discount. Grab a full size and two travel size jars of the fan-favorite hydrating and purifying clay masks also just $17. Sets are already starting to sell out so make your purchases soon. And this is a great time to give this ethical brand a try if you’ve ever been curious.
Free shipping on all orders over $50 and sale runs until July 26.


theroot--2020-07-23--House Votes to Remove Confederate Statues From the Capitol

On Wednesday , the House of Representatives voted to remove Confederate statues from the Capitol .
According to Politico , the bill would remove a bust of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney from the Old Supreme Court Chamber .
Taney was a Supreme Court justice who was responsible for the Dred Scott decision that ruled Black people were not allowed to be citizens .
The bill would also remove statues of Charles Aycock , John C. Calhoun , and James Paul Clarke , three men who advocated for white supremacy and opposed the abolition of slavery .
There are currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the bill would require the states who submitted them to reclaim them and submit new ones to replace them .
Each state can donate up to two statues to the Capitol collection to honor notable people from the state .
While some states have taken the effort to remove their Confederate statues , a dozen still remain .
This includes a statue of Alexander Stephens , vice president of the Confederacy , that was submitted by Georgia , as well as a statue of Confederate president Jefferson Davis , that was submitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Georgia to replace the statue of Stephens with one of the late Rep. John Lewis , who died last Friday .
While there was bipartisan support for the bill in the House , it ’ s unclear if the bill has a similar level of support from the GOP-controlled Senate .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has declined to comment on whether the bill will even be considered and Senate Republicans have said it ’ s up to the states to replace the statues they ’ ve sent to the collection .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the Senate , it ’ s unlikely that President Trump , who ’ s become increasingly defensive of the monuments , would actually sign it .
This didn ’ t stop House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer ( D-Md . )
from being enthusiastic about the bill .
“ Today will be a historic day in the history of the Congress of the United States and of our country , ” Hoyer said .
“ The House is taking a long-overdue and historic step to ensure that individuals we honor in our Capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not the worst in its history.
” Some , like Rep. Karen Bass ( D-Calif. ) , chair of the Congressional Black Caucus , saw the passing of the bill as a way to honor the late Rep. Lewis .
“ The main honor for Mr. Lewis , to me , is to get a signature on the Voting Rights Act .
But this is also a way to honor his legacy because what he fought for every day is the exact opposite of the symbols , ” Bass said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presence of these statues represent an acceptance of white supremacy and racism , ” she added .
The passing of this bill comes after the House also approved a measure to remove the names of Confederate generals from military bases .
Last month , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi removed portraits of Confederate leaders from the House chamber .

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to remove Confederate statues from the Capitol.
According to Politico, the bill would remove a bust of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney from the Old Supreme Court Chamber. Taney was a Supreme Court justice who was responsible for the Dred Scott decision that ruled Black people were not allowed to be citizens. The bill would also remove statues of Charles Aycock, John C. Calhoun, and James Paul Clarke, three men who advocated for white supremacy and opposed the abolition of slavery. There are currently 12 Confederate statues in the Capitol collection and the bill would require the states who submitted them to reclaim them and submit new ones to replace them.
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Each state can donate up to two statues to the Capitol collection to honor notable people from the state. While some states have taken the effort to remove their Confederate statues, a dozen still remain. This includes a statue of Alexander Stephens, vice president of the Confederacy, that was submitted by Georgia, as well as a statue of Confederate president Jefferson Davis, that was submitted by Mississippi. There are currently talks in Georgia to replace the statue of Stephens with one of the late Rep. John Lewis, who died last Friday.
While there was bipartisan support for the bill in the House, it’s unclear if the bill has a similar level of support from the GOP-controlled Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has declined to comment on whether the bill will even be considered and Senate Republicans have said it’s up to the states to replace the statues they’ve sent to the collection. Even if the bill were to pass through the Senate, it’s unlikely that President Trump, who’s become increasingly defensive of the monuments, would actually sign it.
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This didn’t stop House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) from being enthusiastic about the bill.
“Today will be a historic day in the history of the Congress of the United States and of our country,” Hoyer said. “The House is taking a long-overdue and historic step to ensure that individuals we honor in our Capitol represent our nation’s highest ideals and not the worst in its history.”
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Some, like Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, saw the passing of the bill as a way to honor the late Rep. Lewis.
“The main honor for Mr. Lewis, to me, is to get a signature on the Voting Rights Act. But this is also a way to honor his legacy because what he fought for every day is the exact opposite of the symbols,” Bass said. “Personally, as a black lawmaker, the presence of these statues represent an acceptance of white supremacy and racism,” she added.
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The passing of this bill comes after the House also approved a measure to remove the names of Confederate generals from military bases. Last month, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi removed portraits of Confederate leaders from the House chamber.


theroot--2020-07-23--Tracy McGrady, Jermaine O'Neal Join Forces to Launch Sports Agency

I ’ m a lifelong Orlando Magic fan and there was a point in life where I despised Tracy McGrady .
That day was June 29 , 2004 , when the then-future NBA Hall of Famer forced a trade to the Houston Rockets .
While entirely justified in his demand—year after year , McGrady was surrounded by about as much talent as Eminem had in D12—I was still livid and carried that resentment for years .
But now that McGrady is retired , and very much thriving in the next chapter of his career , I ’ m left with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the two-time NBA scoring champ .
After toying around with baseball in 2014 , and now killing it as an analyst on ESPN , the New York Times reports that the 41-year-old has his sights set on his next endeavor : a sports agency .
Seven1 Sports Group and Entertainment , set to make its debut in the fall , is the brainchild of McGrady and former NBA star Jermaine O ’ Neal .
“ We think it ’ s needed , and we have a passion for it , ” McGrady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids every single day because we have youth programs .
It just makes sense .
We see the lack of information that these kids are getting , so we would be doing a disservice to our people if we don ’ t lend our expertise of what we know and help guide them .
This is a calling that we have.
” These are also circumstances that McGrady and O ’ Neal know all too well .
Both of them came straight out of high school to achieve NBA superstardom , only to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their prime years before their careers fizzled out way too soon .
“ There ’ s no magic wand for this , ” O ’ Neal said .
“ We ’ re not trying to say we ’ re the magic wand .
But we ’ re going to be different .
You can ’ t name another pair of people who have had the level of success and the ups and downs that we ’ ve had in our careers.
” McGrady will serve as co-owner of the company and most likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to advise their clients .
As for O ’ Neal , he ’ ll partner with McGrady and test to become a registered NBA agent in January—and don ’ t think that they ’ re even the least bit intimidated by a market saturated with other agencies .
“ At the end of the day , they can ’ t get all the players , ” McGrady said .
“ Obviously it ’ s going to take us some time to get our feet wet and really understand how this thing works .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ anybody .
We know there ’ s going to be a lot of people trying to poke holes into this.
” I forgive you , Tracy .
Go forth and be blessed .

I’m a lifelong Orlando Magic fan and there was a point in life where I despised Tracy McGrady.
That day was June 29, 2004, when the then-future NBA Hall of Famer forced a trade to the Houston Rockets. While entirely justified in his demand—year after year, McGrady was surrounded by about as much talent as Eminem had in D12—I was still livid and carried that resentment for years. But now that McGrady is retired, and very much thriving in the next chapter of his career, I’m left with no choice but to clap it up for the two-time NBA scoring champ.
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After toying around with baseball in 2014, and now killing it as an analyst on ESPN, the New York Times reports that the 41-year-old has his sights set on his next endeavor: a sports agency.
Seven1 Sports Group and Entertainment, set to make its debut in the fall, is the brainchild of McGrady and former NBA star Jermaine O’Neal.
Advertisement Advertisement
“We think it’s needed, and we have a passion for it,” McGrady said. “We’re around kids every single day because we have youth programs. It just makes sense. We see the lack of information that these kids are getting, so we would be doing a disservice to our people if we don’t lend our expertise of what we know and help guide them. This is a calling that we have.”
These are also circumstances that McGrady and O’Neal know all too well. Both of them came straight out of high school to achieve NBA superstardom, only to suffer serious injuries that robbed them of their prime years before their careers fizzled out way too soon.
Advertisement
“There’s no magic wand for this,” O’Neal said. “We’re not trying to say we’re the magic wand. But we’re going to be different. You can’t name another pair of people who have had the level of success and the ups and downs that we’ve had in our careers.”
McGrady will serve as co-owner of the company and most likely leave his role at ESPN in order to advise their clients. As for O’Neal, he’ll partner with McGrady and test to become a registered NBA agent in January—and don’t think that they’re even the least bit intimidated by a market saturated with other agencies.
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“At the end of the day, they can’t get all the players,” McGrady said. “Obviously it’s going to take us some time to get our feet wet and really understand how this thing works. But we’re not intimidated by anybody. We know there’s going to be a lot of people trying to poke holes into this.”
I forgive you, Tracy. Go forth and be blessed.


