The Root 100 Gala took place at Gotham Hall in New York City on December 3, celebrating figures in Black achievement across entertainment, business, activism, media, science, politics and sports.
The event marked the first Root 100 under new publisher Ashley Allison, who acquired The Root through Watering Hole Media earlier this year, returning the outlet to Black ownership. Allison removed the traditional rankings this year, shifting the format from a seated dinner to a lounge-style gathering for approximately 400 attendees.
Comedian and actress Joyelle Nicole Johnson hosted the evening. Performances included 803 Fresh performing “Boots On The Ground” and a set from Doug E. Fresh with DJ Aktive.
Media figures in attendance included Don Lemon, Abby Phillip, Roland Martin, Gayle King, Tamron Hall, Susan Taylor and Mara Brock Akil.
Business honorees included Earn Your Leisure founders Rashad Bilal and Troy Milling along with HarbourView CEO Sherrese Clarke.
Social justice honorees included Maurice Mitchell of the Working Families Party, Tamika Mallory, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and Dr. Jamal Bryant.
The Root was founded in 2008 by Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Donald Graham. Photo Credit: Daniel J. Vasquez (click to expand images)
