The 2025 Root 100 Gala delivered a powerful and reimagined celebration of Black excellence, bringing together influential voices from across arts, activism, business, politics, faith, media, and culture.
The event was held at New York City’s historic Gotham Hall. The evening blended purpose, creativity, and community into an unforgettable gathering that honored collective impact over individual ranking.
Presented by Martell, produced by The Captivate Group, and supported by Schure Media Group, this year’s gala also marked a defining milestone for The Root. The event served as the official relaunch of the platform under its new publisher, Ashley Allison, founder and CEO of Watering Hole Media, signaling a renewed commitment to culture, collaboration, and inclusive storytelling.
Ashley Allison, publisher of The Root and Founder/CEO of Watering Hole Media
803 Fresh surprised at The Root 100 with a performance of his line dance hit "Boots On The Ground." Photo credit: Johnny Nunez
Maurice Mitchell (National Director of Working Families Party), Tamika Mallory, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, and Dr. Jamal Bryant Photo credit: Johnny Nunez
Photo credit: Daniel J. Vasquez
Photo credit: Johnny Nunez
Gotham photo credit by Daniel J. Vasquez
Abby Phillip, Tamron Hall, Don Lemon, Roland Martin, Gayle King Photo credit: Johnny Nunez
Taking the stage, Allison posed a thought-provoking challenge to attendees: “What is your assignment in these times, and how will you show up?” Her remarks emphasized unity over competition, calling on the community to support one another and to stand firmly behind independent Black media. In alignment with that vision, the traditional Root 100 rankings were eliminated, allowing the focus to shift toward shared celebration and connection.
The night opened with a vibrant red carpet hosted by Kela Walker and flowed into an immersive lounge-style experience for nearly 400 guests. Hosted by comedian and actress Joyelle Nicole Johnson, the program featured compelling video tributes to The Root’s legacy, reflections on the importance of protecting journalism, and standout performances by 803 Fresh, Doug E. Fresh, and DJ Aktive. Together, the evening embodied a bold new chapter for The Root, one rooted in community, culture, and collective progress.
