The annual list that highlights African American achievement is here. The Root 100, sourced by theroot.com, honors the year’s “most influential African Americans, ages 25 to 45.” The coveted #1 spot for 2017 goes to director, writer, and producer, Jordan Peele. Most well known as one half of the gut-busting duo “Key & Peele” (Comedy Central), the sketch comedy writer took it to the silver screen this year with a major blockbuster hit. “Get Out” is his horror flick that “hilariously revealed the frightening truth that white, liberal allies ain’t always our friends.”



We’re especially excited about the #2 spot on the 2017 list for African American achievement – Solange Knowles. Of course, Beyoncé is ultra-popular, but what does that say about Solange who has topped her beloved big sister on just about every chart this year? According to Solange’s Root 100 entry, her record “A Seat at the Table” is “life anthems compiled into album form for black life living.” The Root 100 goes on to say, “This shit, she explained, was specifically for us. For that reason, the album peaked at the top spot on the Billboard charts, proof that its deeply personal content resonated in the hearts and ears of others.”



African American Achievement at Glamour

Solange-Glamour-2

Gaultier Paris dress. Rachel Comey earrings. Maison Margiela belt.

Solange just landed the cover of Glamour where she has been named one the fashion magazine’s “Women of the Year.“

Solange-Glamour-2

Center Stage “I’m still afraid, I’m still vulnerable, I still punk out, but I’m living my truth in abundance all the time.” Gucci top, pants. Rachel Comey earrings. Stuart Weitzman boots.

More African American Achievement

Other notable “innovators, leaders, public figures and game changers” on the Root 100 list of African American achievement are:

#4 – Ava DuVernay
#5 – Ta-Nehisi Coates (link)
#6 – Donald Glover
#11 – Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (link)
#12 – Tracee Ellis Ross
#13 – Yamiche Alcindor
#14 – Janelle Monáe (link)
#17 – Colin Kaepernick
#23 – Tiffany Haddish
#25 – Issa Rae
#28 – Jessica Williams (link)
#31 – Sterling K. Brown (link)
#36 – Mahershala Ali (link)
#41 – Lena Waithe
#45 – Michael Bennett
#48 – Martellus Bennett
#62 – Chadwick Boseman
#65 – Vann R. Newkirk II
#68 – Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter
#69 – Brittney Cooper
#74 – André Holland
#75 – Franchesca Ramsey
#80 – Tracy K. Smith
#100 – Nailah Ellis-Brown

 

 

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