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Cautious, But Optimistic: How The Root Staff Is Approaching the New Year
The year 2020 was… a lot, largely in part to a global pandemic, the beginning of a long-awaited and necessary racial reckoning in this country, and an anxiety-inducing presidential election, to name a few. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to look forward to in the new year. The Root’s Editor-in-Chief Danielle Belton is…
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'Give Yourself Some Self Love Because You Did It': The Root Staff Looks Back at Navigating 2020
“We can all make jokes about 2020 but, in reality, it really was the hardest year of our lives.” — Danielle Belton, Editor-in-Chief, The Root text This year was tough, and it seems like everybody can tell you a different, personal reason why. The Root’s Editor-in-Chief Danielle Belton struggled with loneliness as social distancing measures…
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Moving Beyond Civil Rights: The Importance of Acknowledging the Movement for Black Lives as a Human Rights Issue
“Black folks, you know, haven’t even had the right and the privilege throughout our time on this continent to be recognized even as human beings.” —Rukia Lumumba, founding director of the People’s Advocacy Institute and co-director of the Electoral Justice Project of the Movement for Black Lives text 1868. That was the year the United…
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America's Healthcare System Failed Black People. So What Does the Future Hold for Us?
Joy Altimare is a master marketer and self-described “mommy on a mission.” In her latest position at EHE Health, the company’s Chief Engagement and Brand Officer feels an incredible sense of purpose. “As a 43-year-old Black woman, I have an intimate understanding of how it feels not to be believed by your healthcare provider,” Altimare…
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Funny, Shady, and Everything in Between: Why Jasmyn Lawson Loves Verzuz Battles
Jasmyn Lawson has done a lot during these socially-distant times, including successfully announcing an incredible lineup of our favorite shows on Netflix that’ll keep us entertained well into winter. But when the editorial and brand manager at Netflix’s Strong Black Lead—who was also recognized on this year’s The Root 100 list—isn’t working, she’s big on…
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'There Certainly Was an Extremely Black Movement': Ibram X. Kendi Recounts How Blackness Has Been on Display in 2020
Ibram X. Kendi, Ph.D. doesn’t necessarily know of the single Blackest moment so far in 2020. This year’s The Root 100 honoree does, however, recognize 2020 as a time greatly influenced by “an extremely Black movement.” “You have Black folks, you know, all over this country—and really all over the world—who were really showing this…
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Yamiche Alcindor Reflects on the Late Congressman John Lewis' Lasting Impact
“I get emotional just thinking about the fact that [John Lewis] in his last days still had advice, still had something to give to us.” — Yamiche Alcindor, Journalist, 2020 The Root 100 Honoree text Yamiche Alcindor holds the late civil rights titan John Lewis in high regard. That’s why the PBS NewsHour White House…
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Raquel Willis Pays Homage to Black Transgender Ancestors and Urges Us All to Elevate the Work of Current Black Queer and Trans Trailblazers
“We would not be where we are culturally and socially, as a whole Black community, without the contributions of Black trans folks of yesteryear.” — Raquel Willis, Director of Communications for the Ms. Foundation for Women, 2020 The Root 100 Honoree text Raquel Willis is proud to sit “in such amazing company” alongside the members…
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This Free Black Mental Health App Was Created Two Years Ago. It's Especially Relevant Right Now for Our Community
Jasmin Pierre isn’t shy when it comes to discussing her mental health journey with others. “I’m really not afraid to put it all out there. Like, people know that I’ve been suicidal. People know that I’ve been in a mental institution,” said the 31-year-old mental health advocate and app creator. By being so open about…
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'Trust, Consistency, and Accountability' : Darnell Moore, David Johns, and Steven Pargett Discuss Black Liberation, Movement Work, and Love at The Root Institute
“We say ‘protect Black women,’ but what does that look like in action?” —Steven Pargett, Creative Director, Black Men Build text We’ve used the hashtag. We’ve bought the T-shirts. We’ve read the think pieces. But how can we, as a society and Black community, actually unconditionally support, respect and protect all Black women? This is…
