Historic milestone: America's next historically Black medical school earns preliminary accreditation

A pioneering chapter in medical education begins today for the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, which has received preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the accrediting body for U.S. programs granting medical doctorate degrees. With this milestone, the College of Medicine will begin recruiting students in coming weeks for its inaugural class of 2027, advancing the vision for America's next historically Black college of medicine.

The only HBCU college of medicine in the Gulf South, the College of Medicine brings together two trusted New Orleans institutions: Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health. It builds on decades of collaboration in education, research, and healthcare, reflected in initiatives such as the Ochsner-Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research, Xavier's Physician Assistant Program, and its Genetic Counseling Program. Xavier contributes a century-long legacy of excellence in STEM education, was named a top HBCU by Forbes and is a leading institution in sending African American students on to medical school. Ochsner is a leading academic health system that brings more than 80 years of experience in caring for the communities it serves, with more than 60 years of training residents and fellows and 17 years of excellence in medical student education. Ochsner was named no. 1 hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News and World Report for 15 consecutive years. Together, Xavier and Ochsner have created a model that connects rigorous academic preparation with real-world training and a shared commitment to improving health outcomes for all.

"This is a historic moment for Xavier University of Louisiana, for New Orleans and for the future of medicine in this nation," said Reynold Verret, Ph.D., president of Xavier University of Louisiana. "For a century, Xavier has demonstrated what is possible when academic excellence is joined with a profound commitment to human dignity and service. The Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine is a bold extension of that legacy. We are not simply opening the doors of a new medical school; we are expanding who will have the opportunity to become a physician, strengthening the communities those physicians will serve and helping to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. Preliminary accreditation brings us to a moment envisioned through years of work, partnership and resolve, and it affirms Xavier's enduring belief that education can transform not only individual lives, but the health and well-being of our nation." 

Addressing national physician workforce challenges

The opening of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine brings an HBCU medical school to a region facing significant healthcare workforce challenges. The National Health Resources and Services Administration projects the United States could face a shortage of more than 141,000 physicians by 2038. 

Louisiana is among the states most affected, with 60 of Louisiana's 64 parishes federally designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Graduates from HBCU medical schools, which train nearly 70% of the nation's Black physicians, are more likely to serve communities with the greatest healthcare needs.

Preliminary accreditation follows years of planning and collaboration. The College of Medicine was formed through a partnership between Xavier and Ochsner in 2024, earned candidate status in October 2025 and hosted an LCME survey visit in June 2026. Following its review, the LCME determined the College of Medicine had met the requirements for preliminary accreditation, allowing it to start recruiting students for its inaugural class in summer 2027. Applications will be available through the American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®) in the coming weeks.

"Together, we have created a transformational college of medicine where future physician leaders will be prepared to pursue excellence with purpose, embrace innovation, and respond to the evolving needs of patients and our communities," said Leonardo Seoane, M.D., FACP, president and founding dean of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine. "This milestone builds on Xavier University of Louisiana's incredible legacy of preparing leaders who serve and a history of academic and clinical excellence at Ochsner Health. By bringing together the strengths of two mission-driven institutions, we are creating opportunities for future physicians to make a lasting difference across Louisiana and beyond."

Investing in New Orleans and the Gulf South

Students will be taught the science and practice of medicine while gaining a deep understanding of health in the context of a person's life and community. Through interdisciplinary learning, compassionate patient care, and direct experience with experienced clinical teams, they will develop the practical skills, leadership abilities, and understanding needed to serve communities in New Orleans, the Gulf South, and beyond.

"Our partnership with Xavier University of Louisiana is grounded in a shared belief that education, opportunity, and service can transform lives and provide our communities stellar healthcare for generations to come," said Pete November, president and CEO of Ochsner Health. "Today, we celebrate far more than the opening of a college of medicine. Together, we are investing in our communities to drive economic development and create a model of excellence that translates world-class medical education into better health outcomes, greater opportunity, and a lasting legacy of impact for the people and communities we serve."

