Articles by Genetta Adams
The Wake-Up Call: White People
In HBO’s Succession, the ambitious, ultra-wealthy heirs to an international media empire battle to become their father’s heir apparent. The family patriarch, Logan Roy, essentially controls mainstream news. He is so powerful that he can literally handpick the president. They take helicopters to private jet ports where chauffeurs in luxury limos drive them around their private islands. They have more money than God. Logan’s children’s great-grandchildren will be wealthier than Jesus ever will.
The Wake-Up Call: A Birthday Celebration
Before ContrabandCamp Editor-in-Chief Genetta Adams joined today’s live version of the Wake-Up Call, I hadn’t seen her since the inauguration. No, not that one … But also that one.
Feds Indict Two White Men in Plot to Enslave Women, Children on Haitian Island
In Gullah Geechee communities, a “tell-it” was a designated lookout, community warning system and the most trusted source for news and information. The Tell-It Report is ContrabandCamp’s weekly roundup of the Black stories that deserve more attention — from politics to entertainment.
Tell-It Report: Video of Texas Mom in Labor Highlights America's Black Maternal Health Crisis
A Mesquite, Texas, hospital is getting calls to fire a nurse after a woman posted a video of her pregnant daughter being denied immediate care while in labor. Professors at Texas A&M University now need the campus president’s approval to discuss certain race and gender topics. And over the weekend, a New Orleans man whose murder conviction was vacated after he spent nearly three decades behind bars was elected as the city’s chief criminal court record keeper.
The 'Prime Effect' is real at Colorado. How long will Deion Sanders stay is a lingering question
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Even on a Monday — two days after a thrilling Colorado win on homecoming — things were buzzing at The Buff, a breakfast and brunch place where everybody knows your name and the 99-cent mimosas help wash down the bacon-filled pancakes and huevos rancheros. The arrival of Deion Sanders has raised this eatery’s profile in much the same way it has amplified everything around CU these days.
10 years after the loss of my husband brings a mix of remembrance, reflection - and hope
Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio. For many people, September is a time of endings and new beginnings — the start of a new school year, the last days of summer or leaves changing colors. For me, September is the Month of Charles. It was the month he was born and the month he died.
Trial for 3 former Memphis officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death set to begin
Genetta M. Adams September 9, 2024 at 7:09 AM·2 min read Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith have pleaded not guilty to charges that they deprived Nichols of his rights through excessive force and failure to intervene, and obstructed justice through witness tampering. MEMPHIS, Tenn.
The hidden costs of fentanyl on college campuses and a call to action for higher education
News Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio. As colleges and universities look ahead to the fall semester, school administrators and public health leaders should take the time to prepare for a growing threat that is showing up on campuses: fentanyl.
Kamala Harris' nomination was an unprecedented moment. As we head toward the Democratic National Convention, history is in our hands. Original
Featured A year ago, I answered President Joe Biden’s call to serve as the chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention. And on Tuesday, just 13 days before the convention kicks off here in Chicago, I am honored to officially recognize Vice President Kamala Harris as our next Democratic nominee for President of the United States. It’s hard to overstate the significance of this moment, for the first time ever — a Black woman has secured the presidential nomination of a major party.
We are Kamala: Women of color are activated to create an inclusive democracy
Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio. There is a spark in the air and a renewed hope for America’s future. The thought of Kamala Harris making history as the first female president of the United States, as a Black and South Asian American is galvanizing women of color across the nation, who finally feel seen and heard.
Over 23 million Americans have been kicked off Medicaid since pandemic protections ended. As a nation, we must do better.
Health Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio. In 2024, in the United States of America, it is still politically expedient to jeopardize the health of Americans who live and work in concentrated poverty and those without employer-sponsored health insurance. A high-stakes game is being played with health care access because, as a nation, we do not believe health care is a fundamental human and civil right.
5 important issues for Black men this election season Original
Elections Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio. This election cycle and every election cycle, Black men must be engaged in the same way that political parties intentionally engage other demographics. Unfortunately, Black men are rarely sought out nor are their concerns carefully considered by the typical political candidate.
Who gets to grow our food?
Health Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio. As a kid growing up in Battle Creek, Michigan, I watched my loved ones struggle with diabetes, cancer and other illnesses. It never occurred to me that our health had much to do with what we ate. As I got older, I realized how limited my knowledge of food actually was.
Brown v. Board at 70: We Need ‘uncommon courage’ to preserve our progress
Education Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio. I still remember where I was on May 17, 1954 when I first heard that the U.S. Supreme Court had handed down the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas decision.
