The Official Lineup for the 2023 Root Institute

For the second year in a row, The Root Institute assembles in our nation’s capital to bring together America’s greatest Black minds.

For one full day, The Root’s newsroom shares the stage at Howard University with Black luminaries from every corner of the nation as we focus on building a blueprint for a better Black America.

Many thanks to this year’s sponsors Amazon Black Business Accelerator, Google, and CareQuest Institute for Oral Health for supporting these thought-provoking conversations, exploring the arts, education, technology, healthcare, business, and advocacy.

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In light of the Supreme Court’s slashing of affirmative action, HBCU leaders are finding ways to move forward.

Featuring

Lisa Crooms-Robinson, Interim Dean of the School of Law at Howard University

Jacqueline Jones, Dean of the School of Global Journalism & Communication at Morgan State University

Yanick Rice Lamb, professor and former Chair of Howard University’s Department of Media, Journalism and Film

Panelists will discuss how researchers and creators are trying to ensure AI is Black friendly, in spite of the lack of representation in the field. Featuring

Mutale Nkonde, Founding CEO of AI for the People

Gbolahan Olanubi, PhD, Senior UX Researcher at Google

Jamila Smith-Loud, Research Manager of Responsible AI at Google

Ingrid Sturgis, Department Chair of Media, Journalism, Film, and Communication at Howard University

Legendary television producer and author Susan Fales-Hill discusses Hollywood’s Black story and how our favorite Black characters evolve in the writer’s room.Featuring

Susan Fales-Hill, consulting writer/producer of Max’s And Just Like That

Shanelle Genai, Entertainment Writer at The Root

This panel will tackle the accelerating Black maternal morbidity and mortality crisis, the impact of COVID-19, how abortion bans fuel that crisis, racism and income inequality, and most importantly, where we go from here. Each panelist will bring their unique perspective on how we can get to a place where Black pregnant people can feel safe in this country.

Presented by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health

Featuring

Dr. Uché Blackstock, Founding CEO of Advancing Health Equity

Dr. Joia Crear-Perry, Founder and Director of the National Birth Equity Collaborative

Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, CEO of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health

Oriaku Njoku, Executive Director of the National Network of Abortion Funds

Jessica Washington, Senior Reporter at The Root

The Root editor-in-chief Tatsha Robertson catches up with veteran journalist Don Lemon to discuss the media, Black men, and his new life.Featuring

Don Lemon, writer, TV journalist, and former anchor of CNN primetime program Don Lemon Tonight

Tatsha Robertson, Editor-in-Chief of The Root 

Many young people think democracy is a given, but is it?Featuring

Dr. Greg Carr, Associate Professor of Afro-American Studies at Howard University and Adjunct Professor at Howard School of Law

Dr. David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition

Jasper Smith, Editor-in-Chief of The Hilltop

We’ll talk about what Democrats are doing to engage Black voters, particularly Black male voters, this election cycle. We’ll also get into Democrats’ plans to address the concerns of low-income Americans and whether they can live up to the promise of Biden-economics.Featuring

Jaime Harrison, Chair of Democratic National Committee

Jessica Washington, Senior Reporter for The Root

We see it all over the news: Black successful women are targeted in the workforce, at home, and on the political front. Our esteemed panel will explore this hot topic and why is it that Black women are always placed on the hot seat.

Presented by Google

Featuring

Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Mayor of Atlanta

Orlena Nwokah Blanchard, Managing Partner at Seven Elements Group and co-creator of the CROWN Act Movement

Melonie Parker, Global Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Google

Reecie Colbert, host of The Reecie Colbert Show 

This panel of DC insiders will discuss the strength of the young vote, especially the powerful Black male vote, which experts say is being targeted by everyone from Trump, the Republican party, the dark web, Russians, and everyone in between.

Featuring

Stephen Benjamin, Senior Advisor to President Biden

Jotaka Eaddy, Founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies

Antjuan Seawright, CEO of Blueprint Strategy

Keith Reed, contributor to The Root

These powerful Black women will explain how they successfully use their shows to promote entrepreneurial female empowerment.

Featuring

Venita Aspen, star of Bravo’s Southern Charm

Cynthia Bailey, alum of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta

Candiace Dillard-Bassett, star of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Potomac

Jordan Emanuel, star of Bravo’s Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard

Dr. Wendy Osefo, star of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Potomac

Shanelle Genai, Entertainment Writer for The Root

A Shark Tank casting agent, an Amazon influencer, and an author are turning their respective niches into empires. This panel will show a different side of entrepreneurship and economic equity.Presented by Amazon Black Business Accelerator

Featuring

Brandon Andrews, casting consultant for Shark Tank and Cofounder of Gauge

Nneka Kanu, attorney and style influencer Queen of Sleeves

Denene Millner, author, podcaster, and radio host

Danyel Surrency Jones, Head of Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator

Erin Horne McKinney, National Executive Director of Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship

Chef Carla Hall will use stories from the evolution of her personal and professional life to instill lessons she’s learned along the way, from overcoming fear to building confidence and learning the importance of risk-taking. Hall will supply us with the tools that we need to build a better Black America.

Featuring

Carla Hall, TV personality, chef, and author

Amira Castilla, Staff Writer for The Root

In an era of misinformation and miseducation, what role does the media play for Black folk in the coming election and beyond?

Featuring

Bakari Sellers, former State Representative of South Carolina

Tatsha Robertson, Editor-in-Chief of The Root

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