This year, the Root 100 is back with another fantastic list of noteworthy Black Americans. This year, we have a list filled with influential Black politicians and people making a difference in the world of STEM. So, without further ado, here are our winners from this year!
In the top spot we have Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. It’s hard to argue that she isn’t influential. Willis is prosecuting former President Donald Trump and 19 other co-defendants for interference in the 2020 election. The case could have massive implications for the Presidential race.
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries made history as the first Black American to lead a major party in Congress. He unanimously won support from his Democratic colleagues, in stark contrast to the series of Republican speaker nominees.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison is another important addition to the Root 100 list. As DNC chair, Harrison is playing an incredibly important role in the upcoming election to determine the fate of the Presidency.
New York Councilmember-elect and Exonerated Five member, Yusef Salaam is an obvious choice for this list. Despite his unjust incarceration as a child, Salaam returned to New York to represent the people of Harlem.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee is another crucial addition to the Root 100 list. Lee announced her candidacy earlier this year for Senate, hoping to fill the Black-woman sized gap left behind by Vice President Kamala Harris. Since the 80s, Lee has led on important issues ranging from abortion rights, to poverty, to anti-war efforts.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley is a barrier-breaking politician. Rep. Pressley is the first woman of color and first Black woman to be elected to represent Massachusetts in Congress. Pressley and Rep. Shontel Brown have spearheaded efforts to get the FDA to investigate the safety of hair products marketed to Black women.
Karine Jean-Pierre is barrier-breaking addition to this list! Jean-Pierre is the first Black person and first openly LGBTQ person to serve as White House Press Secretary.
Former Emily’s List President and labor leader Senator Laphonza Butler, is an an obvious choice for The Root 100. Butler was appointed to the late-Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat earlier this year, making her the only Black woman in the Senate.
Congresswoman Shontel Brown is a forced to be reckoned with. This year, she teamed-up with Representative Ayanna Pressley to urge the F.D.A to take the risks associated with chemical relaxers seriously, prompting major action on the part of the regulatory body.
Erica Loewe dedicated herself to ensuring Black journalists have access to the White House. Now, Loewe is taking on her biggest role yet, Special Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff for the Office of Public Engagement!
Uché Blackstock unquestionably deserves her spot on The Root 100 list. Blackstock is a talented physician, author, and activist who’s pushing the medical world to grapple with systemic racism and bias throughout the healthcare industry.
Yes, we have two sisters on this list. Shoutout to the Blackstock family for raising two incredible barrier-breaking physicians. Did we mention they’re twins! Dr. Oni Blackstock is an HIV physician, researcher, and founder of Health Justice, a racial equity consultancy group that helps healthcare organizations achieve racial equity and combat racism.
Myechia Minter-Jordan is another name that should be familiar to the Root audience. (She’s written for The Root and appeared at The Root Institute alongside other Root 100 honorees). Jordan is president and CEO of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and a passionate advocate for health equity!
Dr. Gbolahan Olanubi is a senior researcher at Goole working to help Artificial Intelligence better fit the needs of Black Americans!