The Root 100 Gala is officially happening again. Mark December 12, 2026 on your calendar: New York City, the Root 100 returns to celebrate another year of Black excellence. We’re talking trailblazers, culture shifters, and game-changers making real moves across industries. The annual Root 100 list drops soon, and we can’t wait to show you who made the cut.
Details about the venue, performers, dress code, and full festivities are still rolling in, but before we get there, let’s look back at what made last year’s celebration so memorable. The Root 100 Gala in 2025 was packed with moments worth remembering. Keep up with all the updates on Instagram @The.Root100.
Tamron Hall Gets Her Flowers
Just before the gala kicked off last year, The Root’s publisher Ashley Allison stopped by Tamron Hall’s daytime talk show with a surprise. She came bearing actual flowers and the news that Hall had made the Root 100 2025 honoree list. The moment was genuinely sweet and caught Hall off guard in the best way.
A Star-Studded Affair
Last year’s Root 100 was stacked with activists, artists, storytellers, political figures, and more who shaped the culture and sparked important conversations. From Gayle King to Don Lemon, the evening was filled with faces you’d want to see in one room.
Pastor Jamal Bryant and Jasmine Crockett
Pastor Jamal Bryant and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett arrived looking sharp. Bryant took the stage to speak about the intersection of faith and social justice, while Crockett reminded everyone in the room why this moment matters and what role we all need to play in it.
The Venue Told a Story
Last year’s event took place at the iconic Gotham Hall in the heart of Manhattan. While we’re keeping the 2026 venue under wraps for now, take a look at how stunning the 2025 setup was. It’s the kind of space that makes you want to show up dressed to the nines.
Ashley Allison Charts the Course
One of the strongest moments came when Ashley Allison, The Root’s publisher, delivered the opening remarks. She acquired the site one year prior to the 2025 gala, so her words that night carried real weight. She set expectations high for what’s to come.
Doug E. Fresh Brought the Energy
No gala is complete without a killer musical performance. Doug E. Fresh showed up with bars and his signature beat-boxing flow that reminded everyone why he’s a legend in this space.
803Fresh Brought the Dance Floor Alive
The “Boots On the Ground” line dance was everywhere last summer, and 803Fresh brought that same infectious energy to the gala. It was the kind of moment that had the whole room moving together, which is exactly what a celebration should feel like.
People Actually Having Fun
Between the music and the energy, guests and honorees weren’t shy about cutting loose. There’s something about being in a room full of people who get it that makes you relax and just enjoy the moment.
Marc Lamont Hill
Author, commentator, and Root 100 2025 honoree Marc Lamont Hill was all smiles while holding his award. You could see the pride in that moment.
Roland Martin
Root 100 2025 honoree Roland Martin showed up in a sharp black and gold fit. Need we say more?
Don Lemon on Black Ownership and Storytelling
Don Lemon’s speech hit different. He spoke about the power of Black ownership, the importance of telling our stories from our own perspectives, and why this is the moment for Black people to take control of the narrative. It’s the kind of message that sticks with you.
Deante Kyle
Root 100 2025 honoree and “Grits & Eggs” podcast host Deante Kyle brought the cool factor but wasn’t too cool to actually enjoy the night.
Dyllon Burnside, Wilson Cruz, Melanie Willingham, and Jonathan McCrory
These four acclaimed artists showed up looking polished on the red carpet. You can only imagine the conversations happening between people at this level of talent and influence.
Tamron Hall, Abby Phillip, Don Lemon, and Gayle King
These four TV powerhouses were genuinely enjoying each other’s company. Bright smiles all around. Hopefully they’ll all be back for round two in December.
Charles M. Blow
Acclaimed journalist and author Charles Blow was visibly happy to be there. His energy was infectious.
Rashad Robinson
Former president of Color of Change Rashad Robinson brought serious style in his oxblood suit and an equally serious sense of purpose to the room.
Tamika Mallory on Real Activism
Root 100 2025 honoree Tamika Mallory made a point that landed hard: activism isn’t just something you do online. She reminded the room that real change requires you to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. It’s a commitment to turning your values into action, and that message needs to keep circulating.
★TR★