One bar in Megan Thee Stallion’s 'Hiss' sent Nicki Minaj into a 72-hourlong online spiral
Featured Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio. When Megan Thee Stallion dropped her diss track “Hiss” at midnight on Friday, Nicki Minaj responded on Twitter (we still not calling it X, so cry somewhere else, Apartheid Clyde) within 22 minutes, and at the time I published my first column about it, she was still going. That was at least 12 hours after the song dropped, but less than 24 hours.
58 years after Selma, Alabama resentenced a young man to 30 years for a murder he didn't commit
Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio. A few weekends ago, I took a trip to Selma, Ala., on Bloody Sunday to show my support for the “Justice for LaKeith Smith” coalition and the Smith family.
Learning Afro-Brazilian history through its carnival parades
OPINION: It's carnival week in Rio de Janeiro, where vibrant parades feature music, dancers and a huge dose of history. Here's some Afro-Brazilian history from some of the most legendary Afro-carnival parades of the past. Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio. When Leandro Santanna’s mother wanted to teach him about their Afro-Brazilian culture and history, she didn’t seek out books, films or documentaries.
At the State of the Union, President Biden must do more than push policies that allow police to keep harming Black people
OPINION: This year, we need to hear more than shallow promises for solutions that exacerbate the problem of policing. Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio. There is no reforming the police. You can’t reform a system built on the legacy of slavery, a system whose entire purpose is to maintain white supremacy.
Black women, unpaid labor and the risk of ‘quiet quitting’
OPINION: What’s considered quiet-quitting behavior from one employee is perceived as not fitting in with workplace culture, refusing to be a team player or being difficult when the employee is a Black woman. Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio. Over the last few months, “quiet quitting” has entered our collective vocabulary.
Elon Musk’s purchase is not Black Twitter’s problem
OPINION: The actions of one rich white man to upend the platform are a reminder that the promise of the internet as a democratized space is a bald-faced lie and a reflection of how everything built on racial capitalism can also be brought down by it. Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
The Divine 9 call on Congress to protect reproductive rights Original
OPINION: Black fraternities and sororities have launched the Tell Somebody Now campaign, which will mobilize communities to demand that Congress enact national legislation to restore abortion rights. Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
What's Wrong With Black Male Voters?
“Black men are more likely to not be able to vote because of felony disenfranchisement.” Do Black men vote republican more than Black women? Yes they do. Michael Harriot explores the Black male voter. Michael Harriot [00:00:05] Why are so many Black men becoming Republicans? Why is it so hard to get Black men to vote? Why Black men so conservative? Do they not care about Black people? Is Hoochie Daddy short at the root of this problem? Well, that’s what we’re going to talk about today on theGrio Daily.
To help fight racial inequality among our children, look at nutrition in school Original
OPINION: Research shows that access to school meals can actually lead to better grades in math and reading and that hungry stomachs are a distraction from learning. Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio. It is no secret that decision-makers fight an uphill battle to ensure an equal starting point for every child who enters an American classroom.
Cookout Starts at 5. What Time Will You Be There?
Songstress and Galveston native, Tanya Nolan shows off more than her vocal range. She can hold a tune but can she hold it down here on The Blackest Questions? READ FULL TRANSCRIPT BELOW [00:00:00] You are now listening to theGrio’s Black Podcast Network, Black Culture Amplified. Dr. Christina Greer [00:00:06] Hi and welcome to the Blackest Questions. I’m your host, Dr. Christina Greer, politics editor for theGrio and associate professor of political science at Fordham University.
Meet 10 trailblazing Black women working in national security and foreign affairs
OPINION: In workplaces that are predominately white and male, these Black female pioneers are breaking barriers while working to keep our country safe and connected to the global community. Front row, from left to right: Dana Banks, Jalina Porter, Desirée Cormier Smith, Linda Etim, and Asha Castleberry-Hernandez. Back row, from left to right: Bonnie Jenkins, Algene Sajery, Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, Chidi Blyden and Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Kizzmekia Corbett, Who Helped Develop the Moderna Vaccine, Tops Our 2021 List of Most Influential African-Americans
The Root 100 is our annual list of the most influential African Americans, ages 25 to 45. It’s our way of honoring the innovators, the leaders, the public figures and the game changers whose work from the past year is breaking down barriers and paving the way for the next generation. This year’s list of honorees is a reminder of the beauty and brilliance of Blackness, at a time when the political and cultural landscape has grown even more hostile to the idea of Black achievement.
