- AIRS EXCLUSIVELY ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 AT 8 P.M. EST "¢ CNN's Emmy® Award-Winning Journalist and Anchor Suzanne Malveaux Hosts with Interviews by Political Strategist/Writer/Commentator Jamal Simmons -

(BLACK PR WIRE) – ATLANTA – November 25, 2013 – Hosted by Emmy®-winning television journalist and CNN Anchor Suzanne Malveaux and featuring first-hand interviews by Political Strategist/Writer/Commentator Jamal Simmons, ASPiRE’s (@tvASPiRE) original weekly series THE ROOT 100 (#TheRoot100) returns for a second season on Wednesday, November 27 at 8 p.m. EST. Based on online news and commentary site The Root’s (TheRoot.com) 4th annual list of 100 of the most influential African-American innovators of the next generation (age 25-45), THE ROOT 100’s second season will explore the lives and groundbreaking accomplishments of 24 of these dynamic men and women. The season premiere spotlights “The Vanguards”: Grammy® Award-winning artist John Legend, ASPiRE’s “exhale” Co-Host and Director/Writer/Actress Issa Rae and Chairman and CEO of Uniworld Group Monique Nelson. Subsequent episodes through December 18 will focus on “The Progressives,” “The Champions” and “Empowering Spirits.”

The first four episodes will feature:

THE VANGUARDS – AIRS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 8 P.M. EST – SEASON PREMIERE
In the second season premiere, Grammy® Award-winning artist and activist John Legend, co-host of ASPiRE’s talk show “exhale” and Director/Writer/Actress Issa Rae and Chairman and CEO of Uniworld Group Monique Nelson talk about their groundbreaking work. Whether it’s bringing diversity to the media or being at the forefront of educational reform, these honorees of THE ROOT 100 are using their unique talents and ideas to open America’s eyes to a new point of view.
GUESTS:
John Legend, Grammy® Award-winning artist and activist (@johnlegend)
Issa Rae, “exhale” Co-Host and Director/Writer/Actress (@IssaRae)
Monique Nelson, chairman and CEO of Uniworld Group (@MoniqueUWGCEO)

THE PROGRESSIVES – AIRS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 8 P.M. EST
CNN’s “Crossfire” Co-Host Van Jones, Reverend Howard-John Wesley and LGBT rights activist Danielle Moodie-Mills share what they consider true progress and why they’ll never let us go back to “the way things used to be.” These Root 100 honorees are using their influence to challenge the status quo and put this country on a path towards progress.
GUESTS:
Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, pastor and social activist (@PastorHJW)
Danielle Moodie-Mills, LGBT rights activist/critic Danielle Moodie-Mills (@DeeTwoCents)
Van Jones, “CNN Crossfire” Host and civil rights activist Van Jones (@VanJones68)

THE CHAMPIONS – AIRS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 8 P.M. EST
Fruitvale Station Director Ryan Coogler, CNN’s Sunni Hostin and Dr. Garth Graham share what it means to be a true champion and how their passions impact us all. All three Root 100 honorees are using their unique platform in the fight for justice and equality in America.
GUESTS:
Sunni Hostin, Attorney, TV Host and CNN contributor (@SunnyHostin),
Dr. Garth Graham, public health expert and President of the Aetna Foundation (@Aetna)
Ryan Coogler, Sundance Jury Award-winning Director of Fruitvale Station (@fruitvalemovie)

EMPOWERING SPIRITS – AIRS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 8 P.M. EST
Presidential appointee and Director of Presidential Personnel Jonathan McBride, Tony® Award-winning actor Billy Porter and NAACP’s Senior Director for Voting Rights Jotaka Eaddy discuss the motivation behind their work and what it really takes to effect change in the lives of others. What their extraordinary experience reveals empowers us with the knowledge that anything is possible.
GUESTS:
Jotaka Eaddy, Voting rights activist Jotaka Eaddy (@JotakaEaddy)
Jonathan McBride, Assistant to President Obama and Director of Presidential Personnel
Billy Porter, Tony® Award-winner actor from Billy Porter (@thebillyporter)

Each one-hour episode features profiles of three honorees, woven together by common themes, including community, faith, politics, arts, entertainment, sports, business, technology, science and health. In revealing conversations, each honoree discusses intimate moments, turning points in their lives and their aspirations to affect change. Through these inspirational stories, the series provides insight into what it really takes to pursue one’s passion and achieve success with meaning and purpose.

ASPiRE presents a Perez-Brown Media Group production. THE ROOT 100 is hosted by Emmy®-winning television journalist and CNN Anchor Suzanne Malveaux, with interviews by Political Strategist/Writer/Commentator Jamal Simmons. Executive producer is Keith Brown. Co-executive producer is Lynne Robinson.

Follow our host and correspondent at:
• Suzanne Malveaux on Twitter @SuzanneMalveaux, and on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SuzanneCNN
• Jamal Simmons on Twitter @JamalSimmons, and on his website www.jamalsimmons.com.

For more information, please go to www.aspire.tv.

About ASPiRE
ASPiRE is a television network targeted to African-Americans and celebrates the groundbreaking achievements of our past, our now and our next. ASPiRE offers a diverse programming mix of movies, series and specials featuring music, comedy, drama, faith/inspiration, theater/performing arts, lifestyle and news/information. The network was launched June 27, 2012 by Magic Johnson Enterprises, which acts as a catalyst for driving unparalleled business results for its partners and fosters community/economic empowerment by making available high-quality entertainment, products and services that answer the demands of ethnically diverse urban communities. ASPiRE is available in more than 16 million homes in 21 of the top 25 African-American markets including New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Washington, DC. through Comcast and Time Warner. For more information, visit www.aspire.tv, facebook.com/aspireTV and on Twitter @tvaspire.

About Magic Johnson Enterprises
Magic Johnson Enterprises acts as a catalyst for driving unparalleled business results for its partners and fosters community/economic empowerment by making available high-quality entertainment, products and services that answer the demands of ethnically diverse urban communities. For more information, visit http://magicjohnson.com/enterprises.

About The Root
The Root is the premier news, opinion and culture site for African-American influencers. Founded in 2008, under the leadership of Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., The Root provides smart, timely coverage of breaking news, thought-provoking commentary and gives voice to a changing, more diverse America. The Root is a subsidiary of The Slate Group which is owned by The Washington Post Company. For more information visit www.theroot.com, on Twitter @TheRoot247 and on Facebook.