This has been a banner year for Black Excellence. Whether it’s politics, entertainment, science, or business, Black folks have dominated the culture. We’re celebrating all that we’ve achieved this year with the 2024 Root 100. There is no shortage of legends, pioneers, influencers and rising political stars to honor this year, so we’re jumping right in with a groundbreaking, history-making No. 1 choice.
Vice President Kamala Harris made history in 2024 by becoming the first Black and first South Asian woman to run for President of the United States. After President Joe Biden shocked the world with his late July announcement that revealed he would not be seeking re-election, Harris picked up the torch and re-galvanized the Democratic Party. Harris’ career has always centered democracy and public service. She was elected District Attorney of San Francisco in 2004, and six years later she was chosen as Attorney General of California, where she oversaw the largest state justice department in the country. In 2017, Harris was sworn into the United States Senate, where she championed legislation to fight hunger, provide rent relief, improve maternal health care, expand access to capital for small businesses, revitalize America’s infrastructure, and combat the climate crisis. Her legacy will be one of resilience, determination, and the resolve to help all Americans regardless of the obstacles she faced.
She’s the GOAT for a reason. Simone Biles is a singular talent; a gymnastics legend whose legacy was eternally cemented this year at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Biles was already an icon before this summer, with her gravity-defying talent so unprecedented that a move was named after her. But in Paris this year, Biles left it all on the mat, leading our U.S. team to Gold and officially becoming the most decorated US gymnast in history with eight Olympics medals. Again, Biles is the GOAT. Outside of her masterful work in gymnastics, Biles has also used her platform for good, becoming an outspoken advocate for the importance of recognizing mental health.
“It’s just big me!” With that lyric from his guest verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That” this past March, Kendrick Lamar set off the most high-profile war of words that hip-hop has ever seen. But as always with Kendrick, he changed the rules of rap beef. He didn’t just bring contempt to the battle: his creative psychoanalysis, storytelling, and wordplay had fans indulging in their love for hip-hop, communing to endlessly inspecting his lyrics and single art for deeper meanings. And the chart-topping, record-breaking single “Not Like Us” was used not only as a diss, but as a vehicle to unify the disparate factions in his stomping grounds of Los Angeles. That strength in numbers mentality coalesced at the epic “The Pop Out: Ken and Friends” concert, which brought more than a dozen of the most respected rappers on the West Coast out for a celebratory night at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Kendrick capped off his incredible summer with a major announcement: that he would be headlining the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans, becoming the first rapper in history to do so as a solo act. And in November, he became the rapper with the most Grammy nominations this year — all without even releasing a full album. We’re hopeful that that comes soon, but he’s already given us plenty.
Beyoncé has been running the music world for decades, but in 2024, the Queen proved yet again exactly why she’s on top and not going anywhere. Starting off, Beyoncé launched Cécred, a haircare line designed for people of all hair types. Quickly after, Bey tapped into her country roots with her eighth studio album, “Cowboy Carter.” The critically acclaimed project merged multiple genres — in true Beyoncé fashion — while still maintaining traditional country roots and celebrating Black culture. If that wasn’t enough, Beyoncé dipped into the alcohol industry with the launch of Sir Davis, her own whiskey brand inspired by her family heritage. We’ve seen Beyoncé outside more than ever before, and if you’re having a year anything close to hers, then you would be too!
From being a member of the historic 1996 USA Women’s Olympic Basketball Team to being enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 for her accomplishments as a player, Dawn Staley has been a trailblazer for the growth of women’s basketball. Last season, Staley coached the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team to a national championship and a perfect 38-0 season, becoming the 10th team in women’s college basketball history to accomplish the feat. Since taking over the South Carolina program in 2008, Staley has turned the Gamecocks into one of the premier powerhouse programs in women’s basketball, and has had numerous players become stars in the WNBA, such as A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston and Allisha Gray.
An award-winning actor and star of many notable projects such as “Rustin,” ‘The Color Purple” and “If Beale Street Could Talk” under his belt, Colman Domingo’s charm and vulnerability radiates on screen. His latest drama “The Madness” produced by Netflix is a chilling conspiracy thriller, set to be released this Thanksgiving. In the A24 drama, “Sing Sing,” he plays Divine G, who has been imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit but manages to find community in the prison theatre group. The film has received a great deal of Oscar buzz, and according to Ireland’s RTE, his place on the Academy Awards Actor shortlist is “guaranteed.”