theroot--2020-07-23--Black Women Are Tired of People Trying to Control Our Bodies—So Wake Up

Y ’ all I ’ m tired .
I ’ m tired of white supremacy and patriarchy .
I ’ m tired of the systems that police , control and murder Black trans women .
I ’ m tired of the systems that allow Breonna Taylor to be murdered in her home while her killers are allowed to roam free .
I ’ m tired of the systems that built a faulty health care infrastructure that allows Black women to die in childbirth and Black people to die of COVID-19 at three times the rate of white people .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West , who continues to spread propaganda by anti-abortion groups for his political agenda .
I ’ m tired of anti-abortion activists who claim abortion is Black genocide .
I ’ m tired of Black women ’ s decisions about our bodies being policed .
This country was built on the backs of Black people and the genocide of Indigenous people .
White slave owners controlled Black women ’ s lives and used the labor of generations over 400 years to build the economic engine that still powers this country .
The “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marion Sims , was a slave owner who conducted experiments on enslaved Black women without anesthesia .
Black women—along with immigrants , Indigenous people , people with disabilities , and poor people–were forcibly sterilized by federally-funded programs in 32 states .
Police murders , the racially biased treatment of Black women in labor , abortion restrictions are all acts of violence .
As Black women , we are not safe from policing in our homes , in doctor ’ s offices or in schools .
We are not trusted or supported to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We still have to defend our right to have an abortion to the rest of the world .
Anti-abortion organizations have attempted to co-opt the Black Lives Matter movement to shame Black women , shouting Black Lives Matter slogans outside of Planned Parenthood health centers , even erroneously using the denouncement of our founder ’ s racist and ablest beliefs as validation for their false logic .
The idea of “ Black genocide ” by abortion is rooted in the continuation of the reproductive oppression of Black women .
This idea exploits our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistreatment and infantilizes Black women .
Black women ’ s decisions about our reproductive health boil down to damned if we do , damned if we don ’ t .
We are told we can only have children if we “ can afford it ” —otherwise we ’ re “ welfare queens , ” demonized by conservatives as drains on society ( meanwhile corporations and the rich squeeze our labor and natural resources to depletion , taking billions in tax breaks ) .
There is no support for mothers : no mandated paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states that still haven ’ t expanded Medicaid , and an administration still trying to overturn the Affordable Care Act — in the middle of a pandemic .
Black women are dying bringing children into this world .
Our children are thrown in jail or shot by police and denied the chance to experience the full humanity that white children expect as their birthright .
We ’ re also vilified and shamed when we make a decision to terminate a pregnancy .
Under the guise of caring about life , conservatives are forcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of miles to the few-and-far-between health centers that have survived regulation after regulation from state politicians opposed to safe and legal abortion .
Because America exploited our labor , denying us education and opportunities to accumulate wealth for centuries , 25 % of Black women rely on Medicaid for health care .
Due to the Hyde Amendment , the federal government bars those of us who rely on Medicaid from using federal tax dollars to pay for an abortion .
They do not care about our lives .
But we do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of making our own decisions about our bodies , pregnancies , and our lives .
It ’ s long past time for the world to recognize it , and support it .
To some , this argument might sound radical , but it ’ s not new .
The Reproductive Justice movement is the essence of how theories of Black feminism and intersectionality become practice .
It ’ s about protecting and advancing Black people ’ s ability to fully make our own reproductive decisions : to parent , to not parent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thriving communities .
The Reproductive Justice Movement has long been ahead of traditional reproductive rights organizations in declaring that bodily autonomy and access to reproductive health care are human rights .
Because the war against white supremacy is fought on Black women ’ s bodies , we stand unapologetically at the forefront of movements—whether it ’ s for reproductive freedom or for Black liberation .
We organize , we create resource after resource , we march to exhaustion , we cry and we comfort and we bring joy .
Trust us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
And one more time for the people in the back : Stop telling us what to do with our bodies .
Nia Eshu Martin-Robinson is the Director of Black Leadership and Engagement at Planned Parenthood Federation of America .
Nia ’ s professional focus is centered around reproductive health , rights and justice .
In her role , she works to build a collective strategy and vision for Black work at the organization .
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

Nia Martin-Robinson on The Glow Up, shared by Maiysha Kai to The Root

Y’all I’m tired. I’m tired of white supremacy and patriarchy. I’m tired of the systems that police, control and murder Black trans women. I’m tired of the systems that allow Breonna Taylor to be murdered in her home while her killers are allowed to roam free. I’m tired of the systems that built a faulty health care infrastructure that allows Black women to die in childbirth and Black people to die of COVID-19 at three times the rate of white people. I’m tired of entertainers like Kanye West, who continues to spread propaganda by anti-abortion groups for his political agenda. I’m tired of anti-abortion activists who claim abortion is Black genocide. I’m tired of Black women’s decisions about our bodies being policed.
This country was built on the backs of Black people and the genocide of Indigenous people. White slave owners controlled Black women’s lives and used the labor of generations over 400 years to build the economic engine that still powers this country. The “father of modern gynecology,” J. Marion Sims, was a slave owner who conducted experiments on enslaved Black women without anesthesia. Black women—along with immigrants, Indigenous people, people with disabilities, and poor people–were forcibly sterilized by federally-funded programs in 32 states.
Advertisement
Police murders, the racially biased treatment of Black women in labor, abortion restrictions are all acts of violence . As Black women, we are not safe from policing in our homes, in doctor’s offices or in schools. We are not trusted or supported to make decisions for ourselves and our families. We still have to defend our right to have an abortion to the rest of the world. Anti-abortion organizations have attempted to co-opt the Black Lives Matter movement to shame Black women, shouting Black Lives Matter slogans outside of Planned Parenthood health centers, even erroneously using the denouncement of our founder’s racist and ablest beliefs as validation for their false logic. The idea of “Black genocide” by abortion is rooted in the continuation of the reproductive oppression of Black women. This idea exploits our communities’ very real history of medical mistreatment and infantilizes Black women.
Black women’s decisions about our reproductive health boil down to damned if we do, damned if we don’t. We are told we can only have children if we “can afford it”—otherwise we’re “welfare queens,” demonized by conservatives as drains on society (meanwhile corporations and the rich squeeze our labor and natural resources to depletion, taking billions in tax breaks). There is no support for mothers: no mandated paid maternity leave, no affordable childcare, states that still haven’t expanded Medicaid, and an administration still trying to overturn the Affordable Care Act — in the middle of a pandemic. Black women are dying bringing children into this world. Our children are thrown in jail or shot by police and denied the chance to experience the full humanity that white children expect as their birthright.
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We’re also vilified and shamed when we make a decision to terminate a pregnancy. Under the guise of caring about life, conservatives are forcing us to walk through protestors—or to drive hundreds of miles to the few-and-far-between health centers that have survived regulation after regulation from state politicians opposed to safe and legal abortion. Because America exploited our labor, denying us education and opportunities to accumulate wealth for centuries, 25% of Black women rely on Medicaid for health care. Due to the Hyde Amendment, the federal government bars those of us who rely on Medicaid from using federal tax dollars to pay for an abortion. They do not care about our lives.
But we do. We are full human beings, capable of making our own decisions about our bodies, pregnancies, and our lives. It’s long past time for the world to recognize it, and support it.
Advertisement
To some, this argument might sound radical, but it’s not new. The Reproductive Justice movement is the essence of how theories of Black feminism and intersectionality become practice. It’s about protecting and advancing Black people’s ability to fully make our own reproductive decisions: to parent, to not parent, and to raise our children in safe and thriving communities. The Reproductive Justice Movement has long been ahead of traditional reproductive rights organizations in declaring that bodily autonomy and access to reproductive health care are human rights.
Because the war against white supremacy is fought on Black women’s bodies, we stand unapologetically at the forefront of movements—whether it’s for reproductive freedom or for Black liberation. We organize, we create resource after resource, we march to exhaustion, we cry and we comfort and we bring joy. Trust us, stand with us—or get out of our way.
Advertisement
And one more time for the people in the back: Stop telling us what to do with our bodies.
Nia Eshu Martin-Robinson is the Director of Black Leadership and Engagement at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Nia’s professional focus is centered around reproductive health, rights and justice. In her role, she works to build a collective strategy and vision for Black work at the organization.
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Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-07-23--Misty Copeland Discusses How Racial Justice Protests Are Waking the Dance World Up

