Ashley Allison is a name everyone should know!
The Root, a groundbreaking digital platform created for and about Black America, is returning to Black ownership for the first time in years, thanks to her.
Ashley Allison, a Democratic political strategist, CNN commentator, and former Obama White House official, has officially acquired the publication. The purchase marks the first acquisition by Watering Hole Media, a company she founded last year.
Allison said she plans to invest in video content, build partnerships with experts, and create in-person experiences for readers.
“This isn’t about making more content but rather about making meaning of this moment,” she told CNN, pointing to a time when journalism is under attack and audiences are seeking independent sources for news.
Her career includes serving as national coalitions director for the Biden-Harris 2020 campaign and as national director of partner engagement under President Obama. She is also a graduate of The Ohio State University and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Founded in 2008, The Root was envisioned as “a 21st-century version of a national Black newspaper.” From its earliest days, it has been a platform to amplify Black voices, culture, and perspectives across politics, society, and the arts.
In a statement, Allison emphasized the deeper purpose behind this new chapter: “The Root has always been about preserving culture and creating clarity in a world full of distractions. Owning the power to tell our own stories is a rich tradition The Root is committed to upholding.”
We know The Root is back in good hands! Congratulations to Ashley Allison and the entire team!
Cover photo: Political Strategist Ashley Allison, Acquires The Root, Returning it to Black Ownership / Photo Credit: Kirth Bobb