theroot--2020-11-20--'I’m a Black Person for Real. I Love Us.' The Root Presents: It’s Lit Talks Writing for the Next Gen

'I’m a Black Person for Real. I Love Us.' The Root Presents: It’s Lit Talks Writing for the Next Generation With Jason Reynolds

Jason Reynolds famously didn ’ t read a novel cover-to-cover until he was nearly 18 .
At 36 , he is one of the preeminent—and most prolific—young adult authors of this or any other generation , earning accolades and awards and carving a niche for both himself and an oft-overlooked demographic of would-be readers just like he once was by centering Black boys in his work .
Like Black boys coming of age , the young adult market is frequently misunderstood and underestimated , but as Reynolds reminds us on this week ’ s episode of The Root Presents : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canon of classic literature is full of narratives centering or intended for younger audiences .
“ Who else is there to write for ?
” he laughs , “ the crazy thing about it is , one , all of your favorite books you read when you were in the seventh and eighth grade and you call them classics ... they will be categorized as young adult : To Kill a Mockingbird , Of Mice and Men , Lord of the Flies , The Catcher in the Rye , all these books that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American canon .
These are books that existed before the categories existed .
“ Number two , most of my buddies who work in the adult sector have never tried to write for young people .
And if you try to write for young people , you realize how difficult it is , ” he continued .
“ I would argue that those of us over here who know how to do it well have an extraordinary amount of skillsets , an extraordinary amount of talent that most people just can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three , those folks who look down upon children ’ s literature , don ’ t know that they ’ re not looking down upon children ’ s literature .
They ’ re looking down upon children .
Right ?
” While Reynolds has made a name for himself crafting relatable original narratives that have expanded the young adult canon , his latest effort posed a different challenge : adapting Ibram X. Kendi ’ s National Book Award-winning epic historical chronicle of race in America , Stamped from the Beginning : The Definitive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a younger audience .
Reynolds ’ “ remix , ” Stamped : Racism , Antiracism and You became an instant bestseller when it was published in March , and a staple as demands for books on antiracism escalated in spring and summer .
But as he revealed during our discussion , despite being asked by the author himself , the prospect of adapting Kendi ’ s approximately 500-page history was so daunting he initially declined—repeatedly—before embarking on a “ brutal ” adaptation process .
“ I was face to face with a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book , ” Reynolds admitted .
“ Am I smart enough ?
Do I even understand what he—do I understand what he ’ s saying in this book ?
Stamped belies that labor ; despite its subject matter , the book is a relatable and even entertaining read , accessible to most ages , and deserving of its accolades .
Nevertheless , Reynolds , like many other authors who ’ ve landed on bestsellers ’ lists this year , has had difficulty enjoying success amid this prolonged season of Black death and racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because I ’ ve never been a race profiteer .
I ’ m not interested in getting rich on blood money , ” he says .
“ I ’ m a Black person for real .
I love us .
And I don ’ t want to ever feel nasty or icky about profiting from so much pain because it ’ s very real for us .
It ’ s very real for , for many of us .
And so I ’ m proud of what I made with Stamped and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the zeitgeist the way that it is .
But I also know that for many people , it ’ s just fodder.
” Hear this and much , much more on Episode 9 of The Root Presents : It ’ s Lit : Jason Reynolds on Why Kids Are the Best Audience to Write For , featuring the indefatigable Jason Reynolds , now available on Apple , Spotify , Stitcher , iHeart Radio , Google Podcasts , Amazon , NPR One , TuneIn , and Radio Public .
Also available is a transcript @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Jason Reynolds famously didn’t read a novel cover-to-cover until he was nearly 18. At 36, he is one of the preeminent—and most prolific—young adult authors of this or any other generation, earning accolades and awards and carving a niche for both himself and an oft-overlooked demographic of would-be readers just like he once was by centering Black boys in his work. Like Black boys coming of age, the young adult market is frequently misunderstood and underestimated, but as Reynolds reminds us on this week’s episode of The Root Presents: It’s Lit!, the canon of classic literature is full of narratives centering or intended for younger audiences.
“Who else is there to write for?” he laughs, “the crazy thing about it is, one, all of your favorite books you read when you were in the seventh and eighth grade and you call them classics...they will be categorized as young adult: To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, Lord of the Flies, The Catcher in the Rye, all these books that everybody looks at as part of the American canon. These are books that existed before the categories existed.
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“Number two, most of my buddies who work in the adult sector have never tried to write for young people. And if you try to write for young people, you realize how difficult it is,” he continued. “I would argue that those of us over here who know how to do it well have an extraordinary amount of skillsets, an extraordinary amount of talent that most people just can’t understand unless you try it. And three, those folks who look down upon children’s literature, don’t know that they’re not looking down upon children’s literature. They’re looking down upon children. Right?”
While Reynolds has made a name for himself crafting relatable original narratives that have expanded the young adult canon, his latest effort posed a dif ferent challenge: adapting Ibram X. Kendi’s National Book Award-winning epic historical chronicle of race in America, Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America for a younger audience. Reynolds’ “remix,” Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You became an instant bestseller when it was published in March, and a staple as demands for books on antiracism escalated in spring and summer. But as he revealed during our discussion, despite being asked by the author himself, the prospect of adapting Kendi’s approximately 500-page history was so daunting he initially declined—repeatedly—before embarking on a “brutal” adaptation process.
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“I was face to face with a lot of my insecurities when working on this book,” Reynolds admitted. “Am I smart enough? Do I even understand what he—do I understand what he’s saying in this book?
Stamped belies that labor; despite its subject matter, the book is a relatable and even entertaining read, accessible to most ages, and deserving of its accolades. Nevertheless, Reynolds, like many other authors who’ve landed on bestsellers’ lists this year, has had difficulty enjoying success amid this prolonged season of Black death and racial reckoning.
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“It’s complicated because I’ve never been a race profiteer. I’m not interested in getting rich on blood money,” he says. “I’m a Black person for real. I love us. And I don’t want to ever feel nasty or icky about profiting from so much pain because it’s very real for us. It’s very real for, for many of us. And so I’m proud of what I made with Stamped and I’m happy that it is in the zeitgeist the way that it is. But I also know that for many people, it’s just fodder.”
Hear this and much, much more on Episode 9 of The Root Presents: It’s Lit: Jason Reynolds on Why Kids Are the Best Audience to Write For, featuring the indefatigable Jason Reynolds, now available on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Amazon, NPR One, TuneIn, and Radio Public. Also available is a transcript of this week’s episode.