Located in New Orleans' growing BioDistrict, the College of Medicine is expected to generate significant economic impact locally and statewide. By 2040, its operations are projected to contribute $152.5 million in economic impact across Louisiana, including $122 million in New Orleans, while supporting more than 1,185 jobs statewide. Physicians trained by the College are projected to contribute an additional $2.9 billion to the U.S. economy by 2040.

About the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine

The Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine was formed in 2024 through a partnership between Xavier University of Louisiana, one of the nation's top HBCUs, and Ochsner Health, a leading academic medical center in the Gulf South. The College of Medicine combines Xavier's academic excellence and century-long legacy in STEM and health sciences with a demonstrated commitment by Ochsner to patient care, research and physician training. Located in the New Orleans BioDistrict, the College of Medicine will prepare physician leaders through rigorous education, real-world training and a commitment to improving health outcomes for all. Learn more at xula.edu/xocom.

PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATION FOR PROGRESS SUPPORTS THE BLACK AGENDA RALLY, URGES EVERYONE TO GET ON BUSES TO TRENTON

The People’s Organization For Progress (POP) will journey to the capital of the Garden State to attend a rally that will address concerns of African Americans. The group is taking people by bus to the event. 

The Black Agenda Rally will take place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, 10:00am on the steps of the Statehouse, 125 West State Street in Trenton, New Jersey. 

The rally is being called by a broad coalition of elected officials, religious leaders, community activists, labor representatives, civil rights advocates, and concerned residents.  

People are mobilizing statewide for the rally. Buses sponsored by different organizations will converge on the state capital for this event. 

The POP sponsored bus to the rally will depart Thursday morning 7:30am from 15 South Orange Avenue in Newark. People are advised to arrive at 6:30am. The bus is free. Seating is on a first come first seated basis.

“The purpose of the rally is to demand passage of legislation and formulation of policies that address issues of concern to the Black community,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress stated. 

“The People’s Organization For Progress supports the Black Agenda Rally. We believe that this is an appropriate response to the plight of African Americans and the worsening conditions in our communities,” Hamm said. 

“That is why we have participated in the organizing effort for the rally. That is why we are sponsoring a bus to bring people to the rally. We believe that it is important for as many people as possible to attend,” he said.

The rally is being organized around the Black Agenda platform. This document evolved out of a series of meetings held around the state last year by Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark and other Black organizations in the aftermath of his campaign for governor. 

Hamm said that while POP supports the Black Agenda it has also been involved in efforts to create a “people’s agenda.” On April 26, 2025 it was the sponsor of the first Martin Luther King People’s Convention for Justice and Resistance. 

The convention, which was endorsed by more than 300 organizations, issued an agenda containing the 27 resolutions it passed on a variety of social justice issues. Mayor Baraka spoke at that convention during the gubernatorial candidates forum that was held there. 

The 2nd Martin Luther King People’s Convention for Justice and Resistance was held on September 26, 2026. That convention, which was endorsed by 245 organizations, passed more than 20 resolutions. 

“At the second convention it also adopted the Black Agenda, in its entirety, around which the rally in Trenton is being organized. The Black Agenda will be included as part of the agenda of the second convention when it is issued,” he said. 

“We are very excited about the Black Agenda Rally. We hope that everyone will come. And we hope that it will excite people and inspire them to vote in the upcoming midterm elections,” Hamm said. 

For more information about the POP bus to the Black Agenda Rally in Trenton call People’s Organization For Progress at (973)801-0001. 

For more information about buses leaving from other parts of the state people can go to the African American Chamber of Commerce registration site https://mms.aaccnj.com/members/evr/reg_main.php?orgcode=AANJ&evid=104978033.

The Executive Leadership Council Announces 2026 Scholars, Investing $1.5 Million in the Next Generation of Business Leaders

The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) today announced its Class of 2026 Scholars, awarding $1.5 million in scholarships to 100 students from colleges and universities across the country.

