One Year After Its Return to Black Ownership, The Root Looks Back at the Moments That Mattered
If you’ve noticed something different about The Root’s coverage over the past year, there’s a compelling reason why. When the site was founded in 2008 by Henry Louis Gates Jr. and former Washington Post publisher Donald E. Graham, it set out to be a leading voice for Black culture, politics, and news. Over the nearly two decades that followed, the site passed through several media conglomerates and corporate owners. But The Root entered a pivotal new era on October 2, 2025, returning to Black ownership when it was acquired by Watering Hole Media, led by political strategist, business executive, and former Obama adviser Ashley Allison.
One year later, Allison is reflecting on her first year as publisher, envisioning an expanded footprint that meets audiences everywhere they are—starting with dynamic new original reporting, independent creator partnerships, and new flagship programming like the upcoming video series America Amended.
“I acquired The Root to build on its legacy and invest in the future of Black journalism,” she said. “One year later, we’re expanding original reporting, backing independent creators, and building new avenues to reach and grow our audiences. America Amended reflects that ambition: rigorous storytelling that puts Black Americans at the center of the debate over this country’s promises and its future. We’re growing The Root with the reach, credibility, and independence to meet this moment.”
As we celebrate one year as part of the Watering Hole Media family, The Root is looking back on some of our favorite moments from the past year.
The Announcement: Back to Black Ownership
Allison wasted no time spreading the good news about giving The Root a new home. As her first order of business, she made the rounds, appearing on “The Breakfast Club,” “CBS Mornings,” and “The Tamron Hall Show” to announce the acquisition and personally give some of “The Root 100” 2025 honorees their flowers.
The Root 100 Gala – A Celebration of Black Excellence
The Root ended 2025 with a beautiful celebration of Black media and culture and its return to Black ownership in New York City. The Root 100 gala honored some of the year’s most influential Black Americans across business, politics, entertainment and more. Celebrity guests included Gayle King, Don Lemon, Pastor Jamal Bryant and more.
Between the inspiring speeches and special awards, guests were treated to a live performance from Doug E. Fresh and an appearance by rapper 803Fresh, who got everyone moving with a live performance of his hit song “Boots on the Ground.
On the Ground in Selma and the March on Washington
The Root was on the ground for events aimed at engaging and inspiring voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, including the National Day of Action protest in Selma, Alabama, and the March on Washington. Our reporters spoke with concerned voters about the issues that they will be thinking about as they head to the polls.
The Obama Presidential Center’s Historic Opening
In June 2026, The Root covered the historic opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on all of our platforms. Before the Center opened its doors to the public, we gave readers a first look at the Center and the beautiful surrounding 19-acre campus, which includes a media center, fruit and vegetable garden and an interactive museum featuring exhibits that chronicle the first Black First Family’s time in the White House – including some of First Lady Michelle Obama’s most iconic outfits.
On social media, we spoke directly with some of the notable guests, including former Attorney General Eric Holder and California Governor Gavin Newsom, and got their advice for Americans who are concerned about the country’s current political climate.
Exclusive Sit-Down With NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani
One month later, The Root secured an exclusive on-camera sit-down with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at City Hall. During the wide-ranging interview with award-winning journalist Charles Blow, the newly elected mayor discussed a variety of topics, including his plan to make the city more affordable for Black residents and how his African origins have shaped his worldview.
Protecting Black Storytelling at NABJ 2026
As Black media has been increasingly under attack, it’s more important than ever to be a trusted source of information for our readers. Our publisher, Ashley Allison, participated in a panel discussion at the 2026 NABJ conference about the importance of protecting Black storytelling.
Talking What Black Voters Want at the CBC Convention
We kicked off the midterm election season covering the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) convention and were laser-focused on what Black voters expect from their elected officials. The Root spoke with attendees, including Rep. Justin J. Pearson (D-TN), about what politicians misunderstand about Black voters.
