In the Spring of last year, SZA took to Twitter to share an incident that left her disturbed. According to the Top Dawg Entertainment singer, she was at Sephora minding her own business when a white employee called mall security because she believed SZA was stealing. The celebrity-laden neighborhood of Calabasas isn't that diverse, so "Sandy Sephora," as SZA dubbed her, seemed to racially profile the singer.
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In the wake of these current times as protests are being overrun with riots and looters, SZA shared she was out in California trying to do some shopping when she was asked to leave the store. "I’ve had the WEEIRDDESSST EXPERIENCES TODAY. ? another random ass man tried to remove me from a plaza In palisades while attempting to buy dog food for fear I was a 'rioter'," she tweeted on Sunday (May 31). "Lol He asked the grocery employee if he was 'okay' after watching him speak w me then told me 2 leave??." A fan asked if the man who confronted her was "you know," meaning white, and SZA confirmed that he was.
"Between the 'lock and load' rhetoric on my neighborhood app + being rushed out of a public space for being considered a rioter ...I was in tears," SZA added. "Couldn’t even jump up and down how I wanted cause I didn’t wanna look like a 'rioter' to the legion of cops across the street. Smh. And in that moment I realized I cared more about the white gaze than my own humanity .. I was sad for me . I don’t wanna live like that no more . I wanna cry and yell if I need to .. no guilt trip." Check out her tweets below.
Trump Addresses America, Says "Heavily Armed" Military Will Be Mobilized Against Riots
Trump addressed the nation and promised he would seek justice for George Floyd hile also stating he would enact measures to be a halt to riots and looting.
After it was reported that President Donald Trump spent his evening in an underground bunker as the White House's lights were shut off amid protesting in Washington, D.C., Trump has come forward to speak about the civil unrest sweeping across the nation. President Trump has been criticized over the last few days about how he's responded to the protests, riots, and looting, and he addressed the nation, and beyond, in a press conference on Monday (June 1).
Trump stated that he was "revolted by the brutal death of George Floyd" and promised Floyd's family that "justice will be served." The President acknowledged the protests and said that he and his administration wouldn't allow the peaceful demonstrations to be "drowned out by an angry mob." After declaring himself the president of "law and order," Trump said he would do all that it took to protect American citizens.
"That is why I am taking immediate presidential action to stop the violence and restore security and safety in America," he added. "I am mobilizing all available federal resources, civilian and military to stop the rioting and looting, to end the destruction and arson, and to protect the rights of law-abiding Americans including your second amendment rights."
Unsurprisingly, his presidential address has rubbed a few people the wrong way as critics claimed that his word usage was language that incited violence among citizens. Take a look for yourself by watching Trump below.
Virgil Abloh Pens Lengthy Apology Over Looting Comments & Donations
Virgil Abloh sets the record straight after facing heat for his $50 donation and comments about streetwear.
Virgil Abloh’s been under fire in the past 24 hours for his comments regarding the recent protests across the country, especially when it came to his “streetwear is dead” comments. Abloh’s comments came across as slighting the racial injustices that people are fighting for across the country over brick-and-mortar stores that can be replaced.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images“Yesterday, I spoke about how my stores and stores of my friends were looted. I apologize that it seemed like my concern for those stores outweighed my concern for our right to protest injustice and express our anger and rage in this moment,” he said.
“Buildings are brick and mortar and material things can be replaced, people can’t. Black lives matter. In this moment, those other things don’t,” he wrote. “People who criticize ‘looting’ often do also as way to make it seem like our fight against injustice isn’t legitimate. I did not realize the ways my comments accidentally contributed to that narrative. As mentioned yesterday, if looting eases pains nd further the overall mission, it is within good standing with me.”
Immediately after, he explained the $50 donation that he’s been hounded over. He explained that it wasn’t the only donation that he made and apologized that it came across that way. “I can understand your frustration if you think my contributions were limited to $50. purely false when it comes to the total. I have donated $20,500 to bail funds and other causes related to this movement.”
Read his entire apology below.
Drake Puts Up $100K Donation For Bail Relief Fund
In the midst of protests and a pandemic, Drake reveals that he’s donated $100K to National Bail Out.