theroot--2020-11-20--Va. Chemistry Teacher Suspended After Making a George Floyd Pun on a Chemistry Quiz

A Virginia high school is divided this week after a chemistry teacher was suspended for using a George Floyd pun for a student quiz , with students of color saying they felt unsafe as a result of the casual reference and white students complaining that the entire incident has been overblown .
The quiz , given virtually on Tuesday , was part of a lesson on the periodic table of elements , reports ARLnow.com .
“ George Floyd couldn ’ t breathe because a police officer put his ____ George ’ s neck , ” the fill-in-the-blank question read .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Arlington , Va. were expected to fill in : “ neon , ” a chemical element .
Screenshots were taken of the question by shocked students and their parents , who then went to school administrators .
On Wednesday and Thursday , the school ’ s principal and Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Francisco Durán sent separate emails to families and staff apologizing for the incident .
“ The content referenced the killing of George Floyd in an unacceptable and senseless way , which hurt and alarmed our students , staff , families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
‘ The reference showed extremely poor judgement and a blatant disregard for African American lives.
” “ The teacher has been relieved of classroom duties while an investigation related to this matter takes place , ” the superintendent continued .
One student who shared the post on social media noted : “ there was a bunch of white silence ” when the question was shared with the class .
“ White students were making excuses or seemed ‘ too tired to talk about it ’ shame on those people that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sofia Miller , who was in the class at the time , told the Washington Post she was shocked at the question , which immediately called to mind the time her grandmother had police pull a gun on her while she was driving .
She confronted the chemistry teacher about the question .
At first , he responded by saying he used the Floyd reference because it was something everyone could understand .
But Sofia pushed back , and the teacher agreed to change the wording of the question .
“ Athletes protesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put a ____ the ground at the beginning of a game , ” a later version of the question read , according to the Post .
A majority of the students ( just under 58 percent ) at H-B Woodlawn are white , according to data kept by Arlington Public Schools .
Meanwhile , only 4.4 percent are Black , well below the 11 percent average across all APS schools , ARLnow.com notes .
Students who spoke to the Post said that there ’ s been a backlash to the teacher ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who argue that the pun wasn ’ t offensive and have started campaigning to save the teacher ’ s job .
These efforts elide the deeply personal pain students like Sofia experienced when they saw a Black man—one who died a violent death at the hands of the state—reduced to a topical reference on a chemistry assignment .
“ It hurt that I was there to learn , and I had to see that , and I had to call out a grown man who thought that would be okay , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just wanted to learn about chemistry .
I ’ m there to learn , I ’ m there to feel safe , and I just didn ’ t .
”

A Virginia high school is divided this week after a chemistry teacher was suspended for using a George Floyd pun for a student quiz, with students of color saying they felt unsafe as a result of the casual reference and white students complaining that the entire incident has been overblown.
The quiz, given virtually on Tuesday, was part of a lesson on the periodic table of elements, reports ARLnow.com. “George Floyd couldn’t breathe because a police officer put his ____ George’s neck,” the fill-in-the-blank question read. The answer 10th-grade students at H-B Woodlawn in Arlington, Va. were expected to fill in: “neon,” a chemical element.
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Screenshots were taken of the question by shocked students and their parents, who then went to school administrators. On Wednesday and Thursday, the school’s principal and Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Francisco Durán sent separate emails to families and staff apologizing for the incident.
“The content referenced the killing of George Floyd in an unacceptable and senseless way, which hurt and alarmed our students, staff, families, and the community,” Durán wrote. ‘The reference showed extremely poor judgement and a blatant disregard for African American lives.”
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“The teacher has been relieved of classroom duties while an investigation related to this matter takes place,” the superintendent continued.
One student who shared the post on social media noted: “there was a bunch of white silence” when the question was shared with the class.
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“White students were making excuses or seemed ‘too tired to talk about it’ shame on those people that’s disgusting.”
Another student, 15-year-old Sofia Miller, who was in the class at the time, told the Washington Post she was shocked at the question, which immediately called to mind the time her grandmother had police pull a gun on her while she was driving.
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She confronted the chemistry teacher about the question. At first, he responded by saying he used the Floyd reference because it was something everyone could understand. But Sofia pushed back, and the teacher agreed to change the wording of the question.
“Athletes protesting for Black Lives Matter & Racial Justice put a ____ the ground at the beginning of a game,” a later version of the question read, according to the Post.
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A majority of the students (just under 58 percent) at H-B Woodlawn are white, according to data kept by Arlington Public Schools. Meanwhile, only 4.4 percent are Black, well below the 11 percent average across all APS schools, ARLnow.com notes.
Students who spoke to the Post said that there’s been a backlash to the teacher’s suspension from some of their white classmates, who argue that the pun wasn’t offensive and have started campaigning to save the teacher’s job.
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These efforts elide the deeply personal pain students like Sofia experienced when they saw a Black man—one who died a violent death at the hands of the state—reduced to a topical reference on a chemistry assignment.
“It hurt that I was there to learn, and I had to see that, and I had to call out a grown man who thought that would be okay,” Sofia told the Post. “I just wanted to learn about chemistry. I’m there to learn, I’m there to feel safe, and I just didn’t.”


