2021 EBONY Power 100 To Honor Storm Reid, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, Jada Pinkett Smith, Brandice Daniel And More

Ebony Magazine has returned. Undoubtedly one of the most storied publications of our time, Ebony Magazine has celebrated Black life and highlighted Black stories for over 75 years. Now with entirely new leadership, Ebony Magazine is a fully digital publication having released several new digital covers featuring Nas, Jennifer Hudson, Karl Anthony Towns, and Lena Waithe.

With Eden Bridgeman Sklenar as Chairwoman of the new parent company of the brand, and Michele Thornton Ghee as the company’s chief executive, Ebony Magazine’s relaunch and reimagining has already created huge cultural impact. Former fashion director of Essence magazine, Marielle Bobo, is Ebony’s new editor in chief, leading the fresh new look and feel of the publication.

Established in 1945, the iconic brand synonymous with Black excellence is also relaunching its signature program, The 2021 EBONY Power 100—an annual list honoring the most influential Black Americans of the year. Ebony first introduced the “Most Influential Black Americans List”, in 1971, which evolved into the annual EBONY Power 100 List. The annual awards ceremony will honor the remarkable achievements of African Americans across industries and culminates EBONY’s 75th Anniversary year.

“We are so proud to be able to bring the EBONY Power 100 back reimagined, refreshed, and standing as a true representation of today’s Black America! EBONY has always recognized all facets of Black life and, with this event marking a major milestone in the brand’s continued evolution, we are intent on making this Black culture’s biggest night,” said Michele Ghee, EBONY’s CEO. “After what has been a most challenging and turbulent year, this year’s nominees and honorees represent a wide range of people who persevered and continue to do the work. And, in doing so, they have contributed immensely to their respective fields and communities – making a significant impact on the cultural landscape each in their own way. From grassroots organizers to the arts and entertainment to the corporate boardrooms, we are very excited to shine a light on these amazing people because no one can celebrate Black excellence quite like EBONY!”

Spanning 10 categories, this year’s list highlights the outstanding leaders across a variety of fields and disciplines from business, sports, media, activism, music to entertainment and more. The ceremony will also include several special awards recipients. Honorees include: talented, young actress Storm Reid (Rising Star Award); viral immunologist and lead scientist of the Vaccine Research Center’s coronavirus team at the National Institutes of Health Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett (Innovator of the Year); Hip hop icon and entrepreneur MC Lyte (Trailblazer Award); NFL Hall of Famer and head football coach for HBCU school Jackson State University Deion Sanders (Game Changer of the Year); Red Table Talk creators and hosts Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Adrienne Banfield-Norris (Entertainer of the Year Award) and P&G Executives Marc Pritchard, Damon Jones and Stephanie Headley (Corporate Citizen Award).

Categories and recipients include: 

Entertainment Powerhouse: Andra Day, Regé–Jean Page, Anthony Mackie, MJ Rodriguez, Liesl Tommy, Tessa Thompson and John David Washington

Music Impact: Big Freedia, Erica Campbell, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, Derrick “D- Nice” Jones, Lil Baby, Questlove, Joi Brown, Jeanine McLean-Williams, Rapsody, Anderson .Paak and Travis Scott 

Social Justice Champion: Rep. Cori Bush, the CROWN Coalition (Kelli Richardson Lawson, Esi Eggleston Bracey, Orlena Nwokah Blanchard, Adjoah B. Asamoah and Senator Holly J. Mitchell), Erica Ford, Darnella Frazier, Nikole Hannah- Jones, Shaun King, Keith Meadows, Brittany Packnett and Senator Raphael Warnock 

 Excellence In Journalism: Don Lemon, Abby Phillip, Charles Blow, Tamron Hall, W. Kamau Bell, Tomi Adeyemi, Ebro Darden and Nischelle Turner  

Ceiling Breaker: Thasunda Brown Duckett, Rosetta Bryson, Rashida Jones, Harvey Mason Jr., Fawn Weaver, Miriam Vales, Karine Jean-Pierre, Letitia “Tish” James and Melanie Boulden  

Game Changer: Shaquille O’ Neal, Francis Ngannou, Lewis Hamilton, Sydney Michelle McLaughlin, Stephen A. Smith, Brehanna Daniels and Maya Moore  

Innovation Leader: Beatrice Dixon, Songe LaRon and Dave Salvant, Isaac Hayes III,  Joy Buolamwini,  MC Hammer,  Dr. Patrice A. Harris,  Dr. Angela D. Reddix, Tanya Van Court and Arlan Hamilton 

 Community Builder: Regina Jackson, Trae the Truth,  Missionary Ellen K. Clark,  Eunique Jones Gibson, Emil Wilbekin,  Alice Marie Johnson, Dr. Kendell Jasper and Kainon Jasper,  Brandon McEachern, Darryl Perkins and Marcus Allen and Deon T. Jones 

Breakthrough Creators: Nae Nae Twins, Coodie & Chike, Brandice Daniel, Chad Easterling,  Imani Ellis, Brandon Pankey, Demetria Lucas, Patrick “Fresh” Henry, Law Roach and Misha Green 

 NextGen: Nicolas Johnson, Noah Harris, Nia DaCosta, Cheick Camara, Chloe & Halle Bailey, Jon Moody, Ermias Tadesse, Zaila Avant-garde and Amanda Gorman 

Extending beyond its format in previous years, the 2021 EBONY Power 100 Awards Ceremony and Gala will celebrate 75 years of serving the Black community, showcasing the stories and achievements of Black people in all areas of American society and culture and will include feature award presentations in multiple categories, live performances and surprise stage moments. The 2021 EBONY 100 Awards Ceremony is supported by Procter & Gamble, Coke Zero Sugar, Dove, Cadillac and Baccarat.

 For more information, visit EBONY.com; Follow EBONY Instagram: @EBONYMagazine ; Twitter: @EBONYMag; Facebook: EBONY