Several cracks in the foundation of America have been uncovered during the COVID-19 pandemic , such as issues within the country ’ s healthcare and class systems .
Especially in the aftermath of George Floyd ’ s death , racial inequality has become a huge topic across several fields and industries , such as the journalism/online media and the improv comedy spaces .
Misty Copeland , the first African American woman to be selected as Principal Dancer for the prestigious American Ballet Theater , spoke to Yahoo !
Finance about how the ongoing racial justice protests are unlike anything she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She also believes that work has just begun in terms of how to combat racism in the dance world .
“ It ’ s the first time in my position that I feel like I ’ m truly being heard , ” she explains of how she ’ s using her voice to raise awareness , later adding , “ This has been my life ’ s work as a dancer : speaking about racism in the world , and in ballet , speaking about the lack of diversity .
And to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballet world listening , and to have different panels to speak about this—in a way that I have before , but again , for the first time , people are really seeing it .
And I think that ’ s what ’ s different about this time , is that I feel like we have true allies and people from other communities and races that we ’ ve not had before.
” Copeland has been vocal about the racism that Black ballerinas have faced .
She spoke with former President Barack Obama for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fought to ensure she wasn ’ t treated differently when she was on the come up .
She wanted to let her talent speak for itself .
( “ I didn ’ t [ want to ] pancake my skin a lighter color to fit into the court of ballet , I didn ’ t want to have to wear makeup that made my nose look thinner , ” she said . )
She also discussed COVID-19 ’ s impact on the dance world , which she implies will never be the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the quarantine .
The art form , she says , is best experienced on stage , and rehearsals are necessary for connection to the pieces and partners .
“ To be yanked out of [ performing ] ...
I think is a bit shocking emotionally , psychologically , ” she says .
“ I think in the long run , the dance world is going to learn from this because we ’ ve never really been pushed to have a virtual presence .
This is an opportunity for us to step back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these things that are very old and very traditional , that we need to kind of reassess and revamp.
” In May , Copeland launched a virtual dance performance titled Swans for Relief , which featured 32 ballerinas representing 14 countries and 22 companies performing the variation The Dying Swan , Le Cyne ( The Swan ) from Swan Lake .
According to Yahoo !
Finance , the event raised nearly $ 300,000 for professional dancers to maintain living expenses as performances halted due to the pandemic .

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

Several cracks in the foundation of America have been uncovered during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as issues within the country’s healthcare and class systems. Especially in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, racial inequality has become a huge topic across several fields and industries, such as the journalism/online media and the improv comedy spaces.
Misty Copeland, the first African American woman to be selected as Principal Dancer for the prestigious American Ballet Theater, spoke to Yahoo! Finance about how the ongoing racial justice protests are unlike anything she’s ever witnessed in her career. She also believes that work has just begun in terms of how to combat racism in the dance world.
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“It’s the first time in my position that I feel like I’m truly being heard,” she explains of how she’s using her voice to raise awareness, later adding, “This has been my life’s work as a dancer: speaking about racism in the world, and in ballet, speaking about the lack of diversity. And to have my company, to have the ballet world listening, and to have different panels to speak about this—in a way that I have before, but again, for the first time, people are really seeing it. And I think that’s what’s different about this time, is that I feel like we have true allies and people from other communities and races that we’ve not had before.”
Copeland has been vocal about the racism that Black ballerinas have faced. She spoke with former President Barack Obama for TIME in 2016, about how she fought to ensure she wasn’t treated differently when she was on the come up. She wanted to let her talent speak for itself. (“I didn’t [want to] pancake my skin a lighter color to fit into the court of ballet, I didn’t want to have to wear makeup that made my nose look thinner,” she said.)
She also discussed COVID-19’s impact on the dance world, which she implies will never be the same due to some of the realizations made during the quarantine. The art form, she says, is best experienced on stage, and rehearsals are necessary for connection to the pieces and partners.
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“To be yanked out of [performing]...I think is a bit shocking emotionally, psychologically,” she says. “I think in the long run, the dance world is going to learn from this because we’ve never really been pushed to have a virtual presence. This is an opportunity for us to step back and take a look at all of these things that are very old and very traditional, that we need to kind of reassess and revamp.”
In May, Copeland launched a virtual dance performance titled Swans for Relief, which featured 32 ballerinas representing 14 countries and 22 companies performing the variation The Dying Swan, Le Cyne (The Swan) from Swan Lake. According to Yahoo! Finance, the event raised nearly $300,000 for professional dancers to maintain living expenses as performances halted due to the pandemic.


theroot--2020-07-23--Here Are the Best Deals From Nordstrom Rack's Clear the Rack Sale

Nordstrom Rack is back at it with the deals .
Today , they ’ re clearing their clearance section , @ @ @ @ @ goods , accessories , and apparel—all of which are up to 70 % off , @ @ @ @ @ over $ 100 .
I already did the hard work and lined up eight great @ @ @ @ @ aware of .
Remember , Clear the Rack means you can take an extra 25 @ @ @ @ @ July 26 .
You can check out the rest of Nordstrom Rack ’ s clearance @ @ @

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Quentyn Kennemer to The Root

Clear the Rack Sale | Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack is back at it with the deals. Today, they’re clearing their clearance section, which is filled with home goods, accessories, and apparel—all of which are up to 70% off, plus free shipping on orders over $100. I already did the hard work and lined up eight great deals you should definitely be aware of. Remember, Clear the Rack means you can take an extra 25% off clearance items until July 26.
You can check out the rest of Nordstrom Rack’s clearance sale here.


theroot--2020-07-23--Family of Black Man Allegedly Shot by Store Owner During George Floyd Protest Demands Justice; Autho

Family of Black Man Allegedly Shot by Store Owner During George Floyd Protest Demands Justice; Authorities Seek Help Finding Information

Two days after George Floyd died in police custody , Calvin Horton was shot and killed by a Minneapolis pawnshop owner during a protest-turned-riot over Floyd ’ s death .
Now , Horton ’ s family—who is represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump—are demanding justice , and county officials are asking for the public ’ s help in providing information on the shooting .
Tuesday would have been Horton ’ s 44th birthday .
His family wasn ’ t able to celebrate it with him but they did honor him by gathering with their lawyers and members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just want justice for him on his birthday , that ’ s what I want , ” Horton ’ s mother Mae Roberts told Fox 9 reporters covering the demonstration .
“ I want justice , capital J-u-s-t-i-c-e. ” Horton was allegedly shot by the shop ’ s owner John Rieple outside of Cadillac Pawn on May 27 after two days of protests , rioting and looting , according to Star Tribune .
Rieple was arrested at the scene following the shooting and held at Hennepin County Jail for several days but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , KSTP5 reports .
Investigators say they haven ’ t been able to find any surveillance video of the shooting and only have one witness who saw part of the incident .
The family , however , said they have seen a Facebook video that shows Horton was receiving first aid by paramedics in front of the pawnshop before he was shot and that it proves Rieple wasn ’ t protecting his store from an attack when he started firing into a crowd of protesters—which they said he did from inside the store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot out into a crowd of dozens of people , and we know bullets don ’ t have a name on it .
That bullet could have hit anybody , ” Crump said .
The family also said the video , as well as their viewing of Horton ’ s body , shows he was shot in the back , not in the chest , as the Hennepin County Medical Examiner reported .
“ We ’ re absolutely heartbroken at the fact that the man who was able to shoot my dad is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Calvin ’ s daughter said during the demonstration .
“ And we ’ re left to feel as if we ’ re the ones in prison.
” Crump—who announced Monday that he is representing Horton ’ s family , according to the Tribune—said that not charging Rieple sets a bad precedent .
“ This is a precedent-setting matter , ” he said .
“ I mean , there are protests going on all over America , and if we allow business owners to shoot Black people who are protesting for Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we sending to the world ?
” According to Fox 9 , the medical examiner ’ s office said they could not comment on the family ’ s claim that Horton was shot in the back and the Minneapolis Police Department said they can ’ t confirm if Horton was inside or outside of the store when he was shot because this is an active homicide investigation .
On Tuesday , Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman asked for the public ’ s help in the investigation into Horton ’ s death and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports .
“ We need the help of anyone who was in or around Cadillac Pawn at the time of the shooting , ” Freeman said .
“ We need to know what happened several minutes before the shooting and then the shooting itself.
” According to News 5 , anyone with information about the shooting of Horton has been instructed to contact Crimestoppers at 800-222-8477 or on their website .

