How ‘The Root’ Team Geared up for The Root 100 Celebration

In a whirlwind week of The Root 100 Honoree Event festivities, event collaborator and automaker Genesis rolled out the red carpet.

The Root 100 2024 Honoree Event was an evening to remember! Our annual gala spotlighting the 100 most influential Black Americans just went down at New York City’s Apollo Theater. We laughed, we posted on socials, we were moved by speeches and musical numbers.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Elon Musk is Leaving the Trump Administration and Black Twitter is Buzzing

Just as moving were the vehicles that got us there: the Genesis GV80.

On the red carpet, the Genesis GV80 made a stunning cameo. Attendees, influencers, and notable talent posed with the vehicle, sliding into the elegant cabin to soak up luxurious details from every angle. From the car’s panoramic sunroof, the lights of uptown New York shone brightly, almost as brightly as the GV80’s standard 27-inch OLED navigation display. The interior ambient lighting and open-pore wood accents set the mood for a night blending modern and classic styles. In summary, the GV80 stole the spotlight.

When it was time to head to the afters, a fleet of Genesis vehicles chauffeured our celebrity guests, hosts, and influencers there in safety and style.

It was the perfect cherry on top of a week of The Root and Genesis collaboration, which began with a visit to Genesis Studio at Hudson Yards where we got to test drive the vehicles. This was followed by a trip to Genesis House, the automaker’s NYC-based cultural space curating design, hospitality, and technology. Alongside Friends of Genesis guests, we were hosted as “son-nim”, which means “honored guest” in Korean, and enjoyed a dinner inspired by recipes of ancient Korean royalty at their in-house restaurant, and visited the immersive light installation STARSCAPE inspired by “Dongji,” the Korean celebration of the Winter Solstice.

We captured some of the standout moments from this week’s festivities. Click to check them out!

Kicking off the week with a gourmet dinner

Photo: RobinLori Photography for Genesis USA

Jocelyn “Joz” Wang, Head of Multicultural Marketing and Corporate Branding at Genesis Motor America, Michael Clark, Head of Multicultural Partnerships at G/O Media and celebrity guests at The Root 100 reception dinner. In attendance were actor and comedian Flex Alexander, actress Carla Renata, chef Esther Choi, comedian and Executive Producer of SHERRI with Sherri Shepherd Jawn Murray, celebrity stylist Paul Wharton, actor and content creator Ryan Alexander Holmes, TV producer and entrepreneur Mona Scott-Young, actor Alyx Fabrega, and athlete and entrepreneur Josh Dixon.

Mixing and mingling

Photo: RobinLori Photography for Genesis USA

Joz Wang and Jawn Murray explore the selection of art books at Genesis House.

Taking the Genesis GV60 for a spin

Photo: RobinLori Photography for Genesis USA

Actress, film critic, and singer Carla Renata gets behind the wheel of a Genesis GV60.

Pulling up to the function

Photo: RobinLori Photography for Genesis USA

A cavalcade of Genesis sedans and SUVs chauffeured notable attendees to the Apollo Theater for showtime at The Root 100.

Snapping the perfect pic

Photo: RobinLori Photography for Genesis USA

Mona Scott-Young and Paul Wharton arrive in style with the Uyuni White Genesis GV80 on the red carpet of The Root 100 gala.

Always looking fresh

Photo: RobinLori Photography for Genesis USA

Jawn Murray makes himself comfy lounging against a Uyuni White GV80 with the Apollo Marquee making a cameo.

In the club, we all fam

Photo: RobinLori Photography for Genesis USA

Team Genesis and team The Root have a lovely pow wow just before showtime.

Serving pap walk realness

Photo: RobinLori Photography for Genesis USA

Mona Scott-Young and Paul Wharton stepping out of a Genesis sedan and onto the red carpet at The Root 100 Honoree Event. The perfect throwback aughts paparazzi photo.

After the show it’s the afterparty

Photo: RobinLori Photography for Genesis USA

Kyle Hiroto and Joz Wang from Team Genesis enjoying a post-show moment at The Red Rooster in Harlem.

This article is a collaboration between Genesis and G/O Media Studios.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Popular Reality Shows That Need Tell-All  Documentaries ASAP!

Popular Reality Shows That Need Tell-All Documentaries ASAP!

Audiences may be gagged at the new ‘America’s Next Top Model’ documentary, but there are a handful of other shows that deserve to get the layers peeled back too! …
Exclusive: Jennifer Hudson, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

Exclusive: Jennifer Hudson, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

The Root Exclusive Series: Black History Month was established 100 years ago, in February 1926. To commemorate this momentous occasion, 100 Black thought leaders and creators share their collective wisdom and insight for the culture in this ongoing series …
This One Incident From Over 40 Years Ago is Blamed for Michael Jackson's Downfall

This One Incident From Over 40 Years Ago is Blamed for Michael Jackson’s Downfall

TMZ’s new documentary takes a deeper look at Michael Jackson’s infamous 1984 Pepsi commercial fire and the possible link it had to his demise years later …
Who NYT Says Is Facing the Biggest Fallout From The Epstein Files

Who NYT Says Is Facing the Biggest Fallout From The Epstein Files

The New York Times is tracking and documenting the names of those caught up in the fallout of the Epstein Files. Here are the ones you should know …
Activist Ms. Shirley's Cause of Death FINALLY Revealed

Activist Ms. Shirley’s Cause of Death FINALLY Revealed

News of Ms. Shirley’s cause of death comes in the middle of American Heart Month, the February initiative raising awareness about cardiovascular disease …
Former Prince Andrew in Cuffs: Is This the Official End of White Privilege?

