Ok, ya’ll we really put our foot in this in order to give you a little background tea on this amazing night. First, you’ll need a glass of cognac and some good music to set the mood. Go on…we can wait. On December 5, 2004, The Root celebrated some of the Black people who made the biggest impact. Host Roy Wood Jr. and The Root’s Editor in Chief Tatsha Robertson presented awards to some of the best and brightest in politics, entertainment, business and more at The Root 100 2024 gala at New York City’s Apollo Theater. Guests enjoyed inspiring speeches and show-stopping performances from Ledisi, Andra Day and Kecia Lewis.
Suggested Reading
From the fashion-forward red carpet to the after party at Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster restaurant, we’re looking back at some of our favorite moments of the star-studded event. Now, sit back and enjoy.
Tamron Hall
Award-winning journalist, talk show host Tamron Hall arrives on the red carpet. You should go back and check out the moment she found out she made the list. It was priceless. Well deserved lovely lady.
Laura Coates
CNN anchor and Chief Legal Analyst Laura Coates was also in the house. She proved you can be comfortable, beautiful and glamorous at the sametime.
The Stars Were Shining
The Root Editor in Chief Tatsha Robertson went all Harlem Renaissance as she poses with Honorees Don Lemon and Harriette Cole. If the words tall, beautiful and black were three people.
Ready for a Fabulous Night
Sean McCloud, Senior Brand Manager for Martell Cognac, Chivas Regal and Ballentine’s poses with Aldis Hodge and brother, Edwin Hodge on the red carpet. Sean told us that his brother’s middle name is Martell – after the brand, of course.
Kecia Lewis and Tracy Morgan
Co-stars of the upcoming Paramount+ comedy series “Crutch,” Kecia Lewis and Tracy Morgan have fun on the red carpet. Did you know they are really great friends?
Vanessa Williams
Actress Vanessa Willams is all smiles. She was such a doll at the afterparty, lovingly talking about her son.
Superstar Siblings
Actors Edwin Hodge and Aldis Hodge share some brotherly love. You should have heard Aldis speak on the stage. It was so inspiring.
Michelle Buteau
The Root 100 2024 honoree comedian and actress Michelle Buteau was on hand to receive her award. Looking good in all that white.
Red Carpet Ready
Former NYC model and current Real estate pro, Kyla Croal flew from NC the day before just to be with us. She is showing off her lewks which were served on a red carpet.
Stars Were in the House
Actors and honorees Aldis Hodge and Wendell Pierce share a moment before the show.
Everybody Who is Somebody
Everybody who is somebody came out to the Apollo Theater to celebrate this year’s The Root 100 honorees.
Roy Wood Jr.
Comedian Roy Wood Jr. served as the evening’s host, keeping the audience laughing all night long.
Nicholas Ryan Gant
Nicholas Ryan Gant (aka The Ghetto Falsetto) opened the show with a powerful performance. Despite having to rush to catch a plane, he really set the inspiring night with his own song.
Don Lemon
Award-winning journalist and The Root 100 honoree Don Lemon accepts his award. He took out his phone and had a conversation with CNN’s Bakari Sellers, who was also an honoree but bad weather prevented him from traveling. We missed you Bakari and Ellen but safety comes first.
Wendell Pierce
Actor and The Root 100 honoree Wendell Pierce accepts his award and gave the most amazing speech. We had church, yall!
Andra Day
Singer and The Root 100 honoree Andra Day performs a soulful set for the crowd. She gave us a mini concert, which had us all feeling so special that we were able to experience the moment.
Ledisi
R&B singer and The Root 100 honoree Ledisi captivated the crowd with an amazing performance. That red outfit, yall!
Marcus Samuelsson
Award-winning chef, restauranteur and cookbook author Marcus Samuelsson accepts his award while looking absolutely fantastic. We can’t say enough about this man.
Jasmine Crockett
Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) shares inspiring remarks with the audience as she accepts her award. She was holding court at the afterparty.
Kecia Lewis
Tony Award-winner and The Root 100 honoree Kecia Lewis from “Hell’s Kitchen” gave a show-stopping performance.
A Night to Remember
These beautiful Black women with (r) Harriette Cole at The Apollo Theater had everyone staring. Ladies, you did that!
The After Party
The celebration continued at the after party at Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster restaurant in Harlem. It was packed and fun.
Gifts Galore
Prada, one of the event sponsors, provided gifts for the guests. Just know, the swag was all that.
Cocktails
Martell showed up and showed out. Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails from Martell. The drinks were not just good, but absolutely smooth and perfect.
Celebrating Excellence
Ahhhhh sookie. White House Director of African American Media Erica Loewe (right) was on hand to celebrate the end of a historic year for Black people in politics. Erica, you looking all good.
The After Party
Minnesota in the house. The Root 100 2024 honoree Duchesne Drew and gorgeous wife Angela kept the celebration going at the event’s after party with business woman and NY-bred and Austin-based fashionista Joelle Williams and her lovely friend, Tracy Brown
Celebrating Black Excellence
Michael Clark, G/O Media’s National Director of Multicultural Sales, is always looking great. Here he is with Don Lemon, Skye P. Marshall and Edwin Hodge. We love the kicks, Michael.
Good Times
Fashionable Guests enjoyed good food, drinks and company in the classic Harlem setting.
Fashion Forward
If the words NYC style were two people. Stylist Billie Causieestko and NYC designer Adeleke Zelle were in the house. You already know an event celebrating Black excellence in New York City will be full of style.
Abraham P. Detrench Kallon
Ahhh get it! DePRO Global CEO and Founder Abraham P. Detrench Kallon shows off his style at Red Rooster.
Strike a Pose
Love is all around, as Kecia Lewis and Vanessa Williams pose with party guests.
Good Vibes
Ahhh. We could not have done it without you guys. G/O Media employees celebrate a successful night.
A Time Was Had
As 2024 comes to an end, we’re proud to celebrate all of the Black people who made a tremendous impact on the culture.
Tatsha Robertson contributed to this report.
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