The Root 100: The Best Moments of the Night, Honoring Lost Legends, Honorees Close Out 2024 and Get Ready for the New Year, the ‘4 Women’ Quartet Remains the Best Performance Ever, Celebrating Honoree and Performer Ledisi, Andra Day’s ‘Rise Up’ as a Timeless Anthem, What to Know About Sabrina Greenlee, Everything About Whoopi Goldberg, Where Are They Now?, 2024’s Most Influential Black Celebs, and More

If you missed out on a one-of-a-kind night at the annual Root 100 Awards, here’s a recap of it all!

The Celeb Best Moments from The Root 100 2024

Ledisi performs onstage during The Root 100 2024 Gala at The Apollo Theater on December 05, 2024 in New York City. Image: Getty Images Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images for The Root

The Root 100 returned bigger and better than ever on Thursday evening. Once again taking over the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, the brightest stars descended upon the iconic space to celebrate the year’s most influential Black Americans in music, politics, sports, activism, and more. Here are the best moments from the iconic evening. — Jared Alexander

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A Jogger had no idea What or Who Hit Her… Until Police Showed Her

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The Root In Memorial 2024

Root 100 Honorees Speak on Crazy 2024 and Look Ahead to 2025

Photo: Getty Images Jason Mendez

s — Phenix S Halley

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Why the ‘4 Women’ Quartet of Ledisi, Jill Scott, Kelly Price, Marsha Ambrosius Is Still Considered The Most Brilliant Performance — Ever

Screenshot: Black Girls Rock

We can’t wait for you to hear Ledisi on Dec. 5 at the Apollo for The Root 100 awards show. Tickets are still on sale. If you’ve never heard her powerful voice, which is hard to believe, we wanted to give you a taste of her greatness with our analysis of one of the most iconic performances of all times. Just know we warned you. Now sit back, read, listen and enjoy! — Stephanie Holland

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Celebrating The Root 100 Honoree Ledisi’s Viral Live Performance Moments

Photo: Getty Images Amy Sussman

Some singers need all the bells and whistles that go along with performing live. Others can let their voice be the focus and just use it to create magic. Ledisi stands firmly in the latter category. Watching her perform live is akin to watching a master craftsman create the most stunning work of art you’ve ever seen. The Grammy winner brings this level of artistry to the stage every time she sings. With her new album “Good Life” bringing more joy to her fanbase, it’s no surprise to see her among the honorees on the 2024 Root 100. To celebrate her amazing talent and remind you why we’ll always be excited to see her perform on December 5 at the Apollo, these are Ledisi’s best musical moments. — Stephanie Holland

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The Enduring Message of Root 100 Performer Andra Day’s ‘Rise Up’ Proves Why It’s a Timeless Anthem

Photo: Getty Images Jerritt Clark

Some songs have a message so powerful and enduring they become timeless. Few songs in the last ten years fits that description better than Andra Day’s “Rise Up.” The beautiful ballad is an inspiring call to triumph over whatever obstacles are holding you back from reaching the mountaintop. — Stephanie Holland

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5 Things You Need Know About Sabrina Greenlee, 2024 The Root 100 Honoree

Photo: Sabrina Greenlee

The Root 100 honoree Sabrina Greenlee has a touching personal story that should inspire us all. — Angela Johnson

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The Root 100: Everything You Didn’t Know About Whoopi Goldberg

Photo: Getty Images Cindy Ord

Very few people in the entertainment world can match resumes with Whoopi Goldberg. Her career stretches across comedy, genre, films, TV, stage, stand up and talk shows. She has quite literally done it all. It’s no surprise to find her on the 2024 Root 100. — Stephanie Holland

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The Root 100: Where Are They Now?

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Upon the announcement of The Root 100 celebration of 2024, it’s important we acknowledge some of our previous honorees and answer your looming question: “Where are they now?” — Kalyn Womack

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The Most Influential African Americans of 2024: The Root 100

Photo: Getty Images Kent Nishimura, Pascal Le Segretain, Unique Nicole

This has been a banner year for Black Excellence. Whether it’s politics, entertainment, science, or business, Black folks have dominated the culture. We’re celebrating all that we’ve achieved this year with the 2024 Root 100. There is no shortage of legends, pioneers, influencers and rising political stars to honor this year, so we’re jumping right in with a groundbreaking, history-making No. 1 choice. — Stephanie Holland, Candace McDuffie, Phenix S Halley, Angela Johnson, Noah A. McGee, Kalyn Womack, Shanelle Genai

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