theroot--2020-11-20--The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer for Your Favorite Fashionista Is This Karl Lagerfeld Lip Gloss Set

It ’ s been over a year since the legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld passed and while his absence in the industry is still being felt there are tons of his beautiful creations out in the world .
If you or a loved one fancies yourself as a fashionista do I have a deal for you .
This 2-Piece Lip Gloss Set of the famed icon is just $ 12 .
One for you and a chic pal .
These are limited-edition lip glosses in the cutest packaging ever .
They are little Karls .
I can ’ t think of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an avant-garde creator .
There is even a built-in light and mirror so you apply with perfection as Karl would have wanted .
The neutral colors are St. Tropez Sunset and Ramatuelle .
Each is highly pigmented , wears nicely all day , and will blend with any ensemble .
If you ’ ve read a few of our pieces on MorningSave before and you like what you ’ ve seen they offer a $ 5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many .
Otherwise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of $ 8 .

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

Karl Lagerfeld 2-Piece Lip Gloss Gift Set | $12 | MorningSave
It’s been over a year since the legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld passed and while his absence in the industry is still being felt there are tons of his beautiful creations out in the world. If you or a loved one fancies yourself as a fashionista do I have a deal for you. This 2-Piece Lip Gloss Set of the famed icon is just $12. One for you and a chic pal.
These are limited-edition lip glosses in the cutest packaging ever. They are little Karls. I can’t think of a more adorable way to honor such an avant-garde creator. There is even a built-in light and mirror so you apply with perfection as Karl would have wanted. The neutral colors are St. Tropez Sunset and Ramatuelle. Each is highly pigmented, wears nicely all day, and will blend with any ensemble.
If you’ve read a few of our pieces on MorningSave before and you like what you’ve seen they offer a $5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many. Otherwise, it’s a flat rate of $8.


theroot--2020-11-20--Gucci Mane Verzuz Jeezy Was So 'Icy' and We Were So Stressed

We survived Gucci Mane Verzuz Jeezy , y ’ all .
In fact , it looks like there were no actual casualties ... other than our peace of mind .
Sure , things turned out fine in the end , but the super tense lead-up ?
Yeah , I ’ m still recovering… But first , let ’ s backtrack for a minute… If you haven ’ t gotten into our explainer regarding Gucci and Jeezy ’ s beef , open up a new tab and get into it now : Before the show even started , Gucci uploaded his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we were in for some shit .
So , the moment finally arrived ... well , not before having to wait almost an hour after the promoted start time .
Anyway !
Georgia 2018 gubernatorial candidate and voting rights activist ( the latter of which had a significant impact on President-elect Joe Biden securing the state in the recent presidential election ) Stacey Abrams opened up the show ( after teasing that she ’ d be tuning in ) noting that she is now a cool auntie and of course she kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to register given that there ’ s a pretty damn important Senate run-off race in Georgia coming up .
Yeah , yeah , yeah we reminisced about the songs ( especially those of us who were in college at the time of their biggest hits ) , but let ’ s get into the mess !
The heart palpitations amongst Black Twitter reverberated throughout the night because Gucci and Jeezy pretty much showcased a damn playlist with no conversations throughout .
The tension was as thick as the dryness in ATL Mayor Keisha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we got to the middle of the show , they started to talk more—and that ’ s when the catty shade began .
My favorite jab session of the night is when Gucci started bragging about his icy jewelry and fly fashion , then Jeezy chastised him for spending money on dumb nigga shit and brought up the fact he had invested in real estate .
This talented tenth shade could have landed completely , but Gucci is foolish .
Gucci wasn ’ t trying to hear any assets lectures , he just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thus , he kept bragging about his outfit , which he said he had appraised .
I think I found my next IG thirst trap caption ... Not to mention , Gucci kept calling Jeezy all kinds of pussies !
Which , for the record , I ’ m patently against the narrative that pussies are weak—have you fucking seen the glorious magic that pussies pull off ?
Pussies are strong as fuck .
Speaking of messy mess , there was even mess-within-the-mess with comedian Gerald Huston accusing Quavo ( of Migos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Wayne ’ s daughter Reginae Carter .
What the hell is happening ?
!
Stress , that ’ s what .
Things hit a conflict climax when Gucci decided to actually use his new diss track “ Truth ” as one of the songs for the Verzuz .
Jeezy was not pleased .
Gucci didn ’ t care .
Suddenly , in a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde-level switch , both men happily sang their hit , “ So Icy ” and it was all love again .
I guess that song @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing the fam together .
Or this is all an act and we can add these two niggas to the Oscar race discussion .
Wow !
This showdown broke the previous record held by Monica and Brandy—with Gucci and Jeezy pulling in approximately 1.7 million viewers on Instagram Live .
When Verzuz wrapped , Atlanta residents kept their same irresponsible energy and went to an after-party at ( COVID ) Compound , the well-known nightclub .
And that ’ s that !
Oh , and by the way , Jeezy released a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can listen to that here .
Mmmhmm , we know how this hyper marketing works !
Plus , since Verzuz co-founders Timbaland and Swizz Beatz pulled this off , folks are speculating that 50 Cent Verzuz Ja Rule is possible .
Hmm !
Well , anything is possible in 2020 .
As always , TIDAL has the official playlist in case you want to relive the many fights you survived in the club .
If you missed it live or want to relive any of this stress for some strange reason , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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