Two days after George Floyd died in police custody, Calvin Horton was shot and killed by a Minneapolis pawnshop owner during a protest-turned-riot over Floyd’s death. Now, Horton’s family—who is represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump—are demanding justice, and county officials are asking for the public’s help in providing information on the shooting.
Tuesday would have been Horton’s 44th birthday. His family wasn’t able to celebrate it with him but they did honor him by gathering with their lawyers and members of the community to demand justice.
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“I just want justice for him on his birthday, that’s what I want,” Horton’s mother Mae Roberts told Fox 9 reporters covering the demonstration. “I want justice, capital J-u-s-t-i-c-e.”
Horton was allegedly shot by the shop’s owner John Rieple outside of Cadillac Pawn on May 27 after two days of protests, rioting and looting, according to Star Tribune. Rieple was arrested at the scene following the shooting and held at Hennepin County Jail for several days but he was released without charges pending further investigation, KSTP5 reports.
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Investigators say they haven’t been able to find any surveillance video of the shooting and only have one witness who saw part of the incident.
The family, however, said they have seen a Facebook video that shows Horton was receiving first aid by paramedics in front of the pawnshop before he was shot and that it proves Rieple wasn’t protecting his store from an attack when he started firing into a crowd of protesters—which they said he did from inside the store, Fox 9 reports.
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“He shot out into a crowd of dozens of people, and we know bullets don’t have a name on it. That bullet could have hit anybody,” Crump said.
The family also said the video, as well as their viewing of Horton’s body, shows he was shot in the back, not in the chest, as the Hennepin County Medical Examiner reported.
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“We’re absolutely heartbroken at the fact that the man who was able to shoot my dad is still free,” Cadaezhah Horton, Calvin’s daughter said during the demonstration. “And we’re left to feel as if we’re the ones in prison.”
Crump—who announced Monday that he is representing Horton’s family, according to the Tribune—said that not charging Rieple sets a bad precedent.
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“This is a precedent-setting matter,” he said. “I mean, there are protests going on all over America, and if we allow business owners to shoot Black people who are protesting for Black Lives Matter, then what kind of message are we sending to the world?”
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According to Fox 9, the medical examiner’s office said they could not comment on the family’s claim that Horton was shot in the back and the Minneapolis Police Department said they can’t confirm if Horton was inside or outside of the store when he was shot because this is an active homicide investigation.
On Tuesday, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman asked for the public’s help in the investigation into Horton’s death and the possible prosecution of Rieple, News 5 reports.
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“We need the help of anyone who was in or around Cadillac Pawn at the time of the shooting,” Freeman said. “We need to know what happened several minutes before the shooting and then the shooting itself.”
According to News 5, anyone with information about the shooting of Horton has been instructed to contact Crimestoppers at 800-222-8477 or on their website.


theroot--2020-07-23--Texas School Board Doubles Down on Hair Policy That Pushed Two Black Male Students Out of School

A Houston-area school district has unanimously voted to preserve a hair policy that has been widely criticized as racist and discriminatory , especially after it prevented a Black high school senior from walking in his own graduation earlier this year .
The Barbers Hill Independent School District , located east of Houston , bans boys enrolled in its schools from wearing their hair long .
In January , Barbers Hill High School student De ’ Andre Arnold made national headlines after he was told he couldn ’ t attend senior prom or walk in his high school graduation unless he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s story went viral , he appeared on Ellen DeGeneres ’ talk show and was invited to attend this year ’ s Academy Awards ceremony by the creators of the Oscar-winning animated short , Hair Love .
The rule also impacted his cousin , Kaden Bradford , who was suspended for wearing his hair in dreadlocks .
As NPR reports , despite a wave of states overturning these policies because of the ways they disproportionately punish Black students and workers , Barbers Hill ISD school board voted to keep the policy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barbers Hill ISD said the policy had nothing to do with race but was primarily concerned with maintaining “ excellence.
” “ They want the standards without having to meet the standards , ” attorney Hans Graff said , as reported by Houston Public Media .
“ They want to be treated differently .
They ’ re saying , ‘ We want the academic excellence , we want the excellence of Barbers Hill .
But we don ’ t want to comply with what it takes to achieve that.
’ “ But that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problematic , ” [ ACLU Texas Attorney Brian ] Klosterboer told NPR .
The school district was essentially saying that “ the only way to be excellent is to fit that white majority stereotype , ” he said .
“ [ The students ’ ] heritage , too , is excellent , just as the majority culture in the district itself.
” According to the district ’ s student handbook , male students are in violation of school police if they keep their hair “ below the top of a t-shirt collar , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ear lobes.
” Arnold , who attended Barbers Hill schools since kindergarten , had complied with the policy by wearing his dreadlocks up .
But Arnold ’ s family attorneys say school officials made the policy more restrictive last year , requiring students to meet the guidelines even when their hair wasn ’ t worn down .
Arnold and Bradford ’ s families sued the school district earlier this year , faulting the policy for “ profiling , singling out , and burdening Black children for wearing their hair in its natural state.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kaden and De ’ Andre , these students , knows how incredibly excellent they are , ” Klosterboer told NPR .
“ They have now sacrificed being away from their friends—being isolated at school—to stand up for their constitutional rights , and to stand up for their heritage , their family and their culture and for what they believe .
And that is excellent .
”

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

A Houston-area school district has unanimously voted to preserve a hair policy that has been widely criticized as racist and discriminatory, especially after it prevented a Black high school senior from walking in his own graduation earlier this year.
The Barbers Hill Independent School District, located east of Houston, bans boys enrolled in its schools from wearing their hair long. In January, Barbers Hill High School student De’Andre Arnold made national headlines after he was told he couldn’t attend senior prom or walk in his high school graduation unless he cut off his dreadlocks.
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After Arnold’s story went viral, he appeared on Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show and was invited to attend this year’s Academy Awards ceremony by the creators of the Oscar-winning animated short, Hair Love.
The rule also impacted his cousin, Kaden Bradford, who was suspended for wearing his hair in dreadlocks.
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As NPR reports, despite a wave of states overturning these policies because of the ways they disproportionately punish Black students and workers, Barbers Hill ISD school board voted to keep the policy in place.
Naturally, an attorney for Barbers Hill ISD said the policy had nothing to do with race but was primarily concerned with maintaining “excellence.”
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From NPR:
“They want the standards without having to meet the standards,” attorney Hans Graff said, as reported by Houston Public Media. “They want to be treated differently. They’re saying, ‘We want the academic excellence, we want the excellence of Barbers Hill. But we don’t want to comply with what it takes to achieve that.’ “ But that argument itself was “racist and incredibly problematic,” [ACLU Texas Attorney Brian] Klosterboer told NPR. The school district was essentially saying that “the only way to be excellent is to fit that white majority stereotype,” he said. “[The students’] heritage, too, is excellent, just as the majority culture in the district itself.”
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According to the district’s student handbook, male students are in violation of school police if they keep their hair “below the top of a t-shirt collar, below the eyebrows, or below the ear lobes.” Arnold, who attended Barbers Hill schools since kindergarten, had complied with the policy by wearing his dreadlocks up. But Arnold’s family attorneys say school officials made the policy more restrictive last year, requiring students to meet the guidelines even when their hair wasn’t worn down.
Arnold and Bradford’s families sued the school district earlier this year, faulting the policy for “profiling, singling out, and burdening Black children for wearing their hair in its natural state.”
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“Anyone who’s met Kaden and De’Andre, these students, knows how incredibly excellent they are,” Klosterboer told NPR. “They have now sacrificed being away from their friends—being isolated at school—to stand up for their constitutional rights, and to stand up for their heritage, their family and their culture and for what they believe. And that is excellent.”