The ongoing protests across America have opened more eyes to the injustices going on across the country. Though the protests, marches, and demonstrations have been led by community leaders who continue to witness the impact of police brutality, there are some celebrities who’ve faced criticism for remaining quiet. Drake is among them. Typically seen as an apolitical figure, he’s stated that he stands in solidarity with everyone protesting in America, some of which have been placed behind bars for standing up against injustice.
Drake’s spent the past few months flaunting his lavish mansion in Toronto, Canada but he also revealed that he’s putting up six-figured towards bail relief fund. Mustafa The Poet challenged both Drake and The Weeknd to match his $400 donation to National Bail Out. Drizzy exceeded what he was asked to match with a $100K donation. Sharing a screenshot of the receipt to his story, he simply tagged Mustafa with a checkbox and rose emojis.
National Bail Out is a collective that works towards helping bail out incarcerated Black mothers and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic to get them home for Mother’s Day.
Though Drake did show his solidarity by sharing a poem from Assata Shakur on IG, his recent donation comes after Don Lemon named him among several prominent celebrities who were quiet in the midst of the protests.
Lizzo Offers Message To Fans: “Change Is Gonna Come”
The singer offered some intellect and advice to fans.
Celebrities all across the country have been using their platforms and power to react to the recent protests in response to the murder of George Floyd. This weekend, Lizzo took to Instagram to share a powerful video message speaking out against police brutality and civilian complacency.
In the video, Lizzo first addresses the Black community, whom she reminds to not carry the weight of educating ignorant people. “It is exhausting and if they don’t see it or believe it by now, they don’t want to. There are Googles and there are books, they can do that for themselves,” she said. She also addressed and identified white people who have chosen neutrality as part of the process, adding “I know you’re not racist, but you have to be more than that. You have to be anti-racist. Speak up.” She then praised influential figures who have spoken out and assisted in organization efforts for protests. She concluded the video by adding, “Now’s the time. The world is standing still and waiting for action. Let’s make progress.”
Lizzo wrote in the caption of the short video, “Protest is not the end of progress, it is the beginning. I wonder what would happen if all the big companies and celebrities who have showed support on social media came out and used their platform to let activists and protesters speak and be seen?”
In addition to the video, the “Truth Hurts” singer also shared this tweet to her Instagram page, acknowledging the different ways to show resistance.
Lonzo, LaMelo, & LiAngelo Ball Take Part In Police Brutality Protests
All three of the Ball brothers took to the streets this weekend to stand up against racial injustice.
Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball are all mostly known for their skills out on the basketball court but this weekend, they engaged in something much more important than sports. If you’ve been following the news, then you probably know about the death of George Floyd at the hands of the police. His killing has sparked protests all across the nation and the Ball brothers used their platform to take part in these demonstrations.
Throughout the weekend, all three brothers posted videos to their social media which shows them in a group together, protesting against police brutality. Based on the clips, it appears as though the brothers were in California but more specifically, their home neighborhood of Chino Hills.
Following the protests, Lonzo took to Instagram where he showed off some of the signs he had made with his brothers, and even had a strong message about racism and how he comes from a multi-racial home.
“Tired of being tired of being tired‼️ Fuck Racism and everybody who stand for that shit. My momma white and my daddy black so don’t say it can’t be done,” Lonzo wrote on Instagram.
It’s cool to see younger athletes using their platforms for good, especially when it’s three young brothers who are coming together to advocate for real change.
Gregg Popovich Offers Scathing Rant On Donald Trump
Gregg Popovich is beyond upset with the way the President has handled the George Floyd protests.
Gregg Popovich is just like Steve Kerr in the sense that he is an NBA coach who has no problem with voicing his opinion on very pressing political issues. The latest big topic that everyone has on their mind right now is police brutality. Following the death of George Floyd, protesters have hit the streets of the United States to stand up against all of the injustices that have been committed over the last few centuries.
President Donald Trump has done nothing but tweet since the start of the protests and people are extremely upset with his lack of leadership. During a conversation with Dave Zirin of The Nation, Popovich spoke on Trump’s divisiveness and delivered a scathing rant in the process.
