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Beale Street’s Regina King Breaks Down What It Means to Be a Vulnerable Black Woman
We often speak about the “strong black woman” archetype, but what does it mean to be a “vulnerable black woman?” The reality is that the two characteristics are a bit symbiotic—after all, it takes a great deal of strength to make one’s self vulnerable. As Sharon in If Beale Street Could Talk, Regina King so…
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What's Columbusing, You Say? We've Got You Covered
Every time we hear the name Christopher Columbus, we can’t help but wonder: “What will be stolen next.” The term “columbusing” has been around for a minute. “Columbusing” is when a person—often a white person, let’s be real—or a set of people believes that they discovered something that isn’t new. The term is a close…
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Janelle Monáe and Angela Rye Have One Message: Go Vote
The midterm elections are coming in November, and this vote comes at a critical point in our nation’s history. After all, we as Americans have the power to decide who will lead our country out of the despair of this Trumpian regime (barring no interference from Russia—let’s be real). Regardless, we must do our part…
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When Black Women Rock the Vote
Let’s be clear, the black vote is crucial in each and every election. And as history has shown, when it comes time to vote, black women get the job done. “The black woman’s voice is, in fact, the black vote,” said political commentator Symone Sanders. “I know the political apparatus or many folks in the…
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Fatayi Jomoh Was Handcuffed for Bouncing a Basketball, Now His Mother Is Speaking Out
We live in a country where a black child was placed in handcuffs for bouncing a basketball. In a gym. This child’s name is Fatayi Jomoh, and he was bouncing a basketball at his local Police Athletic League. Earlier this month, The Root reported on the incident, and while Fatayi was not arrested, the incident…
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Black Bosses Making Moves with VSB and The Glow Up!
On Thursday evening, The Root, Very Smart Brothas and The Glow Up joined forces for a panel in Washington, D.C. The evening’s theme? Boss moves. After all, bossing ain’t easy. The Long View Gallery was standing room only—come through, D.C.! Imagine a sea of beautiful black people joined together to talk about how one can essentially…
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Are Black Women Fighting Other People’s Battles?
Therese Patricia Okoumou, an immigrant activist from the Republic of Congo, climbed the Statue of Liberty to protest the separation of migrant children from their families. But what’s that got to do with black folks? Despite misconceptions, immigration in America has plenty to do with black people. In fact, black immigrants in the United States…
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Can We Live While Black?
It’s no secret that there’s a fear of a black planet. This fear is so pervasive, so insidious, that black people are being reprimanded for merely living. Recently, #WhileBlack has taken off. Social media is bringing attention to various overtly racist instances when existing in white spaces is perceived to be a threat. “I don’t…
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XXXTentacion: Martyr or Monster?
This week, rapper XXXTentacion was shot and killed in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The 20-year-old was at the height of his career, but his life was mired in legal troubles and abuse allegations. Celebrities and fans have been honoring him on Twitter, and some even appear to be making him out to be a martyr. Why…
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Wynton Marsalis Talks Race in America, Jazz and Keeping Music ‘Ever Fonky’
Some might call nine-time Grammy Award winner Wynton Marsalis a musical genius. But that’s not a label Marsalis is interested in wearing. “Well, I don’t know anything about genius, but I know to try to be serious about it [making music],” Marsalis told The Root. “I don’t know about no genius.” The decorated jazz musician…
