The Root

Fall back, Ryan Seacrest, Don Lemon is coming to take over NYE television screens for the 2022. This past Friday night, during CNN’s New Year’s Eve broadcast, Lemon was passed a few too many—leading to a full on rant, popping out of a lemon cake, and a good bit of on-air twerking.Read more...

After the 2017 White Nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, the state began removing Confederate statues– first with Charlottesville’s own Robert E. Lee monument. Charlottesville Mayor Nikuyah Walker said in a speech that taking the statue down is a step toward helping the city and country “grapple with the…Read more...

It appears things are about to get a bit “slippery” when it comes to Migos rapper Quavo and his legal woes.Read more...

Pensole founder D’Wayne Edwards had a mission to re-open the Lewis College of Business. It was a Detroit-based historically Black college and university founded by the late Violet T. Lewis that sadly closed in 2013. Thankfully, after proposing draft legislation back in October to re-open the school, Governor Gretchen…Read more...

Farewells have never been my forte. In fact, I’m better known for the French (or Irish, or English, etc.) exit: make a big entrance, help get the party going, then quietly slip out before the evening loses its luster (after paying your share of the check, of course). Though some may find it rude, the art of the French…Read more...

In 2021, a total of 132 people received exonerations: 81 of them were Black. Just a decade ago in 2011, only 40 Black people were exonerated. Since 1989 there’s been a 1,057 percent increase in the number of Black people released from prison because they were wrongfully convicted. Of the high-profile exonerations in…Read more...

A sheriff’s office in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana settled on federal civil rights lawsuits over the death of 22-year-old Keeven Robinson, who was choked during a tussle with undercover narcotic officers, according to NOLA.com.Read more...

New year, new name?Read more...

Well, here’s an NBA face-off we didn’t anticipate this holiday season: NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had words for his equally iconic fellow Laker LeBron James after the latter posted to his Instagram page a version of the popular pointing Spider-Men meme equating COVID-19 with the flu and common cold.Read more...

We did it, Joe. We made it through another grueling year of a global pandemic (and white supremacy, and celebrity shenanigans, and all manner of political nonsense)...and all we got were these matching sweatsuits. So with a new year swiftly approaching, it’s understandable if you’re looking to hit “refresh” on this…Read more...

A Black attorney with a record of voting-rights advocacy was just named to the top elections post in Pennsylvania, a state where the GOP-controlled legislature might stir up lots of trouble during next year’s critical midterm elections.

Married at First Sight season 12 alum Ryan Oubre is finally speaking out about the difficult decision to divorce his now ex-wife Clara Berghaus.Read more...

Sigh.Read more...

As of right now, almost half of the prison population is comprised of those found guilty of drug offenses. A total of 51% of inmates are at a minimum or low-security prison. Given the ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks occurring in places such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and New York, it makes sense to have some home…Read more...

Despite Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers’ insistence that the wonderful world of sports is a “colorblind meritocracy,” I regret to inform you that no, it’s actually not. In fact, it’s very much the complete opposite.Read more...

Turns out America really loves sports, particularly football.Read more...

Donald Trump wants the U.S. Supreme Court to help him dodge the Congressional investigation into the Jan. 6 insurrection, and he’s trying to use the words of the investigation’s chair, Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, to help his case.

“Dominic Toretto” often quips that there’s nobody stronger than family in the Fast & Furious franchise, but it seems a rift between Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Vin Diesel might be giving that statement a run for its money.Read more...

Regardless of how you feel about Kyrie Irving’s stance on the COVID-19 vaccine, or the Brooklyn Nets’ decision to reverse course and welcome him back with open arms after Omarion Omicron did the Bankhead Bounce all throughout the league, the seven-time NBA All-Star is primed to return to a court near you (not in the…Read more...

A week ago from today, former Minnesota officer Kim Potter was convicted of first- and second-degree manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright on April 11th. The jury deliberated over the decision for about 27 hours over four days. According to Newsweek, the decision wasn’t easy. However, we now have some…Read more...

Add LL Cool J to the list of performers sidelined by Covid-19. Variety reports, the rapper/actor has canceled his performance on ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2022.

It’s approaching the time of the year when millions of us are consumed with crafting some well-intentioned New Year’s resolutions, perhaps the same one for the fifth year in a row (or maybe that’s just me?). But before you dive headfirst into fashioning this “new year, new you” version of yourself, I have some advice:…Read more...

The City of Inglewood, Calif., is arguing in court for the right to destroy records that could shed light on misconduct in its police department.Read more...

The name is fitting: Heart and Soul Hospice. The new hospice agency in Nashvillle wants to improve the comfort of families at the end of a loved one’s life, according to NPR.Read more...

When he’s not giving medical advice to Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers or UFC President Dana White, podcast host Joe Rogan makes political predictions for 2024. Rogan stated on the Christmas Eve edition of his Joe Rogan Podcast that if Michelle Obama runs for the presidential nomination, she will win against former…Read more...

As is the norm when it comes to dissenting discourse on social media, folks are “alwayz into something.” Today, the question of why Faizon Love and Chris Tucker never returned for any of the Friday franchise sequels once again appears to be the topic of conversation.Read more...