The 2026 class represents 46 institutions and a broad range of academic disciplines, from computer science, data and cybersecurity to finance, engineering, business and supply chain management. Nearly three-quarters of the scholars attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), continuing the important role these institutions play in preparing talent for leadership across business and industry.

"For nearly 40 years, The ELC has understood that strong leadership pipelines must be built intentionally," said Michael C. Hyter, President and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council. "These scholars are already demonstrating the academic excellence, leadership and drive that will prepare them to make meaningful contributions to the companies and institutions they will one day serve."

This year's scholars also represent a broad cross-section of colleges and universities across the country, bringing perspectives shaped by HBCUs, public research universities and private institutions, with academic interests spanning business, finance, engineering, technology, healthcare, public policy and the humanities.

Twenty-five are studying computer science, information technology, data or cybersecurity; 22 are pursuing finance, investment or banking; 17 are studying business, management or supply chain; and 10 are pursuing engineering. Others are studying accounting, economics, marketing, communications, public policy and related disciplines.

"For many students, especially those who are the first in their families to attend college, a scholarship can change what is possible long after graduation," said Leah N. Wade, Senior Director of Philanthropy at The Executive Leadership Council. "Every dollar a student does not have to borrow gives them a stronger financial starting point as they enter the workforce. It gives them greater freedom to make decisions about their careers, begin building assets and create the conditions for economic mobility. We want these scholars to begin their professional lives with momentum, and investing in them now gives them an important head start."

Beyond the classroom, 95 percent of this year's scholars have documented leadership experience on campus and 65 percent have completed internships, giving many of them meaningful professional experience well before graduation. Thirty percent are the first generation in their families to attend college.

The announcement comes as The ELC approaches its 40th anniversary and looks toward the next chapter of its work: ensuring that the leadership pipeline remains strong, prepared and capable of meeting the demands of an increasingly complex business environment.

As The ELC enters its fifth decade, the Class of 2026 reflects the continuity at the center of its mission. Strengthening leadership over time begins well before an executive title. It begins by identifying promising talent, investing in preparation and creating the relationships and experiences that allow leadership to develop.

For The ELC and its partners, it means the scholarship represents the beginning of a longer relationship with emerging leaders who are still building their experience, networks and understanding of what leadership requires.

Academic institutions represented this year include: Alabama A&M University, Bowie State University, Case Western Reserve University, Clark Atlanta University, Clark University, Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Dillard University, Duke University, Fayetteville State University, Fisk University, Florida A&M University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Indiana University, Johnson C. Smith University, Louisiana State University, Michigan State University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Prairie View A&M University, Santa Clara University, Spelman College, Texas A&M University, Texas Southern University, Texas Tech University, The Ohio State University, Tuskegee University, University of Connecticut, University of Georgia, University of Houston, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Michigan, University of Missouri, University of North Texas, University of Pennsylvania, University of South Carolina, University of South Florida, University of Texas at Austin, University of Virginia and Xavier University of Louisiana.

The 2026 ELC Scholars are supported through the Alvaro L. Martins Legacy, Ann Fudge Signature, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Cencora, Ecolab, HSBC, Lowe's Marvin R. Ellison Emerging Leaders, O L Toliver Voices of Power Signature, Ronald C. Parker Legacy and Synchrony Scholarships, as well as The Coca-Cola Foundation's Award for Excellence in Business Commentary.

The ELC Marks 40 Years of Developing Leaders
Founded in 1986, The ELC is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, marking four decades of developing leaders who perform at the highest levels of business and strengthening the leadership pipeline that sustains that excellence.

The 2026 ELC Recognition Gala will take place Friday, October 30, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning television journalist and Entertainment Tonight co-host Kevin Frazier, the black-tie celebration will feature a special musical performance by 10-time GRAMMY Award winner Chaka Khan. The Gala is the signature fundraising event of The ELC's 2026 Gala Week, October 28–31, which will bring together more than 3,000 members, students, senior executives and business leaders as The ELC celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Gala Week is designed to span the leadership journey. The Honors Symposium connects ELC Scholars with senior executives and hiring managers as they prepare to enter the workplace. The Mid-Level Managers' Symposium develops high-performing professionals preparing for greater leadership responsibility. Corporate Board Navigator helps ELC members prepare for corporate board service.