Alvin Bragg’s place in history was secured in 2021 when he became the first African American to be elected Manhattan District Attorney. In May of this year, Bragg eclipsed that distinction when his office prosecuted former President Donald Trump and secured his conviction on 34 of a 34-count indictment. It made Trump the first United States president to be convicted of a crime, prompting unprecedented debate on the powers of the president and presidential office that continue to reverberate through the 2024 election campaign. Trump’s sentencing was postponed until November 26, but where the public stands on Bragg’s successful prosecution and conviction will be made clear at the ballot box on Election Day.
In the face of a conservative majority in the United States Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has been the voice of the underserved in 2024. Along with Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor, her powerful oral and written dissents on rulings that impact the future of reproductive health care, affirmative action, and other important issues have been key in preserving alternative viewpoints and influencing future legislation.
Jackson made history in 2022 when she became the first Black woman to serve on the highest court in the land. A Washington, D.C. native, Jackson is the daughter of educators and says her parents always inspired her to pursue her dreams. “My parents just never gave me the option of not doing anything I wanted to do. They instilled in me that kind of grit and determination, so I just kept putting one foot in front of the other,” she told The Root in an exclusive interview. In September 2024, Jackson released her memoir, “Lovely One,” a book she calls a love letter to her parents and other mentors who helped her shatter the glass ceiling.
Alicia Keys’ artistry and musical prowess has been clear throughout her decades-long career. The singer-songwriter-author-actress-activist has proven that she can do it all. Her range is on display on Broadway, for which she wrote lyrics and music for “Hell’s Kitchen,” which premiered in March. The show, inspired by Keys’ upbringing in New York City, features hits such as “If I Ain’t Got You,” “Girl on Fire” and “Empire State of Mind.” With 13 Tony nominations, “Hell’s Kitchen” won 2024 best actress awards for leading and supporting roles in a musical. Keys adds “Hell’s Kitchen” to a diverse set of accolades including a New York Times best-selling book and 15 Grammy Awards. Her song-writing camp, “She Is the Music,” is featured in the documentary “Uncharted,” released this fall on Paramount+. She also has Keys Soulcare beauty products and a clothing line with Athleta.
Ballots from the election are still being counted as of the writing of this profile, so it’s still unclear whether Hakeem Jeffries will be the House of Representatives’ speaker or the minority leader. But either way, after the election of Donald Trump for a second term as President of the United States, his work will be more important than ever.
The representative of the Eighth Congressional District of New York has used a slogan of “people over politics” to steer a portfolio of initiatives to protect American people from criminal injustice and socio-economic inequality. The Brooklyn native soared in his first years of Congress, making laws to support a variety of communities including families of slain officers, veterans, incarcerated individuals, students and even music artists. Jeffries also fought to update current ones such as pitching to revise federal regulations to remove racially offensive language. Most notably, his work in criminal justice reform led to the passing of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act not once, but twice in the House. Now, with the GOP taking over both the Oval Office and Senate, Jeffries is seen by many as a leading voice in the Democratic resistance to MAGA.
Jeffrey Wright’s Oscar-nominated performance in the dark comedy “American Fiction” was exactly what viewers of his work have come to love from him: thoughtful, stirring, and jaundiced. He portrays Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, an educator and author who’s jaded by the difficulties of the publishing industry. He ends up writing a pseudonymous, satirical novel that everyone takes far too seriously. The reaction leaving him to maneuver around his faceless persona while grappling with finally receiving the financial freedom he’s been chasing, but for a work that he hates. Ellison is also dealing with the death of his sister, the ailing health of his mother, and strained relationships with two other siblings. The character is stubborn, haughty, and unaware of his flaws – traits that Wright delivers convincingly. This role is just one of many that have earned him a rep as one of the best in the business. Whether it’s his Tony Award-winning performance as Norman “Belize” Arriaga in “Angels in America,” his portrayal in Jean-Michael Basquiat in the late artist’s eponymous 1996 biopic, or even as Commissioner Jim Gordon in “The Batman,” you can never turn away from him on the screen.
