If you’re wondering who’s about to light up the coolest party of 2025, look no further! The annual The Root 100 Gala is just around the corner on Wednesday (Dec. 3), and we’re giving you the inside scoop on the boldest, brightest, and most unstoppable Root 100 honorees set to hit the red carpet.
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From political trailblazers to cultural icons, some of your favorite movers and shakers are set to make waves at this year’s award show. We’ve collected a special sneak peek of our guests, just for you! Here’s a glimpse at some of the standout stars set to shine at the awards.
Don Lemon
Don Lemon, the fearless journalist, Emmy-winning anchor and Root 100 honoree, continues to command attention with his bold commentary and sharp insights. This year, Lemon received Hollywood Unlocked’s Social Impact Award, the Chairman’s Award from the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, and the LEADHER Legacy Builder Ally Award— cementing his role as a powerful voice and influencer.
Gayle King
Gayle King, the iconic journalist, co-anchor of CBS Mornings, and editor-at-large at O, The Oprah Magazine, continues to inspire with fearless reporting and unmatched charisma. In 2025, she’s amplified important conversations and celebrated the achievements of Black leaders nationwide. The three-time Emmy winner continues to push boundaries in media, building on a stunning 49-year — and counting — legacy.
803 Fresh
803 Fresh, born Douglas Furtick in the heart of Georgia, is a rising R&B star blending blues, gospel, and southern soul. His viral hit “Boots on the Ground” topped Billboard’s R&B Digital Song Sales chart for eight weeks and reached No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay. With over 17 million YouTube views, 803Fresh continues to electrify the music scene— one boot-stomping beat at a time.
Jasmine Crockett
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, representing Texas’s 30th Congressional District, is a rising force in American politics. In 2025, she became the top fundraiser among Texas House members, raising a reported $3.8 million in just six months. Crockett gained national attention with a high-profile speech at the Democratic National Convention and for taking bold stances against figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and President Donald Trump.
Tamron Hall
Tamron Hall, the Emmy-winning journalist and talk show host, continues to captivate audiences with her warmth and authenticity. In 2025, she released her debut children’s book, “Harlem Honey,” a New York Times bestseller, and returned to daytime TV with the seventh season of “The Tamron Hall Show.” Her daytime series, which celebrated its 1,000th episode, also earned a NAACP Image Award nomination, further solidifying her impact on the culture.
Abby Phillip
Abby Phillip has solidified her place as a powerhouse in political media. As host of “CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip,” she leads one of the network’s most-watched shows and continues to deliver incisive, trusted reporting. In 2025, she released her first book, “A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power,” and was honored with the Elsie Hillman Chair in Women and Politics, cementing her as a leading voice in American politics.
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