By Demetria Johnson
The stars aligned in Beverly Hills as EBONY Media Group commemorated its milestone 80th anniversary with the 2025 EBONY Power 100 Gala, held at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel. Hosted by Emmy-nominated trailblazer Robin Thede, the evening was a dazzling tribute to the visionaries, innovators, and cultural architects shaping the future of Black excellence.
The celebration unfolded with show-stopping performances from Grammy Award-winning artists Lucky Daye and Ari Lennox, setting a soulful tone for the night. Guests mingled in their finest as EBONY unveiled its November cover, spotlighting this year’s special honorees each recognized for their groundbreaking achievements in business, entertainment, and culture.
The red carpet buzzed with luminaries including Sterling K. Brown, Mara Brock Akil, Gunna, Scott Evans, and Miles Caton, each representing the power and range of Black creativity. Honorees such as Tracee Ellis Ross (Pathbreaker of the Year), Iman (Icon of the Year), Lonnie G. Bunch III (Humanitarian of the Year), Teyana Taylor (Entertainer of the Year), Shaquille O’Neal (Entrepreneur of the Year), and Olandria Carthen (People’s Choice Award Winner) were celebrated in grand fashion.
The evening’s award presentations were a who’s-who of cultural icons: Ava DuVernay, Elaine Welteroth, Taraji P. Henson, Nina Parker, and the cast of Girlfriends — Jill Marie Jones, Golden Brooks, and Persia White — each took the stage to honor their peers in emotional, inspiring moments. In a highlight of the night, Shaquille O’Neal announced that his special honoree category will be renamed the Junior Bridgeman Entrepreneur of the Year Award in a touching tribute.
Before the ceremony, attendees were pampered in style with a luxury glam suite courtesy of Mielle, alongside cocktails by Moët Hennessy, mixers by Fever-Tree, and exquisite bites from Ladurée. Sponsors including Nationwide, United, Walmart, Procter & Gamble, Secret & Olay, AARP, and Sports Illustrated helped make the evening unforgettable.
As an HBCU graduate and proud member of the Divine Nine, this event resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just a celebration—it was a homecoming for our collective achievements and a reminder of how far we’ve come. I caught up with old friends, made new connections, and felt the enduring energy of a legacy eight decades strong.
Your girl has been in this game for a while—she’s not new to this, she’s true to this.
EBONY’s 80th Anniversary Gala not only honored today’s powerhouses but also reaffirmed the publication’s role as the heartbeat of Black culture past, present, and future.
Follow the movement online with #EBONYPower100 and @EBONYMagazine across platforms.
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