The Root 100 took place last night at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem and let us tell you—a time was had! Host Roy Wood Jr. guided the audience through an evening full of laughs, sing alongs and emotional speeches. Here are the best moments from Tuesday’s extravaganza.
Host Roy Wood Jr. and The Root Editor-in-Chief Tatsha Robertson welcome attendees who were excited to participate in a night of Black excellence.
Al Roker and Deborah Roberts accept their Root 100 honors and share how important it is to be celebrated by your own community.
Orlena Nwokah Blanchard, co-creator of the CROWN Coalition and one of the chief architects of the CROWN Act movement, introduces Misty Copeland to the stage.
The illustrious Misty Copeland thanks The Root for recognizing her efforts to uplift women of color and recalls performing in front of Prince at the Apollo Theater.
Irreversible Entanglements, a political jazz quintet, bring their rhythmic stylings to the Apollo.
Chief of Staff and Professor of Neurology at Columbia University Dr. Olajide Williams and rap relic Doug E. Fresh are honored for creating Hip Hop Public Health.
Jon Batiste, recipient of The Root’s first ever “Voice and Vision” award, inspires onlookers with a moving speech about his humble beginnings. He also performed for the crowd and led a sing along to The Fugees’s “Killing Me Softly.”
Dr. David Johns gives a powerful introduction to Karine Jean-Pierre, this country’s first Black and queer press secretary.
Karine Jean-Pierre expresses gratitude for her Root 100 honor and declares that she will always fight for and protect marginalized groups with her platform.
Leslie Odom Jr. looks as good as he sounds while performing a brief acoustic set after accepting his Root 100 award.
Michael Clark, Head of Multicultural Partnerships for The Root, gives District Attorney Fani Willis a warm welcome to the Apollo stage.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis gives a powerful speech about holding criminals accountable for their actions—regardless if they’re a former president—and doing her best to ensure equality in the justice system.
The beautiful Brandee Younger rounds out the evening with a brief performance of original material while paying homage to Alice Coltrane.