The music legend announced on Wednesday that she will launch a Las Vegas residency at Resorts World Theatre. The “Janet Jackson: Las Vegas” residency begins on Dec. 30, with a New Year’s Eve show included.
Jackson took to Instagram to share the news, telling fans, “We’re so excited to announce our new residency at Resorts World Las Vegas launching New Year’s week! This is going to be a lot of fun and I look forward to spending the start of the New Year with you!!”
“We truly can’t wait! Sending so much love ♥️ -J,” she wrote alongside several photos of herself in a gold blazer and sunglasses.
The residency will include eight additional 2025 shows through Valentine’s Day weekend. Tickets to all 10 shows will be available beginning Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 10 a.m. PT on AXS.com.
Janet Jackson performs onstage during the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture on July 2, 2022, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Essence)
Bobby Reynolds, senior vice president of AEG Presents Las Vegas, gushed about Jackson in a statement to Variety, saying the “Control” singer “is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in pop music.”
“We could not be more thrilled to close out 2024 with her return to the Las Vegas Strip and her venue debut at our award-winning Resorts World Theatre, and to kick off 2025 with a run of sure-to-be-unforgettable shows,” he added. “This is a residency fans won’t want to miss.”
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Pre-sale tickets for the “Jan Fam” will be available for purchase on Monday, Aug. 26., at 10 a.m. PT through Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 10 p.m. PT, according to Jackson, per her Instagram. Pre-sale tickets for AEG, AXS, RWLV, AMEX and Spotify members will be on Tuesday, Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT.
See all the dates of the “Janet Jackson: Las Vegas” residency below, per Variety:
A New York City Parks Department employee is in major trouble after authorities accused him of going on a fatal fit of rage toward a group of Venezuelan migrants.
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However, when 23-year-old Elijah Mitchell showed up to clean the Steuben Playground off the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway on July 18, he encountered a group of migrants who set up shelter there in tents, per The New York Post. Police said Mitchell grew enraged and began yelling at the migrants. One of them confronted Mitchell and the two began arguing. Police said the spout resulted in Mitchell going to his car and coming back to the scene to flash his gun. Luckily, Mitchell’s coworkers pulled him away before he pulled the trigger, police said.
However, three days later, police say Mitchell returned to the park in the evening to get his lick back. Prosecutors say he went up to the Venezuelan man he’d argued with and shot him multiple times. The victim was pronounced dead at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.
Mitchell was indicted on charges of second-degree murder as a hate crime, second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, menacing as a hate crime and menacing.
He pleaded not guilty during a court hearing Wednesday and was held on bail of $350,000 cash or $2.5 million bond. He is due back in court on Oct. 23. Mitchell was suspended from the Parks Department on July 30.
The Post reports that Mitchell told detectives the migrants were aggressive toward him, threatening him with weapons. However, upon his arrest, he went on an offensive anti-migrant tirade to detectives exposing why he really had beef with them.
“I don’t have time to let a migrant f-ck up what I got going on in my life,” he said according to court documents. “The government let them come in here and they get $1,500 a month. They get free money a month. You work for your money, right? Y’all were born here. This is y’all country. This is our country.”
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez wasn’t going for any of that, writing in a statement that he believes Mitchell’s actions were “premeditated” and “cold-blooded.” Mitchell is due back in court Oct. 23.
Atlanta rapper Lil Yachty sent shockwaves across social media with an unexpected and intense Instagram Live session that aired grievances against his “A Safe Place” podcast co-host Mitch and former Concrete Boys signee Karrahboo. The live session quickly went viral as Yachty accused both of disrespect, betrayal, and financial misconduct.
The livestream began with Yachty addressing the rumors surrounding Karrahboo’s sudden exit from his rap collective, Concrete Boys. Fans had speculated for weeks about the circumstances of her departure, and Yachty wasted no time in setting the record straight. He accused Karrahboo of being verbally abusive and ungrateful, going so far as to say she had been mistreating others within the collective.
“Don’t get on here and make a scene ‘bout n****s kicked you out,” Yachty said, clearly frustrated as he recounted the issues that led to her removal. He went on to claim that Karrahboo’s success was largely due to his efforts, alleging that he wrote all her lyrics, styled her, and provided financial support.
“I wrote every fucking verse you’ve done,” Yachty declared. “I dressed you. I dressed all five of y’all ns, bro. I dressed five ns every time we stepped out of the house. I put an outfit on everybody. I put eight carats of earrings on everybody’s ear. I put three chains on all y’all neck.”
