Bonafide superstar and “Worthy” author Jada Pinkett Smith made this year’s Root 100 list for her contributions to the culture. Smith began her illustrious career as an actress on television shows like “A Different World” and films including “Set It Off” and the “Matrix” series.
Smith has had other creative ventures, including fronting the metal band Wicked Wisdom and co-hosting “Red Table Talk” with her mother and daughter. The Daytime Emmy Award-winning show ran for five seasons, providing Facebook Watch viewers with detailed conversations about personal topics and making the word “entanglement” extremely popular.
As an advocate for mental health and the overall well-being of women, Pinkett Smith’s memoir “Worthy,” released on Oct. 17, provides readers insight into her life and the struggles of fame and marriage.
Though she can’t make The Root 100 gala tonight at Harlem’s Apollo Theatre, she did provide a virtual acceptance speech to thank fans for the prestigious honor.
“I’m so sorry I could not be there with all of you but I definitely wanted to take the time to say thank you to The Root,” Smith says in the video.
“Thank you for acknowledging and celebrating Black excellence. Thank you for making me a part of your list this year and I want to congratulate all of the honorees and send all of you love.”
Tonights attendees will include honorees Al Roker, Deborah Roberts, Misty Copeland, Leslie Odom Jr., Doug E. Fresh, Dr. Olajide Williams, Jon Batiste, Karine Jean-Pierre, DeMarco Morgan, LaChanze, Melonie Parker, Danyel Surrency Jones, Brandice Danieland, Jamie Harrison, Racquel Ode, Erica Lowe, Adjoa B. Asamoah, Dr. Oni Blackstock and Dr. Uché Blackstock.
Tonight’s festivities will be hosted by Roy Wood Jr. Tickets can be purchased here.