Jennifer Hudson continues to shine. The EGOT winner has found a new stride with her successful talk series “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” which sees the host interviewing some of the biggest stars in the game. Along with taping a daily talk show, Hudson found time to produce “A Strange Loop,” the Broadway hit that earned her the last letter of that coveted EGOT acronym. She’s also recorded a Christmas album called “The Gift of Love,” set to debut later this year. At this point the question shouldn’t be, “What can Jennifer Hudson do,” but rather, “What can’t Jennifer Hudson do?” We can’t wait to see what other projects are up the American Idol alum’s sleeve, but we know whatever it is, we will be tuned in.
Let’s give it up for Da’Vine Joy Randolph. The acclaimed actress of the stage and screen had her breakout moment with last year’s “The Holdovers,” bringing her all the way to the Oscars stage. A powerful and intimate performance, Randolph made audiences around the world fall in love with her turn as Mary Lamb, a grieving cafeteria worker at an all-boys preparatory school in 1970, opposite Paul Giamatti. Randolph earned all of the big awards for her marvelous performance, from the BAFTA to the Golden Globe and ultimately, the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Audiences were further endeared by her moving acceptance speeches, in which she spoke of her faith and persistence in the entertainment industry and how much the role of Mary Lamb meant to her. With such a huge splash, Randolph has plenty of roles coming her way. Her next gig is the upcoming musical film “Atlantis,” in which she’ll star alongside Halle Bailey and Brian Tyree Henry.
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson is steadily adding more material to a GOAT-like resume. This season, she became only the fourth player ever to win three WNBA MVP awards, and the second to win the award unanimously. Plus, this past September, she was the first WNBA player to score 1,000 points in a single season. Her reign also extended to the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she led the undefeated Team USA to a gold medal victory. Her on-court prowess has translated to the endorsement world as well: she landed a multi-year endorsement deal with Gatorade in May and teamed with Nike to announce that she would be the 13th player in WNBA history to design and release a signature sneaker. Off the court, Wilson is dedicated to being a role model for young Black girls. In February, she published “Dear Black Girls: How To Be True To You,” a collection of journal entries that share stories and lessons from her life. The book became a New York Times Bestseller.
Cord Jefferson challenged Hollywood executives to take more chances on Black directors in his 2024 Oscar speech after winning Best Adapted Screenplay, one of five Academy Award nominations for “American Fiction.” The first-time director, who has written for numerous TV shows including “Survivor’s Remorse,” “The Good Place” and “Watchmen,” endured his own share of rejection. In 2020, for example, Apple pulled his first TV series in late stages of development. That moment led Jefferson to pick up “Erasure” by Percival Everett, a novel on race and pop culture. Three years later, he adapted “Erasure” into “American Fiction,” his critically acclaimed film about a suburban writer named Monk Ellison whose well-respected novels barely sell any copies until he uses a pseudonym to write parodies of ghetto fiction. “American Fiction” made $22 million at the box office on a budget “significantly less than $10 million.”
Noah Lyles’ mouth gets him in trouble nearly as quickly as his feet cross a finish line – how else can you explain the 2024 Olympic 100-meter dash gold medalist taunting both NBA and NFL stars for not being world-class athletes since they faced only national competition? “I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have world champion on their heads,” Lyles said in a press conference. “World champions of what? The United States?” Lyles could face a challenge race from NFL football wide receiver Xavier Worthy (who this year broke the NFL record for the fastest 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine) and other players in the future. But a guy who this summer won the Olympic gold medal in the 100-meter against the best competitors from around the world, earned a bronze in the 200-meter dash despite having COVID, and still holds the American record in that race – can probably outrun the competition!
Singer and Oscar-nominated actress Andra Day gave an amazing performance of “Lift Every Voice And Sing” ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in March 2024, and she continued to glow up for the rest of the year. In the months that followed, Day’s sophomore album “Cassandra (Cherith)” landed in the Number One spot on Apple Music’s R&B Albums chart. She also starred in the lead role in Netflix’s highly talked about horror film, “The Deliverance,” opposite heavy hitters like Glenn Close and Mo’Nique, with her performance garnering praise from viewers. And as if things couldn’t get any better, her recently released film “Exhibiting Forgiveness” is already garnering major awards buzz. From the stage to the screen, it’s abundantly clear that Day’s star is destined to rise higher and higher with each passing year.