EBONY UNVEILS 2026 POWER 100 LIST

As EBONY marks more than 80 years as the definitive voice of the Black American experience, the iconic media company today unveiled its 2026 Power 100 list, recognizing the leaders, visionaries, and changemakers shaping culture across business, entertainment, sports, media, music, STEM and community leadership. This year's list underscores EBONY's continued commitment: honoring Black excellence not as legacy alone, but as present-day leadership with measurable influence.

See the full list: View all 2026 EBONY Power 100 honorees now at EBONY.com/Power100.

This year's honorees will be celebrated at the 2026 EBONY Power 100 Gala on Monday, Nov. 9, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, produced in partnership with Emmy-winning Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE), the production company behind the BET Awards, the Emmy Awards, and the Super Bowl Halftime Show. The private, invitation-only ceremony begins with a 5 p.m. red carpet and cocktail hour, followed by the 7:30 p.m. awards ceremony, and a 10:30 p.m. post-reception.

"The Power 100 has always documented the people moving our culture forward, and this year's class demonstrates the extraordinary breadth of that influence. 'The Stories We Shape' is about ensuring Black people remain at the center of telling our stories and defining our collective future," said Eden Bridgeman, CEO of EBONY.

The 2026 theme, "The Stories We Shape," centers narrative ownership, honoring the people shaping culture, driving economic impact, and expanding representation in real time. Among this year's categories is the Junior Bridgeman Business Vanguard, named in honor of the late Ulysses "Junior" Bridgeman, founder of EBONY's parent company and father of EBONY CEO Eden Bridgeman.

This year's class includes:

Artists in Residence: Visionaries reshaping the cultural landscape through groundbreaking artistic expression

• Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, Grammy-winning Artists, Producers, and Cultural Entrepreneurs
• Debbie Allen, Actress, Choreographer and Director
• Colson Whitehead, Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning Novelist
• Charm La'Donna, Choreographer and Creative Director
• Rashid Johnson, Contemporary Visual Artist

Junior Bridgeman Business Vanguard: Executives and entrepreneurs redefining what's possible in business

• Latriece Watkins, President and CEO, Sam's Club U.S.
• Byron Allen, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Allen Media Group
• Stacy Brown-Philpot, Founder and Managing Partner, Cherryrock Capital
• Tope Awotona, Founder and CEO, Calendly

Community Crusaders: Champions driving social change and community empowerment

• Common, Rapper, Actor, and Activist
• Brent Leggs, President and CEO, National Trust for Historic Preservation
• Artis Stevens, President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
• Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley, President and CEO, National Council of Negro Women
• Vic Mensa, Rapper and Activist

Entertainment Powerhouses: Cultural catalysts defining the future of media and entertainment

• Channing Dungey, Chairman, Warner Bros. Television Group
• Questlove, Musician, Filmmaker and Author
• Keke Palmer, Actress, Producer and Media Personality
• Gina Prince-Bythewood, Director and Screenwriter
• Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman, Television Studios, NBC Entertainment & Peacock Scripted

Generation Next: Rising stars breaking barriers and setting new standards

• Victor Wembanyama, NBA Player, San Antonio Spurs
• Quenlin Blackwell, Digital Creator and Actress
• Nia Sioux, Dancer, Actress and Author
• Jazlyn Guerra ("Jazzy's World TV"), Journalist and Content Creator
• Sean "The Science Kid" Atitogbe, STEM Content Creator

Influential Creators: Digital pioneers shaping conversations and building communities

• iShowSpeed, Livestreamer and YouTuber
• Marques Brownlee, Technology Reviewer and YouTuber
• Wisdom Kaye, Model and Fashion Content Creator
• Grace Wales Bonner, Fashion Designer
• Michael Seibel, Partner Emeritus, Y Combinator

