{"id":64275,"date":"2012-11-23T10:14:25","date_gmt":"2012-11-23T10:14:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/0de2709a84.nxcli.net\/0-kjasnb\/2012\/11\/23\/aspire-announces-new-tv-series-the-root-100\/"},"modified":"2018-12-18T09:53:31","modified_gmt":"2018-12-18T09:53:31","slug":"aspire-announces-new-tv-series-the-root-100","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/aspire-announces-new-tv-series-the-root-100\/","title":{"rendered":"ASPiRE announces new TV series, The Root 100"},"content":{"rendered":"

ASPiRE announces new TV series, The Root 100<\/strong>Posted by Wilson Morales<\/p>\n

November 23, 2012<\/p>\n

ASPiRE ANNOUNCES THE WORLD PREMIERE OF ITS GROUNDBREAKING ORIGINAL TV SERIES
\nTHE ROOT 100
\nA New Weekly Show Celebrating America\u2019s Most Influential
\nBlack Leaders Under 45<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>ASPiRE today announced the world premiere of its new original series, THE ROOT 100.<\/strong> Hosted by Emmy\u00ae<\/sup>-winning television journalist and CNN Anchor Suzanne Malveaux, the weekly show is based on online news and commentary site The Root\u2019s (www.theroot.com<\/a>) fourth annual list of 100 of the most influential African-American innovators of the next generation (age 25-45). Featuring first-hand interviews and video profiles of 24 of the list\u2019s honorees, THE ROOT 100<\/strong> explores the lives and groundbreaking accomplishments of these dynamic men and women.\u00a0 The eight-episode series airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. beginning Dec. 5.<\/p>\n

Each one-hour episode features profiles of three honorees, woven together by a common theme. In revealing conversations with Omar Wasow, contributing editor to The Root and creator of The Root 100\u2019s ranking system, 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\u2019s passion and achieve success with meaning and purpose.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cTHE ROOT 100 <\/strong>presents a fascinating look at two dozen diverse and extraordinary African-Americans, who are using their voices and platforms to fundamentally change our community and our world for the better,\u201d said ASPiRE General Manager Paul Butler. \u201dASPiRE and The Root share the same commitment to celebrate and recognize the breadth and depth of African-American thought and achievement in the 21st<\/sup> century.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are thrilled ASPiRE is joining with us to celebrate this group of gifted and passionate African- Americans, who are making tremendous contributions in fields including journalism, science, technology, the arts, culture, politics, social justice, and so many others,\u201d said Donna Byrd, publisher, The Root. \u201cThis unique and uplifting television series will bring The Root\u2019s annual list to a wider audience and allows viewers to learn more about this new generation of black leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n

Luminaries profiled on the show will include journalist Melissa Harris Perry<\/strong> (#1 on the list), NAACP President\/CEO Benjamin Jealous (#3), Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed<\/strong> (#6), comedian Baratunde Thurston<\/strong> (#20), actress and activist Gabrielle Union<\/strong> (#22), Sundance award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay<\/strong> (#29), political insider Valeisha Butterfield-Jones<\/strong> (#31), journalist Tamron Hall<\/strong> (#33), tech entrepreneur Angela Benton<\/strong> (#34), singer and HIV activist Jamar Rogers<\/strong> (#39), former NFL player and LGBT youth advocate Wade Davis Jr.<\/strong> (#46), jazz pianist Jason Moran<\/strong> (#69), Facebook executive Kay Madati<\/strong> (#79), Rev. Delman Coates<\/strong> (#81), author and TV host Tour\u00e9 <\/strong>(#87), Hollywood studio executive Devon Franklin<\/strong> (#95), fashion designer Natalia Allen<\/strong> (#99), and Hill Harper <\/strong>(#53 2011 list).<\/p>\n

THE ROOT 100 <\/strong>series premiere (episodes 1 \u2013 6) schedule is as follows:<\/p>\n