The Root 100 is here in 2023! There are so many notable and talented Black people who have made a huge impact in their respective industries in the past year. Politicians, scientists, writers, entrepreneurs, businessmen, and many more.
But on this list, we’re going to highlight the most popular of them all, athletes and entertainers. They’re talented, gifted, and driven. Some are newcomers who have just recently become household names. Others are veterans who are reminding everyone of their greatness.
Suggested Reading
Coco Gauff
One of the most talented female athletes in the world right now, Coco Gauff made a name for herself in 2023. After winning the 2023 U.S. Open, her first Grand Slam title, Guaff solidified herself as one of the best Tennis players in the world.
Halle Bailey
Halle Bailey is a multitalented entertainer. She gained notoriety as one-half of Chloe x Halle, but she’s become a worldwide sensation thanks to her role in the 2023 Disney live-action film, “The Little Mermaid.” Her rise to stardom will only go up as she is set to star in the upcoming 2023 movie, “The Color Purple.”
Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste feels like his rise to fame has been quick, but he’s been grinding for a long time. It paid off last year after he won Album of the Year at the 2022 Grammy for his album, “WE ARE.” His success continued in 2023, after the release of his seventh studio album, “World Music Radio.”
Keke Palmer
Kekek Palmer continued to stay in the public eye after her incredible year in 2022. This year, she gave birth to her first child, Leodis Leodis Andrellton Jackson, in February She also leveraged a domestic controversy to star in Usher’s “Boyfriend” video in August.
Simone Biles
What else to there to say about Simone Biles? She’s the GOAT. In 2023, she built on her legacy by becoming the most decorated gymnast after competing in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Belgium after a two-year hiatus.
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell has already cemented himself as a legend in the music world. In 2023, he became a legend in another industry, fashion. Earlier this year, he became the men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton, a position once occupied by the late Virgil Abloh.
Fantasia
Fantasia has had a long and successful career as an entertainer after her win in season 3 of American Idol. She’ll be in the spotlight again when she stars in “The Color Purple, “ which is set to release this Christmas.
Ava DuVernay
Ava Duvernay continues to solidify her position as one of the most important directors in Hollywood in recent memory. This year, she premiered her most recent movie, “Origin,” at the Venice International Film Festival, becoming the first Black woman to premiere a feature film in competition at the festival
Issa Rae
Although her hit show “Insecure” ended years ago, she didn’t stop working. This year alone, she starred in summer box-office hits like “Barbie’’ and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” showcasing her versatility as an actress. Let’s not also forget that she’s still involved in the creation of the entertaining comedy, “Rap Sh!t.”
Rihanna
Yeah, I know. All of the fans want new music from Rihanna. But she’s busy taking care of her kids and making billions off of her cosmetics brand Fenty. But let’s not forget her skill as an artist, after she performed at the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime show, while pregnant!
Doug E. Fresh
Doug E. Fresh came back to the forefront in 2023, as the world celebrated 50 years of hip-hop. The legendary performer led the summer celebration tour “Masters of the Mic: Hip Hop 50 Tour” along with Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, KRS One, Rakim, and Slick Rick.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé! What else is there to say about Queen Bey that hasn’t already been said? She’s iconic, and in 2023, she added to her legacy even more. This year, she went on the highest-grossing concert tour by a female artist of all time (before she was dethroned by Taylor Swift).
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys revisited some of her biggest hits this year after going on her, “Keys to the Summer” tour. She also had success with her skincare line, Keys Suulcare. Furthermore, she premiered “Hell’s Kitchen,” a musical inspired by her teenage years, on off-Broadway.
Usher
2023 was the year of Usher. He was in the news all year thanks to his multiple viral performances during his Las Vegas residency. It was also announced that he will be taking the stage at the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show in Las Vegas.
Questlove
Questlove continues to take chances in his career and do things outside of the music industry. Most recently, he entered the book publishing industry and created AUWA Books.
Leslie Odom Jr.
Leslie Odom Jr. is a veteran actor whose profile continues to rise. In 2023, he returned to his theater roots and graced the stage in a revival of “Purlie Victorious” (which he also produced).
Colman Domingo
Colman Domingo is an excellent actor, he showed off his incredible skill again in 2023. He had an amazing performance in “Rustin,” and is set to star in the 2023 movie, “The Color Purple.”
Victor Wembenyama
Victor Wembanyama is expected to be the next great NBA superstar. Anything less will be a disappointment. Before being drafted number overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, he was labeled the most hyped prospect in sports history. The 7-foot-4 Wembanyama has all the expectations in the world and has the tools to live up to them.
Sherri Shepherd
The veteran actress, comedian, and TV personality had another great year in 2023. On her talk show, “Sherri,” she hosted many notable guests including Katt Williams, Kirk Franklin, and Tina Knowles.
Sha’Carri Richardson
Sha’Carri Richardson reached the peak of her sports after getting the gold at the 2023 USA and World Track and Field championships.
Flau’jae Johnson
Flau’jae Johnson is living a hooper’s dream. She’s one of the best players in women’s college basketball and a talented MC who is signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
A’ja Wilson
The best player in the WNBA added to her legacy this past season, becoming a WNBA champion for the second straight season and winning Finals MVP. She also led the Las Vegas Aces to the best record in WNBA history.
