(ThyBlackMan.com) Today, EBONY magazine announced its annual EBONY Power 100 list, which honors the heroes and leaders of the African-American community whose work continues to inspire, influence and impact the next generation.
The past year has proved to be an extraordinary one for the African-American community: Six Black actors were nominated for Academy Awards; NBA star Russell Westbrook broke the league’s 55-year-old triple-double record; many everyday individuals heeded the call to action during some of our nation’s darkest hours, such as Hurricanes Harvey and Maria, as well as the infamous attack at the White supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va. The 2017 
EBONY Power 100 list recognizes the most influential and inspiring African-Americans in a variety of categories including sports, technology and community activism. For over 30 years, the EBONY Power 100 list has been curated by EBONY editors and staff on the basis of each honoree’s work, accomplishments and reach.
“EBONY’s Power 100 list highlights African-Americans who exemplify brilliance in the fields of entertainment, arts, business and others,” says Linda Johnson Rice, CEO of EBONY Media Operations. “In addition to recognizing the EBONY Power 100 honorees, this is the inaugural year of the John H. Johnson Award, named after my father, the founder of EBONY magazine. The first recipient of this award will be business titan, investor and philanthropist Robert F. Smith,” Johnson Rice adds. Fierce advocate and legislator U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters will be recognized with the Icon Award for her many years of service and effective work in the U.S. Congress.
Some of the additional honorees and categories this year include Dia Simms, president of Combs Enterprises, and Bozoma Saint John, the chief brand officer of Uber, both who will be recognized in the Women Up category presented by Hilton. Gregory Jones, the chief diversity officer at United Airlines, will be honored as a Power Player, and Oprah Winfrey will be honored as among The Luminaries; EBONY’s Entertainers of the Year include Dwayne Johnson, who is featured on the cover of EBONY’s December 2017/January 2018 EBONY Power 100 issue, and Dave Chappelle. See the complete EBONY Power 100 list at http://www.ebony.com/power100/list.
Honorees are recognized each year at the EBONY Power 100 Gala, presented by Nationwide, taking place this year on Dec. 1 in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton. “Once again, the Ebony Power 100 list features men and women who are truly making a difference in their communities and the world through their work, talent and influence,” says Nationwide Chief Administrative Officer Gale King. “Nationwide congratulates this year’s distinguished honorees and looks forward to celebrating their accomplishments and contributions at this year’s gala.”
About EBONY
EBONY is the No. 1 source for an authoritative perspective on the multidimensional African-American community. EBONY media reflects the cross section of Black America as delivered by the best thinkers, trendsetters, activists, celebrities and next-generation leaders. EBONY ignites conversation, promotes empowerment and celebrates aspiration. EBONY magazine is the heart, soul and pulse of Black America, and a catalyst for reflection and progression. Follow and engage: @EbonyMag on Twitter, @EbonyMagazine on Instagram, EbonyMag on Facebook, EbonyMag.Tumblr.com on Tumblr and Ebony.com on the web.