In a series of startling claims, Yachty detailed the lengths he allegedly went to in order to support Karrahboo’s career, mentioning that he gifted her with expensive watches, including a Cartier and a chrome Rolex, and provided money while she was struggling financially.
“You was waiting tables… What are we talking about, n***a? I changed your motherfucking life and you out here lying, talking about some: ‘we bully you’. That shit got me fucked up, bro. You got me fucked up, bro. You disrespectful, bro.”
According to Yachty, Karrahboo’s behavior behind the scenes was toxic, with the rapper accusing her of talking down to others, making degrading comments, and causing chaos within the label. He also claimed that Karrahboo is currently in debt to him, to the tune of $900,000. “I got every receipt. $900,000 Concrete in the hole,” Yachty said, implying that the rapper was owed significant sums of money as a result of investments he made into her career.
Adding to his frustrations, Yachty played what he said was a reference track he recorded for Karrahboo, showcasing how he tailored beats specifically to highlight her verses, further emphasizing the support he claims to have provided her. “I slowed the beat down, I put 808s specifically on your verse so when it got to your part and the beat dropped, everyone would be like, ‘this girl is the craziest one,’” he explained.
However, Karrahboo wasn’t the only target of Yachty’s fury. The rapper also turned his attention to Mitch, his co-host on the popular “A Safe Place” podcast. Yachty revealed that the podcast was launched at Mitch’s insistence, but their partnership has become strained, particularly after clips from a recent episode featuring Key Glock began circulating. In the clips, Yachty was seen challenging Mitch’s lack of direction in life, with an unamused Glock looking on as tensions rose.
The conversation reportedly touched a nerve for Mitch, who tried to defend himself by stating, “Even if I was doing shit back then, I’m older now,” after Yachty brought up an alleged past incident where Mitch wanted to acquire an expensive watch by brandishing a gun. Yachty pressed further, questioning Mitch’s sense of purpose and contribution to the partnership.
”[If] I was never in your life, what would you have been doing?” Yachty asked pointedly, leaving viewers in stunned silence.
The Instagram Live stream quickly went viral, with fans and industry insiders alike weighing in on the drama. Some expressed sympathy for Yachty, noting the apparent stress he’s been under as both a rapper and a leader trying to manage the various personalities in his orbit. Others questioned the appropriateness of airing such intense grievances in a public forum, especially given the harsh language and personal nature of the accusations.
Neither Karrahboo nor Mitch has publicly responded to Yachty’s claims as of yet. However, fans are eagerly anticipating what the fallout from this explosive confrontation will mean for Yachty’s collective, podcast, and future collaborations. The entire situation underscores the complexity and pressure that comes with navigating both business and personal relationships in the music industry.
As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how Yachty’s brand and his relationships will be affected by this very public airing of dirty laundry. For now, it’s clear that the “A Safe Place” podcast is anything but safe—at least for those involved.
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WNBA star Angel Reese may have found her perfect sponsorship match. This week, the Chicago Sky forward announced her official partnership with The Hershey Company’s “Reese’s” candy. The chocolate manufacturer is teaming up with the WNBA Rookie of the Year to launch “Reese’s Pieces,” a limited-edition merch collection.
“The fans really made this happen,” Reese said in a press release. “This collection is for my Reese’s Pieces — who’ve been with me every step of the way and the design elements bring together things that I love — basketball, style, and of course, Reese’s!”
While the collaboration seems like a no-brainer, the basketball star revealed this deal took her and her independent management team four years to achieve. After LSU’s win against the Indiana Fever, Reese’s fans began calling themselves the “Reese’s Pieces,” which quickly led to fans asking when the chocolate brand would work with the former LSU player.
“The connection between my name and the Reese’s brand was obvious, but it went deeper than that,” she added, per Boardroom.“My fans started calling themselves ‘Reese’s Pieces,’ and after I kept seeing it on social, I started engaging with some of my fans about it.”
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In honor of the highly anticipated collaboration, the duo released a limited edition Angel Reese x Reese’s Pieces Logo Collection on the basketball player’s official website. With plans to release two more capsule collections, the initial drop features an array of cropped tees, t-shirts, hats, and hoodies with a reimagined “Reese’s Pieces” logo.