Leaders in Sports: Athletes and executives transforming the world of sports

• Naomi Osaka, Professional Tennis Player
• Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA Player and President, WNBA Players Association
• Renee Montgomery, Broadcaster and Former WNBA Champion
• Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks
• Elana Meyers Taylor, Olympic Bobsledder

Media Mavens: Thought leaders revolutionizing how stories are told and shared

• Sheinelle Jones, Co-anchor, TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle
• Symone Sanders Townsend and Eugene Daniels, Co-hosts, MS NOW's Clock It with Symone & Eugene
• Rachel Lindsay and Van Lathan, Co-hosts, Higher Learning Podcast
• Jason Lee, Founder and CEO, Hollywood Unlocked
• Josh Johnson, Comedian and Writer

Music Innovators: Artists and executives pushing musical boundaries

• Jay-Z, Entrepreneur and Founder, Roc Nation
• Megan Thee Stallion, Grammy-winning Rapper
• T.I., Rapper and Entrepreneur
• Larry Jackson, CEO and Co-Founder, Gamma
• Sherrese Clarke, Founder and CEO, HarbourView Equity Partners

STEM Trailblazers: Pioneers advancing technology and scientific innovation

• Morgan DeBaun, Founder and CEO, Blavity Inc. and AfroTech
• Dr. Nicol Turner Lee, Senior Fellow in Governance Studies and Director of the Center for Technology Innovation, Brookings Institution
• Jasmine Crowe-Houston, Founder and CEO, Goodr
• Dr. Ayanna Howard, President, Spelman College
• Dr. James Manyika, Senior Vice President, Google and Alphabet

The complete list of 2026 EBONY Power 100 honorees is available at EBONY.com/Power100. Follow EBONY on social media for additional Power 100 updates: @EBONYMagazine on Instagram, @ebony_magazine on TikTok, and @EBONY on X and Facebook.

The 2026 State of Black America report is now available

The 50th anniversary of the State of Black America report carries a question that this country has never fully answered:

Is the American Dream dead? They are not asking it to be provocative.

They are asking it because 250 years into this experiment, the question demands an honest answer.

Dive into the data, the analysis, and the voices of people who help answer this question here: State of Black America 

U.S. Postal Service Continues Its Tradition of Celebrating Kwanzaa

The USPS will issue its 11th stamp celebrating Kwanzaa, the pan-African holiday observed by millions of Americans each year from Dec 26 to Jan 1.

The pan-african holiday Kwanzaa, observed annually from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, brings together family, community and culture. Created in the United States in 1966 and drawing on a variety of African traditions, it was intended to help unify African Americans from a wide array of religious and cultural backgrounds. The name "Kwanzaa" is derived from the Swahili phrase meaning "first fruits."

The 2026 Kwanzaa stamp — the 11th since 1997 in an ongoing series — brings a fresh approach. While many of the stamps have portrayed family, this is the first one to feature a father and daughter. In addition, the color scheme — lime green, pink and yellow — is an updated take on the customary black, red and green.

n the traditional side, the stamp artwork incorporates two of the seven Kwanzaa symbols: the gift (zawadi), held by the daughter, and the unity cup (kikombe cha umoja), held by the father.

Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with original artwork by Cannaday Chapman.

The Kwanzaa stamp will be issued as a Forever stamp and will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

National Black Beauty Week Returns August 16-22 With 'The Promise of Black Beauty'

Black beauty culturalist and media and technology executive Stephenetta (isis) Harmon founded National Black Beauty Week in 2022 to help change how the world sees, celebrates and experiences Black beauty. Held annually during the third full week of August, the initiative also encourages Black women to embrace their beauty while challenging perceptions through meaningful conversations and actionable game plans.

According to NielsenIQ, Black consumers drove U.S. spending on beauty by 9%, shelling out $16.2 billion in the past year. The number is even higher if you account for non-U.S. beauty and beauty-related purchases, from imported hair and hair tools to haircare, skincare, and more.

"Black buying power and influence remain at opposite ends of the spectrum from how we experience beauty and are valued in the beauty industry, whether as consumers, professionals or brand owners," said Harmon.

