Jay Connor, Author at The Root | Page 54 of 156

Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude

Nine-Time World Champion Claressa Shields Is Fighting for More Than Just Boxing Titles–She's Fighting for Gender Equality, Too

Don’t get it twisted: Claressa Shields has been knocking people out for a long time. From being propelled into the boxing world as a bright-eyed 11-year-old, to a decorated amateur career that made her the first American boxer—that includes men, too—to win consecutive medals at the Olympics (they were gold, by the way), to her…

By

Jay Connor

Published

March 1, 2021
Former NFL Player Montee Ball Reveals How Locker Room Culture Contributed to His Addiction: 'You Got a Pat on the Back for It'

I had high hopes for Montee Ball. Much like every other Denver Broncos fan, I was enamored by his vision and patience as a runner. Sadly, that potential went unfulfilled. And as the years have gone by, his flashes of brilliance on the field have been overshadowed by his multiple offenses off of it. I…

By

Jay Connor

Published

February 26, 2021
Michigan, Northwestern Announce George Jewett Trophy to Honor Big Ten's 1st Black Player

While pursuing a degree in nursing, George Jewett broke the color barrier as the first Black football player in the history of the Big Ten. During the 1890 and 1892 seasons, he played fullback, halfback, and kicker at Michigan before transferring to Northwestern in 1893 to play two more seasons and earn his degree. Typically…

By

Jay Connor

Published

February 26, 2021
Andra Day Calls Out Former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover: 'He Is the Hitler for Black People. The Man Was a Demon'

If you haven’t been listening to The Ringer’s Higher Learning, co-hosted by Van Lathan—who might be taking home an Oscar very soon—and The Bachelorette alum Rachel Lindsay, you’ve been missing your blessing. Twice a week, the undeniable chemistry between the two is on full display as they tackle everything from pop culture to politics. And…

By

Jay Connor

Published

February 25, 2021
WNBA Partners With Anthem to Address Social Justice, Health Inequities

Aside from being exceptional athletes, the WNBA is full of players who’ve made it their mission to serve as catalysts for change. That’s why the league’s latest partnership should come as no surprise. On Tuesday, four teams—the New York Liberty, Los Angeles Sparks, Atlanta Dream, and the Indiana Fever—unveiled an unprecedented multi-year partnership with insurance…

By

Jay Connor

Published

February 24, 2021
Tiger Woods Foundation Asks for Privacy, Details 'Significant Injuries' Following Single-Car Accident

On Tuesday, we reported that golf legend Tiger Woods suffered serious injuries in a gruesome, single-car accident in which his car flipped over several times. And now, after his team released a statement late Tuesday night, the full extent of those injuries has been revealed. “We thank everyone for the overwhelming support and messages during…

By

Jay Connor

Published

February 24, 2021
28 Days of Black Joy: The Imminent Return of D'Angelo

He’s not always there when you call, but Michael Eugene Archer—better known by his stage name D’Angelo—is sure as hell always on time. We first became acquaintances back in 1994 when he penned the anthemic “You Will Know” for the Jason’s Lyric soundtrack, but we truly established our unbreakable rapport with the 2000 release of…

By

Jay Connor

Published

February 20, 2021
Russell Westbrook Helps Varo Bank Secure $63 Million Investment, Will Address Financial Inequality as Advisor

I will never in life seek his counsel on fashion choices, but when it comes to money moves, Russell Westbrook is no joke. On Thursday, Varo Bank, America’s first all-digital nationally chartered bank, announced that the nine-time NBA All-Star has come on board as both an investor and advisor. In this capacity, he’ll have direct…

By

Jay Connor

Published

February 19, 2021
Erika Alexander Wants to Know Where The Money Resides With New Podcast Reparations: The Big Payback

Here at The Root, we strongly endorse any and everything involving the iconic multihyphenate Erika Alexander. Why? Because outside of being a transcendent talent, she always keeps it a buck. “I think that Black men [in Hollywood] get more opportunity than Black women to become more of themselves. Will Smith got to be a rapper…

By

Jay Connor

Published

February 19, 2021
Fashionistas Nikki and Lola Ogunnaike Are Well Suited With New IMG-Backed Podcast

As film festivals and other big-budget spectacles adapt to this pandemic and go virtual, it appears that New York Fashion Week will be following suit. And while it’s easy to succumb to the doom and gloom of not being able to walk the runway or partake in some of our favorite fashions in person, a…

By

Jay Connor

Published

February 18, 2021

Menace to supremacy. Senior Edior at The Root. Consultant and friendly neighborhood NDA signee elsewhere else. Impatiently waiting for y’all to stop putting sugar in grits.