On Thursday, November 6th, The Root will announce the 2025 honorees of The Root 100, an annual ranking celebrating the most influential Black leaders in America who have made a significant impact in their fields and communities, across arts, business, activism, media, science, politics, culture, philanthropy, and sports. Since its inception in 2011, The Root 100 has become a hallmark of Black achievement, recognizing celebrities, public figures, community leaders, and the behind-the-scenes change-makers whose influence impacts the culture.
In 2025, The Root came under the new leadership of Ashley Allison, the visionary founder and CEO of Watering Hole Media, marking a fresh chapter for the iconic platform and its mission to highlight groundbreaking Black figures across various sectors, including business, media, the arts, and activism. Ashley Allison’s acquisition of The Root brings renewed focus on Black ownership and authentic storytelling, with a continued commitment to showcasing the voices and achievements of Black Americans who are reshaping industries, communities, and global culture.
Under Allison’s leadership, the 2025 Root 100 continues the legacy of The Root 100 list while embracing the future with new perspectives, fresh content, and innovative partnerships. “I’ve always been driven by the importance of amplifying voices that shape policy, culture, and community. The Root 100 has been a critical platform for recognizing Black leaders who challenge the status quo and push us toward progress. Now, as the new owner, I’m honored to continue this legacy of excellence and committed to reimagining how we honor Black achievements, ensuring that the next generation of leaders in politics, business, and media are celebrated and heard. The Root 100 is more than a list; it’s a call to action and a tribute to those who have made the biggest impact on the culture this year. As we honor those on the list, we’re reaffirming that Black people are shaping the future.
The Root 100 honors a diverse range of honorees who are pushing the boundaries of possibility across various sectors, including politics, entertainment, technology, sports, social justice, and beyond.
Click here to see who made The Root 100: 2024 list, and look out for
the 2025 list on The Root.com on November 6th.
About The Root
Founded in 2008 by Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Washington Post Publisher Donald Graham, The Root has grown into both a media brand and cultural institution trusted by millions of Black Americans. In 2019, it was acquired by G/O Media, where it became the last remaining media property in a once-diverse portfolio that included Gizmodo, Jezebel, Deadspin, and The Onion. In 2025. The Root was acquired by Watering Hole Media, returning the iconic media brand to Black ownership.
About Watering Hole Media
Watering Hole Media (WHM) is a social-impact media company centered on “opening minds, activating change, and creating wins for the people.” WHM creates culturally relevant, digitally native content designed to spark conversations, shift mindsets, and mobilize collective action in service of social justice and democracy.
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