We survived Gucci Mane Verzuz Jeezy, y’all. In fact, it looks like there were no actual casualties...other than our peace of mind. Sure, things turned out fine in the end, but the super tense lead-up? Yeah, I’m still recovering…
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But first, let’s backtrack for a minute…
If you haven’t gotten into our explainer regarding Gucci and Jeezy’s beef, open up a new tab and get into it now:
Advertisement Advertisement
Before the show even started, Gucci uploaded his diss track called “Truth.” Yeah, we were in for some shit.
Advertisement
So, the moment finally arrived...well, not before having to wait almost an hour after the promoted start time.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Anyway! Georgia 2018 gubernatorial candidate and voting rights activist (the latter of which had a significant impact on President-elect Joe Biden securing the state in the recent presidential election) Stacey Abrams opened up the show (after teasing that she’d be tuning in) noting that she is now a cool auntie and of course she kept that same activism energy by reminding voters to register given that there’s a pretty damn important Senate run-off race in Georgia coming up.
Advertisement
Yeah, yeah, yeah we reminisced about the songs (especially those of us who were in college at the time of their biggest hits), but let’s get into the mess!
Advertisement
A ‘Soul Survivor’ of the Tense ‘Trap House’
The heart palpitations amongst Black Twitter reverberated throughout the night because Gucci and Jeezy pretty much showcased a damn playlist with no conversations throughout. The tension was as thick as the dryness in ATL Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ unfortunate mac-and-cheese.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
‘Dem Boyz’ Are ‘Steady Mobbin’’...and Steady Shadin’
As we got to the middle of the show, they started to talk more—and that’s when the catty shade began.
Advertisement
My favorite jab session of the night is when Gucci started bragging about his icy jewelry and fly fashion, then Jeezy chastised him for spending money on dumb nigga shit and brought up the fact he had invested in real estate.
Advertisement
Advertisement
This talented tenth shade could have landed completely, but Gucci is foolish. Gucci wasn’t trying to hear any assets lectures, he just wanted to floss his liabilities in peace. Thus, he kept bragging about his outfit, which he said he had appraised. I think I found my next IG thirst trap caption...
Not to mention, Gucci kept calling Jeezy all kinds of pussies! Which, for the record, I’m patently against the narrative that pussies are weak—have you fucking seen the glorious magic that pussies pull off? Pussies are strong as fuck.
Advertisement
Speaking of messy mess, there was even mess-within-the-mess with comedian Gerald Huston accusing Quavo (of Migos) of messin’ around with Lil’ Wayne’s daughter Reginae Carter.
Advertisement
What the hell is happening?! Stress, that’s what.
Things hit a conflict climax when Gucci decided to actually use his new diss track “Truth” as one of the songs for the Verzuz. Jeezy was not pleased. Gucci didn’t care.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Suddenly, in a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde-level switch, both men happily sang their hit, “So Icy” and it was all love again. I guess that song is like Ahmad in Soul Food, bringing the fam together. Or this is all an act and we can add these two niggas to the Oscar race discussion.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Wow! This showdown broke the previous record held by Monica and Brandy—with Gucci and Jeezy pulling in approximately 1.7 million viewers on Instagram Live.
Advertisement
When Verzuz wrapped, Atlanta residents kept their same irresponsible energy and went to an after-party at (COVID) Compound, the well-known nightclub.
Advertisement
And that’s that! Oh, and by the way, Jeezy released a new album, The Recession 2. You can listen to that here. Mmmhmm, we know how this hyper marketing works! Plus, since Verzuz co-founders Timbaland and Swizz Beatz pulled this off, folks are speculating that 50 Cent Verzuz Ja Rule is possible. Hmm! Well, anything is possible in 2020.
Advertisement
As always, TIDAL has the official playlist in case you want to relive the many fights you survived in the club.
Advertisement
If you missed it live or want to relive any of this stress for some strange reason, the whole thing is now on YouTube:
Gucci Mane Verzuz Jeezy / Revolt TV (YouTube)


theroot--2020-11-20--Take a Minute—Just Sit Right There at Red Table Talk Because Will Smith Reflects on the Janet Hubert

Take a Minute—Just Sit Right There at Red Table Talk Because Will Smith Reflects on the Janet Hubert Reunion