"Black consumers -- women, in particular -- drive markets and trends as loyal consumers who are willing to spend top dollar to feed their beauty fixes. Yet, we remain underserved and underrepresented, with persistent gaps in access to marketing, funding, resources, product choices, and services. National Black Beauty week provides a dedicated moment to examine that contradiction while celebrating the people reshaping what beauty looks like."

This year's theme, "The Promise of Black Beauty," comes at a moment when many of the beauty industry's promises around Black representation, investment and opportunity are being put to the test.

In the years following 2020, beauty companies pledged major dollars to Black founders, retailers committed shelf space to Black-owned brands, and grant and accelerator programs expanded. Campaigns became more representative, and companies promised greater opportunities for Black creatives and professionals.

"For a moment, it felt as though the industry had finally recognized what we had been saying for decades: Black beauty is not niche," said Harmon.

The moment was short-lived. Companies across industries have scaled back diversity initiatives and reconsidered commitments. Crunchbase data shows funding for Black beauty founders fell nearly 80%, from $73 million in 2022 to $16 million in 2024. Sadiaa's ongoing tracking of grant and accelerator opportunities for Black beauty entrepreneurs has also seen available opportunities shrink to less than half of previous levels.

But "The Promise of Black Beauty" is about more than whether the industry keeps its promises. It is also about the enduring promise of Black beauty -- its innovation, cultural influence, and economic power.

"The industry's attention may shift, but our influence doesn't disappear with a corporate initiative or a funding cycle," Harmon said. "Black communities have always created beauty movements, built businesses and shaped trends -- often long before the mainstream industry recognized their value. The question now is what happens to the promises that were made once the spotlight moves somewhere else."

Throughout the week, Sadiaa will publish interviews and conversations highlighting the broader ecosystem behind Black beauty, including founders, hairstylists, makeup artists, executives, educators, journalists, advocates, creatives and consumers whose contributions continue to shape beauty culture around the world. It will also create space for conversations about where Black beauty goes next.

"National Black Beauty Week is about recognizing Black beauty as culture, creativity, innovation and economic power. It's about challenging how Black beauty has historically been defined and valued, while celebrating the people who continue to redefine it," said Harmon. "Ultimately, we're working to change how the world sees, celebrates and experiences Black beauty. That starts with creating and taking up space."

Join the conversation at NationalBlackBeautyWeek.com.

Grand Opening of the African American Heritage Center

After years of dedicated planning and unwavering commitment, the African American Resources Cultural and Heritage Society, Inc. (AARCH) proudly announces the Grand Opening of AARCH's African American Heritage Center (125 East All Saints Street) in the heart of Frederick, MD. This landmark achievement is the result of tireless research, community collaboration, and a shared vision to honor and preserve the rich heritage of African Americans in Frederick and beyond.  

The dream of a Heritage Center that showcases, celebrates, and educates about our local African American history has blossomed into reality. Community leaders, residents, historians, and supporters have come together, contributing their time, expertise, and passion to bring this vision to fruition. Their collective efforts have created a vibrant space for learning, reflection, and inspiration.

The Heritage Center will serve as a hub for cultural events, educational programs, historical research, and artistic expression. Through curated exhibits and interactive programming, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the stories, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped Frederick's African American community.

"This is more than a building—the Heritage Center is a living legacy," said Dr. Olivia White, President of the AARCH Society. "We have created a place where our community's history is honored, our youth are inspired, and our future is shaped by understanding and unity."

The Grand Opening festivities will feature ribbon cutting ceremony, guided tours, live performances, and a special dedication ceremony. All are welcome to join in celebrating this historic milestone that will enrich Frederick for generations to come.

For more information on AARCH, upcoming events, or ways to get involved, please visit our website aarchsociety.org.

EBONY UNVEILS 2026 POWER 100: A CELEBRATION OF BLACK IMPACT, INFLUENCE AND POWER

The iconic franchise returns with Jesse Collins Entertainment spearheading production for the 2026 celebration!

