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EBONY Powers Forward with the 2026 Power 100

On October 5, 2026, EBONY, a pillar of the Black American narrative for over 80 years, revealed its illustrious 2026 Power 100 list. This year's selection pays tribute to individuals who are not only distinguished in their fields but are also game-changers influencing culture, business, sports, media, music, and community engagement. The gala will be held on November 9 at the historic Hollywood Palladium, a fitting venue for an event highlighting Black excellence.

The central theme for this year’s celebration is "The Stories We Shape," and it is designed to showcase the importance of narrative ownership in Black culture. The Power 100 Gala, produced by the acclaimed Jesse Collins Entertainment, promises an evening of glamour and recognition, commencing with a red carpet reception before the awards ceremony kicks off at 7:30 PM. With influencers from various sectors gracing the event, this is an opportunity to celebrate the ongoing contributions and leadership shown by Black individuals in all realms of society.

Honorees and Their Impact

This year's list features notable figures making waves across diverse categories:

Artists in Residence

These extraordinary individuals are transforming the artistic landscape:

• - Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz - Grammy-winning icons of music and culture.
• - Debbie Allen - A celebrated actress and director renowned for her artistic vision.
• - Colson Whitehead - The two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist.
• - Charm La'Donna - An innovative choreographer making her mark in performance arts.
• - Rashid Johnson - A contemporary visual artist known for his unique perspective.

Junior Bridgeman Business Vanguard

These leaders are redefining possibilities in business, including:

• - Latriece Watkins - President and CEO of Sam's Club U.S.
• - Byron Allen - A media mogul and the founder of Allen Media.
• - Stacy Brown-Philpot - Entrepreneur and founder paving paths in tech investment.
• - Tope Awotona - Founder of Calendly, revolutionizing scheduling software.

Community Crusaders

Activists and leaders inspiring social change:

• - Common - Renowned rapper and actor advocating for justice.
• - Brent Leggs - Championing historic preservation and community advocacy.
• - Artis Stevens - Leading youth empowerment at Big Brothers Big Sisters.
• - Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley - A fierce advocate for women's rights.
• - Vic Mensa - Bringing awareness to social issues through his art.

Entertainment Powerhouses

Industry leaders shaping media narratives:

• - Channing Dungey - A groundbreaking figure in television.
• - Questlove - A creative icon in music and film.
• - Keke Palmer - Actress and media personality changing the entertainment game.
• - Gina Prince-Bythewood - A visionary director with powerful stories to tell.
• - Pearlena Igbokwe - A leader at NBC Entertainment shaping scripted content.

Generation Next

Emerging talents setting new standards:

• - Victor Wembanyama - The promising NBA player making headlines.
• - Quenlin Blackwell - A digital creator and up-and-coming actress.
• - Nia Sioux - Talented dancer, actress, and author inspiring youth.
• - Jazlyn Guerra - An influential content creator in journalism.
• - Sean Atitogbe - A young STEM advocate sharing knowledge.

Influential Creators

Pioneers of the digital landscape:

• - iShowSpeed - A notable livestreamer capturing audiences worldwide.
• - Marques Brownlee - A respected tech reviewer influencing how technology is perceived.
• - Wisdom Kaye - A fashion content creator reshaping industry standards.
• - Grace Wales Bonner - A designer blending culture and creativity.
• - Michael Seibel - A pivotal figure in startup development.

Leaders in Sports

Athletes and executives reshaping the sports arena:

• - Naomi Osaka - A tennis superstar advocating for mental health.
• - Nneka Ogwumike - Pioneering representation in women's basketball.
• - Renee Montgomery - A former champion now a broadcaster breaking barriers.
• - Elana Meyers Taylor - An Olympic bobsledder inspiring future generations.

Media Mavens

Thought leaders transforming storytelling:

• - Sheinelle Jones - Co-anchor on the TODAY show, changing morning news dynamics.
• - Symone Sanders Townsend - Co-host spannin the next wave of political discourse.

Music Innovators

Artists pushing musical boundaries:

• - Jay-Z - An entrepreneurial force with a lasting impact on music.
• - Megan Thee Stallion - A dynamic Grammy winner reimagining hip-hop.

STEM Trailblazers

Advancing technology and science:

• - Morgan DeBaun - Innovator in tech-focused media platforms.
• - Dr. Ayanna Howard - Leading change in technology education at Spelman College.

The complete 2026 Power 100 list is available online at EBONY.com/Power100. As EBONY continues to spotlight exemplary leadership and impactful narratives, the upcoming gala reiterates the importance of celebrating Black voices and their contributions across all significant sectors of society.

Follow EBONY on social media for more updates about the gala and its honorees.

About EBONY

For over eight decades, EBONY has served as an essential voice in the Black American narrative. It seeks to honor and celebrate the people, ideas, and movements that define and shape the past, present, and future experiences of the Black community.