Pretty much all of Black Twitter predicted that Will Smith would invite Janet Hubert to Red Table Talk ( RTT ) because there was “ some healing that needs to happen ” —thirty years ’ worth of healing , in fact .
Well , y ’ all were on the right track .
Facebook Watch confirmed that Smith took over a special episode of RTT ( so no Jada Pinkett Smith , Willow Smith and Adrienne “ Gammy ” Banfield-Norris ) and invited himself to the infamous red table to unpack the decades-long beef he had with Hubert and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” stands for “ Red Table Takeover ” today !
Since it ’ s best to have a professional present for this matter , clinical psychologist and frequent RTT guest Dr. Ramani Durvasula joined Smith .
Here ’ s the official episode description via the official press release sent to The Root : The hopes of having Hubert join the popular Facebook Watch series ignited when it was confirmed that Hubert would be joining The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion special , which recently aired ( and is now available to stream ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling a Black woman ‘ difficult ’ is the kiss of death and it ’ s hard enough being a dark-skinned Black woman in Hollywood , ” Hubert told Smith during the reunion special .
The two ended the reunion by apologizing to each other and Smith telling Hubert , “ You ’ re still my Aunt Viv.
” In a tweet that appears to have now been deleted , Hubert commented on the special when it debuted on Wednesday noting , “ Thank you all for the love ... the understanding , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amazing seeing you all again .
Be blessed , this is my story all about how ... healing happened.
” Ultimately , I hope Hubert is at peace with the reconciliation and though it ’ s impossible to erase the damage that has been done , I ’ m hoping that her career is revived , if that is something she wishes to happen .
At the end of the reunion special , Smith murmured , “ I think I need my own Red Table Talk ” —and here we are .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the upcoming RTT episode and here ’ s a breakdown of a few highlights from the episode : • Smith watched the infamous 2018 “ ” video Hubert posted online directed to him for the first time ever , admitting that those closest to him advised him not to watch it .
• “ I ’ m not arrogant enough to think that my actions and behavior were perfect , ” Smith told Dr. Durvasula when she acknowledged that a key component of his and Hubert ’ s reunion was that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempting to defend them .
“ My actions and behavior were flawed and hurtful .
There ’ s nobody on Earth that would say I hurt them that bad.
” • Smith delved into his parents ’ abusive relationship and the childhood trauma that stemmed from that , including his yearning for female approval ( and later admitting to being threatened by Hubert ) .
“ At 21 , I was trying to be the biggest star in the world , ” he said .
“ I was doing an album , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
[ ... ] I had a girlfriend who had cheated on me right before that and everything in my creation and design of Will Smith was to be loved and to be safe.
” • None An article from The Root was used as one of the reference clippings ( I ’ d recognize that Kinja platform font anywhere ! )
in regard to Smith and Hubert ’ s feud .
Tune in to the “ Will Smith ’ s Red Table Takeover : Resolving Conflict ” episode of Red Table Talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re talking about predictions—maybe this episode will do “ entanglement ” numbers ?

Y’all won.
Pretty much all of Black Twitter predicted that Will Smith would invite Janet Hubert to Red Table Talk (RTT) because there was “some healing that needs to happen”—thirty years’ worth of healing, in fact.
Advertisement
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Well, y’all were on the right track. Facebook Watch confirmed that Smith took over a special episode of RTT (so no Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Adrienne “Gammy” Banfield-Norris) and invited himself to the infamous red table to unpack the decades-long beef he had with Hubert and their subsequent reunion. That means “RTT” stands for “Red Table Takeover” today!
Since it’s best to have a professional present for this matter, clinical psychologist and frequent RTT guest Dr. Ramani Durvasula joined Smith.
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Here’s the official episode description via the official press release sent to The Root:
“Will Smith’s Red Table Takeover: Resolving Conflict” | Join Will for a special Red Table Takeover when he sits down for an emotional conversation with Janet Hubert, the original Aunt Viv on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, to resolve their bitter, 30 year-long feud.
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The hopes of having Hubert join the popular Facebook Watch series ignited when it was confirmed that Hubert would be joining The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion special, which recently aired (and is now available to stream) on HBO Max.
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“You know calling a Black woman ‘difficult’ is the kiss of death and it’s hard enough being a dark-skinned Black woman in Hollywood,” Hubert told Smith during the reunion special.
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The two ended the reunion by apologizing to each other and Smith telling Hubert, “You’re still my Aunt Viv.” In a tweet that appears to have now been deleted, Hubert commented on the special when it debuted on Wednesday noting, “Thank you all for the love...the understanding, especially you, Will. It was amazing seeing you all again. Be blessed, this is my story all about how...healing happened.”
Advertisement
Ultimately, I hope Hubert is at peace with the reconciliation and though it’s impossible to erase the damage that has been done, I’m hoping that her career is revived, if that is something she wishes to happen.
At the end of the reunion special, Smith murmured, “I think I need my own Red Table Talk”—and here we are. I actually got to catch a sneak peek of the upcoming RTT episode and here’s a breakdown of a few highlights from the episode:
Smith watched the infamous 2018 “ Butcher Block
“I’m not arrogant enough to think that my actions and behavior were perfect,” Smith told Dr. Durvasula when she acknowledged that a key component of his and Hubert’s reunion was that he acknowledged his flaws and wrongdoing instead of attempting to defend them. “My actions and behavior were flawed and hurtful. There’s nobody on Earth that would say I hurt them that bad.”
Smith delved into his parents’ abusive relationship and the childhood trauma that stemmed from that, including his yearning for female approval (and later admitting to being threatened by Hubert). “At 21, I was trying to be the biggest star in the world,” he said. “I was doing an album, a movie and a TV show every year. [...] I had a girlfriend who had cheated on me right before that and everything in my creation and design of Will Smith was to be loved and to be safe.”
An article from The Root
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Tune in to the “Will Smith’s Red Table Takeover: Resolving Conflict” episode of Red Table Talk now on Facebook Watch.
Also—since we’re talking about predictions—maybe this episode will do “entanglement” numbers?