For more than 80 years, EBONY has chronicled, celebrated, and elevated the people, stories and ideas defining Black life across generations. In 2026, that legacy continues with the return of the EBONY Power 100, EBONY's signature recognition of the leaders and visionaries whose work is shaping culture, driving progress, and expanding what is possible.

The 2026 EBONY Power 100 will spotlight a dynamic class of honorees across entertainment, business, sports, media, music, science, technology, community leadership, and the arts. Together, they represent the breadth of Black excellence today: creators building global movements, executives transforming industries, athletes redefining leadership, advocates strengthening communities, and innovators imagining the future.

This year's celebration marks a new chapter for the franchise, with Jesse Collins Entertainment joining EBONY as production partner. The Emmy-winning production company, known for producing some of television's most memorable live events, awards shows, and cultural moments, will help bring the 2026 EBONY Power 100 experience to life with a production designed to honor achievement, amplify legacy, and celebrate the next era of Black influence.

"EBONY Power 100 has always been more than a list; it is a cultural record of the people moving us forward," said Eden Bridgeman, EBONY CEO. "As EBONY continues to evolve, this franchise remains one of our most powerful platforms for recognizing the brilliance, leadership and creativity shaping our community and the world."

The EBONY Power 100 has long served as a definitive celebration of Black achievement, honoring individuals whose impact reaches across industries and generations. Past honorees include Academy Award-winning director Ryan Coogler, four-time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson, award-winning screenwriter and producer Mara Brock Akil, and media personality Scott Evans, among many others.

"Jesse Collins Entertainment is honored to partner with EBONY on the 2026 Power 100," said Dionne Harmon, President. "EBONY has been central to how Black culture is documented and celebrated, and we look forward to helping create an unforgettable experience worthy of this extraordinary group of honorees."

The 2026 EBONY Power 100 will recognize leaders across the following categories:

• Artists in Residence
• Business Disruptors
• Community Crusaders
• Entertainment Powerhouses
• Generation Next
• Influential Creators
• Leaders in Sports
• Media Mavens
• Music Innovators
• STEM Trailblazers

Final honorees will be celebrated at the highly anticipated 2026 EBONY Power 100 ceremony in Los Angeles, produced in partnership with Jesse Collins Entertainment.

PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATION FOR PROGRESS WILL HOST COMMUNITY READING OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS’ SPEECH “WHAT TO THE SLAVE IS THE FOURTH OF JULY?”

As the nation begins to celebrate its 250th anniversary of independence, a grassroots civil rights organization will have a public reading of a speech by a nineteenth century slavery abolitionist which offers a unique perspective on the 4th of July.

There will be community recitation of “What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July,” by Frederick Douglass. It will take place on Thursday evening, July 2, 2026, 6:00pm at Bethany Baptist Church, 275 West Market Street in Newark, New Jersey.

The program is sponsored by the People’s Organization For Progress. It is free and open to the public.

“We are having this program because we felt it was important to hear the perspective of a Black abolitionist on celebrating the nation’s independence while millions of Black people were still enslaved within its borders,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress stated.

“We also believe that this activity will give us further insight into the state of race relations in the United States today,” Hamm said.

“We are calling this a community reading because the presentation will be a collective effort. We are inviting community leaders, activists and residents to each read portions of the speech,” he said.

Frederick Douglass is the most famous abolitionist of his era. He was born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey. His recognized birthdate is February 14, 1818. He was born into slavery in Talbot County, Maryland. Douglass was self-emancipated and self-educated.

He escaped from slavery at age 20 and went on to join the abolitionist movement. He became an author, statesman, and one of the greatest orators of his time. Douglass was also the most photographed person of his century. He was about 77 years old when he died on February 20, 1895 in Washington, DC.

The speech was given at an event observing the 76th anniversary of U.S. independence on July 5, 1852 at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York. It was organized by the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society. This was nine years before the start of the Civil War.

“The program is timely because it takes place after the Juneteenth holiday on June 19th, which celebrates emancipation, and before Independence Day on July 4th, which observes the country’s founding when Black people were enslaved,” Hamm said.