At just 28, Keith Lee has made an impressive transition from MMA fighter to one of the internet’s favorite food critics, amassing over 16 million followers on TikTok alone. Lee’s authentic approach to food reviews, showcasing his love for local eateries, resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying his reputation as the go-to voice for culinary experiences. In 2024, Lee’s success reached new heights as he partnered with major brands like Pizza Hut, further expanding his influence in the food industry. He was nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Social Media Personality of the Year, highlighting his impact as a leading voice in digital culture.
Singer and New Orleans native Ledisi is determined to live her good life. And if you needed some convincing, look no further than her latest album “Good Life,” released in March 2024. With collaborators like Kenny Lattimore and Marsha Ambrosius in tow, it’s no wonder why not one but two singles — “I Need to Know” and “Sell Me No Dreams” — wound up on Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs and Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs charts, respectively. Ledisi’s 13-track album also received positive reviews from music critics who praised her jazzy, smooth vocals as “a throwback to the classic-sounding contemporary R&B and soul.” Shortly after the album’s release, Ledisi embarked on her “Good Life Tour,” which saw her sharing her sweet sounds across 33 cities all over the country.
If you’re looking for amazing food, eight-time James Beard award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson specializes in it. Samuelsson is the chef behind restaurants like Red Rooster in Harlem, Vibe BBQ in Newark and several other restaurants globally. The author of several cookbooks, he is the youngest person to nab a three-star review from The New York Times. The Ethiopian culinary artist is considered an innovative expert in his field. Not only was Samuelsson the guest chef for the Obama administration’s first state dinner, but he was also named one of the Great Chefs of America by the Culinary Institute of America. This year, he was named as an Official Chef Ambassador for All-Clad, a cookware brand. He also collaborated with West Elm on a collection that reflects the places he’s called home in Ethiopia, Harlem and Sweden. Samuelsson serves on the board of the New York City Harvest, a nonprofit group that focuses on feeding the hungry. It’s clear that Samuelsson is changing the culinary industry with his unique blends of American comfort food, African and Scandinavian cuisines – one dish at a time.
Versatility has been a hallmark of Denzel Washington’s career with numerous notable roles in films such as “Malcolm X,” “Training Day” and “The Book of Eli.” The latest addition to his filmography is “Gladiator II,” the sequel to the 2000 classic. Also in the works for Washington is “High and Low,” a remake of the 1963 film by Akira Kurosawa to be directed by Spike Lee. Washington is also set to star in an untitled Netflix film directed by Antoine Fuqua where the two-time, Academy Award-winning actor will play General Hannibal. Additionally, Washington spent the year producing “The Piano Lesson,” working alongside sons Malcolm and John David with daughter Katia, as a producer. “The Piano Lesson” is Washington’s third film adaptation of the work of revered playwright August Wilson, whom Washington has pledged to honor by bringing the plays in his Century Cycle to the screen. These roles only affirm what we have known to be true: that Washington can step into any pair of shoes and, frankly, excel each time.
Quinta Brunson started off the year making more history as only the second Black actress — and the first in over 40 years — to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. It was the fourth Emmy for her sitcom “Abbott Elementary,” now in its fourth season. In June, Brunson was honored as the Peabody Trailblazer Award winner for her work on the show and how she has used its platform to illuminate the experiences of public school educators nationwide. The Environmental Media Association also selected Brunson for its 2024 EMA Futures Award for her environmental leadership and storytelling. She has been making strides over the last decade since her days making comedic content on “A Black Lady Sketch Show” and at BuzzFeed.
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has had a colossal 2024, showing growth in various areas of his career as multi-hyphenate artist and businessman. After the success of the hit “Power” franchise that he executive produced and starred in, he expanded his company, G-Unit Film and Television Inc., by recently investing more than $2 million into properties in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, to establish the city as the new headquarters for G-Unit Studios. He reportedly has multiple shows in development for Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock and BET, including a series based on Eminem’s 2002 film “8 Mile” and a Netflix documentary about Sean “Diddy” Combs. Jackson also published a novel called “The Accomplice,” which tells the story of a Black female Texas Ranger. In May, Jackson was awarded the Entrepreneurial Leadership Award at the 2024 NFTE Awards Gala. Despite his other endeavors, music is still the foundation to Jackson’s career. After wrapping his global 103-date Final Lap Tour this past March, he’ll perform his catalog of hit records in his first-ever Las Vegas residency in December.
