Ashley Allison, a force in political strategy and communications, recently made headlines with the landmark acquisition of The Root by her company, Watering Hole Media. This move not only elevates an esteemed Black news and culture outlet but also signifies a historic shift as The Root is now officially Black-owned. The announcement marks a pivotal moment for the publication that has shaped conversations around race, culture, and politics since its inception.
Founded in 2008 by renowned Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. alongside former Washington Post chairman Donald E. Graham, The Root was envisioned as “a 21st-century version of a national Black newspaper.” With a focus on providing news and commentary that resonates with Black America, The Root quickly established itself as a vital platform for insightful perspectives on the complexities of Black life.
With this acquisition, Allison has created a full-circle moment for The Root. For over 15 years, the outlet has dedicated itself to narrating stories that are often sidelined in mainstream media. “This isn’t about making more content but rather about making meaning of this moment,” Allison stated in a recent press release shared with theGrio. Her mission is to uphold the tradition of preserving culture and clarity amid the noise of today’s fast-paced information landscape.
Allison’s extensive background includes serving as the National Coalitions Director for the Biden-Harris 2020 campaign, where she mastered the art of amplifying diverse voices. Her experience in navigating the intersections of politics, policy, and culture uniquely positions her to amplify The Root’s impact going forward. Plans are already underway for expanding The Root’s offerings, including investments in video content, collaborations with thought leaders, and enriching in-person experiences for its audience.
Professor Gates expressed his pride in Allison’s leadership, signaling optimism for The Root’s renewed journey. He articulated that the original vision when launching The Root was to offer a platform where Black voices could be centered and elevated. “Too often, legacy mainstream outlets treat Black stories as an afterthought,” Gates remarked. The goal has always been to ensure that stories about Black history, culture, and politics receive the prominence they deserve.
Adding to the excitement surrounding the acquisition, Rashad Robinson, a prominent social justice leader and former President of Color Of Change, will act as a strategic advisor to Watering Hole Media and The Root’s team. Robinson highlighted the potential this moment holds for enhancing Black voices in critical national conversations. He noted that The Root has the infrastructure to nurture Black talent and give momentum to issues that might otherwise fade from the limelight.
The acquisition from G/O Media, a private equity-backed digital media company, essentially restores The Root to its foundational mission, placing its future in the hands of Black leadership. As Gates put it, this essential move “returns The Root to its roots,” reaffirming a commitment to authentic storytelling and cultural representation. This transition is more than a business decision; it is a continuation of a legacy aimed at shaping a future where Black narratives take center stage in the media landscape.