Media
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It's Racism, Stupid. It's Always Racism.
My daughter, who is 4 years old, is currently in a superhero phase. Yesterday, for instance, I spent much of the day in an extended, five-hour-long riff with her where she’d approach me every 40 minutes or so to share she’d discovered a new superpower, and then she’d display it for me. (“Jumping jacks with…
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Trevor Noah Is Paying Daily Show Crew Furloughed by COVID-19 Out of His Own Pocket
Trevor Noah reminds me of Barack Obama in a lot of ways. He’s written a successful memoir about his upbringing and mixed identity, he’s extremely well-spoken and handsome with slightly protruding ears that somehow manage to make him look just more adorable, and he seems like the kinda guy you just can’t help but like.…
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BET Networks Has Partnered With United Way and NAACP for COVID-19 Relief Efforts
Similar to Goldilocks’ felony of breaking and entering, COVID-19 has unwelcomingly entered the black community—and is not only shaking the table but our entire houses. Black Americans are being disproportionately affected by the health and financial devastations brought on by this virus and, accordingly, BET Networks is partnering with the United Way Worldwide, NAACP, and…
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Exclusive: Yes, Ebony Magazine's Website Is Down. But Why? Here's an Explanation
Ebony Magazine has been going through it. Once a sanctuary for black achievement, the legacy publication has stumbled into its 75th anniversary year battered by bankruptcy filings, unsettled debts to contributors, abrupt layoffs and class action lawsuits that have tarnished its reputation as a beacon of cultural pride. To add insult to injury, The Root…
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CBS News Is So Sorry for Confusing Ailing John Lewis With the Late Elijah Cummings During Broadcast
Gayle King is on vacation celebrating her 65th birthday, and the folks at CBS News have lost their minds. One could think that since the network caters to a mature television viewing demographic, that they would know the difference between two prominent senior citizens—lawmakers, at that—right? Wrong! The network showed a photo of late Maryland…
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Meet the Press Moderator Chuck Todd Confuses Late Literary Icon Toni Morrison With Maya Angelou
Dear Chuck Todd, It is 2019. And you’re supposed to be of a much higher intellect—being on NBC and all. But Maya Angelou is not Toni Morrison—not by any stretch of the white imagination. One was a poet laureate (who actually moved in major political circles, having done President Bill Clinton’s first inauguration and all)…
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Do You Have What It Takes to Write for The Root?
The Root is looking for freelance writers to cover nights and weekends. Do you fit the description? About the Role: We are looking for sharp writers with strong voices and keen eyes for great stories that speak to the intersection of blackness and culture, politics, entertainment, and sports, among other pertinent issues. We need you…
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Shonda Rhimes Is About to Get Away With Podcasting, Inks New Deal With iHeartMedia
If you thought Shonda Rhimes was just taking over your Thursday nights, think again! The television mogul is adding to the world of podcasts! That’s right, your next earworm is about to involve some Shondaland drama. According to Variety, Rhimes’ production company, Shondaland, has announced a three-year partnership with iHeartMedia to launch Shondaland Audio. Rhimes…
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Issa Rae Has Lent Her Voice to Google Assistant. Yes, You Can Ask Her About Lawrence
Siri has an awkward black counterpart. Google has announced Issa Rae as the new cameo voice of Google Assistant, following in the footsteps of John Legend. The new feature is available on any device with Google Assistant, including Google Home speakers, Smart Displays and on mobile for both Android and iOS. With the help of…
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Australian TV Show Previews Hit Piece on Meghan Markle, Immediately Gets Dragged All Over Al Gore’s Internet
Meghan Markle has been no stranger to racist—and frankly, confounding—commentary since she and Prince Harry started dating. But the Australian version of 60 Minutes decided to kick things up a notch, sharing a preview of an upcoming episode featuring the Duchess of Sussex on its social media accounts Thursday morning. “#Megxit! How Meghan Markle lost…