theroot--2020-11-20--On Transgender Day of Remembrance, Activists Center the Grief, Joy and Humanity of the Black Trans C

On Transgender Day of Remembrance, Activists Center the Grief, Joy and Humanity of the Black Trans Community

It remains one of the most striking demonstrations from a year defined by protest : tens of thousands of people dressed in white t-shirts , wearing white face masks and white head wraps , from all backgrounds , all marching the streets in defense of Black trans lives .
The summer march in Brooklyn , N.Y. was one of the largest , most diverse and celebratory rallies of 2020 , a year when grief has been rampant in the trans community .
Black trans people , in particular , felt the weight of the coronavirus pandemic and its ensuing economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence at the hands of the criminal justice system .
Then there ’ s this grim statistic : 2020 has been the most violent year for transgender people for five years , with 37 transgender or gender non-conforming people slain over the past 11 months .
As the nation recognizes Transgender Day of Remembrance , Imara Jones , trans journalist and founder of the multimedia platform TransLash media , thought of the June rally as one of the highlights of a difficult but pivotal year .
Organized by Black trans women , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide , ” Jones told The Root via email this week .
“ The biggest obstacle we face is that as we increase our visibility , we also embolden the ongoing transgender backlash , ” she added .
“ This means that there ’ s a long way to go to achieve liberation with a lot of battles left ahead.
” Transgender Day of Remembrance , which comes at the end of Transgender Awareness Week , began in 1999 to honor Rita Hester , a trans woman murdered in Massachusetts the year before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country recognize the Day of Remembrance than ever before , it offers an opportunity to reflect on the victims of that violent backlash—to remember their lives and their potential—as well as to consider how this pain continues to shape the trans community .
In Minneapolis , a highway bridge will be lit up with blue , pink and white lights—colors representing the trans flag .
Vigils will be hosted at colleges like the University of Tennessee .
In Philadelphia , organizers are planning marches and roundtable discussions about the importance of end-of-life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places , like Savannah , Ga. , will be formally recognizing the somber day for the first time .
This widespread recognition of Trans Remembrance Day is “ pivotal , ” Jones said , because it directly tackles “ the historic wrong of marginalization and invisibility , imposed by the wider society , which has meant so much suffering for our community.
” That suffering has also been concentrated in the Black trans community .
As CBS News notes , Black transgender women have constituted 76 percent of all homicide victims since 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 percent of all trans people .
They also appear to be at a higher risk for violence in Puerto Rico and the South : Texas , Florida and Louisiana , in particular , had a high concentration of trans killings .
One video tackles the daily grief that Black trans people face—while also weaving in the resilience and joy that knits the community together during hard times .
“ Because ...
I Survived , ” directed and choreographed by John Alix , offers a brief , multidimensional look at three trans artists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mila Jam and makeup artist Deja “ The Lady Deja Davenport ” Smith .
“ I see how these women have to carry the weight of their fallen sisters around with them daily , knowing that they were senselessly murdered for being brave enough to be who they truly are , yet continue to make positive changes rather than hide , ” Alix said in a press release .
“ As we see trans women only begin to be respected and upheld in mainstream culture , we must remember those who helped pave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and paid the ultimate price.
” The video shows all three artists holding the images of slain Black trans women , women like Muhlaysia Booker , Antash ’ a English , Chynal Lindsey and Riah Milton .
Each image , each news clip , a reminder of their own vulnerability .
“ The video either directly or indirectly addresses the lives of trans people of color , who are still today affected by an incredible amount of grief .
It truly is life imitating art , ” said Peppermint .
Making the video—and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be found within the community—also offered a respite .
“ As heavy as this is on my heart , being able to gather with friends and fellow artists to create this meaningful video feels wonderful , ” she added .
Despite the trans community ’ s deep engagement in liberation struggles , they still remain sidelined in broader justice movements , like the queer rights movement of the early 1970s and the nation ’ s ongoing movement for racial justice .
“ The marginalization of trans people is not an accident .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice , ” noted Jones .
She points to how trans people helped start the fight for gay rights , but were later pushed to the side by white gay men because trans people of color were viewed as less “ acceptable ” to wider society , and “ were therefore an impediment to gay rights.
” This exclusionary idea of acceptability has pushed trans activists to the side in Black communities and mainstream Black civil rights organizations as well , Jones continues .
“ This deliberate marginalization across the board is why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not benefited equally from these movements , she said .
And it ’ s not just trans people who suffer as a result of this .
A foundational philosophy of intersectional justice is that uplifting and empowering the most vulnerable among us creates a more just , equitable system for all of us .
Jones points to healthcare as a prime example .
Trans people are especially susceptible to medical bias , and potential social isolation and lack of resources mean access to adequate care is difficult .
A healthcare approach that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address issues of universal access , Jones says , and would have to be more comprehensive and holistic than we ’ re accustomed to .
There would need to be an increased emphasis on social services and safe housing , as well as a more aggressive approach to curtailing implicit bias , which can not only lead to injury and death but discourage people from ever stepping back into a doctor ’ s office until it ’ s too late .
“ If we built a healthcare system which centered the health outcomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a healthcare system which works for everyone , ” Jones said .
Perhaps most importantly , Trans Awareness Week and Trans Remembrance Day give the community the opportunity to foreground their stories ; to remind people of the human cost of not viewing trans rights as human rights .
What America needs to empower and protect trans people is devastatingly simple , Jones pointed out—it ’ s just “ the ability to see us as humans.
” This is why Jones centers storytelling as her way of combating violence .
“ Stories are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lives of other people , ” she said .
“ They help us to connect our own experience with the experiences of others , and they highlight our universal desire to matter .
Once we understand our common humanity it becomes much harder to harm each other .
”