“I wanted to deliver something that they could proudly wear this season,” Reese said, describing the collection. “We worked as quickly as possible with Reese’s to build a collection that really reflected who I am — bold, vibrant, and unapologetically me.”
Future drops will reportedly include custom jersey design and merch, including the timeless Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup design. Reese’s partnership with the Hershey Company is only one of the athlete’s many brand endorsements. Prior to joining the WNBA, Reese had reportedly garnered $1.8 million in NIL deals through endorsements with Reebok, Airbnb, Beats by Dre and more.
“I’ve learned so much about the business side of things and how to be strategic with my brand partners. It’s about aligning with brands that reflect who I am on and off the court, and Reese’s is a perfect example of that,” she said. “This is definitely one of those ‘pinch-me’ moments, where everything feels like it is coming full circle.”
Former First Lady Michelle Obama uttered her famous phrase “when they go low, we go high” for the first time during the 2016 Democratic National Convention. But eight years and a Donald Trump presidency later, it’s clear the new plan for Democrats is to meet Trump exactly where he’s at: the lowest of the low.
Calling all Reese’s lovers and Angel Reese fans! Get ready to crown your queen and celebrate your love for chocolate and peanut butter with a limited-edition merch collaboration that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Inspired by the Fans
This unique collection is all about the fans. After hearing from thousands of devoted Reese’s and Angel Reese supporters, Reese’s teamed up with the rookie basketball phenom to create a line that captures her signature style and your unwavering passion for Reese’s.
Designed for Double-Double Enthusiasts
Developed alongside Athlete Studio, a platform for professional athletes to manage their intellectual property and commerce, the collection features three exclusive drops:
Angel Reese x Reese’s Pieces Logo Collection: Featuring eight custom pieces that reimagine the iconic Reese’s Pieces logo just for Angel Reese, this line includes cropped tees, t-shirts, hoodies, and hats offered in both white and cream.
Angel Reese x Reese’s Basketball Jersey: Show your love for both the game and Reese’s with this custom jersey, perfect for Angel’s biggest fans who want to rep their favorite player and their favorite treat.
Angel Reese x Reese’s Cup Logo Collection: Calling all fans who crave something bold and fun! This drop features eight unique designs that marry Angel’s style with the timeless Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, giving you the ultimate way to celebrate your queen and your cup!
“This Collection is for My Reese’s Pieces” – Angel Reese
“The fans really made this happen,” said Angel Reese. “This collection is dedicated to my Reese’s Pieces – the ones who’ve been with me every step of the way. The designs bring together the things I love most – basketball, style, and of course, Reese’s!”
Limited-Edition Availability
Select pieces from the Angel Reese x Reese’s merch collection will be available starting today, August 21st, exclusively at www.theangelreese.com. The collection will be released in three distinct waves, so keep your eyes peeled! These custom pieces won’t last long, so grab them before they’re gone!
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For Black women delegates who cast their ballots for Vice President Kamala Harris at this year’s Democratic National Convention, her historic presidential nomination hits differently.
In less than 10 years, the party has nominated its second female presidential nominee and only its second Black candidate in less than 20 years. And as a Black and South Asian woman, Harris’ nomination is historic for multiple reasons.
Black women delegates at the DNC in Chicago who spoke with theGrio expressed their jubilation about being on the cusp of sending a woman — particularly a Black woman — to the Oval Office in less than 75 days on Nov. 5.
“It’s something that throughout these last few weeks, I’ve just been quite emotional thinking about this opportunity to do something that I’m not sure I ever thought I would be able to do in my lifetime,” said Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, a state delegate who is also a history maker as Illinois’ first Black female lieutenant governor.
“When I hear that a Black woman would be leading the free world, I have to pause for a moment because it’s not something we’ve heard before,” Stratton told theGrio.
Stratton said this moment reminds her of another history-making presidential candidate: former U.S. Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm.
Reflecting on Chisholm’s famous quote, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair,” Lt. Gov. Stratton said, “I think that this moment is an example of not just bringing a folding chair, but how Black women are also building our own tables.”
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, an Illinois delegate, said she believes Chisholm would have been “proud” to see Harris achieve this political feat on behalf of women, particularly Black women.
Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL) speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic party supporters are in Chicago for the convention, concluding with current Vice President Kamala Harris accepting her party’s presidential nomination. The DNC takes place from Aug. 19-22. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
“She’s able to speak to the Black experiences and the unique challenges of Black women, as leaders, and while also being really effective in driving change,” Underwood told theGrio.