Nija Charles
If you don’t know how Nija Charles is, you need to. She’s a Grammy-winning songwriter who has penned hits for Cardi B, DJ Khaled, Summer Walker, Lady Gaga, Teyana Taylor, Chloe x Halle, Ariana Grande, and many others.
Michael B. Jordan
Everyone already acknowledges Michael B. Jordan’s ability as an actor, but he added to his resume by making his directorial debut on the 2023 hit film, “Creed III,” which earned $100 million in its first week of release.
Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders has been the breakout star in college football. Yeah, the University of Colorado football team has fallen off in recent weeks, but “primetime” brought them to national relevancy thanks to the squad’s improvement compared to last season.
Yara Shahidi
Yeah everyone knows Yara for her roles in “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish.” But she’s also set to become the first Black woman to play Tinkerbell in Disney’s live-action film “Peter Pan and Wendy.”
Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri is the it girl in Hollywood. She starred in a myriad of popular shows and movies including “The Bear,” “Spiderman: Across The Spiderverse,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” and “Bottoms.” If you’re not paying attention to Ayo, you’re missing out.
Teyana Taylor
Taylor is a singer, dancer, choreographer, model, and actor who continues to entertain us all despite retiring from the music scene in 2022. How you ask? With the help of her Aunties Production Team, Taylor has helped make some of the hottest artists in hip-hop look more confident and polished on stage.
Megan Thee Stallion
Most of 2022 was difficult for Megan Thee Stallion due to the Torey Lanez trial. It’s been more of a celebration in 2023 thanks to her silver screen debut in “Dicks: The Musical.” She also graced the stage with Beyoncé in their hometown of Houston, Texas during the Renaissance Tour.
P. Diddy
Sean “P. Diddy” Combs continues to stay in the news thanks to his personality and business acumen. This year, he gave back, by fulfilling his pledge to donate millions of dollars to Jackson State University.
Jada Pinkett Smith
Say what you want about Jada Pinkett Smith, but she continues to stay in the spotlight. Her memoir “Worthy,” released on Oct. 17, provides readers insight into her life and struggles of being a married woman in the spotlight.
Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson continues to be an excellent actress in Hollywood. Along with many others on this list, she is going to star in the latest film adaptation of “The Color Purple.”
Angel Reese
Angel Reese is the star of the best Women’s college basketball team in the country and has enjoyed the fruits of her labor by becoming one of the highest NIL earners in the college sport.
Bianca Belair
The “EST of the WWE” has been a dominant force in women’s wrestling for the past year. She continues to put on for Black women in professional wrestling and is currently a mainstay on SmackDown.
Angela Bassett
We all wish Angela Basset won Best Supporting Actress at the 2023 Oscars. But she got her flowers at other award shows, winning Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture at the 54th NAACP Image Awards and Best Actress at the 2023 BET Awards for her role in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
LaChanze
Starting her entertainment career in the 1980s, LaChanze is at the top of her game nearly 40 years later. In 2023, she won the Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Revival of a Play.
Victoria Monét
Working as a songwriter for the longest, Victoria Monét stepped into the spotlight in 2023 with the release of her much-anticipated debut album, “Jaguar II.”
Misty Copeland
We all know Misty Copeland as a world-renowned ballerina. But she also has skills as an actor, making her on-screen debut in the short film, “Flowers,” which was shown at the coveted Tribeca Film Festival.
Noah Lyles
I know some NBA players aren’t happy about his “World Champions” comment this year, but don’t play on Noah Lyles’s name. He’s actually the best in the world when it comes to track and field. He won the gold medal in the 100-meter and 200-meter World Championships, becoming the first sprinter to do so since Usain Bolt in 2015.
Jalen Hurts
This man might be the perfect athlete. He’s a great leader, ladies love him and he leads one of the best football teams in the NFL. After signing one of the richest contracts in NFL history, all that’s left is to win the Super Bowl.
Ubah Hassan
Everyone knows Hassan for being one of the stars of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” but she is also an accomplished businesswoman. She’s the founder of UBAH HOT, a line of delicious hot sauces.
Kerry Washington
Her role as Olivia Pope in “Scandal,” is in the TV Hall of Fame. She was excellent. But she branched out into the book industry recently after releasing the New York Times bestselling book, “Thicker than Water: A Memoir.”
Joey Bada$$
He’s not just a rapper. He stars in the Starz show, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” and is the founder of a new mentorship program titled Impact Mentorship, meant to help young Black men in a multitude of creative spaces.
Amanda Seales
She’s an entertaining comedian and actor who has no qualms about sharing her thoughts on social media. This year she released her new political comedy documentary, “In Amanda We Trust,” which reminded viewers how little they know about the federal government.
Shericka Jackson
Haven’t heard of Shericka Jackson? Get used to the name, especially if you’re interested in women’s track and field. She’s one of the fastest women in the world who recently retained her women’s 200-meter title at multiple events this year.
Jaylen Brown
Even though some on social media question his game, it hasn’t hurt Jaylen Brown’s pockets. He signed the biggest contract in NBA history this off-season, staying with the Celtics on a five-year, $304 million extension.
Sydney Colson
Along with A’ja Wilson, Syndey Colson helped lead the Las Vegas Aces to back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023. She’s also the star of the unscripted comedy, “The Syd and TP Show.”
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.