Criminal Justice
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Grammy-Winning Producer Noel 'Detail' Fisher Arrested on Multiple Sexual Assault Charges
Is #MeToo finally doubling back to hip-hop? Perhaps, especially since this week has been filled with public allegations. On Sunday, R&B vocalist Jaguar Wright (best known for 2002’s Denials, Delusions & Decisions) made explosive claims of misconduct and enabling of sexual abuse by rapper/actor Common, members of The Roots crew and others during an Instagram…
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Newly Launched NBA Foundation to Invest $300 Million Into Empowering the Black Community
In a recent interview with The Root, ESPN analyst Jay Williams noted that while increased awareness around social justice issues is important, he’s far more concerned with the NBA’s interest in that subsequent action. “If my family was safe and I have the biggest platform in the world to delineate my message on a day-to-day…
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Doc Rivers Draws Parallels Between NBA Players Taking a Knee During the National Anthem, the Death of George Floyd
Following a 103-101 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers drew parallels between his team deciding to take a knee during the national anthem and the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. “How long do you think the national anthem lasted?” he asked…
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The New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz Are Cooking Up Something Big for the NBA Restart on Thursday
In the NBA, secrets don’t exist. The streets talk. So despite the best efforts of players for the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz to keep things quiet, the word on the street is that the two teams will join forces to peacefully protest during the national anthem when the NBA season officially resumes on…
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Brittney Griner on Wearing Breonna Taylor's Name on Her Jersey: 'We’re Still Fighting for Justice for Her'
All eyes are on the WNBA. With viewership up 63 percent from last season—thanks, in part, to the pandemic and a long-overdue push from ESPN—the WNBA is not only showcasing its premier talent, but its players are using their increased visibility to raise awareness around social justice. Earlier this month, we reported that WNBA players…
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After Two Years of ‘Relentless’ Community Organizing, St. Louis’ Oldest and Most Notorious Jail Is Closing
For more than a century, no other institution in St. Louis spoke to the criminalization of the poor and marginalized like the “Workhouse,” a jail notorious for housing people unable to pay their bail in deplorable conditions. Now, thanks to the diligent work of local organizers, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen unanimously voted earlier…
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The Defense of Black Lives Must Include Disability Justice
In the fight for racial justice and true liberation, if one of us is not free, none of us are. From fighting for justice in the LGBTQ+ community to fighting for women’s rights, it is important to fight for everyone if we are going to build a truly just and equitable America. One group that…
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Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade Launch Social Change Fund to Empower the Black Community
NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade, three-fourths of the infamous banana boat crew, have joined forces to launch the Social Change Fund, which will provide resources and support to organizations focused on empowering the Black community. “Our mission is to address social and economic justice issues facing Black communities and break down…
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NFL Player Kenny Stills Charged With Felony for Seeking Justice for Breonna Taylor
Breonna Taylor is dead. Not that Daniel Cameron, Kentucky’s Attorney General, cares. He’s too busy throwing engagement parties to charge the officers involved with her murder. But plenty of other people care, including Houston Texans receiver Kenny Stills. He was one of 87 people charged with a felony on Tuesday for protesting Taylor’s death on…
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The Story of a Black Teenage Girl Incarcerated for Not Doing Her Online Schoolwork Shows Us Just How Big Our Criminal Justice Problem Is
As activists have sustained calls for a radical transformation of our nation’s criminal justice system over the last several weeks, many among us are reimagining what necessary interventions ought to look like, absent the police. How can we resolve domestic issues, for instance, without having to call 911? One idea that’s been frequently tossed around…