EBONY magazine, the authentic perspective on the African-American community, has announced its annual EBONY Power 100 List, celebrating those whose work and heroism continue to inspire and influence society. For more than 30 years, the EBONY Power 100 List has been curated by the editors of EBONY magazine and its staff, and is determined by the work, accomplishments and influential reach of each of the honorees.
The past year has been an epic period of accomplishment and triumph for the African-American community. Black Panther became a cultural phenomenon that swept the globe, becoming the biggest-grossing movie directed by a Black filmmaker; social activist Tarana Burke continued to represent #MeToo movement as a global icon for victims of sexual harassment throughout the world; and several African-American lawmakers across the country made history, among them London Breed, the first Black female LGBT mayor.
The 2018 EBONY Power 100 List recognizes the most influential and inspiring from the African-American community in the following eight categories: “Community Crusaders,” “Disruptors,” “Entertainment & Arts,” “Entrepreneurs,” “Innovators,” “MVPs,” “Power Players” and the coveted “Women Up.” .
“We are delighted to announce this year’s coveted EBONY Power 100 List of exemplary honorees,” says EBONY Media Operations CEO Michael Gibson. “Each year, we select the most outstanding individuals and prolific leaders who represent today’s African-American community and excellence in their respective fields. Over the past year we have witnessed pioneers from Hollywood, professional athletes from numerous sports, politicians and lawmakers throughout the country, business leaders from close-knit neighborhoods and heroic community activists all emerge as trailblazers and firebrands, each of whom who has made a significant impact on a national or international scale. In 2020, we will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of EBONY magazine, and we look forward to this year’s pre-cursor of what will be a momentous occasion. I would like to congratulate all our 2018 Power 100 honorees.”
Former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama lead the Entertainment & Arts category, with a focus on Mrs. Obama’s book tour for her new memoir, Becoming. Barry Jenkins, director of the Academy Award-winning Moonlight and the upcoming film If Beale Street Could Talk, is also being honored in the Entertainment & Arts category for his achievements in the film industry. Tony Award-winning actor Billy Porter is another Entertainment & Arts honoree for his role in the television series Pose. Other notables being honored in the Entertainment & Arts category include the cast of Black Panther, and rappers Cardi B, Drake and Travis Scott. Athletes being honored in the MVPs category include Houston Rockets guard James Harden, Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry and professional WWE wrestler Thaddeus Bullard aka WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil.
2018 EBONY Power 100 List also includes politicians and lawmakers who made the news over the past year. These include Stacey Abrams, the first Black Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee (honored in The Disruptors category); Andrew Gillum, Mayor of Tallahassee and the first Black candidate for governor of Florida (honored in Disruptors category); Keisha Lance Bottoms, the second Black female mayor of Atlanta (honored in the Women Up category); and London Breed, the first Black female LGBT mayor of San Francisco (also honored in the Women Up category).
Other honorees run the gamut of industry, community activism and more. Tarana Burke needs no introduction as an African-American civil rights activist from The Bronx who achieved global acclaim after starting the #MeToo movement. Tarana will be recognized in the Community Crusaders category. Rosalind Brewer will be recognized in the Women Up category as the first African-American woman to the hold the position as Group President and Chief Operating Officer at Starbucks. Stacey D. Stewart, President, March of Dimes, will be recognized in the Disruptors category as the first African-American female president to lead the charitable organization. Junior Flip Kids, recognized in the Entrepreneurs category, is a company made up of six schoolchildren aged 7 to 13 years old, who met with Oprah Winfrey before starting their business to transform distressed properties into renovated single-family homes in Washington D.C, and Maryland. Cheryl “Action” Jackson will be recognized in the Community Crusaders category for Minnie’s Pantry, an organization that has provided over 6 million meals to families in need.
Honorees are recognized each year at the EBONY Power 100 Gala, presented by Nationwide. The event will take place this year Nov. 30 in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton. During the gala, the prestigious EBONY Power 100 Award recipients will be recognized for their contributions to business and industry.
“Nationwide is pleased to once again partner with Ebony magazine to honor and celebrate this year’s distinguished Ebony Power 100 honorees,” says Nationwide Chief Administrative Officer Gale V. King. “Congratulations to these men and women for leading extraordinary lives — for making a difference in their chosen fields – and being a force for good. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and contributions at the November gala.”