It remains one of the most striking demonstrations from a year defined by protest: tens of thousands of people dressed in white t-shirts, wearing white face masks and white head wraps, from all backgrounds, all marching the streets in defense of Black trans lives.
The summer march in Brooklyn, N.Y. was one of the largest, most diverse and celebratory rallies of 2020, a year when grief has been rampant in the trans community. Black trans people, in particular, felt the weight of the coronavirus pandemic and its ensuing economic crisis, and continue to experience unique violence at the hands of the criminal justice system. Then there’s this grim statistic: 2020 has been the most violent year for transgender people for five years, with 37 transgender or gender non-conforming people slain over the past 11 months.
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As the nation recognizes Transgender Day of Remembrance, Imara Jones, trans journalist and founder of the multimedia platform TransLash media, thought of the June rally as one of the highlights of a difficult but pivotal year. Organized by Black trans women, “it was a highlight for trans people worldwide,” Jones told The Root via email this week.
“The biggest obstacle we face is that as we increase our visibility, we also embolden the ongoing transgender backlash,” she added. “This means that there’s a long way to go to achieve liberation with a lot of battles left ahead.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Transgender Day of Remembrance, which comes at the end of Transgender Awareness Week, began in 1999 to honor Rita Hester, a trans woman murdered in Massachusetts the year before. Today, as more places around the country recognize the Day of Remembrance than ever before, it offers an opportunity to reflect on the victims of that violent backlash—to remember their lives and their potential—as well as to consider how this pain continues to shape the trans community.
In Minneapolis, a highway bridge will be lit up with blue, pink and white lights—colors representing the trans flag. Vigils will be hosted at colleges like the University of Tennessee. In Philadelphia, organizers are planning marches and roundtable discussions about the importance of end-of-life planning for the trans community. Several places, like Savannah, Ga., will be formally recognizing the somber day for the first time.
Advertisement
This widespread recognition of Trans Remembrance Day is “pivotal,” Jones said, because it directly tackles “the historic wrong of marginalization and invisibility, imposed by the wider society, which has meant so much suffering for our community.”
That suffering has also been concentrated in the Black trans community. As CBS News notes, Black transgender women have constituted 76 percent of all homicide victims since 2017, even though Black people comprise only 16 percent of all trans people. They also appear to be at a higher risk for violence in Puerto Rico and the South: Texas, Florida and Louisiana, in particular, had a high concentration of trans killings.
Advertisement
One video tackles the daily grief that Black trans people face—while also weaving in the resilience and joy that knits the community together during hard times.
“Because...I Survived,” directed and choreographed by John Alix, offers a brief, multidimensional look at three trans artists, actor and singer Peppermint, musician Mila Jam and makeup artist Deja “The Lady Deja Davenport” Smith.
“I see how these women have to carry the weight of their fallen sisters around with them daily, knowing that they were senselessly murdered for being brave enough to be who they truly are, yet continue to make positive changes rather than hide,” Alix said in a press release. “As we see trans women only begin to be respected and upheld in mainstream culture, we must remember those who helped pave the way just by being themselves, and paid the ultimate price.”
Advertisement
The video shows all three artists holding the images of slain Black trans women, women like Muhlaysia Booker, Antash’a English, Chynal Lindsey and Riah Milton. Each image, each news clip, a reminder of their own vulnerability.
“The video either directly or indirectly addresses the lives of trans people of color, who are still today affected by an incredible amount of grief. It truly is life imitating art,” said Peppermint.
Advertisement
Making the video—and focusing on the resilience and support that could be found within the community—also offered a respite.
“As heavy as this is on my heart, being able to gather with friends and fellow artists to create this meaningful video feels wonderful,” she added.
Advertisement
Despite the trans community’s deep engagement in liberation struggles, they still remain sidelined in broader justice movements, like the queer rights movement of the early 1970s and the nation’s ongoing movement for racial justice.
“The marginalization of trans people is not an accident. Rather it is a consequence of a choice,” noted Jones. She points to how trans people helped start the fight for gay rights, but were later pushed to the side by white gay men because trans people of color were viewed as less “acceptable” to wider society, and “were therefore an impediment to gay rights.”
Advertisement
This exclusionary idea of acceptability has pushed trans activists to the side in Black communities and mainstream Black civil rights organizations as well, Jones continues.
“This deliberate marginalization across the board is why trans people face incredible odds” and have not benefited equally from these movements, she said.
Advertisement
And it’s not just trans people who suffer as a result of this. A foundational philosophy of intersectional justice is that uplifting and empowering the most vulnerable among us creates a more just, equitable system for all of us. Jones points to healthcare as a prime example.
Trans people are especially susceptible to medical bias, and potential social isolation and lack of resources mean access to adequate care is difficult. A healthcare approach that focuses on trans people would need to address issues of universal access, Jones says, and would have to be more comprehensive and holistic than we’re accustomed to. There would need to be an increased emphasis on social services and safe housing, as well as a more aggressive approach to curtailing implicit bias, which can not only lead to injury and death but discourage people from ever stepping back into a doctor’s office until it’s too late.
Advertisement
“If we built a healthcare system which centered the health outcomes of trans people then it would be a healthcare system which works for everyone,” Jones said.
Perhaps most importantly, Trans Awareness Week and Trans Remembrance Day give the community the opportunity to foreground their stories; to remind people of the human cost of not viewing trans rights as human rights. What America needs to empower and protect trans people is devastatingly simple, Jones pointed out—it’s just “the ability to see us as humans.”
Advertisement
This is why Jones centers storytelling as her way of combating violence.
“Stories are the way in which we travel into the lives of other people,” she said. “They help us to connect our own experience with the experiences of others, and they highlight our universal desire to matter. Once we understand our common humanity it becomes much harder to harm each other.”


