The Root has unveiled its 13th annual Root 100 list. The list celebrates Black Americans between the ages of 24 and 74 who have played a major influential role during 2022 in shaping culture, entertainment, the arts, activism and politics, and business. This year’s list includes Shonda Rhimes, Solange Knowles, Dominique Morrisseau, Quinta Brunson, Mike Gauyo, and Michelle Obama who earned a spot at the top of the list. The Root Editor Vanessa K. De Luca explained that the media company determines the list “By using a unique algorithm, we calculate each honorees’ REACH — the people they touch through media along with Twitter, Instagram and TikTok followers — and their SUBSTANCE — the impact of their work, graded on a scale of 0 to 10 — to discern their INFLUENCE, which determines their ranking. Ultimately, we consider hundreds of candidates to compile the final The Root 100 list.”
Next week on December 8th, this year’s honorees will be celebrated at a gala to be held at New York City’s Apollo Theater. The usually private invite only gala which is open to the public to attend for the first time this year will feature performances from Naomi Raine, Sammus and Candice Hoyes, as well as special appearances by Questlove and Chloe Bailey. Loni Love will be on hand to serve as hostess of the event.