Celebrating 80 Years of Black Excellence: The 2025 EBONY Power 100 Gala

80 Years of Achievement: 2025 EBONY Power 100 Gala

On November 5, 2025, the EBONY Media Group hosted its illustrious 80th Anniversary Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, a night dedicated to honoring Black excellence through the recognition of influential innovators, leaders, and visionaries in various fields. The star-studded event was not only a celebration of the past achievements but also a beckoning forward for future trailblazers. Host Robin Thede, known for her vibrant comedy and engaging presence, led the evening with an array of performances that left attendees captivated, featuring Grammy-winning artists Lucky Daye and Ari Lennox.

The gala’s atmosphere was electric, as the audience composed of industry giants, Hollywood stars, and community leaders gathered to applaud the honorees who have made significant impacts across culture, business, sports, and entertainment. The November issue of EBONY magazine showcased a special cover featuring this year’s awardees, further highlighting their remarkable contributions.

Among the prestigious honorees, Tracee Ellis Ross received the Pathbreaker of the Year award, celebrating her groundbreaking work in the entertainment industry. Iman was recognized as Icon of the Year, reflecting her enduring influence on fashion and beauty. The respected Lonnie G. Bunch III, 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian, was honored as Humanitarian of the Year for his commitment to education and culture preservation, while Teyana Taylor earned the title of Entertainer of the Year for her multifaceted contributions to music and performance arts. Shaquille O'Neal was celebrated as Entrepreneur of the Year, making a heartfelt announcement as he renamed his award category to the Junior Bridgeman Entrepreneur of the Year Award, paying homage to an inspirational figure in business. Olandria Carthen was voted by the public as the People’s Choice winner, an accolade affirming her impact in the entertainment landscape.

This year’s gala also featured poignant award presentations by an all-star cast, including the beloved cast from the series Girlfriends, who honored Tracee Ellis Ross, and acclaimed filmmaker Ava Duvernay, who presented the humanitarian award to Lonnie Bunch. Each presentation was filled with emotional tributes and inspiring stories, illustrating the significance of community and recognition within the African American experience.

To enhance the luxurious ambiance, attendees were treated to an exquisite selection of cocktails, champagne from Moët Hennessy, and gourmet bites from Ladurée, complemented by a glam suite provided by Mielle. Key sponsors such as Nationwide, United, and Procter & Gamble played pivotal roles in making the evening a success, highlighting their commitment to supporting Black excellence.

The 2025 EBONY Power 100 Gala symbolized not only a celebration of current black achievers but also a commitment to preserving and uplifting a legacy of cultural brilliance. As EBONY Media Group moves forward, it continues to amplify Black voices and inspire emerging leaders to impact culture and history ceramentally. This event serves as a reminder of the achievements over the past 80 years while looking ahead to new contributions that will shape the future.

For continued updates, follow EBONY on social media under #EBONYPower100 and join the conversation on Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook.

About EBONY Media Group

For eight decades, EBONY has defined the narrative of Black American experiences, establishing itself as a leading Black-owned media organization worldwide. The commitment to documenting cultural excellence and innovation remains unwavering as EBONY evolves into a global multi-media brand focused on pushing cultural conversations forward.