WASHINGTON, November 5, 2008—The Root, an online magazine featuring perspectives from prominent and emerging black thought leaders, today covers the historical significance of the 2008 U.S. presidential race and what it means for the future. The Root will provide a range of commentary from renowned writers including Henry Louis Gates Jr., Alice Walker and Omar Wasow in addition to many others.

"There is no question this election is an historic moment for the entire country. We wanted to provide our audience with a reflection of history—significant, meaningful essays from various generations of African-American voices, and look at what's ahead through smart, unique commentary that continues the ongoing conversation with our readers," said Lynette Clemetson, Managing Editor of The Root.

Gates, Editor-in-Chief of The Root and Alphonse Fletcher University Professor at Harvard University and Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African-American Research, today published his article about how this election is one of the greatest moments in American history. Plus, Pulitzer-Prize winner Alice Walker submits an open letter to Barack Obama as he breaks monumental ground. The Root's Product Strategist Omar Wasow provides shape to how the Web impacted this significant victory, as an Internet analyst from the post-Civil Rights generation.

Other commentary includes Rebecca Walker on America's changing identity, Lonnie Bunch, director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, on how we take stock of this historic moment, Martin Johnson with reactions from 125th street in Harlem and much more.

With the country's first African-American President, The Root is the destination for both familiar voices and new faces focused on the wide variety of black perspectives and analysis that will play an important role in the dialogue on this new administration. Writers include:

• Former Time columnist Jack White
• Marjorie Valbrun, an award-winning reporter who writes extensively about the intersection of race and politics
• Associate Professor of History at Spelman College W. Jelani Cobb
• Brooklyn-based senior political writer Kai Wright whose work explores the politics of sex, race, and health
• Dayo Olopade formerly of The New Republic
• Blogger David Swerdlick who has written regularly for The Root on race and politics.

For a complete look at The Root's unique offerings, visit www.TheRoot.com.

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About TheRoot.com
The Root is a daily online magazine that targets the post-Civil Rights Generation with original, provocative commentary and analysis on politics, social issues and culture from a variety of perspectives. Dedicated to increasing the breadth and depth of black voices engaged in debate about the most important issues of the day, The Root is built on the strength of a robust and diverse group of contributors, and has an editorial sensibility that reflects the confidence and divergent world views of its audience.

TheRoot.com is owned by The Slate Group, an online publishing subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO) and can be found on the Web at www.theroot.com.