Washington Post Starts an Online Magazine for Blacks

By RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA
Published: January 28, 2008
Correction Appended

In attempt to broaden its online audience, The Washington Post Company on Monday is to introduce an online magazine primarily for a black audience, with news and commentary on politics and culture, and tools for readers to research their family histories.

The Root’s emphasis on genealogy may set it apart from rivals.

Henry Louis Gates Jr., a writer and a professor of African and African-American studies at Harvard, is the editor in chief of the magazine, called The Root, which he conceived with Donald E. Graham, chief executive of the company.

The magazine is based in Washington, free to readers and will be found at www.theroot.com.