As EBONY enters its 80th year, the unveiling of the 2025 Power 100 list marks a new chapter in the brand’s commitment to cultural excellence. The list celebrates leaders across various fields, such as business, STEM, sports, activism, media, and music. These honorees represent a diverse range of talents who are reshaping the landscape and pushing boundaries, both individually and collectively, showcasing the richness of the Black experience.
This year, EBONY’s Power 100 is not just a list; it is a celebration of the Black community’s impact on society and culture, reflecting the past, honoring the present, and paving the way for the future.
The 2025 Power 100 list brings together an inspiring group of leaders. From Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson to Sterling K. Brown, Tony Award-winning actress Kara Young, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin, and activist RaeShanda Lias, each honoree exemplifies excellence in their respective fields. The list also shines a spotlight on young visionaries such as Blue Ivy Carter and new innovators like Waymo Co-CEO Tekedra N. Mawakana.
As EBONY celebrates its eight decades of influence, the 2025 Power 100 gala, set for November 4 in Los Angeles, will be the crowning moment of this year-long anniversary celebration. This annual event is more than a tradition—it’s a gathering that symbolizes Black excellence, bringing together icons and trailblazers to reflect on the legacy of EBONY and the brilliance of what lies ahead.
The honorees span several categories, each contributing to the cultural landscape:
Artists in Residence: Visionaries reshaping culture through groundbreaking art:
Derrick Adams, Multidisciplinary Artist
Skyler Grey, Street Artist
Monique Rodriguez, Author
Alicia Graf Mack, Artistic Director, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Jonathan McCrory, Executive Artistic Director, National Black Theatre
Business Disruptors: Innovators transforming industries:
Kimberly Blackwell, Founder & CEO, PMM/ExcelerateHER
Yunice Emir, Head of Corporate Communications, Moët Hennessy
Marchoe Northern, President, North American Fabric Care, Procter & Gamble
Omar Goff, President, Mielle Organics
Everette Taylor, CEO, Kickstarter
Community Crusaders: Champions of social change:
Brandon Scott, Brandon Johnson, & Randall Woodfin, Mayors of Baltimore, Chicago, and Birmingham
Jotaka Eaddy, Founder & CEO, Full Circle Strategies, LLC
Brian Baccus, Jamal Smith, & Antoinette “Toni” Raines, Advocates & Co-Hosts of Altadena Talks
Entertainment Powerhouses: Cultural catalysts shaping the media and entertainment future:
Aaron Pierre, Actor
Traci Blackwell, Head of Targeted Content, Prime Video
Wunmi Mosaku, Actress & Activist
Mara Brock Akil, Director, Writer, & Producer
Aldis Hodge, Actor & Producer
Generation Next: Rising stars under 40 breaking barriers:
Natalia Bryant, Board Member, Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation
Miles Caton, Singer & Actor
Jakian Parks, CEO/Founder, Oklahoma Cowboys
Golloria George, Beauty Content Creator
Influential Creators: Digital pioneers shaping conversations:
Sam Boakye, Founder/Creative Director
Lynae Vanee, Digital Content Creator
Blakely Thornton, Digital Content Creator
King Willonius, Digital Content Creator
Leaders in Sports: Athletes and executives transforming sports:
Carmelo Anthony, Former NBA player/2025 Hall of Famer
Claressa Shields, 2x Gold Medalist & Boxing World Champion
Nigel Sylvester, BMX Athlete
Jaia Thomas, Founder, Diverse Representation
Media Mavens: Thought leaders revolutionizing storytelling:
Leah Anise, Consumer Communications Lead, OpenAI
Chris “Speedy” Morman, Correspondent at COMPLEX
Recho Omondi, Podcast Host/Founder
Music Innovators: Pioneers shaping the musical world:
Leon Thomas III, Singer/Musician/Songwriter
Terrell Grice, Singer/Host
Shiona Turini, Costume Designer, The Cowboy Carter Tour
Cleo Sol, Singer
STEM Trailblazers: Pioneers advancing technology and innovation:
Theresa Claiborne, Captain (Ret.), United Airlines
Tekedra N. Mawakana, Co-CEO, Waymo
Jordan Taylor, Co-Founder & CEO, Vizcom AI
Miles Braxton, CEO & Founder, Okovate
Gloria Washington, Associate Professor, Howard University
As EBONY’s legacy continues, the 2025 Power 100 list reflects not just the achievements of individuals but the collective power of the Black community to shape the cultural and societal future.
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