Former Prince Andrew in Cuffs: Is This the Official End of White Privilege?

Prince Andrew is the first notable figure arrested after the Epstein files were released, and the potential fallout is probably lot worse than you think …
Tyra Banks Is 'ANTM's' Biggest Villain, But Jay, Miss J and Nigel Need to Be Called Out

Tyra Banks Is ‘ANTM’s’ Biggest Villain, But Jay, Miss J and Nigel Need to Be Called Out

America’s Next Top Model judges Miss J, Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker all played a role in the show’s unhealthy ecosystem, and they should be called out, too! …
Huge New Development in Case of Florida Father Whose Unlicensed Teen Killed 4 People After He Let Him Drive

Huge New Development in Case of Florida Father Whose Unlicensed Teen Killed 4 People After He Let Him Drive

A Florida father learned his fate after his unlicensed teen ran a stop sign and slammed into a car— killing a grandmother and her 3 grandchildren …
WATCH: Celeb Publicist Records the Scary Passenger Incident That Forced His Delta Flight to Turn Around

WATCH: Celeb Publicist Records the Scary Passenger Incident That Forced His Delta Flight to Turn Around

A passenger tried to enter the cockpit of a Delta flight before passengers jumped on him to subdue him for law enforcement. And it’s all on video …
Black Twitter is Conflicted About This Black Grandmother Praising Trump at a BHM Celebration

Black Twitter is Conflicted About This Black Grandmother Praising Trump at a BHM Celebration

Two weeks after Trump posted a racist video of Obama, one Black D.C. grandmother told America how Trump did for her what Democrats refused …
Everything to Know About Pam Bondi, the Trump-Loyal Attorney General

Everything to Know About Pam Bondi, the Trump-Loyal Attorney General

Here’s everything to know about the life and career of AG Pam Bondi, as she continues to face calls to resign over the Epstein files …

Rev. William Barber On Why Jesse Jackson Didn’t Become President, But Still Won

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber explains how Jackson’s historic presidential runs were victories for democracy …
MLB Union Leader Resigns Over 'Inappropriate Relationship' Similar to Sherrone Moore

MLB Union Leader Resigns Over ‘Inappropriate Relationship’ Similar to Sherrone Moore

When the alleged scandal was revealed, Clark resigned as executive director of the MLBPA after serving for more than 12 years …
Exclusive: Bakari Sellers Reflects on the Passing of 'Uncle' Rev. Jesse Jackson

Exclusive: Bakari Sellers Reflects on the Passing of ‘Uncle’ Rev. Jesse Jackson

CNN political contributor Bakari Sellers shared his thoughts on the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson exclusively with The Root …
The Best and Worst TikTok Theories About Beyoncé's Upcoming 'Act III' Album

The Best and Worst TikTok Theories About Beyoncé’s Upcoming ‘Act III’ Album

Thanks to Beyoncé’s recent photo dump on social media, many fans are pointing to it as potential clues for her next musical act. Let’s get into all of the best and worst breakdowns! …
Sherrone Moore May Get A Break After Judge Orders Hearing After Having Concerns His 'Due Process May Have Been Violated'

Sherrone Moore May Get A Break After Judge Orders Hearing After Having Concerns His ‘Due Process May Have Been Violated’

Sherrone Moore could have charges dropped if judge finds out his due process was violated. Court hearing scheduled for March 2 …
TikTok Trad Wife Nara Smith's Goes Viral Again -- This Time For Issues With Her House

TikTok Trad Wife Nara Smith’s Goes Viral Again — This Time For Issues With Her House

The East Coast winter storm has TikTok influencer Nara Smith doing a major renovation project on her home …
Whoopi Goldberg Clears Up Epstein Files Confusion

Whoopi Goldberg Clears Up Epstein Files Confusion

Whoopi Goldberg isn’t here for any potential links between her and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. And now she’s providing some much needed clarity! …
How <i>Not</i> To End Up Like Cardi B, Halle Berry or J. Lo: Unlucky in Love Because of Bad Decisions

How Not To End Up Like Cardi B, Halle Berry or J. Lo: Unlucky in Love Because of Bad Decisions

If you want to be happy in love but don’t know how to get there, pull up a chair. It’s time we had a talk …
Kansas State Fires Basketball Coach Over Publicly Trashing His Own Team, But That's Not All

Kansas State Fires Basketball Coach Over Publicly Trashing His Own Team, But That’s Not All

After a blistering criticism of his basketball team, Kansas State has fired basketball head coach, Jerome Tang, for “just cause.” …