Ashley Allison Brings The Root Back to Black Ownership — and Back to Its Original Mission

Ashley Allison is a name everyone should know — and remember.

In a powerful and symbolic move for media representation, The Root, a pioneering digital publication founded to celebrate and analyze the Black experience, is officially returning to Black ownership for the first time in years. The woman making it happen is none other than Ashley Allison, a seasoned political strategist, community advocate, and media commentator whose career has been defined by amplifying diverse voices and driving social impact (CNN).

Allison, a former Obama White House official and current CNN political analyst, has acquired The Root through Watering Hole Media, a company she founded in 2024 with the goal of investing in media that tells authentic stories through a culturally rooted lens (The Washington Post). The acquisition marks the first major purchase under her new venture, signaling a fresh era for one of the most influential digital platforms in Black journalism.

Founded in 2008 by Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Donald E. Graham, The Root was envisioned as a “21st-century version of a national Black newspaper” — a modern hub for thought-provoking commentary on politics, culture, and identity (The Root archives). Over the years, it became a trusted space for both serious dialogue and cultural celebration, producing groundbreaking coverage of issues like police reform, voting rights, and Black entertainment.

Allison’s leadership promises not just continuity, but renewal. She told CNN that her vision is to “invest in video storytelling, expert partnerships, and community-based experiences” that connect journalism directly with lived experiences. “This isn’t about making more content,” she explained. “It’s about making meaning of this moment — when truth and independent reporting are more vital than ever.”

Her career credentials underscore why she’s uniquely prepared for this role. Allison served as National Coalitions Director for the Biden-Harris 2020 campaign, where she built bridges between diverse voter groups and the campaign’s core leadership (Politico). Before that, she was National Director of Partner Engagement under the Obama administration, where she worked to strengthen ties between the White House and grassroots communities.

A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Allison is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., continuing the sorority’s long legacy of leadership and public service.

In a public statement, Allison emphasized that this transition is about reclaiming agency and storytelling power:

“The Root has always been about preserving culture and creating clarity in a world full of distractions,” she said. “Owning the power to tell our own stories is a rich tradition The Root is committed to upholding.” (Essence).

Her acquisition comes amid broader discussions about Black media ownership and sustainability, as many legacy platforms have faced financial or structural challenges under corporate oversight. Industry observers see this as a significant turning point — a moment of “re-rooting” for one of the internet’s most culturally significant publications (NPR).

By bringing The Root back under Black ownership, Allison is not just reviving a publication — she’s restoring a legacy. Her plans to integrate multimedia storytelling and audience engagement may well redefine how digital journalism speaks to, and for, Black America.

With her vision, experience, and deep sense of cultural purpose, the future of The Root looks both powerful and personal.

Congratulations to Ashley Allison and her team — the story of The Root’s rebirth is a story of reclamation, resilience, and renaissance.