Philly Mayor Cherelle Parker Gets Clowned For Hilarious Mistake, Black Leaders Praise Companies For Still Supporting DEI, Alabama Woman Gives Birth In Krispy Kreme Parking Lot, The Most Unforgettable Moments In Black History And More

The Root’s most important culture stories from the week.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker is Clowned on the Internet Over This Hilarious Mistake Before Redeeming Herself

Photo: Getty Images Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s week did not start off the way she wanted. But in the end, she got the last laugh.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Bakari Sellers: Why Elon Musk Should Scare Everyone

Last week, Parker held a news conference outside City Hall to discuss how the City of Brotherly Love would prepare for the coming snow. Before ending the press conference, she attempted to hype up the crowd before the Philadelphia Eagles’ divisional-round playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams by shouting a classic “E-A-G-L-E-S” chant. – Noah A. McGee Read More

Let These Black Weddings Be the Perfect Inspiration for Your Dream Nuptials!

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘ @sky_mil3s on Instagram’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

Your wedding day is said to be one of the most important days of your life, and also the most stressful. From choosing the cake and picking your down to setting up the seating and arranging the flowers, it’s a day in which all the preparation leads to one moment when love can be celebrated by family and friends alike. – Phenix S Halley Read More

Leaders Asking Black Folks to Buy From Costco, e.l.f and Other Companies Supporting DEI Initiatives

Photo: Getty Images Franklin County Board of Commissioners, Eugene Gologursky, Jon Cherry

Just because President Donald J. Trump is acting on plans to wipeout DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), doesn’t mean companies like Costco and activists like Rev. Al Sharpton aren’t leading the cause to ensure Black people not only feel protected but also feel seen. – Phenix S Halley Read More

Jimmy Butler Might’ve Just Gone Too Far Trolling the Miami Heat

Photo: Getty Images Megan Briggs

Jimmy Butler is not making life easy for the Miami Heat. He is willing to make everyone within the organization as uncomfortable as possible until he gets what he wants, which is to be traded to a contender (except Memphis). And Butler might’ve taken it just as far as he can. – Noah A. McGee Read More

DJ Offers Flau’Jae Johnson a Big Apology After This ‘Nasty Behavior’ During a Basketball Game

BATON ROUGE, LA – JANUARY 24: Flau’jae Johnson #4 of the LSU Tigers in action against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Colonial Life Arena on January 24, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. Photo: Getty Images Kristen Young/LSU/University Images

When the University of South Carolina and LSU women’s basketball teams meet each other on the court, it’s bound to be a serious battle. But things got especially tense after a January 24 face-off between the two top-10-ranked teams when a DJ entertaining fans at the stadium played a song that some thought was an especially low blow to one of LSU’s star players. – Angela Johnson Read More

The Scary Reason This Alabama Baby Was Born in a Krispy Kreme Parking Lot…and What the Chain is Doing to Acknowledge the Event

Screenshot: YouTube/NBC10WJAR

One Alabama couple is celebrating the arrival of their newborn son who was born in one of the sweetest spots in town. With the help of her partner Keon Mitchell, Sha’nya Bennett delivered their son Dallas in a car outside of a Krispy Kreme store in Dothan, Alabama on January 22, according to WTVY. – Angela Johnson Read More

Kamala Harris Insider: Why We Can’t Let Trump Take Our History

Photo: Getty Images JIM WATSON

As we prepare to celebrate Black History Month, I can’t remember ever feeling more pessimistic about race relations than I do right now. Donald Trump is back in office, and on day one, he banned all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the federal government. He rescinded an executive order signed by former President Biden focused on promoting racial equity. And earlier this week, he signed his own executive order to cut federal funding for schools that teach about so-called “woke” concepts like structural racism and unconscious bias. Since re-taking office, President Trump has wielded his pen like a sledgehammer to destroy the diversity that makes our nation great. And while he might try to take everything from our community over these next four years, he can’t take our history. – Gevin Reynolds Read More

The Most Unforgettable Moments In Black History

Photo: Getty Images Ron Sachs-Pool

As everyone knows, Black history is America history. Our struggles and victories have affected this country for centuries, even though we don’t always receive our just due. With Black History Month right around the corner, The Root takes a look at the most unforgettable moments that have undoubtedly shaped us as a whole. – Candace McDuffie Read More

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

'Sinners' Cast: Where Are They Now?

