The Root

The Root (theroot.com) is a prominent digital publication that provides news, opinion, cultural criticism, and lifestyle content from an African American viewpoint. Founded in 2008 by renowned academic Henry Louis Gates Jr. and media executive Donald E. Graham, the site quickly established itself as a major voice in black journalism. It was originally part of The Washington Post Company but later acquired by Univision Communications in 2015. In 2019, Univision sold The Root to G/O Media, a digital media conglomerate that also owns other popular outlets such as Gizmodo, Kotaku, and Jezebel. The Root covers a wide range of topics including politics, social justice, entertainment, sports, and history, often with an analytical and progressive slant. Its content includes articles, podcasts, and video series, and it has a strong presence on social media. The site has won several awards for its journalism and is frequently referenced by mainstream media. Despite being a digital-native publication, the domain itself was registered in 1999, indicating prior use before the current incarnation. The Root's traffic rank of approximately 26,000 globally underscores its substantial web presence. It targets African American audiences and allies, aiming to inform, educate, and empower. The publication has also faced criticism for editorial biases but remains a respected platform for black voices. Its workforce, while not publicly detailed, likely includes a dedicated editorial team. The Root continues to adapt to the evolving digital landscape, producing content that resonates with its core demographic while attracting a broader readership.