“Congressman Chisholm has been such an inspiration to all of us, and there’s been so many threads in their leadership experience and approach,” she added.
Following record fundraising and support since Harris announced her presidential campaign last month, many have compared the enthusiasm about Harris’ candidacy to that of Barack Obama, who was elected America’s first Black president in 2008.
Stratton remembers being at Grant Park in Chicago at the time of Obama’s election.
“Everyone was laughing and smiling and crying and just soaking in the moment of what it meant to know that that barrier had been broken,” she recalled. “It was just one of those moments that you’re not sure could ever be recreated.”
Sixteen years later, Stratton said that Harris and her vice presidential running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are enjoying “incredibly high” momentum.
“Look at these rallies that we are seeing … there are people standing outside trying to get in. They’re filling up,” she noted. “There’s standing room only, people outside who can’t get in, including in states that honestly are battleground states or states where people aren’t expecting that type of enthusiasm for Democrats.”
Nervahna Crew, a Harris-Walz delegate from North Carolina, recalled working as a volunteer field organizer for Obama’s first presidential campaign. She also attended the 2008 DNC convention when Obama accepted the party’s nomination.
Democratic U.S. Presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) waves to the crowd after his speech on day four of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at Invesco Field at Mile High Aug. 28, 2008, in Denver, Colorado. U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) is the first African-American to be officially nominated as a candidate for U.S. president by a major party. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
While Obama’s historic election was meaningful as a young Black American, Crew said Harris’ nomination “hit me a little different this time.”
For one, unlike in 2008, when she sat in the “nosebleed section, this year, as a delegate, she is able to be on the floor to witness “this pivotal moment in history.”
“Sometimes the stars just align,” said Alisha Bell, a delegate from Michigan and chair of the Wayne County Commission.
“The energy that I feel is the same energy that we had for Barack Obama,” she said. “I think a lot of women of color, and just women period, are just really geared up and excited about her potential win.”
Both Crew and Bell believe voters in their home states, North Carolina and Michigan – also key battleground states – will ultimately hand their electoral votes to Harris in November.
Black women delegates are particularly excited to see Harris finally shatter the glass ceiling that has contained women in politics since America’s founding nearly 250 years ago. The United States was on the precipice of electing its first woman president in 2016; however, Hillary Clinton’s candidacy was spoiled by an upset victory by Donald Trump, the Republican nominee seeking the presidency for a third time.
“We learned from the experience of Secretary Clinton that we can’t get so focused on the history-making, barrier-breaking aspects of an exciting candidacy and nomination,” said Congresswoman Underwood. “We have to do some really important work to mobilize voters and ensure that they have a plan to vote in this election.”
Lt. Gov. Stratton said the almost successful yet historic campaign of Clinton preceded a Republican movement aimed at freedoms held dear to women and many other vulnerable communities.
Vice President Kamala Harris participates in a rally to support Illinois Democrats with Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton (left) and Governor J.B. Pritzker on the campus of UIC on Sept. 16, 2022, in Chicago, Illinois. Harris also participated in a round table discussion on reproductive rights during her visit to the campus. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
“We sort of touched that glass ceiling, and right after that … the GOP’s response to that was that they would start destroying every right that got us there in the first place,” she said. “Now we have another chance, really, to shatter what I consider to be sort of that ultimate glass ceiling.”
Crew, who was also a Hillary Clinton delegate in 2016, recalled volunteering for the Clinton campaign so hard that she developed a ganglion cyst on her foot.
“When I think back to 2016 and the hard work that we put in, especially in North Carolina, it makes me want to work even harder this cycle to make sure that we don’t miss the mark,” she told theGrio.
If Harris is successful in November, delegates tell theGrio that they are hopeful that she will prioritize policies that most impact Black women and their families, including protecting reproductive health like abortion care access.
Underwood especially expects to see a focus on maternal health, considering Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy.
“It’s essential because there’s a real urgency around the crisis. It’s getting worse. The maternal mortality rate has increased 89% since the pandemic,” said the congresswoman, who introduced comprehensive maternal health legislation called the Momnibus Act with Harris when she served in the Senate.
As vice president, Harris has used her office to highlight the racial disparities in maternal health and successfully pressured states to expand Medicaid services for postpartum care from two months to 12 months.
