(The Root) — One core mission of The Root is to reveal and recognize African Americans who are breaking ground, raising the bar and effecting meaningful change in the world. We do that in many ways throughout the year, but our signature means of recognizing our community's best and brightest, since 2009, is through The Root 100 annual list of black achievers and influencers, ages 25-45. The Root 100 honorees not only excel in their fields but also are people who use their influence to shape the world and make it a better place. Otherwise, what is all that influence really good for?
It's in that spirit that we reveal our top-ranked honoree for 2012: scholar, author and MSNBC television-show host Melissa Harris-Perry. "For me, success is when I'm making a contribution and fully engaging all of my talents," Harris-Perry once said. Evidence of that success over the past year is clear in how the Tulane University political science professor has handled the national platform that came with her new MSNBC news show, Melissa Harris-Perry. She has used it not only to air the typical hot-button issues that feed the cable-news beast, like the latest politician's gaffe, but also to discuss the tough topics that many would rather not face, like felon voter rights, anti-Muslim bigotry and the way the poor are being ignored and vilified in politics.
Harris-Perry's approach to success is one that is shared by others on The Root 100 2012 list, all of whom were noted for how they exercised their influence within the past year. Second on the list is Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker, who is known not only for his Twitter savvy and a fiery platform speech during the 2012 Democratic National Convention but also for saving a neighbor from a burning building in April. It goes without saying that NAACP President Benjamin Jealous, No. 3 on the list, uses his influence in the service of others; but by leading the rights organization to fight voter-suppression tactics and stop-and-frisk policies, as well as taking a stand in support of same-sex marriage, Jealous has shown that he is unafraid to take on controversial causes.
Others who took on controversial causes include civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump (No. 5), who represents the family of slain Florida teen Trayvon Martin, and columnist Charles M. Blow (No. 16), who received his share of flack for his repeated coverage of Trayvon's death and its aftermath. Pastor Delman Coates (No. 81) has likewise braved criticism to speak out in support of marriage equality.
In an election year, it's especially important to take note of those who represent us and those who affect our lives behind the scenes in politics. Joining Booker in the top 10 on The Root 100 list were Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed (No. 6) and Charlotte, N.C., Mayor Anthony Foxx (No. 10) — both active surrogates for President Barack Obama. Saratoga Springs, Utah, Mayor Mia Love (No. 25), who raised the roof at this year's Republican National Convention, is also noteworthy for her run to become the first black female Republican in Congress. Less publicly known, but still influential, are national African-American-vote director at Obama for America Stefanie Brown (No. 32) and senior communications adviser for Mitt Romney Tara Wall (No. 41).
Among the government officials who made this year's list are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Kevin Fenton (No. 12), who is fighting the spread of HIV, and the U.S. Education Department's Russlyn Ali (No. 64), who oversees the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.
Of course, with reach being a criterion for ranking The Root 100, entertainers and media professionals are well-represented on the list. Most of those whom we selected have not only had a good year professionally but also demonstrated dedication to a cause that betters the world around them, or commitment to using their celebrity for a higher cause. Jay-Z (No. 8), Octavia Spencer (No. 13), John Legend (No. 14), Beyoncé (No. 15) and Kerry Washington (No. 23) are all using their celebrity to help support President Obama's re-election campaign. Gabrielle Union (No. 22) uses her prominence to raise awareness about breast cancer and rape, while Will.i.am (No. 28) promotes education in science and technology. Jamar Rogers (No. 39) was a finalist on the first 2012 season of NBC's The Voice, then used his platform as an HIV-positive star to join the CDC's Let's Stop HIV Together campaign. Frank Ocean (No. 11) stands out for his R&B artistry, as well as for his moving letter to fans, in which he shared that his first love was a man — not an easy step in an industry that still harbors homophobia.
The Summer Olympics this year in London gave a number of honorees on our list a chance to shine: Tennis phenoms Serena (No. 4) and Venus Williams (No. 17), basketball great LeBron James (No. 7), swimmer Cullen Jones (No. 62), indoor-volleyball player Destinee Hooker (No. 67) and sprinter Allyson Felix (No. 75) were among them. (And we adore champion gymnast Gabby Douglas, but alas, the teen is too young to qualify for The Root 100.)
Looking to the worlds of business and technology, tech entrepreneurs Tristan Walker (No. 19) and Angela Benton (No. 34) stand out in a field that lacks a sizable black presence; so do Socialcam CEO Michael Seibel (No. 50) and Facebook marketing executive Kay Madati (No. 79). Money-management executive Mellody Hobson (No. 36) and branding guru Steve Stoute (No. 63) do as well.
Many others made the list, in fields as diverse as cancer research (Levi Garraway, at No. 93), eco-friendly apparel design (Natalia Allen, at No. 99) and photography (Hank Willis Thomas, at No. 27). Check them out, as well as our breakout pages showing honorees who are new to The Root 100 universe and have never been selected before, the women of The Root 100 and the men of The Root 100.
Do you have a favorite or two? Show them some love by using the social media buttons on their individual pages to share their profiles with others. You can find their pages via our face wall or the traditional list.
You can also track their influence as it rises and falls, using our Android app. Each app aggregates content from across the Web and social media so that fans can get real-time news about each individual. Find your favorite influencer and download his or her app today, using the link on the influencer's profile page or on the Android marketplace.
Finally, let us know what you think of this year's list, and be sure to respond to next year's call for nominations. Your input always helps us pull together a list that recognizes the best our community has to offer.
Sheryl Huggins Salomon is managing editor of The Root.
Sheryl Huggins Salomon is senior editor-at-large of The Root and a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based editorial consultant. Follow her on Twitter.