Hosted by Robin Thede, the 80^th Anniversary Gala will also recognize global advocate I man, sports icon and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal, 14^th Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie G. Bunch III, and Tracee Ellis Ross

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — EBONY Media Group today announced the 2025 EBONY Power 100 Special Honorees. The highly anticipated Power 100 Gala, hosted by acclaimed comedian, writer and actress Robin Thede, will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, where Teyana Taylor will be recognized as Power 100 Entertainer of the Year and the social media sensation from Love Island USA, Olandria Carthen, as the winner of the fan-voted People’s Choice Award. Joining them are legendary supermodel and advocate Iman (Icon of the Year Award), 14^th Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie G. Bunch III (Humanitarian of the Year Award), sports and business titan Shaquille O’Neal (Entrepreneur of the Year Award), and beloved actress, producer and entrepreneur, Tracee Ellis Ross (Pathbreaker of the Year Award).

Led by CEO Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, EBONY continues to celebrate and elevate Black excellence as it enters its 80th year. This year’s honorees embody the values of EBONY through their work and dedication to the community and beyond. The Power 100 Gala stands as the marquee event honoring visionaries, leaders, and cultural icons shaping the present and future.

TEYANA TAYLOR – ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Recognized as a multi-hyphenate force in music, film, fashion, and creative direction, redefining the meaning of entertainer for a new generation. IMAN – ICON OF THE YEAR AWARD: Celebrated for her 50-year pioneering career in fashion, her business leadership, and her enduring influence as a philanthropist and advocate. LONNIE G. BUNCH III – HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD: Recognized for his historic leadership at the Smithsonian and his lifelong commitment to education, culture, and humanitarian service. SHAQUILLE O’NEAL –  ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD: Honored for his transformation from NBA legend to global entrepreneur and philanthropist, building an empire that extends far beyond sports. TRACEE ELLIS ROSS – PATHBREAKER OF THE YEAR AWARD: Celebrated for her artistry, and groundbreaking work advancing representation and inclusion in entertainment and beauty. OLANDRIA CARTHEN – PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: Voted by fans as the embodiment of someone who is shaping the narrative of Black culture and excellence on-screen and beyond.

EBONY is also pleased to announce this year’s general sponsors and partners behind the Power 100 List’s categories.

Sponsors:

• Business Disruptors | Walmart
• Community Crusaders | Nationwide
• Media Mavens | AARP
• STEM Trailblazers | United Airlines
• Entertainer of the Year | Moët Hennessy USA
• Pathbreaker of the Year | Secret, P&G, Olay Body

Glam Suite Presented by Mielle

• Supporting sponsors: Moët Hennessy USA | Ladurée | Fever-Tree 

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About EBONY
For 80 years, EBONY has stood as the defining voice of the Black American experience and remains the most influential Black-owned media company in the world. With a legacy rooted in chronicling cultural excellence and achievement, EBONY has expanded into a global multi-media brand—spanning EBONY, EBONY Studios, and JET—with an unshakable mission to Move Black Forward.

As EBONY celebrates its 80th Anniversary, it continues to illuminate the Black perspective, celebrate Black innovation, and serve as the ultimate curator of culture—past, present, and future.

EBONY Media Group is a division of 1145 Holdings, LLC.

SOURCE EBONY Media Group