theroot--2020-07-23--I May Destroy You: Weruche Opia, on the Importance of Showcasing Different Stories Within the Africa

I May Destroy You: Weruche Opia, on the Importance of Showcasing Different Stories Within the African Diaspora

Portraying Terry on the critically acclaimed series created by ( and starring ) Michaela Coel , I May Destroy You , Opia exudes an energy that you can ’ t take your eyes off of .
As Arabella ’ s ( Coel ) best friend , Terry is like the piece of a very relatable puzzle .
As the series progresses , you quickly fall in love with their friendship ( and their mantras—like , “ my birth is your birth , G ... , ” which I particularly appreciate since we constantly used “ G ” as slang growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the many challenges they face throughout—it feels real .
Rockin ’ her beautiful cornrows , Opia spoke with The Root about her craft and how taking off Terry ’ s wig also represents taking off everything that comes with Terry ( including some of her turmoil ) so that she can maintain her sanity .
Still , Opia does relate to her onscreen persona in a lot of ways , including the way she views her friends as family .
“ The thing that I can most relate to is Terry being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything , I know about that !
” Opia chuckled .
“ I ’ ve been there before , in terms of my self-confidence issues , going to auditions—multiple auditions [ and ] not getting the role , but still forging on.
” As Opia was born in Nigeria and is now living in the U.K. , we also discussed the significance of telling the global story of sexual assault .
“ Black people are everywhere !
” she said .
“ So , it ’ s nice to have this show that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all actually experience the same things .
It might be different locations , but as human beings in general , regardless of what race you are , we all experience the same things.
” I May Destroy You airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on HBO .

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

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-07-23--Cut the Cord on Cleaning: Dyson's V7 Fluffy Is $200 off at Newegg

As I expressed in an earlier Co-op , I ’ m on the prowl for my first cordless vacuum .
So while I can ’ t vouch for the Dyson V7 Origin myself , hearsay suggests it ’ s one of the better options out there ( let me know what you think in the comments ) , and Dyson generally makes high-quality products which makes this deal hard to ignore : Newegg is selling the Dyson V7 Fluffy Cordless Vacuum for $ 200 .
T his vacuum currently sits at just under $ 300 ( $ 278 on Newegg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon is $ 330 .
Still , you ’ re saving over $ 100 compared to Amazon .
With a 0.14-gallon bin and 75 % more brush bar power than its predecessor , the Dyson V6 , you ’ ll get the capacity and the performance of some proper corded vacuums without any of the limitations .
Better still , the head is interchangeable , so it can double as a car vac or traditional hand vac if need be .
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey on 6/10/2020 and updated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7/23/2020 .

Gabe Carey on Kinja Deals, shared by Jordan McMahon 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--2020-07-23--Salt-N-Pepa Reveal Tupac Was Edited Out of the 'Whatta Man' Video Because of His Reputation: 'You Ca

Salt-N-Pepa Reveal Tupac Was Edited Out of the 'Whatta Man' Video Because of His Reputation: 'You Can't Fight the Record Company'

Do me a solid and go watch Salt-N-Pepa ’ s 1994 music video for “ Whatta Man.
” A round the 1:07 mark , Salt is getting loved on by a faceless gentleman .
That faceless gentleman just so happens to be the late Tupac Shakur .
Surprise !
He appears around the 3:16 mark as well .
During an interview with LL Cool J ’ s website Rock The Bells released on Wednesday , Salt-N-Pepa discuss why Pac ’ s face isn ’ t seen during the video—a crying shame considering how fine he was .
As you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down to his bad boy reputation .
In 1993 , Pac and three other men were accused of sexually assaulting a young woman in his hotel room .
He was also charged with shooting two Atlanta police officers that same year during a road-rage incident ; however , per an MTV News report , prosecutors dropped all charges .
“ The record company all panicked and only kept shots where you can ’ t see him , ” Pepa tells the site .
“ There were some great Tupac shots .
And Salt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t fight the record company.
” “ [ His reputation ] was the whole reason , ” Salt adds .
“ I hate that when I watch the video , it really bothers me.
” Salt appeared in Pac ’ s 1995 music video for “ Temptations , ” which was released when he was incarcerated .
In December 1994 , Pac was convicted of first-degree sexual abuse , but was acquitted of associated gun and sodomy charges .
He was sentenced to prison in 1995 for the alleged assault .
The Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , New York State Judge Daniel P. Fitzgerald said that Pac ’ s “ arrogant abuse of his victim follows a pattern of escalating violence as his career progressed.
” Nevertheless , the ladies recognized that beyond his headline-making behavior , he was a really magnetic individual .
“ Being around him , that guy had charisma , ” Salt explains .
“ He was the most amazing person that walked in the room .
When he walked into a room , it was truly all eyes on him .
”

Do me a solid and go watch Salt-N-Pepa’s 1994 music video for “Whatta Man.” A round the 1:07 mark, Salt is getting loved on by a faceless gentleman. That faceless gentleman just so happens to be the late Tupac Shakur. Surprise! He appears around the 3:16 mark as well.
During an interview with LL Cool J’s website Rock The Bells released on Wednesday, Salt-N-Pepa discuss why Pac’s face isn’t seen during the video—a crying shame considering how fine he was. As you’d likely guess, it all boils down to his bad boy reputation.
In 1993, Pac and three other men were accused of sexually assaulting a young woman in his hotel room. He was also charged with shooting two Atlanta police officers that same year during a road-rage incident; however, per an MTV News report, prosecutors dropped all charges.
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“The record company all panicked and only kept shots where you can’t see him,” Pepa tells the site. “There were some great Tupac shots. And Salt always kicks herself. You can’t fight the record company.”
“[His reputation] was the whole reason,” Salt adds. “I hate that when I watch the video, it really bothers me.”
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Salt appeared in Pac’s 1995 music video for “Temptations,” which was released when he was incarcerated. In December 1994, Pac was convicted of first-degree sexual abuse, but was acquitted of associated gun and sodomy charges. He was sentenced to prison in 1995 for the alleged assault. The Los Angeles Times wrote that during the sentencing, New York State Judge Daniel P. Fitzgerald said that Pac’s “arrogant abuse of his victim follows a pattern of escalating violence as his career progressed.”
Nevertheless, the ladies recognized that beyond his headline-making behavior, he was a really magnetic individual.
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“Being around him, that guy had charisma,” Salt explains. “He was the most amazing person that walked in the room. When he walked into a room, it was truly all eyes on him.”


theroot--2020-07-23--‘Person, Woman, Man, Camera, TV’: Trump Is the Latest Member of Idiot-Mensa

