Ebony Power 100 held its annual gala in conjunction with Ebony Magazine’s November 2025 issue. Out now, the issue features a special group cover of the 2025 special honorees, celebrating their achievements and contributions to culture, business, sports, and entertainment.

Credit: Photographer Matt Sayles

In addition to the Power 100 list of honorees, the program honored six distinguished figures within the special honoree category: Tracee Ellis Ross was honored as Pathbreaker of the Year. Iman was named Icon of the Year. 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie G. Bunch III earned Humanitarian of the Year. Teyana Taylor was recognized as Entertainer of the Year. Shaquille O’Neal was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year. Olandria Carthen was voted People’s Choice winner.

 

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Giving the special presentation awards to their friends were the cast of “Girlfriends” — Jill Marie Jones, Golden Brooks, and Persia White who honored Tracee Ellis Ross as Pathbreaker of the Year. Elaine Welteroth presented Icon of the Year to Iman; Ava Duvernay recognized Lonnie G. Bunch III as Humanitarian of the Year. Taraji P. Henson celebrated Teyana Taylor as Entertainer of the Year. Nina Parker presented the The People’s Choice Award to Olandria Carthen. Rich Paul presented Entrepreneur of the Year to Shaquille O’Neal, who announced the renaming of his special honoree category to the Junior Bridgeman Entrepreneur of the Year Award in a moving tribute.