Who are the exciting, innovative, creative, passionate young leaders in the African-American community who have caught your attention in the past year?
In a few months, we will announce The Root 100 for 2015 and celebrate these 25- to 45-year-olds who are forging a new direction in social justice, politics, entertainment, business, the arts, science and sports. Right now it’s your turn to submit nominations for those you think deserve this coveted honor.
There will be many well-known figures on the list, but each year, The Root 100 also seeks to recognize those whose accomplishments may have gone unacknowledged on a national level. Our honorees are ranked according to a scoring system that measures reach and substance. Last year our list was topped by The Atlantic’s national correspondent Ta-Nehisi Coates, with prolific, groundbreaking television producer Shonda Rhimes in second place.
Other names on our 2014 list included transgender activist Janet Mock, the Seattle Seahawks’ Richard Sherman and urban environmentalist Tanya Fields. The Root staff will spend the next weeks collecting nominations, arguing over and defending the choices, and running all the names through the stringent criteria we use to determine the rankings.
You, the members of the public, have until June 30 to contribute to this process. Submit, as many times as you would like, the names of those you believe are leading us to a brighter future. Just fill out The Root 100 2015 nomination form below (required fields are noted with an asterisk).