The Root Hosts Reception for Release of The Root 100 List

NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Root, the premiere online news source for African American Influencers, will host its first The Root 100 List Release Reception on August 19 announcing the 100 African American leaders of 2014 selected to be part of The Root 100. Luxury automaker, Infiniti has partnered with The Root to host the reception in Martha's Vineyard.

"We are excited to announce the individuals who have made significant accomplishments and contributions in their fields over the past year," says managing editor, Lyne Pitts.  "The reception is our way of celebrating the honorees' endeavors while encouraging friendly competition of guessing the actual ranking."

Since 2009, The Root honors the top 100 athletes, community organizers, entertainers and philanthropists for their work in the community. Honorees, ages 25 to 45, are measured and ranked on their influence in the world and on social media. Last year, former NAACP President Ben Jealous was ranked number one on the list which also included Newark Mayor, Cory Booker, and TV show host, Queen Latifah.

"Infiniti believes it's important to recognize these leaders for the remarkable work they are doing for their communities and this country," says Allyson Witherspoon, Director, Marketing Communications and Media, Infiniti Americas. "We are thrilled to partner with The Root for such a great event to honor these individuals who are doing their part to be a part of history."

The ranking of the list will be revealed on September 10. This year, The Root 100 will feature an additional honoree through The People's Choice Award. Receiving more than 300 nominations every year, the site receives a plethora of nominations for local community leaders. The Root readers will have the opportunity to select from five nominees, one lucky winner to become The Root's 101st honoree.  The Root will announce the People's Choice Award finalists on September 17 and readers will vote for the winner through October 8 on the news site. The winner will also be announced at The Root 100 Awards Gala in November.

About The Root:

The Root is the #1 black news site. Founded in 2008 under the leadership of Prof. Henry Louis Gates Jr. of Harvard University, The Root offers a fresh take on breaking news, as well as solid analysis on politics, social issues and culture. The Root raises the profile of black voices in mainstream media and engages anyone interested in black culture around the world. Visit The Root at www.theroot.com, on Twitter @TheRoot247 and on Facebook.

About Infiniti:

Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in approximately 50 countries. The Infiniti brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States. Production in China, the UK and Mexico will start soon along with the expansion of the brand's portfolio. As the Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of Infiniti Red Bull Racing, Infiniti has a far-reaching technical collaboration with the Formula One team, and Sebastian Vettel, its four-time World Champion driver, serves as Infiniti's Director of Performance.

More information about Infiniti, its Total Ownership Experience^® and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infiniti.com. For the latest news on Infiniti, visit InfinitiNews.com, "like" Infiniti on Facebook or follow the brand on Twitter @InfinitiUSA. For interesting content on Infiniti in Formula One visit: www.infiniti-gp.com, www.youtube.com/InfinitiGP or follow on Twitter @InfinitiGP.

SOURCE The Root