Derek Walker

EBONY’s 2026 Power 100, themed “The Stories We Shape,” highlights leaders defining culture, business, and community in real time. A few of the most relevant names, by category: Artists in Residence: Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, Debbie Allen, Colson Whitehead, Charm La’Donna, and Rashid Johnson - artists expanding how Black excellence is seen and heard. Junior Bridgeman Business Vanguard: Latriece Watkins (Sam’s Club), Byron Allen, Stacy Brown-Philpot, and Tope Awotona (Calendly) - executives and founders resetting the standard in media, retail, and tech. Community Crusaders: Common, Vic Mensa, Brent Leggs, Artis Stevens, and Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley - voices pairing public platforms with institutional impact. Entertainment Powerhouses: Keke Palmer, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Questlove, Channing Dungey, and Pearlena Igbokwe - talent and executives shaping what reaches the screen. Generation Next: Victor Wembanyama, Quenlin Blackwell, Nia Sioux, Jazlyn Guerra, and Sean “The Science Kid” Atitogbe - rising figures already setting the pace. Influential Creators: iShowSpeed, Marques Brownlee, Wisdom Kaye, and Grace Wales Bonner - creators turning audiences into cultural influence. Leaders in Sports: Naomi Osaka, Nneka Ogwumike, Renee Montgomery, Elana Meyers Taylor, and the New York Knicks core (Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges). Media Mavens: Sheinelle Jones, Symone Sanders Townsend and Eugene Daniels, Rachel Lindsay and Van Lathan, Jason Lee, and Josh Johnson. Music Innovators: Jay-Z, Megan Thee Stallion, T.I., Larry Jackson (Gamma), and Sherrese Clarke (HarbourView) - artists and operators owning the narrative and the business behind it. STEM Trailblazers: Morgan DeBaun, Dr. Ayanna Howard, Dr. James Manyika, Jasmine Crowe-Houston, and Dr. Nicol Turner Lee. A strong snapshot of influence across stages, boardrooms, labs, and neighborhoods.