When two or more Black folks are gathered, it makes for an exceptional moment of beautiful fellowship.
On the evening of Sunday, November 17, EBONY hosted its 2024 Power 100 Gala, uplifting the changemakers across ten categories in this year’s cohort. Continuing in the legacy of the brand’s “Most Influential Black Americans List” incepted in the 1950s, Power 100 has continued to set the pace as a celebratory compilation of Black leaders who do the work to better our community daily. This year’s ceremony—held in partnership with Nationwide, Prime’s New Original Series: Cross, United Airlines, Baccarat, Jackson Family Wines, Jim Beam and Walmart—was an exciting affair from start to finish.
Guests were greeted at Nya West, where all the festivities for the evening took place. Upon arrival at the venue, they were transported into a utopia that served as a safe space for folks to unwind and be seen in all their glory. Attendees did not come to play and were dressed in their finest attire with nothing but good energy. Team EBONY and our stunning red carpet host Kéla Walker spoke with notables ranging from guests, EBONY’s executive leadership, and Power 100 award winners and honorees.
The red carpet was home to bold fashion looks and surprises, including the news of Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good’s engagement. Once they entered, attendees could further commemorate the moment with time spent in an exclusive portrait studio, where photographer Matt Sayles took gorgeous photos of them. They were then able to share their best wishes for the brand ahead of EBONY’s 80th anniversary and their joy in reveling in their own power.
Newly engaged coupled Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good. Image: Getty Images for EBONY.
Following this, our special guests partook in specialty cocktails and connected with each other in an exclusive VIP space.
Throughout the evening, guests took stunning photos at a photo booth powered by Nationwide and The Self-Portrait Project with digital artwork from artist Jon Moody. They were able to walk away with a unique, artful memento that incorporated them into the evening’s special moments. Additionally, the specialty gift bag that all attendees took home was designed by EBONY’s 2022 Power 100 nominee, Brandon Blackwood.
Michelle Buteau and Tone Bell, our hosts, guided us through the evening with humor and unfiltered emotion as Brian Henry served as musical director for the gala. We enjoyed performances from this year’s Power 100 Music Innovator awardees, Durand Bernarr and Coco Jones. Bernarr electrified the room with his dynamic performance, featuring songs like “Mango Butter,” while Jones serenaded the crowd with a soulful performance of “Double Back.” Heads bobbed to the music, and glasses clinked as libations flowed freely, courtesy of Jackson Family Wines.
Coco Jones. Image: Getty Images for EBONY.
Durand Bernarr. Image: Getty Images for EBONY.
Our special honorees—renowned actress, singer and cast member from Universal Pictures’ Wicked Cynthia Erivo (Pathbreaker of the Year), Fawn Weaver, who accepted on behalf of the fastest-growing U.S. whiskey brand Uncle Nearest (Entrepreneur of the Year), Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw (Humanitarian Award), Grammy Award-winning superstar USHER (Global Visionary of the Year), and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who received the People’s Choice Award, the only publicly-voted category in the 2024 EBONY Power 100, and Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris (Icon of the Year)—were also honored.
Michael Strahan presenting USHER with his award. Image: Getty Images for EBONY.
Crenshaw, the visionary who coined the term intersectionality, spoke passionately about being a “backtalker” and a child of the ’60s. She urged us to stay grounded in who we are, especially amidst the ongoing battles over identity politics and historical erasure. As Project 2025 initiatives and disinformation campaigns loom large, Crenshaw emphasized the importance of refusing silence and continuing the fight for equality.
Weaver shared heartfelt reflections on her love for both her people and her husband, deeply moving the audience. She expressed how his unwavering love propelled her to new heights—truly a moment to celebrate; we love Black love!
USHER, reflecting on his illustrious three-decade career, shared insights on what it takes to achieve and sustain such success. He extended heartfelt gratitude to those who championed him along the way, from his family and close mentors to the editorial teams who craft stories that inspire and propel us forward.
Randolph spoke candidly about her behind-the-scenes struggles for visibility, recounting challenges like negotiating fair contracts for hair and makeup inclusion. She also discussed her deliberate choices to pursue impactful roles, including her standout performance in The Holdovers, for which she earned an Oscar.
In their absence, Vanessa Bell Calloway accepted the Pathbreaker of the Year Award on behalf of Erivo, and Congresswoman Nikema Williams accepted for Vice President Harris.
Honoree trophies courtesy of Baccarat. Image: Getty Images for EBONY.
EBONY’s CEO Eden Bridgeman Sklenar sharing remarks with attendees. Image: Getty Images for EBONY.
Attendees also heard an inspiring word from EBONY’s CEO and Chairwoman Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, who spoke to her hopes of strengthening the brand’s legacy by continuing to lean into the brilliance of the Black community.
After the ceremony came the after-party, of course! EBONY’s resident DJ KITTYSAYWORD turned up the tunes and curated an exceptional vibe all night long. Guests left feeling refreshed, inspired and ready to continue Moving Black Forward.
EBONY was honored to be in the community with everyone in attendance and looks forward to next year as we continue to commemorate those making changes within our community.
DJ KITTYSAYWORD. Image: Getty Images for EBONY.
In case you missed it, get to know all of our 2024 Power 100 awardees and honorees on EBONY.com and check back for more Power 100 updates across our social media channels.
