The EBONY Power 100 is set to return for its 2026 edition, continuing its decades-long tradition of highlighting influential voices across the global Black community. The annual list recognizes individuals driving impact in culture, business, entertainment, politics, sports, media, and the arts.
For this upcoming cycle, EBONY has officially opened nominations to the public. Community members are now encouraged to submit names of people whose work is shaping industries and communities. The nomination period is currently open and will close on May 8, 2026.
EBONY CEO Eden Bridgeman Sklenar described the Power 100 as a living reflection of leadership and influence, not just a recognition list. She emphasized that it captures both established figures and rising voices whose contributions are actively shaping culture and progress.
With a legacy spanning generations, EBONY continues its role in documenting Black excellence through storytelling and recognition. The 2026 edition aims to reflect a wide spectrum of achievement, from corporate leadership and entertainment to grassroots activism and innovation across communities.
Why It Matters / Why Now + Effects:
The return of the EBONY Power 100 arrives during a period where representation of Black leadership in media and industry continues to hold significant cultural weight. By opening nominations to the public, the platform shifts part of the recognition process into the hands of communities, ensuring that influential but less visible contributors are not overlooked.
The impact of this initiative extends into everyday communities where Black professionals, creators, and organizers are shaping progress without always receiving widespread acknowledgment. It strengthens how achievement is documented and celebrated, connecting local influence to national and global recognition. For audiences in cities with strong cultural and professional networks, it also reinforces a visible pathway between grassroots impact and mainstream acknowledgment, helping ensure that Black excellence is recorded, elevated, and preserved across generations.