theroot--2020-11-20--Good News! Megan Thee Stallion Is Showing Off Her Body-Ody-Ody-Ody of Work in Debut Album

Extra extra , read all about the extra sizzling hotness coming your way on Friday !
Megan Thee Stallion ’ s debut album , Good News is finally here !
Since we ’ re talking about being “ extra , ” we all know by now that Meg doesn ’ t do “ basic.
” Along with a whole-ass album dropping , she also released a sexy and empowering music video for one of the songs off the album , “ Body.
” In the song , Meg raps , “ Body crazy , curvy , wavy , big titties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obviously refers to her own body , but she ’ s also about that inclusive life because she invited Black women with a nice range of bodies .
We spy cameos from Blacc Chyna , Taraji P. Henson , Tabria Majors , Jordyn Woods , and more !
Earlier this week , Meg shook the table ( you know , the table that usually holds the newspaper with the good news ... huzzah ! )
when she released the official tracklist , giving even more of a tease for her much-anticipated debut album @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening track , “ Shots Fired , ” was not only dope due to the wittily relevant title ; this woman actually chose to rap over the “ Who Shot Ya ” sample first made infamous by the legendary Notorious B.I.G .
Girl !
!
!
Like I said earlier this week , Megan is Thee Queen of Thee Week .
Not only did Megan give you the tunes and the visuals , but she provided all of her hot girls with something to wear while twerking to her new shit , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fashion Nova .
Sure , we may have to do most of this twerking in the house—but a lockdown won ’ t stop this Body-Ody-Ody party !
People may not be able to experience it in person , but that ’ s why God invented Instagram Stories ( Twitter Fleets is nothing but the devil , though ) .
It ’ s Hot Girl Week !
I know most of you stayed up late ( after that stressful-ass Verzuz , too ! )
to listen to it as soon as it dropped at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stream today ( even for the 50-11th time ) , you can now stream Good News wherever you listen to your music .

Extra extra, read all about the extra sizzling hotness coming your way on Friday!
Megan Thee Stallion’s debut album, Good News is finally here! Since we’re talking about being “extra,” we all know by now that Meg doesn’t do “basic.” Along with a whole-ass album dropping, she also released a sexy and empowering music video for one of the songs off the album, “Body.”
Advertisement
Get into this:
Megan Thee Stallion - Body [Official Video] / Megan Thee Stallion (YouTube)
In the song, Meg raps, “Body crazy, curvy, wavy, big titties, lil’ waist,” which obviously refers to her own body, but she’s also about that inclusive life because she invited Black women with a nice range of bodies. We spy cameos from Blacc Chyna, Taraji P. Henson, Tabria Majors, Jordyn Woods, and more!
Advertisement Advertisement
Earlier this week, Meg shook the table (you know, the table that usually holds the newspaper with the good news...huzzah!) when she released the official tracklist, giving even more of a tease for her much-anticipated debut album.
Advertisement
Well, she delivered because the opening track, “Shots Fired,” was not only dope due to the wittily relevant title; this woman actually chose to rap over the “Who Shot Ya” sample first made infamous by the legendary Notorious B.I.G. Girl!!!
Advertisement
Like I said earlier this week, Megan is Thee Queen of Thee Week. Not only did Megan give you the tunes and the visuals, but she provided all of her hot girls with something to wear while twerking to her new shit, too, thanks to her recent collab with Fashion Nova.
Advertisement
Sure, we may have to do most of this twerking in the house—but a lockdown won’t stop this Body-Ody-Ody party! People may not be able to experience it in person, but that’s why God invented Instagram Stories (Twitter Fleets is nothing but the devil, though).
It’s Hot Girl Week! I know most of you stayed up late (after that stressful-ass Verzuz, too!) to listen to it as soon as it dropped at midnight EST, but if you want to stream today (even for the 50-11th time), you can now stream Good News wherever you listen to your music.