U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris hold hands during a ceremony to celebrate the WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces in the East Room of the White House on May 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
If Harris, along with Congress, is able to pass the Momnibus Act, women and pregnant people will “be able to survive what should be a joyous time,” said Underwood.
She added, “We will no longer see moms dying in the United States due to preventable maternal death.”
Overall, the delegates say better outcomes will inevitably result from a Black woman leading the free world, both domestically and globally.
“Unfortunately, the United States is one of few developed countries who have not had a woman president. Being a woman that does bring a different dynamic to the table,” said Bell, the Michigan delegate.
Bell said that despite the history of racism and misogyny in the United States, it’s important that voters “dispel” any notion that she can’t win though she is admittedly “cautiously optimistic.”
“We know that there’s work to be done. We definitely cannot take this for granted at all,” she said. Bell continued, “We still have to go to our barbershops and beauty salons and just everyday people to help them understand and get them excited.”
Underwood said that with Donald Trump on the ballot, voters have a “real choice in this election.”
“Do you want a future that’s chaotic? An extremist who wants to control every facet of our society, as outlined through Trump’s Project 2025?” she asked of voters. “Or do you want a capable, talented, experienced leader, Kamala Harris, who is leading with joy and is welcoming the voices and experiences of all Americans into this campaign?”
Drake has spent most of 2024 as the hip-hop world’s punchline, but at least one rapper says he’s done with the “Certified Lover Boy.” In his new cover story for Billboard, A$AP Rocky details why he’s trying to move on from the Canadian superstar and why he has zero interest in hip-hop beefs.
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According to Vibe, before he was publicly drop kicked by Kendrick Lamar, Drake and Rocky traded barbs about the women in their lives, Rihanna and Sophie Brussaux, the mother of the “Take Care” rapper’s child. Now, Rocky is trying to get away from the back and forth, claiming he has better things to do.
“You got to realize, certain n**as was throwing shots for years. I ain’t in the middle of that shit. That’s not how I retaliate right now. I got bigger fish to fry than some p***y boys,” Rocky told Billboard.
He also explained that it comes down to understanding yourself as an artist. The importance of knowing when to push and when to hold back.
“You got to know yourself,” he said. “You got to know, ‘OK, this is too much. This is too far. This is overkill. This is not enough.’ That’s what I think makes you a unique artist: when you could determine what’s needed. And what’s unnecessary.”
His more mature approach to his work may stem from his feelings for his family. The “L$D” artist shares two sons—two-year-old RZA and one-year-old Riot—with Rihanna. He revealed how the busy duo make their family a priority, saying “It’s crazy how we find balance with our chaotic schedules.”
“[The relationship] is going great. I don’t think there’s a more perfect person because when the schedules are hectic, she’s very understanding of that,” Rocky said. “And when the schedule’s freed up, that’s when you get to spend [the] most time together. It’s all understanding and compatibility.”
Warner Bros. Discovery and New Line Cinema are embarking on a new journey into Middle-earth with the upcoming animated theatrical release of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Set 183 years before the events of the original Lord of the Rings trilogy, this prequel film will delve into the legendary tale of Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan.
Directed by renowned anime director Kenji Kamiyama, The War of the Rohirrim promises to deliver a visually stunning and action-packed adventure. The film will explore the conflict between Helm and the ruthless Dunlending lord Wulf, who seeks revenge for the death of his father. Helm’s daughter, Héra, is caught in the crossfire, a spirited young woman who must navigate the treacherous waters of war and family loyalty.
The voice cast for The War of the Rohirrim is a blend of seasoned actors and rising stars. Brian Cox, known for his role in Succession, will lend his voice to Helm Hammerhand. Gaia Wise will portray Héra, while Luke Pasqualino will take on the role of the villainous Wulf. Miranda Otto, who played Éowyn in the live-action Lord of the Rings films, will be the animated prequel’s narrator.
The War of the Rohirrim is just the beginning of Warner Bros. Discovery’s renewed commitment to the Lord of the Rings franchise. A live-action spinoff film, Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, is also in development. Andy Serkis, who previously portrayed Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, will reprise the role and direct the film.