To say Amanda Gorman has had a big year would be an understatement. In January, America’s first Youth Poet Laureate took the dais—and stole the show—at Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration with her poem, “The Hill We Climb.” But that was just the beginning; within a week, she was signed by IMG Models and confirmed to…Read more...

Remember all those folks who swore Colin Kaepernick disrespected the military by taking a knee in defiance of racism?

A painting depicting George Floyd laying in the arms of Mother Mary has angered students attending Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. I mean angry, so much so that the painting was stolen from its spot outside the law school chapel twice and students started a petition to make sure it never goes back…Read more...

Have you ever had a white friend? Apparently lots of us have, and that’s probably to the shock of Rhode Island state Rep. Patricia Morgan, who we have to thank for the hashtag #iHadAWhiteFriend.Read more...

On Tuesday, fans of the late rapper DMX were given a special gift: more insight into his oft-mentioned, unreleased dual album, Walk With Me Now and You’ll Fly With Me Later.Read more...

The post-holiday streaming choices aren’t always the best. Networks roll out all their big titles in December, then save the rest for February to get awards traction. We did the hard work of sorting through the racks of options so you can just set your calendar. Disney+ brings another Marvel blockbuster to the small…Read more...

If you thought something as insignificant as a COVID-19 mandate in New York City that requires people to provide proof of vaccination in order to enter arenas, gyms, restaurants, and other indoor venues would keep a seven-time NBA All-Star in his prime from playing a single game of NBA basketball this season let me…Read more...

At the start of 2021, our country made a major historic political stride when Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first Black and Asian woman vice-president. As millions watched on TV and in person, we were reminded of how far we’ve come in the political landscape, but also how far we must go. The 2020 election was…Read more...

While Dr. Dre may still be in a celebratory mood following “his divooooorce” from his now-ex-wife Nicole Young, he won’t be the only one celebrating, thanks to the recent divorce settlement.Read more...

As someone who watches an absurd amount of basketball—thanks in part to the coronavirus and its evil stepsisters, Delta and Omicron—I have vivid memories of watching Russell Westbrook’s teammates throughout the years literally stare at the ball flying off the rim while twiddling their thumbs so that the nine-time NBA…Read more...

More than a year after the looting and destruction that took place during the August 24, 2020 demonstrations in Kenosha, Wisconsin, police and prosecutors continue to seek out the protesters responsible. As of last week, Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley’s office has filed more than 90 criminal charges…Read more...

Patricia Yannet Cornwall was arrested and charged last Thursday in an alleged assault aboard a Delta Air Lines flight. She is charged with hitting a passenger in the face and spitting on him after an argument. According to NBC News and recent court documents, Cornwall invoked the name of Rosa Parks. Yes, Rosa Parks on…Read more...

On Tuesday, the world learned of the passing of NFL legend John Madden, whose unexpected death at 85 years old has sent shockwaves throughout the NFL community. ESPN describes him as a “Hall of Fame coach-turned-broadcaster whose exuberant calls combined with simple explanations provided a weekly soundtrack to NFL…Read more...

Illinois Rep. Bobby Rush revealed Monday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 making him the latest member of Congress to be affected by the spike in coronavirus cases. Rush, who is 75-years-old, says he hasn’t experienced any symptoms and is vaccinated and recently received his booster shot.Read more...

Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor will now also be the city’s first to have a remote inauguration, thanks to our good friend the ‘Rona.Read more...

Jail is getting more violent and dangerous in-part because of the pandemic.

Not everyone likes to go out on New Year’s Eve, some of us are perfectly fine staying home in sweatpants, eating junk food and watching the various TV specials broadcasting the big ball drop in Times Square. There are familiar favorites, new duos and streaming comedies on tap this year, so if you’re not ready for…Read more...

A suspected serial killer, who is also a handsome real estate agent, was charged with attempted murder for the non-fatal shooting of a homeless man in Miami, , according to the Miami Herald.Read more...

In Richmond, Virginia, at the site where the now removed Robert E. Lee statue once stood, a second time capsule from 1887 has been discovered and opened, according to NPR.Read more...

OK, OK. So, I know I promised you a list—and you will get one! But before I supply you with it, let me first start off by saying: Happy Birthday, Denzel! Now that that’s outta the way, let’s just cut right to the chase: There is quite literally no other Black actor out right now that could be the next D—

The Proud Boys are buried under numerous lawsuits and criminal charges thanks to their poorly thought out insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. In one of the more major cases, a federal judge has ruled to allow a case brought by the Justice Department to continue, rejecting a motion to dismiss charges against…Read more...

After buzzing her hair to a close fade this summer at the urging of daughter Willow, Jada Pinkett Smith is doing her best to embrace her ongoing hair loss. On Tuesday, the 50-year-old actress, musician and Red Table Talk host-creator gave fans an update via Instagram as she showed off her latest follicular development.Read more...

Republicans are turning to young, Black conservatives to help fill their back bench with candidates for local office who can help carry the party into the future.

The state of the Build Back Better Act is either still obtainable or finished, depending on who you ask. Last week, Sen. Joe Manchin gave the “Julius Ceasar thumbs down” to the bill on the Lord’s day. U.S. House Representative and chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Pramila Jayapal, wrote an opinion piece…Read more...