Plot Synopsis

Each year, The Root (www.theroot.com) releases a list of that year's top 100 most influential African-American innovators of the next generation (age 25-45). This weekly series explores the lives and groundbreaking accomplishments of these dynamic men and women, with first-hand interviews and video profiles of a few of the list's honorees. Each one-hour episode features profiles of three honorees, woven together by a common theme. In revealing conversations, the subjects discuss intimate moments, turning points in their lives and their aspirations to affect change. Through these inspirational stories, the series provides insight into what it really takes to pursue one's passion and achieve success with meaning and purpose. Hosted by Suzanne Malveaux and featuring The Root contributing editor Omar Wasow as the interviewer, the first season of THE ROOT 100 profiled luminaries, such as journalist Melissa Harris Perry (#1 on the list), NAACP President/CEO Benjamin Jealous (#3), Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed (#6), comedian Baratunde Thurston (#20), and actress and activist Gabrielle Union (#22), who all were ranked on the websites fourth annual list in 2012. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ROOT 100 returned for a second season on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at 8pm ET on ASPiRE, with Suzanne Malveaux continuing as host and with a new interviewer, political strategist and writer Jamal Simmons. Season 2 featured the following luminaries: Grammy Award-winning artist and activist John Legend; EXHALE co-host and director/writer Issa Rae; Monique Nelson, chairman and CEO of Uniworld Group; Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, pastor and social activist; LGBT rights activist/critic Danielle Moodie-Mills; civil rights activist Van Jones; Sunni Hostin, attorney and TV host; Dr. Garth Graham, public health expert and President of the Aetna Foundation; Ryan Coogler, director of FRUITVALE STATION; voting rights activist Jotaka Eaddy; Jonathan McBride, Assistant to President Obama and Director of Presidential Personnel; and many more.