It ’ s starting to look like the cognitive test that Trump claims he aced is the only test he ’ s ever done well on because he won ’ t stop talking about it .
This test literally has questions like , “ Do you see an elephant ?
Can you point to the elephant ?
” and Trump is out here acting like he ’ s the latest Mensa member .
The coronavirus , the Tory Lanez of viruses , is still out here butt-naked and unafraid , having claimed some 145,000 lives , and the president is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of his test-taking , which includes looking at pictures of puppies and pointing out the one that doesn ’ t have legs .
The whole question of Trump ’ s cognitive ability started the day he took office because he ’ s dumber than Draya Michelle trying to read the instructions on ramen .
He rambles when he talks and lies when he runs out of things to say .
He also suggested that we could “ inject bleach into the body to kill the coronavirus.
” Yes , this is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the codes to nuclear weapons .
Anyway , coherent Americans began wondering , “ Yo , is this nigga OK ?
” To combat this narrative , Trump revealed that in 2018 he took the Montreal Cognitive Assessment ( MoCA ) — a simple test designed to help doctors assess cognitive function , typically administered to adults whose loved ones are concerned about possible dementia , Alzheimer ’ s , or other conditions .
It involves simple tasks like drawing a clock , identifying pictures of common animals , and repeating five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administering doctor and then remembering them later in the test .
Trump has been bragging repeatedly that he “ aced ” it , which is a bit like boasting that you made yourself a PB & J without cutting off your thumb : Technically , it ’ s a good thing , but it ’ s also a very , very low bar to clear .
On Sunday , Fox News ’ Chris Wallace asked the president about taking this test and whether or not he had trouble filling in the bubbles on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisted that he took that test up to the Oval Office and grabbed it by the pussy !
Wallace was like , why would you do that to a test that is super easy , and then Trump got all huffy and wanted to prove it was a difficult test when it ’ s not .
It ’ s not .
It ’ s not a test to measure a person ’ s intelligence ; it ’ s a test to measure whether or not they are still here with us and of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump went back on Fox and , of course , flexed his mental prowess , which is what people who are struggling with their mental acuity do , and then proceeded to showcase just what keeps the rest of the world envious of America .
The president said that they give you five words ; of course , he couldn ’ t remember what words he was given on the test and then named five nouns , all of which were in his eyesight and as Mashable notes , “ three of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The last questions are much more difficult , like a memory question , ” he told Fox News medical contributor Marc Siegel .
“ It ’ s like , you go ‘ Person , woman , man , camera , TV.
’ So they say , ‘ Could you repeat that ?
’ ‘ So I said , ‘ Yeah .
So it ’ s person , woman , man , camera , TV.
’ ” He continued : “ And then , 10 minutes , 15 minutes later : ‘ Remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the 10th question ?
Give us that again , ’ ” Trump said .
“ And you go ‘ person , woman , man , camera , TV.
’ If you get it in order , you get extra points !
They said ‘ Nobody gets it in order ’ ...
They say ‘ That ’ s amazing .
How did you do that ?
’ I do it because I have , like , a good memory.
” The whole thing is actually mad cringey , so just watch it below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is who white America is fighting for .
Y ’ all really want him to remain in office ?
What the fuck it wrong with y ’ all ?
This is y ’ all king ?
CNN also debunked the president ’ s claim that the test gets harder as you go by pointing out what the last questions are .
Of course , the Internet had jokes—because why wouldn ’ t they ?
I would like to point out here that former President Obama went to Harvard Law and was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Review , and y ’ all president is excited that he can recite “ Person , woman , man , camera , TV ” without having to make up a rhyming song to go with it .

It’s starting to look like the cognitive test that Trump claims he aced is the only test he’s ever done well on because he won’t stop talking about it. This test literally has questions like, “Do you see an elephant? Can you point to the elephant?” and Trump is out here acting like he’s the latest Mensa member.
The coronavirus, the Tory Lanez of viruses, is still out here butt-naked and unafraid, having claimed some 145,000 lives, and the president is happy to get a pudding at the end of his test-taking, which includes looking at pictures of puppies and pointing out the one that doesn’t have legs.
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The whole question of Trump’s cognitive ability started the day he took office because he’s dumber than Draya Michelle trying to read the instructions on ramen. He rambles when he talks and lies when he runs out of things to say. He also suggested that we could “inject bleach into the body to kill the coronavirus.” Yes, this is the man with his finger on the button and the codes to nuclear weapons. Anyway, coherent Americans began wondering, “Yo, is this nigga OK?”
From Mashable:
To combat this narrative, Trump revealed that in 2018 he took the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) — a simple test designed to help doctors assess cognitive function, typically administered to adults whose loved ones are concerned about possible dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other conditions. It involves simple tasks like drawing a clock, identifying pictures of common animals, and repeating five simple, unrelated words back to the administering doctor and then remembering them later in the test. Trump has been bragging repeatedly that he “aced” it, which is a bit like boasting that you made yourself a PB&J without cutting off your thumb: Technically, it’s a good thing, but it’s also a very, very low bar to clear.
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On Sunday, Fox News’ Chris Wallace asked the president about taking this test and whether or not he had trouble filling in the bubbles on his Scantron sheet. The president immediately insisted that he took that test up to the Oval Office and grabbed it by the pussy! Wallace was like, why would you do that to a test that is super easy, and then Trump got all huffy and wanted to prove it was a difficult test when it’s not. It’s not. It’s not a test to measure a person’s intelligence; it’s a test to measure whether or not they are still here with us and of a sound mind.
Mashable notes that Trump went back on Fox and, of course, flexed his mental prowess, which is what people who are struggling with their mental acuity do, and then proceeded to showcase just what keeps the rest of the world envious of America.
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The president said that they give you five words; of course, he couldn’t remember what words he was given on the test and then named five nouns, all of which were in his eyesight and as Mashable notes, “three of which were variations on the same noun.”
“The last questions are much more difficult, like a memory question,” he told Fox News medical contributor Marc Siegel. “It’s like, you go ‘Person, woman, man, camera, TV.’ So they say, ‘Could you repeat that?’ ‘So I said, ‘Yeah. So it’s person, woman, man, camera, TV.’”
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He continued: “And then, 10 minutes, 15 minutes later: ‘Remember the first question, not the first but the 10th question? Give us that again,’” Trump said. “And you go ‘person, woman, man, camera, TV.’ If you get it in order, you get extra points! They said ‘Nobody gets it in order’ ... They say ‘That’s amazing. How did you do that?’ I do it because I have, like, a good memory.”
The whole thing is actually mad cringey, so just watch it below:
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I can’t believe that this is who white America is fighting for. Y’all really want him to remain in office? What the fuck it wrong with y’all? This is y’all king?
CNN also debunked the president’s claim that the test gets harder as you go by pointing out what the last questions are.
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Of course, the Internet had jokes—because why wouldn’t they?
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I would like to point out here that former President Obama went to Harvard Law and was the first Black president of the Harvard Law Review, and y’all president is excited that he can recite “Person, woman, man, camera, TV” without having to make up a rhyming song to go with it.


theroot--2020-07-24--It's Official: Mike Tyson Is About to Beat Roy Jones Jr.'s Ass and I Have Questions

My email inbox is the boulevard of broken dreams .
Every day , I scour through dozens of emails from publicists and other interested parties eager to schedule a guest for my podcast , get something published in The Root or discuss some other matter of business related to the 50/11 other things I have my hands in .
Most of them go unanswered , some of them go unread , but today I saw something that made me tilt my head in disbelief .
First I saw this : Okay , cool .
Not entirely surprising , considering Tyson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hot minute now , but my interest was peaked .
Then I saw this , and ...
The same Roy Jones Jr. who retired about 14 years too late in 2018 and spent the mid-2000s kissing the canvas ?
The same Roy Jones Jr. that arguably killed his own career by yoyoing between weight classes ?
The same Roy Jones Jr .
I completely forgot existed until reading that email ?
That Roy Jones Jr. ?
“ Oh shit , ” I said out loud .
“ This nigga bout to die.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 54 years old now and a far cry from the ravenous executioner he was in a past life , but have you seen how hard this dude still punches ?
!
Look at this shit !
Man , fuuuuuuck that .
Roy bout to wake up in the afterlife , for real .
Their fight , if I can even call it that , will go down on September 12 as part of Tyson ’ s newly launched Legends Only League , a sports venture between Tyson and Erson Innovations .
Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated to a ten-part docu-series featuring behind-the-scenes , pre-fight footage leading up to the match that presumably includes Roy ’ s dentist begging him not to step into the ring .
“ Frontline Battle , ” the official title for this event , will be a three-hour extravaganza that will feature undercard matches and “ iconic musical performances ” —Please , God , no Flo-Rida—that will be announced soon .
And if you ’ d like to partake , you ’ ll be able to watch Roy get decollated on pay-per-view and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was Roy , I ’ d just pay for somebody with the coronavirus to cough on me so I could dodge that fade .
Keep his jaw in your prayers , y ’ all .

