It’s that time…The Root 100 2025 list is live! We’re ready to share with the world our notable Black athletes, musicians, politicians and cultural icons who have made an impact this year for our annual The Root 100 event!
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For the last three years, The Root 100 has been held at New York’s iconic Apollo Theater, a landmark of Black American history that has seen the likes of James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson. As we prepare to announce details for this year’s Root 100, we want to take a look back at some of the best moments of the ceremony’s Apollo era!
Roy Wood Jr.
For the past two years, Comedian Roy Wood Jr. has hosted The Root 100, keeping the audience in stitches. The New York native is a former “Daily Show” correspondent and currently hosts CNN’s panel show “Have I Got News For You.”
Andra Day
We have had unforgettable performances at The Root 100. In 2024, Andra Day serenaded guests and honorees with a concert-level performance that was a special moment of the night.
Jon Batiste
Speaking of unforgettable, Jon Batiste took the night away with his piano playing and his powerful vocals in 2023. On that same night, Batiste became the first recipient to receive the “Vision and Voice” award. In 2024, Batiste started his first tour as a headlining act.
Chloe Bailey
Chloe Bailey showed up and out on stage as she accepted the One To Watch Award in 2022, marking the beginning of her exciting solo music career. As one half of Chloe x Halle,
Deborah Roberts and Al Roker
The Root 100 red carpet stays ready for stars from a variety of industries. Award-winning journalists Deborah Roberts and Al Roker are among those who have dazzled our carpet. The power couple have been married since 1995!
Doug E. Fresh
Human Beat Box Doug E. Fresh, hit the stage at The Root 100 in 2023 after winning an award for his organization, Hip Hop Public Health, which teaches health literacy to overlooked communities. He teamed up with neurologist Dr. Olajide Williams to create the much-needed educational resource center.
Tatsha Robertson and Roy Woods Jr.
The Root Editor-in-Chief Tatsha Robertson and host Roy Wood Jr. looked fabulous on stage, addressing guests and honorees and getting everyone hyped up for a night of celebration.
Wendell Pierce
In 2024, acclaimed actor Wendell Pierce gave a powerful speech that honored the history and legacy of Black Americans. That year, Pierce was heavily involved in the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Karine Jean-Pierre
In 2023, former White House press secretary and advisor Karine Jean-Pierre walked the carpet looking fabulous as ever before heading into the event.
Misty Copeland
Ballet icon Misty Copeland looked classy and gorgeous when she graced The Root 100 stage in 2023 as an honoree for her activism in the arts and for raising awareness about a lack of diversity in ballet.
Kecia Lewis and Tracy Morgan
It’s always all smiles at The Root 100. Broadway star Kecia Lewis and comedian Tracy Morgan had fun on the red carpet and even more fun at the event.
Edwin and Aldis Hodge
Acclaimed actor Aldis Hodge went on stage with his brother Edwin Hodge when he accepted an award as honoree for The Root 100. Hodge had a big 2024 with the release of the popular show “Alex Cross.”
Leslie Odom Jr.
Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr. took it away with his angelic vocals in 2023, only adding to the list of iconic performers who have blown folks away at The Root 100. Also, can we focus on the suit? Now that is style.
Questlove
Questlove made an appearance in 2022. He was honored for his contributions to Black music and culture, specifically his 2021 documentary, “Summer of Soul,” which won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2022.
Erika Woods and Wendell Pierce
The Root 100 Gala isn’t just a night honoring all things Black excellence, but it’s also a fashion moment, and attendees Wendell Pierce and Erika Woods gave us two great stylish moments last year.
Ledisi
As last year’s headliner, Grammy Award-winning singer Ledisi gave all Root 100 attendees a special performance as she got on stage in a striking red suit that grabbed everybody’s attention.
Irreversible Entanglements
The Root 100 celebrates the most innovative artists, and the free Jazz collective Irreversible Entanglements were among those honored in 2023.
Tamron Hall
Journalist and broadcaster Tamron Hall stunted on the red carpet in 2024, looking flawless as ever the same year she released the second book in her Jordan Manning mystery series.
Irreversible Entanglement Performs
Jazz collective Irreversible Entanglements gave a jazz performance that got everybody into the groove in 2023.
Loni Love
In 2022, comedian and Detroit native Loni Love had everyone cracking up as the host of The Root 100!
Brandee Younger
Grammy nominated harpist and composer Brandee Younger blessed the 2023 Root 100 with a hypnotic performance. That same year she released her album “Brand New Life”
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