The Stories We've Told: A Look at the Tulsa Race Massacre From The Root Archives
In this 1921 image provided by the Library of Congress, smoke billows over Tulsa, Okla.Photo: Alvin C.
Tampa Bay Lightning Makes NHL History by Starting an All-Black Forward Line
Florida Panthers defenseman Kevin Connauton, left, and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Daniel Walcott (85) fight during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, May 10, 2021, in Sunrise, Fla. Photo: Lynne Sladky (AP) Toward the end of his legendary standup special Never Scared, Chris Rock goes into a bit about the history of slavery and how slave masters used breeding to try to create “super slaves” and how that continues to affect America today.
Rick Santorum Said 'There Isn't Much Native American Culture in American Culture.' Twitter Drags Him While Offering a History Lesson
Photo: Alex Wong (Getty Images) It never ceases to amaze me how white people love to whitewash American history.
Derek Chauvin, Ex-Cop Convicted in Death of George Floyd, Pleads Not Guilty to Violating Black Teen's Rights
In this April 15, 2021, file image from video, defense attorney Eric Nelson, left, and defendant, former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, address Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis.Photo: Court TV via AP, Pool File (AP) Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis cop who was convicted in the murder of George Floyd, was in court again on Thursday, this time to plead not guilty to violating the rights of a Black teenager during an arrest that...
28 Days of Black Joy: Watching This Soul Train Dancer Makes Me Feel Free
I can’t remember who I was debating the first time I came across the video featuring the bold and confident dancer who hopped on stage during James Brown’s performance of “Super Bad” on Soul Train, but I’m certain the reason for the dispute was about a James Brown lyric.
Why Are Y'all Like This? GoAuto Insurance CEO Apologizes for Calling Kamala Harris a 'Hoe'
Photo: Andrew Harnik (Getty Images) At this point, it is neither shocking nor surprising that those on the right are spending a fair amount of time lodging sexist and/or racist attacks against Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. It’s like a sport to them.
Officials Declare Election 'the Most Secure in American History'
Photo: Chip Somodevilla (Getty Images) You know that TV show, Intervention? It’s a reality show featuring family and friends confronting a loved one who is suffering through an addiction crisis. Well, it feels like some folks in the Trump administration have had enough and are doing their own version of an intervention for a president who is addicted to telling lies and undermining democracy.
Progressive Jamaal Bowman Defeats 16-Term Incumbent Eliot Engel
New York Democratic House candidate Jamaal Bowman greets supporters on June 23, 2020 in Yonkers, New York. Jamaal Bowman is running to unseat Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY) for the 16th congressional district.Photo: Stephanie Keith (Getty Images) We told y’all earlier that the middle school principal would win. Now, after a lengthy vote count, it’s official.
How US Evangelicals Inflame Hatred of Gays in Africa
Anti-homosexuality activists march through the streets of the Ugandan capital, Kampala, on March 31, 2014, in support of the government’s stance against homosexuality. ISAAC KASAMANI/AFP/Getty Images In February, when Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed an anti-gay bill that imposed harsh prison terms for acts of homosexuality, most Americans were probably clueless about the bill’s ties to U.S. conservative Christians.
Young Futurists 2020: America Needs Leaders Now More Than Ever. Here Are 25 Who Are Already About That Life
Young FuturistsYoung Futurists is our annual list of the 25 best and brightest young African-Americans who excel in the fields of social justice and activism, arts and culture, enterprise and corporate innovation, science and technology, and green innovation. If we’ve learned anything over these past few months, it’s that leadership matters.
Livestream of Kobe and Gianna Bryant's Memorial From the Los Angeles Staples Center
A month after Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna died tragically in a helicopter crash, thousands of fans will get a chance to say goodbye at a memorial ceremony at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Monday. Hours before doors opened for the 1 p.m. ET memorial, fans started to gather outside the Staples Center decked out in purple, gold and black, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The Root’s Young Futurists 2020: Nominate the Leaders Who Are Ready to Change the World
Young FuturistsYoung Futurists is our annual list of the 25 best and brightest young African-Americans who excel in the fields of social justice and activism, arts and culture, enterprise and corporate innovation, science and technology, and green innovation. The 2020 election is shaping up to be one of the most consequential elections in American history, and frankly, many of us are stressed just thinking about choosing a new leader (and getting rid of the old one).
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.
