-
Jordan Peele is No. 1 on The Root 100, Our Annual List of the Most Influential African Americans
When we launched The Root 100 in 2009, it was the perfect time to celebrate black excellence. The arrival of the country’s first black president was an occasion to champion the achievements of today’s African-Americans heroes—achievements that could exist only in our ancestors’ wildest dreams. But this year, in a political and cultural climate that…
-
Join The Root in Miami for a Discussion on How Climate Change Is Affecting Black Communities
For years, gentrification has been changing and reshaping black communities across the country. But in Miami, gentrification includes another factor: climate change. In South Florida—where people of color were redlined into less valuable areas, away from the sandy, tropical beaches—sea levels are rising faster than normal, bringing regular coastal flooding. Now real estate investors and…
-
The Root 100: Time to Nominate Your Picks for Our Annual List of the Most Influential African Americans
Every year The Root pays tribute to black innovators, leaders and world changers with The Root 100, our annual list of the most influential African Americans, ages 25 to 45. And now it’s time for you, the public, to help shape this list by nominating the people you think represent the best and brightest in…
-
Join The Root and Fusion for a Discussion on ‘Realizing Genius: Mentorship and Women of Color’
It’s hard charting a successful career path as a woman of color, which is why having a mentor is so important. But often, women of color don’t have mentors, or they have mentorships with men. And while having a male mentor is better than having no mentor at all, how do you find someone to…
-
Ohio Teen Couple Commits Suicide Within Days of Each Other
Two days after Mercedes Smith, 18, was found unresponsive after an apparent suicide in her dorm room at Lindsey Wilson College on April 20, her boyfriend, Markeice Brown, 17, took his own life amid accusations that Smith’s death was his fault. Smith was reportedly pregnant with Markeice’s child. After learning of Smith’s death, Markeice posted…
-
Cleveland Police Launch Manhunt for Suspect Who Broadcast Killing Live on Facebook: Reports
Updated Sunday, April 16, 2017, 7:43 p.m. EDT: Cleveland police have identified the victim in the Facebook Live video as 74-year-old Robert Goodwin Sr., according to ABC News. In the video, which has been removed from Facebook, Goodwin can be seen raising his arms to protect himself as a suspect, whom police have identified as…
-
The Root’s Young Futurists of 2017 Will Put Your Life to Shame
They are young, gifted and black. They are part of a generation that is poised to change the future. We know this because they are already changing the present. Meet The Root’s Young Futurists of 2017! For the past six years, we have honored 25 of the best and the brightest young people, ages 15 to…
-
Jonathan Wynn-Strachan
Art saved Jonathan Wynn-Strachan’s life. In 2012, when he was a sophomore in high school, he and his family were living out of a one-bedroom motel room. He’d lost hope that his family’s situation would improve. But after hearing Nat King Cole’s “Smile” on the radio one day, Jonathan knew he had to stop focusing…
-
Alanna Wall
Alanna Wall is determined to add a little polish and sparkle to the lives of hospitalized children and girls with special needs. Alanna founded Polished Girlz when she was just 10 years old after being turned down for several volunteer organizations because she was too young. Inspired by her love of drawing and cool nail…
-
Isaiah Cooper
Isaiah Cooper is already aiming to fly to higher heights. In 2016, at 16 years old, he made headlines when he became one of the youngest black pilots to fly around the United States. The next mission? To make the Guinness World Records and become the youngest person to take a solo flight around the…