My email inbox is the boulevard of broken dreams.
Every day, I scour through dozens of emails from publicists and other interested parties eager to schedule a guest for my podcast, get something published in The Root or discuss some other matter of business related to the 50/11 other things I have my hands in.
Most of them go unanswered, some of them go unread, but today I saw something that made me tilt my head in disbelief. First I saw this:
LEGENDARY BOXER, MIKE TYSON, TO MAKE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RETURN TO THE RING ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2020 ON PAY-PER-VIEW, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TRILLER THE VIRAL SOCIAL MEDIA AND MUSIC PLATFORM
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Okay, cool. Not entirely surprising, considering Tyson has been teasing his return for a hot minute now, but my interest was peaked. Then I saw this, and...
Legendary former Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion, and entrepreneur, Mike Tyson, is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ring in a face-off against four-division World Champion, Roy Jones Jr.
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Wait, what? Roy Jones Jr.?
The same Roy Jones Jr. who retired about 14 years too late in 2018 and spent the mid-2000s kissing the canvas? The same Roy Jones Jr. that arguably killed his own career by yoyoing between weight classes? The same Roy Jones Jr. I completely forgot existed until reading that email? That Roy Jones Jr.?
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“Oh shit,” I said out loud. “This nigga bout to die.”
I mean, sure. Iron Mike is 54 years old now and a far cry from the ravenous executioner he was in a past life, but have you seen how hard this dude still punches?!
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Look at this shit!
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Man, fuuuuuuck that. Roy bout to wake up in the afterlife, for real.
Their fight, if I can even call it that, will go down on September 12 as part of Tyson’s newly launched Legends Only League, a sports venture between Tyson and Erson Innovations. Also of note, we’ll be treated to a ten-part docu-series featuring behind-the-scenes, pre-fight footage leading up to the match that presumably includes Roy’s dentist begging him not to step into the ring.
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“Frontline Battle,” the official title for this event, will be a three-hour extravaganza that will feature undercard matches and “iconic musical performances”—Please, God, no Flo-Rida—that will be announced soon. And if you’d like to partake, you’ll be able to watch Roy get decollated on pay-per-view and the multi-media platform, Triller.
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If I was Roy, I’d just pay for somebody with the coronavirus to cough on me so I could dodge that fade. Keep his jaw in your prayers, y’all.


theroot--2020-07-24--Exclusive: A Powerful New Video From the Human Rights Campaign and Billy Porter Reminds Us Our Votes

Exclusive: A Powerful New Video From the Human Rights Campaign and Billy Porter Reminds Us Our Votes Do Matter

There has been so much trauma , violence , inhumanity and depraved indifference splashed across our screens in recent months , it ’ s often difficult to process it all—let alone the brutality we ’ ve become almost inured to over the past decade and those prior .
But what we have been witnessing as of late is not only not new , it is an escalation that would inevitably once again reach a boiling point in our current moment ; a moment that demands not only our rage but our vigilance and commitment to change .
A new video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) asks us to do just that , presenting a striking visual retrospective ( with a requisite trigger warning ) of exactly what ’ s at stake as we enter the final 100 days until the 2020 presidential election .
The imagery , set to a speech given by Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David and a soundtrack of Billy Porter ’ s passionate rendition of Buffalo Springfield ’ s “ For What It ’ s Worth ( Stop , Hey What ’ s That Sound ) “ is stunning ; as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as its collective impact—because the truth is , we ’ ve seen this all before .
We are at a crossroads in this nation .
We have seen an increasingly disturbing painting , a painting reflected on our television screens and in our newspapers , a painting of history repeating itself .
There has been and continues to be a widespread indifference and bigotry advanced through the highest halls of power , a fundamental regression of our society .
If we are going to weather this existential crisis that we face in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We can not win this war against hate if we live in our silos .
We can not win this war against division by remaining divided .
We can not win this war against indifference by ignoring each other .
We must unite and break down the barriers that too often allow some of us to forget about the rest of us .
Regardless of how we self identify , we share a common dream , the dream of full equality .
It is the dream that led Marsha P. Johnson and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is the dream that led Harvey Milk to run for public office .
It is the dream that led Edie Windsor and Jim Obergefell to fight discrimination all the way up to the Supreme Court .
When we dig deep to see beyond ourselves and we see others for who they are as human beings , our power has no limits .
I say that whoever you are , however you identify , see yourself in the person who looks nothing like you .
Let our next greatest achievement be realizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us and let it begin right here with each and every one of us .
Speaking with The Root earlier this week , David and Porter explained the inspiration behind HRC ’ s compelling campaign spot , and why our activism is nothing without equal engagement at the ballot box on November 3 ( or sooner , if you are able to vote early or by mail ) .
“ The inspiration was really trying to encapsulate what we are going through in this country , both as residents in this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” David explained .
“ We are experiencing an incredibly traumatic time for all of us , and when we see these images , they affect us .
They have an impact on how we interact with each other .
It has an impact on how we see our democracy .
It has an impact on whether or not we think we have [ the ] power to affect change .
“ And so , we wanted to make sure that we empower people and we could not think of a better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is an activist and artist of the highest caliber , but also an activist who uses his platform to effect change , ” David continued .
“ And his remake of this song is so powerful , we wanted to work with him and really use it as a tool to energize people ; to get them to appreciate that we have the right to vote.
” Porter is no stranger to activism—and if you ’ re a fan , you ’ re no doubt already familiar with his activism on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protections and representation to galvanizing us all to show up and vote in this crucial election .
“ Activism is in my DNA .
I have been in a state of intense trauma since the 2016 election—on a daily basis , as a Black man in general .
I am that first , ” he told The Root .
“ And so I need to speak to that in this space , in this Black space where we still have many of our compatriots dismissing and silencing the LGBTQ community within that space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those worlds is essential to the movement towards equality .
We have been silenced for too long ... “ I ’ m not just talking to Black people ; to homophobic Black people , ” Porter continued .
“ I ’ m talking to everybody : None of us are free until we all are free .
And this is the moment where every single one of us has to look at our blind spots .
We all have them .
It ’ s all good .
This is not about bullying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it is about awareness .
Now you have the awareness .
Now we all have the awareness .
The question still remains for me .
Are we , in fact , better than this ?
” It ’ s a question that has been asked repeatedly in recent years , as a country already struggling with an unresolved racial debt has terrifyingly regressed since Donald Trump was allowed access to the White House .
But as David reminds us , the White House is not all that is up for grabs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only about the presidency , ” said David .
“ This is about seizing back the Senate .
This is about holding onto the Supreme Court .
This is about electing mayors and city council members who actually decide how much money to give it to the police departments and who is actually going to be a police chief .
So if you ’ re focused only on racial justice and you ’ re concerned about making sure that we have more diverse people that are working in policing , you need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure people are informed about how this country functions , [ and ] understands their power in our democracy , ” he added .
“ We can ’ t lose again .
If we lose again , we lose the Supreme Court ... we have to appreciate that this election is the election of our lifetimes ; everyone has to understand how important this is , and that is what we ’ re fighting for.
” In the immortal word of De La Soul , “ Stakes Is High ” —but as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its attorney-advocate president remind us , hope can be too .
Believe it or not , Trump isn ’ t our biggest enemy ; apathy is .
David went on to explain that there are more than 57 million pro-equality voters in this country—voters who prioritize liberty for all at the ballot box—and 10 million of them live in what we know as “ swing states.
” Yet , for myriad reasons ( hat include indifference ) , 3.4 million don ’ t routinely vote in those crucial states that can decide the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With that in mind—and as voter suppression threatens to steal another election ( we said what we said ) —we are our own best line of defense .
“ We have our ancestors who died to make sure that we have this right to vote ; let ’ s make sure we use it , ” David implored .
“ Let ’ s make sure we seize back our democracy .
Let ’ s make sure that Black lives do matter ; that Black trans lives matter .
And we have that opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @


theroot--2020-07-25--GOP Sen. Tom Cotton Wants to Ban the 1619 Project From Being Taught in Schools