‘Sinners’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

Now that Ryan Coogler’s vampire epic ‘Sinners’ has officially won the 2026 Awards season, let’s take a look at the next major moves for Michael B. Jordan and the cast! …
These 13 Beloved White Hollywood Icons Have a Racist Past

These 13 Beloved White Hollywood Icons Have a Racist Past

From John Wayne to Doris Day, these 13 Hollywood stars have been accused of being racist …
A Sad Ending to DOJ to the Breonna Taylor Case

A Sad Ending to DOJ to the Breonna Taylor Case

Officers accused of faking court documents for the “no-knock” warrant leading to Breonna Taylor’s killing have now received good news …
Meagan Good Finally Reveals Wedding Photos to Jonathan Majors

Meagan Good Finally Reveals Wedding Photos to Jonathan Majors

Meagan Good and Jonathan Major wed during a private ceremony in March 2025. And now we’ve got a look at their love-filled day! …
Justin Timberlake’s 2024 DWI Bodycam Is Finally Out, and It’s Hilarious

Justin Timberlake’s 2024 DWI Bodycam Is Finally Out, and It’s Hilarious

Newly released bodycam footage shows Justin Timberlake during his 2024 Hamptons arrest for driving while intoxicated, capturing his interactions with Sag Harbor police and fans’ reactions online …
You Won’t Believe This Black Chicago Mom’s Real-Life Goldilocks Nightmare

You Won’t Believe This Black Chicago Mom’s Real-Life Goldilocks Nightmare

Imagine coming home to strangers naked in your bed. That’s what happened to one Chicago mom, whose nightmare was just getting started …
A Running List of Everything President Trump Is Planning to Name After Himself

A Running List of Everything President Trump Is Planning to Name After Himself

From a coin with Trump’s face on it to renaming several buildings in his honor, here’s everything President Trump has named or renamed after himself …
Meet the Trailblazing Black Woman Who Made FaceTime and Zoom Possible

Meet the Trailblazing Black Woman Who Made FaceTime and Zoom Possible

Exclusive: The Root caught up with Dr. Marian Rogers Croak, a trailblazer who leads Google’s work in human-centered AI and machine learning …
Black Americans Have Strong Reactions to Trump's Deployment of ICE Agents at U.S. Airports

Black Americans Have Strong Reactions to Trump’s Deployment of ICE Agents at U.S. Airports

Trump announced ICE agents will be stationed at airports across the country starting on March 23, and you can bet Black folks had plenty of thoughts …
 Doja Cat's Father Blames Her White Mother for 'Deadbeat' Claims

 Doja Cat’s Father Blames Her White Mother for ‘Deadbeat’ Claims

After making allegations about her parent being a deadbeat and trolling him on social media, Doja Cat is now embroiled in a messy back and forth with her own father! …
100 Years After Black Family Is Run Out of White California Town, Their Descendants Claim What's Rightfully Theirs

100 Years After Black Family Is Run Out of White California Town, Their Descendants Claim What’s Rightfully Theirs

Sidney Dearing and his family became the first Black people to ever buy a home in Piedmont, Calif. Then, they were chased out within a year …
All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

Nene Leakes in finally heading back to Bravo! And now, the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ alum is sharing her feelings about it …
What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

Usher was Justin Bieber’s mentor early on in his career, but now it seems like the two may not be in good-standing with each other. Let’s get into it! …
Chadwick Boseman's Widow Shares New Details About the Late Actor's Cancer Journey

Chadwick Boseman’s Widow Shares New Details About the Late Actor’s Cancer Journey

Simone Ledward Boseman is getting candid in a new interview about the late, beloved actor Chadwick Boseman and his health journey …
Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court's Backing

Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court’s Backing

For Cherise Doyley and Brianna Bennett, the battle for bodily autonomy played out at their hospital bedsides, where virtual court hearings allowed judges to prioritize the perceived health of their unborn children over their right to refuse C-sections …
New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

After nearly a decade since Jay-Z’s last album, rumors about new music are circulating from fans gearing up for his first performance in years …
Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand 'Uncle Nearest' Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand ‘Uncle Nearest’ Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

The Black-owned brand was cemented as the fastest growing whiskey company in the U.S. Now, the legacy is at risk …
Solange's Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s only child Julez Smith is opening up about his sexuality and sparking some discourse online! …
As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

Gasoline prices are up in every state since the Iran war begin and they’re expected to rise …
News of Chuck Norris' Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

News of Chuck Norris’ Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ star Chuck Norris’ shocking death is sparking some interesting responses from Black folks online. We’ll tell you why! …