As Week 2 of Public Impeachment Hearings Begin, President Trump Says He’ll Consider Testifying in Writing...But Nobody Believes That Lie
With round two of the public impeachment hearings set to begin this week, President Trump said in a Monday morning tweet that he would consider testifying—in writing—for the inquiry as to whether he abused his power when he witheld military aid to Ukraine unless they launched an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter.
Livestream: President Obama, Clintons to Offer Remembrances at Funeral for Rep. Elijah Cummings
The funeral for Rep. Elijah Cummings takes place today after hundreds of mourners lined up for a Friday morning viewing at Cummings’ church of 40 years, New Psalmist Baptist Church. Luminaries like former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are expected to celebrate the life of the esteemed Maryland Democrat. Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr. will deliver the eulogy.
Countdown to The Root 100: Before We Reveal the Full List and Who’s No. 1, Let’s Recognize the Top Honorees in Politics, Media and Community
Graphic: G/O Media, Photo: Getty Images, Brandon M. Green, MacArthur Foundation, The Washington Post, Office of Ayanna Pressley, Oronike Odeleye This is it—the last preview before we reveal the full list and who is No. 1 for the 10th anniversary of The Root 100! For this special anniversary of The Root 100, we wanted to do something a little different this year by offering a sneak peek of the honorees before we announce the fully ranked list.
Countdown to The Root 100: Here's a Sneak Peek at the Top STEM and Business Honorees As We Get Ready to Reveal Who Is No. 1
Graphic: G/O Media, Photo: Getty Images, Rob Felt (Georgia Tech), Backstage Capital, Backstage Capital, Brandon Bryant As we continue our roll out for the 10th anniversary of The Root 100, we’re giving a sneak peak at the top three honorees in eight categories—arts, business, community, entertainment, media, politics, sports and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)—before we unveil the full list on Thursday.
Countdown to The Root 100: Who's No. 1? Here's a Preview of the Top Honorees in Entertainment, Arts and Sports
Graphic: G/O Media, Photo: Getty Images/Facebook/Well-Read Black Girl A quick Google search reveals that gifts for 10-year anniversaries should be made of either tin or aluminum, a testament to the resilience and strength of a relationship.
NBA Star Kawhi Leonard’s Sister Charged in Murder of 84-Year-Old Woman at California Casino
Photo: Courtesy of Riverside County Sheriff’s Department (via the Press-Enterprise) The sister of NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard has been charged with murder in the death of an 84-year-old woman following a robbery at a casino near Temecula, Calif. According to the Riverside, Calif., Press-Enterprise, surveillance camera footage from Aug. 31 shows Leonard’s sister, Kimesha Monae Williams, 35, and Candace Tai Townsel, 39, following Afaf Anis Assad, 84, into a bathroom at the Pechanga Resort Casino.
Trump Comes for John Legend and 'Filthy Mouthed Wife' Chrissy Teigen on Twitter; Ends Up With a New Nickname We Can All Agree On
Photo: Photo by Presley Ann (Getty Images for Hulu) I think it goes without saying that there’s a lot of bad shit happening in the world right now: the Bahamas and the Carolinas continue to recover from the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Dorian, yet another reminder of the coming climate apocalypse; mass shootings are a regular feature of America life and the global economy is about as jittery as a junkie. But do you know what the leader of the free world was doing Sunday night?
Lena Waithe Signs Overall Deal With Amazon Studios
Photo: Mike Coppola (Getty Images) Lena Waithe continues to stay booked and busy. The Emmy-winning creator has secured the bag yet again, signing an overall deal with Amazon Studios, which is already set to air her upcoming horror anthology, Them. The deal is reportedly for two years and in the eight-figure range, Deadline reports.
Black 'Feel Better' Dolls Pulled From Store Shelves After Being Deemed Racist
Photo: Assemblywoman Angela V. McKnight (Facebook) Black rag dolls featuring instructions on how to abuse them were removed from the shelves of One Dollar Zone stores in New Jersey after customers and a state assemblywoman called the dolls racist. The president of One Dollar Zone said roughly 1,000 of the dolls—called the “Feel Better Doll”—were removed from three stores in New Jersey, the Associated Press reports.
Ben Carr, Stepfather of Eric Garner, Dies at Daughter's Wedding in Jamaica
People participate in a protest to mark the five year anniversary of the death of Eric Garner during a confrontation with a police officer in the borough of Staten Island on July 17, 2019 in New York City. Photo: Spencer Platt (Getty Images) Ben Carr, the stepfather of Eric Garner—the Staten Island man who died after being placed in a banned chokehold by an NYPD officer—died Friday in Jamaica during his daughter’s wedding, according to reports.
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