The Root has unveiled this year's list of the 100 most influential African Americans under 45 years of age. They reflect the richness and variety of leadership in the African-American community.

 

This is the third year that The Root 100 has compiled a list of the most influential African Americans between the ages of 25 and 45, but the first time they have actually ranked them.

 

This year the number of mentions in the media, Internet search results, etc. are taken into account. Some metrics are injected into the process of selecting the 100 stars in order to better capture the level of influence and reach of these honorees. A measure of substance, based on the judgment of editors, is introduced to help come up with an overall influence score.

 

The result is a cornucopia of black talent that reaches deep into the community. The following are the top 20 of them. 

 

   Steve Perry

 

	Steve Perry Education reformer who wrote the best-selling book 'Push Has Come to Shove: Getting Our Kids the Education They Deserve.'
Influence: 89 Reach:11.1 Substance: 8.0 Media: 160 Internet: 86900	Job: Educator and author Sector: Community Location: Hartford, Conn. Age: 41

In 1998 Steve Perry created a solution to educational inequalities with his Connecticut Collegiate Awareness Program, which sent 100 percent of its graduates to college for six years. Then, in 2004, Perry founded the Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford. Since opening, the school has sent all of its graduates to four-year colleges, and U.S. News & World Report has named it one of America's best high schools. This year Perry's Push Has Come to Shove: Getting Our Kids the Education They Deserve became a best-seller.