Y ’ all , I ’ m pretty sure Sen. Tom Cotton ( R-Ark . )
is a white supremacist .
For legal purposes , I ’ m not outright saying he is .
All I ’ m suggesting is that the dude who wrote a whole op-ed calling for military intervention to stomp out protests against systemic racism , compared the protesters to Confederate traitors and argued that Washington , D.C , didn ’ t deserve statehood because it wasn ’ t a “ well-rounded , working-class state , ” might , you know , have a problem with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added to that perception by submitting a bill to prevent the New York Times Magazine ’ s 1619 Project from being taught in schools .
According to Forbes , the “ Saving American History Act of 2020 , ” would withhold federal funding from K-12 schools who decide to teach the project .
The 1619 Project was created by 2019 Root 100 honoree Nikole Hannah-Jones , who won a Pulitzer Prize for penning the project ’ s lead essay .
The project examines the history and lasting legacy of slavery in America .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Washington , D.C. , and New York have announced plans to include the project in their curriculum .
Cotton , who se face just looks like it ’ s calling me the N-word , released a statement saying “ The New York Times ’ s 1619 Project is a racially divisive , revisionist account of history that denies the noble principles of freedom and equality on which our nation was founded.
” He added , “ not a single cent of federal funding should go to indoctrinate young Americans with this left-wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me how desperately white people cling to these idealized versions of the Founding Fathers .
The blatant hypocrisy of writing a document that says “ all men are created equal , ” while Black people are being subjugated shouldn ’ t be that hard of a thing to grapple with .
This land was taken through lies , genocide and stolen labor .
Cotton , who probably says , “ I ’ m not racist , but- , ” once a day , doesn ’ t seem to want to grapple with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his bill .
“ An activist movement is now gaining momentum to deny or obfuscate this history by claiming that America was not founded on the ideals of the Declaration but rather on slavery and oppression , ” Cotton states in the bill .
Which , I mean , it was though .
Arguably , it still is .
Given the number of ways the government has found to minimize the value of Black lives from redlining , the war on drugs , gerrymandering and gutting the Voting Rights Acts , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of slavery and America ’ s views on race .
To truly grapple with the role race has played in America would be to admit white people , on the whole , have kind of fucked up .
That ’ s something I just don ’ t see Tom “ No actually , you ’ re the real racist , ” Cotton being capable of doing .

Y’all, I’m pretty sure Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) is a white supremacist. For legal purposes, I’m not outright saying he is. All I’m suggesting is that the dude who wrote a whole op-ed calling for military intervention to stomp out protests against systemic racism, compared the protesters to Confederate traitors and argued that Washington, D.C, didn’t deserve statehood because it wasn’t a “well-rounded, working-class state,” might, you know, have a problem with Black people. Cotton has only further added to that perception by submitting a bill to prevent the New York Times Magazine’s 1619 Project from being taught in schools.
According to Forbes, the “Saving American History Act of 2020,” would withhold federal funding from K-12 schools who decide to teach the project. The 1619 Project was created by 2019 Root 100 honoree Nikole Hannah-Jones, who won a Pulitzer Prize for penning the project’s lead essay. The project examines the history and lasting legacy of slavery in America. The bill comes as schools in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York have announced plans to include the project in their curriculum.
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Cotton, who se face just looks like it’s calling me the N-word, released a statement saying “The New York Times’s 1619 Project is a racially divisive, revisionist account of history that denies the noble principles of freedom and equality on which our nation was founded.” He added, “not a single cent of federal funding should go to indoctrinate young Americans with this left-wing garbage.”
Oh, boy.
It’s so bizarre to me how desperately white people cling to these idealized versions of the Founding Fathers. The blatant hypocrisy of writing a document that says “all men are created equal,” while Black people are being subjugated shouldn’t be that hard of a thing to grapple with. This land was taken through lies, genocide and stolen labor. Cotton, who probably says, “I’m not racist, but-,” once a day, doesn’t seem to want to grapple with that. He admits as much in his bill.
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“An activist movement is now gaining momentum to deny or obfuscate this history by claiming that America was not founded on the ideals of the Declaration but rather on slavery and oppression,” Cotton states in the bill.
Which, I mean, it was though.
Arguably, it still is. Given the number of ways the government has found to minimize the value of Black lives from redlining, the war on drugs, gerrymandering and gutting the Voting Rights Acts, we’re still dealing with the lasting effects of slavery and America’s views on race. To truly grapple with the role race has played in America would be to admit white people, on the whole, have kind of fucked up.
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That’s something I just don’t see Tom “No actually, you’re the real racist,” Cotton being capable of doing.


theroot--2020-07-24--TGIF Playlist: Birthday Bops

TGIF Playlist: Birthday Bops

Today ’ s my birthday !
No , I won ’ t be telling you how old I am , @ @ @ @ @ is round up a bunch of my favorite birthday bops to celebrate myself and the @ @ @ @ @ Yes , your favorite lions may be socially distant , but we still know how @ @ @ @ @ .
I hope y ’ all listen and remember to love yourselves and your friends @ @ @ @ @ theme of the season !
Let ’ s get to it .
Make sure to @ @ @ @ @ for the full version .
They ’ re still doing 3 months of FREE listens @ @ @ @ @ the completed playlist on Amazon Music for your enjoyment :

Ignacia on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

3 Months Free | Amazon Music Unlimited
Today’s my birthday! No, I won’t be telling you how old I am, but what I WILL do is round up a bunch of my favorite birthday bops to celebrate myself and the start of Leo Season! Yes, your favorite lions may be socially distant, but we still know how to have a good time. I hope y’all listen and remember to love yourselves and your friends because that’s the theme of the season! Let’s get to it. Make sure to tune into Amazon Music Unlimited for the full version. They’re still doing 3 months of FREE listens.
And here’s the completed playlist on Amazon Music for your enjoyment:
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Until next time ✌🏾.


theroot--2020-07-24--California State University to Require Students to Take Ethnic Studies or Social Justice Classes in

California State University to Require Students to Take Ethnic Studies or Social Justice Classes in Order to Graduate

Marking the first major change to its curriculum in over four decades , California State University will now require students to take classes on ethnic studies or social justice in order to graduate .
ABC News reports , the school ’ s Board of Trustees approved the measure on Wednesday .
With 23 campuses , Cal State is one of the largest four-year universities in the country .
The school hopes that the new curriculum , set to be implemented during the 2023-2024 school year , will help in creating “ a more just and equitable society.
” “ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CSU , lifts Ethnic Studies to a place of prominence in our curriculum , connects it with the voices and perspectives of other historically oppressed groups .
It will empower our students to meet this moment in our nation ’ s history , giving them the knowledge , broad perspectives and skills needed to solve society ’ s most pressing problems , ” CSU Chancellor Timothy White said in a statement .
According to school officials , the one-course requirement can be fulfilled through a variety of classes that address both historical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social justice and ethnic studies .
The courses will have a focus on African American , Asian American , Latinx and Native American studies .
The move by the university comes as legislators in California consider a bill that would make ethnic studies a requirement but not courses on social justice .
Should California ’ s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom sign the bill into law it would override the University ’ s measure .
The university ’ s plan may cost the school $ 3 to $ 4 million while the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 million to implement statewide .
California stands in contrast to other states in the nation that are working to prevent social justice from being taught in schools .
In Arizona , Republicans have spent the last decade trying to completely remove ethnic studies classes from the curriculum .

Marking the first major change to its curriculum in over four decades, California State University will now require students to take classes on ethnic studies or social justice in order to graduate.
ABC News reports, the school’s Board of Trustees approved the measure on Wednesday. With 23 campuses, Cal State is one of the largest four-year universities in the country. The school hopes that the new curriculum, set to be implemented during the 2023-2024 school year, will help in creating “a more just and equitable society.”
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“This action, by the CSU and for the CSU, lifts Ethnic Studies to a place of prominence in our curriculum, connects it with the voices and perspectives of other historically oppressed groups. It will empower our students to meet this moment in our nation’s history, giving them the knowledge, broad perspectives and skills needed to solve society’s most pressing problems,” CSU Chancellor Timothy White said in a statement.
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According to school officials, the one-course requirement can be fulfilled through a variety of classes that address both historical and present-day issues in the fields of social justice and ethnic studies. The courses will have a focus on African American, Asian American, Latinx and Native American studies.
The move by the university comes as legislators in California consider a bill that would make ethnic studies a requirement but not courses on social justice. Should California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom sign the bill into law it would override the University’s measure. The university’s plan may cost the school $3 to $4 million while the state’s plan may cost up to $16 million to implement statewide.
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California stands in contrast to other states in the nation that are working to prevent social justice from being taught in schools. In Arizona, Republicans have spent the last decade trying to completely remove ethnic studies classes from the curriculum.