The upcoming release of The War of the Rohirrim marks a significant step in Warner Bros. Discovery’s efforts to expand its anime-inspired content. In recent years, the studio has produced animated series based on popular Western franchises, such as Suicide Squad Isekai and Rick and Morty: The Anime.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is a highly anticipated animated film that promises to captivate audiences with its stunning visuals, compelling narrative, and talented cast. Set for a theatrical release on December 13, 2024, this epic adventure will transport viewers back to the enchanting world of Middle-earth.
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Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
Having a large family can be a joy. The house is always full of life — children yell from the moment they wake up until it’s time to go to sleep unless they’re teenagers, in which case they don’t rise before dusk and speak only if required. Siblings develop their own language and rhythms and then use such things to attempt to skirt rules and thwart parents’ authority in every conceivable way. You also get a ton of perspectives on the same things, and we always have enough players to make all board games feel like a maxed-out experience. And don’t get me started on UNO, the card game built for large families and large family arguments and debates. Plus, there is NOTHING like hitting one kid with a draw-four after draw-four and watching the sheer delight in the rest of the players who have no choice but to still love one another at the end of the game. Seriously, big families are a joy.
There’s the other side of that joy, which is the frustration of being part of a big family that is technologically up-to-date. Every person in my family has at least one device. My daughter, the oldest child, has two — an iPhone and an iPad. That means we have three phones and four iPads. We’re an Apple house ’round Jackson HQ, which means that all of our chargers work for all of our devices.
Let me tell you a little bit about me. I don’t lose things. I don’t lose keys. I don’t lose chargers. I don’t lose — I’m a winner. When I open a box for a new or an upgraded device, I make sure the charger and the device stick together (for as long as possible). I’m slightly OCD in that way. Perhaps it’s a residual vestige from slavery where I don’t like to separate things that came in the same package. I also realize how ridiculous that sounds, but alas, this is my truth. If I lived by myself, I would never ever have any problems with devices and chargers.
Lifestyle
Now let me tell you a little bit about the other five members of my family — they don’t give a single solitary … flip … about ensuring that chargers don’t get lost or even keeping chargers with the devices they came with. They also don’t care about MY desire to keep all of our chargers and ensure that our family can wake up, as a whole, every day with fully charged devices. I know this because my wife and kids will lose their chargers (or forget them somewhere; I have no idea how) and then take mine, and then lose those. And then when I go buy new chargers — which are unnecessarily expensive, mind you — they take those and lose them.
As an example, currently, as of this writing, my HOUSEHOLD has TWO chargers. Remember, there are AT LEAST seven devices in this house, which means we should have seven chargers, and really we should have ten since I’ve upgraded three devices in the past year. And yet, we’re down to TWO and neither of those are the actual chargers that came with the iPhone or iPad. No, the two that we currently have are aftermarket charging blocks and cords that I ordered online, which do not do as good a job as the products directly from Apple. Le sigh. I have ordered more cords. I expect they will all disappear and be gone within a week’s time. I’m not a betting man but I would bet the house on that being the case. That’s just how chargers go in this house.
I hear you looking at me … Panama, what have YOU done to stop this? Well, I’ve tried to institute a check-out system like my house is a library of device chargers. That didn’t work. I tried to threaten everybody that if the chargers all turned into Black history, no new chargers would enter the house. That lasted for a day until I realized that if folks can’t charge things then everybody loses their mind. I considered taping the chargers into a surge protector but that seems extreme and what if I need to move them from place to place for some reason? As you can see, there are no optimal solutions. Especially since I truly can’t understand WHY we keep losing them. Like, how does a person leave the house with chargers and return with a phone that isn’t charged AND no charger?
I know my family isn’t the only one dealing with this epidemic. The worst part of it? When I ask who took MY chargers — the ones I use every night to charge all of the kids’ iPads — not a single person knows. Nobody has any idea who took them but nobody in my house took the chargers … from my house. At the same time, everybody is adamant that we do not have ghosts. I also seem to be the only person disturbed by a lack of charging apparatuses. Funny how that happens, I am trying to help everybody else out and I’m the only one frustrated.
Make it make sense. Ah, the joys of a large family.
Panama Jackson is a columnist at theGrio and host of the award-winning podcast, “Dear Culture” on theGrio Black Podcast Network. He writes very Black things, drinks very brown liquors, and is pretty fly for a light guy. His biggest accomplishment to date coincides with his Blackest accomplishment to date in that he received a phone call from Oprah Winfrey after she read one of his pieces (biggest) but he didn’t answer the phone because the caller ID said “Unknown” (Blackest).