Rob Carr/Getty Images
Per Popovich:
“He’s not just divisive. He’s a destroyer. To be in his presence makes you die. He will eat you alive for his own purposes. I’m appalled that we have a leader who can’t say ‘Black Lives Matter.’ That’s why he hides in the White House basement. He is a coward. He creates a situation and runs away like a grade-schooler. Actually, I think it’s best to ignore him. There is nothing he can do to make this better because of who he is: a deranged idiot.”
These are very strong words although many are feeling the exact same way right now, especially those who play in the NBA. Popovich has always had the backs of his players and these comments are further proof of that.
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Charlamagne & Stephen A. Smith Express Anger Over Police Brutality
Charlamagne Tha God joined the “First Take” crew to discuss what happened over the weekend.
Following the death of George Floyd, there have been numerous protests throughout the streets of America. These protests have been met by resistance from local authorities who have been escalating the situation with aggressive forms of crowd control. At the end of the day, it is clear that the American people want a change and that they want the police to treat everyone like human beings, regardless of race. It’s been an issue that has plagued the country for far too long and the people are standing up about it.
Today on ESPN’s First Take, Charlamagne Tha God joined Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman for an in-depth conversation on everything that has happened over the past few days and what needs to happen, moving forward. As Smith explained, police brutality has become all too common in society, and that acts committed by cops that result in the deaths of African Americans should be considered as “hate crimes.”
Charlamagne and Max Kellerman were in full agreement with those sentiments, with Kellerman noting that America probably wishes they had listened to Colin Kaepernick sooner as it would have decreased the need for such widespread protesting.
First Take has always been known for having powerful debates about race and politics so it was refreshing to see Charlamagne in the mix as well. Regardless of how you feel about these three men, you can’t help but acknowledge how right they are about a change being needed.
Lori Harvey Says Atlanta Protests Went "Too Far" After Friend’s Shop Is Looted
Lori Harvey comments after her friend’s business got looted during the Atlanta protests.
Lori Harvey is speaking out on behalf of her two friends after their consignment shop was looted and damaged during the Atlanta protests following the killing of George Floyd. The shop’s co-owner issued the following statement:
“I’m in disbelief. Im sick to my stomach. I still can’t understand what the point in doing this to US was but I PROMISE this will not be the end of @sacdelux_.”
The two owners of the shop are women of color. Lori Harvey, a friend of the owners, made her own remarks about Sac De Lux being damaged.
“Atlanta y’all took it too far last night smh,” she wrote in a since-deleted Instagram Story. “My heart is so broken for my friends @nikkisworld and @niceybabyy. I know how hard you guys worked to build SacDelux from the ground up (2 young BLACK women) and I can’t even imagine the pain of watching it get destroyed like that for absolutely no reason. I’m so sorry this happened to you guys. The looting of @sacdelux_ was absolutely senseless and disgusting. I’m just glad you guys didn’t get hurt in the process…”
Lootings have taken place across the country, with Tyler, The Creator‘s GOLF shop also being damaged in Los Angeles’ Fairfax District. He issued a statement saying that his focus remains on the racial inequality in the world.
Virgil Abloh Claps Back At Criticism Over $50 Bail Fund Donation
Virgil Abloh isn’t too happy with the narratives floating around social media right now.
Virgil Abloh came under fire last night after he posted to his Instagram story showing that he had only donated $50 to a bail fund for protesters. Of course, this amount was considered to be quite the joke considering the fact that Off-White socks will run you a light $100 at your local department store. Simply put, fans were disappointed that someone so wealthy and with such a big platform would come out and be stingy with their money.
Today, Abloh went back on his IG story and posted a message to his followers noting that he has had enough of the social media narratives. As he explains, the $50 was simply a part of a donation-match initiative he was doing with his friends. Abloh also noted that he will be revealing the total amount he’s donated, in the not so distant future.
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“More light before a narrative forms around false assumptions,” Virgil said. “The $50 donation described in a recent screenshot was part of a matching funds movement of friends i follow in my timeline.”
Clearly, the incessant Twitter memes have been getting to Abloh and now, he is feeling the heat. Regardless, every little bit helps in this fight and hopefully, Abloh understands that he has a massive platform that could be used to enact systemic change in society.
