EBONY Power 100 Returns to Champion a New Era of Black Excellence

LOS ANGELES, April 17, 2026 – EBONY Media Group, a cornerstone of Black culture for eight decades, has announced the much-anticipated return of the EBONY Power 100, its iconic annual celebration of Black achievement. As the institution marks its 80th anniversary, it has opened public nominations for the 2026 list, inviting communities to identify the visionaries and changemakers shaping the future. Nominations are being accepted through May 8, 2026.

This revival is more than a ceremony; it represents a strategic reaffirmation of EBONY's role as a premier chronicler and curator of Black influence on a global scale. The Power 100 list has long served as a definitive barometer of leadership, innovation, and cultural impact within the Black community.

A Legacy of Excellence, A Vision for the Future

For generations, the pages of EBONY have been a mirror and a beacon for Black America. The Power 100 list, which originated in 1971 as the "Most Influential Black Americans List," has evolved from a celebrated feature in the magazine to a high-profile, multimedia event. It stands as a testament to the brand's enduring mission to "Move Black Forward." The list has historically honored a dazzling cross-section of individuals, from civil rights icons to modern-day moguls.

Past honorees represent a who's who of Black genius and determination, including figures like former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, media titan Shonda Rhimes, director Ryan Coogler, actress and creator Quinta Brunson, and Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. By celebrating both established icons and emerging trailblazers, the Power 100 creates a powerful narrative of intergenerational progress and sustained excellence.

"EBONY Power 100 is more than a celebration of achievement — it is a reflection of the vision, leadership and cultural impact shaping our future in real time," said Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, Chief Executive Officer of EBONY, in the official announcement. "As we open nominations for 2026, we are proud to honor the innovators, changemakers and trailblazers whose influence is moving our communities, our culture and our legacy forward."

This year’s event is particularly significant as it coincides with EBONY's 80th anniversary, a milestone that underscores its resilience and continued relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape. The celebration reinforces the company's foundational commitment to documenting and amplifying Black stories of success and perseverance.

Power to the People: Democratizing Recognition

A key element of the 2026 Power 100 is its emphasis on public participation. By opening the nomination process to everyone, EBONY is democratizing the very definition of influence. This inclusive approach empowers communities, colleagues, and admirers to put forward the names of individuals whose contributions might otherwise go unrecognized by traditional gatekeepers. It is a direct invitation for the public to help shape one of culture's most prestigious honor rolls.

The call for nominations spans ten distinct categories, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern leadership: Artists in Residence, Business Disruptors, Community Crusaders, Entertainment Powerhouses, Generation Next, Influential Creators, Leaders in Sports, Media Mavens, Music Innovators, and STEM Trailblazers. This broad spectrum ensures that excellence is recognized across all fields, from the laboratory to the boardroom, and from the artist's studio to the activist's front line.

This community-driven model does more than just diversify the pool of potential honorees; it strengthens the bond between the institution and its audience. By validating grassroots efforts and providing a platform for community-identified leaders, the Power 100 becomes a shared celebration. It communicates a powerful message that influence is not just bestowed from the top down but is also built from the ground up, within the very communities these leaders serve.

A Strategic Move in a New Media Era

The return of the Power 100 is also a savvy strategic maneuver for EBONY Media Group. Under the leadership of CEO Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, who took the helm in 2022, the company has been focused on transforming the legacy brand for the digital age while expanding its global footprint. High-profile events like the Power 100 are central to this brand revitalization, serving as powerful anchors for audience engagement and cultural authority.

This strategy builds on the digital-first pivot initiated by former CEO Michele Ghee, who oversaw the relaunch of EBONY and JET as online-only publications. Today, EBONY's audience is highly mobile, digitally native, and globally dispersed, with significant engagement from across the African diaspora. Research indicates this demographic is politically active, socially conscious, and a powerful driver of cultural trends. By hosting a premier event that speaks directly to this audience's values—celebrating Black innovation, leadership, and social impact—EBONY solidifies its position as an essential voice.

Furthermore, the event aligns with the company's expansion into new ventures like EBONY Studios and EBONY Publishing. The individuals celebrated on the Power 100 list are not just honorees; they represent a universe of stories, expertise, and creative potential that can fuel content for these new divisions. The celebration acts as a powerful engine for content discovery, highlighting the narratives and personalities that resonate most deeply with its core audience. As the media landscape continues to demand authentic representation, the Power 100 provides a blueprint for the stories that need to be told, reinforcing EBONY's role as the ultimate curator of Black culture—past, present, and future.