Dear Root Family,
Suggested Reading
I am writing to you with a heart full of gratitude, humility, and excitement. The Root has always been a part of my journey, not just as a media outlet, but as a home for stories that reflect the fullness of who we are as Black people. Long before I imagined acquiring this publication, I was a reader like you coming here for clarity, for culture, and for truth. The Root has given voice to our experiences, challenged the status quo, and reminded us, time and time again, that our stories matter.
Thursday, I had the honor of sharing that Watering Hole Media, the company I founded, is now the proud owner of The Root. This moment is not just about me, it’s about us. It’s about carrying forward the tradition of telling our stories with depth, authority, and unapologetic honesty.
I want to thank you, our loyal readers. Through every season, when the headlines were heavy, when the culture was shifting, when the world seemed uncertain, you stayed with The Root. You reminded us why this work matters. Your voices, your clicks, your shares, your conversations have sustained this community and ensured that The Root remained not only relevant, but essential.
Together, we are stepping into a new chapter. We will honor the foundation laid by Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., Donald E. Graham, and all the brilliant storytellers who have come before us. At the same time, we are in a critical moment in America’s history – and The Root must meet this moment. We won’t do everything perfectly but we will have a standard of excellence that you, our reader, deserves.
Again, I am deeply grateful to walk this journey with you. Thank you for trusting The Root to be part of your daily life. Thank you for showing up, again and again, for us and for one another. And thank you, in advance, for dreaming with us about what’s possible in this next season.
With love and gratitude,
Ashley Allison
Publisher, The Root
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.