“When Frederick Douglass asked the question ‘what to the slave is the Fourth of July?’ in 1852, nearly four million of black people in this country were enslaved,” he said.

“So now, 174 years later we must ask the question what should this holiday mean to the descendants of those who were enslaved in this country on July 4,1776,” he said.

“In his answer to the question Douglass made a scathing criticism of slavery in the U.S. I am certain that if he could speak now he would be relentless in his critique of the ongoing racism, white supremacy, racial inequality, injustice, and oppression that exists in this country today,” Hamm said.

For more information contact the People’s Organization For Progress (POP) at 973 801-0001.

-END-

The Return of EBONY Power 100: Honoring the Icons, Innovators and Leaders of Today and Tomorrow

EBONY proudly announces the return of EBONY Power 100, the iconic annual celebration recognizing the individuals who are redefining what leadership, influence and excellence look like across the global Black community. Building on a legacy that spans more than eight decades, EBONY Power 100 continues to spotlight the trailblazers whose work is transforming culture, business, sports, media, politics, the arts and beyond.

Now entering a new chapter, EBONY Power 100 2026 invites the public to help identify the leaders, creators, executives, advocates and disruptors whose contributions are moving communities forward and shaping tomorrow's possibilities. Nominations are open now and will close on May 8, 2026.

"EBONY Power 100 is more than a celebration of achievement — it is a reflection of the vision, leadership and cultural impact shaping our future in real time," said Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, Chief Executive Officer of EBONY. "As we open nominations for 2026, we are proud to honor the innovators, changemakers and trailblazers whose influence is moving our communities, our culture and our legacy forward."

For generations, EBONY has chronicled the people and moments that define Black America and the broader diaspora. EBONY Power 100 continues that tradition by recognizing a dynamic cross-section of honorees whose leadership resonates across industries and generations. From established icons to emerging visionaries, this year's program will celebrate those whose work embodies innovation, purpose and cultural power.

The call for nominations is open to the public, encouraging communities, colleagues and supporters to submit the names of individuals whose influence deserves recognition on one of culture's most prestigious stages.

100 Black Men of America, Inc. Announces 39th Annual Conference in New Orleans

100 Black Men of America, Inc., the nation's premier African American mentoring and leadership development organization, is proud to announce its 39th Annual Conference, taking place June 4–8, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.

This year's theme, "Preparing Leaders to Impact Our Changing World," reflects the organization's continued commitment to mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment across communities of color. The multi-day conference will bring together 100 chapters, industry leaders, youth, corporate partners, elected officials, educators, and advocates from across the country.

"At a time when leadership is needed more than ever, this conference provides the inspiration, tools, and access to empower the next generation," said Milton H. Jones, Jr., Chairman of the Board, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. "Our conference isn't just a gathering — it's a launchpad for legacy-building and real-world change. We're convening a powerful mix of voices from across the country—mentors, youth, entrepreneurs, educators, health professionals, and corporate leaders—who are aligned in their commitment to shaping a better future. Whether you're here to grow, give back, or be inspired, this experience is designed to move us all forward."

The 39th Annual Conference will feature:

• Youth leadership workshops and national competitions
• The signature 100 Business Summit
• Panels and keynotes from national thought leaders
• Chapter development workshops
• Health and wellness activations
• Networking events and award celebrations
• Call to action for elevating youth mentoring programs

The event is expected to welcome over 1,300 attendees, including members of the 100's Collegiate, Emerging 100, and youth mentees from across the 100 Black Men network. With both a local presence and national impact, the 100 is active in promoting equitable outcomes in education, business, and civic engagement. This year's conference will involve the New Orleans community by offering free eye exams and glasses for students attending Benjamin Franklin Elementary School and hosting a free Business Summit to support local entrepreneurs. This event is open to the public.

Media can obtain credentials and access the media kit by viewing the bottom section of this page. Interviews with the 100's executive board members and sponsor representatives can be scheduled. Visit 100blackmen.org for complete information.