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, has represented the state’s 30th Congressional District in Congress since 2023. However, 2024 turned out to be the year that made the outspoken politician a household name. In May, Crockett put far-right conspiracy theorist and congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene in her place during an Oversight Committee hearing after Greene went after her “fake eyelashes.” Crockett fired back at Greene’s “bleach-blonde, bad-built butch body,” which immediately went viral prompting Crockett to trademark the phrase. From being quoted on “Saturday Night Live” to appearing on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” Crockett permeated culture in 2024 in a truly unexpected way. Her powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention in August played on her alliterative success as she dubbed 2024 Republican nominee Donald Trump as “a vindictive, vile villain” who would “violate voters’ vision for a better America.” The Harris-Walz campaign was lucky to have Crockett in their corner.
In 2022, Shalanda Young became the first Black woman to serve as director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Since then, the Loyola University and Tulane University graduate has made it her mission and duty not only to ensure the government is making great investments, but also to make sure the government is spending money the right way. As the fifth Black woman hired to President Joe Biden’s cabinet, Young also worked to secure funding for assistance to Ukraine, relief for communities that have been devastated by natural disasters and investments in education, child care and climate change.
Tony Award-winning actor Wendell Pierce says he wasn’t criticizing former President Barack Obama after the chief executive accused Black men of having a “problem” with Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential race. “The (Democratic) party has to stop scapegoating Black men,” Pierce tweeted as the Obama clip made international headlines. “Black men aren’t the problem.” The social media post got him a call from Obama, who Pierce has worked with for years. “We spoke and realized we’re on the same page,” Pierce told CNN’s Abby Phillips. “It’s just a matter of messaging.” Currently co-starring on the CBS hit detective drama “Elsbeth” and known for his roles in “Suits,” “The Wire” and many more, Pierce told Phillips he has been visiting Black barber shops nationwide and urging patrons “to vote for what you want. I find that to be most effective.”
As the voice of the United States on the world stage that is the United Nations, Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield uses diplomatic skills honed during more than three decades working in America’s foreign service corp. In her role as U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. and the U.N. Security Council, she is the nation’s highest diplomat second only to the secretary of state. She has dealt with a range of issues such as wars in Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza; civil unrest in Haiti; and the impact of global warming on sub-Saharan Africa. A member of Biden’s cabinet, she has negotiated the diplomatic maze that is foreign policy so that enemies are kept at bay and solutions encouraged.
Glamour’s 2024 Woman of the Year Taraji P. Henson is undoubtedly a powerhouse in her field. From roles in “The Color Purple” and “Empire,” to “Hidden Figures” and Abbott Elementary,” she’s won NAACP Image Awards, Golden Globe awards, and has even been nminated for an Oscar. This year she added New York Times bestselling author to her oeuvre after publishing the children’s book “You Can Be a Good Friend.” She called her current starring role in Peacock’s “Fight Night” a “dream.” Her co-stars include heavy hitters Samuel L. Jackson, “Empire” co-star Terrence Howard, Don Cheadle and Kevin Hart. Always one to speak her mind, she has addressed pay inequity in Hollywood and she’s an advocate for mental health through the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named in honor of her late father.
Grammy Award-winning musician, actor and interior designer Lenny Kravitz is the hottest 60-year-old on the planet. He has demonstrated his versatility for decades — from his work with Kravitz Design to his astonishing roles in “Precious,” “The Hunger Games,” and “The Butler.” The “American Woman” singer released his 12th studio album, “Blue Electric Light,” earlier this year and will tour Europe next year. His new album oozes sex appeal with its blend of rock, soul, funk and pop. The music video for “TK421,” named after a “Star Wars” character, features Kravitz’s first nude scene and was shot in his home with class and swag. Despite the seductive nature of the video, Kravitz has not been in a serious relationship in nine years, embracing celibacy instead, according to The Guardian. “It’s a spiritual thing,” he explains. While he’s open to a relationship, he fears “I have become very set in my ways, in the way I live.”
After four decades on the stage, 2024 was a banner year for Kecia Lewis. The 59-year-old singer and actress who made her Broadway debut at age 18 in the 1981 musical “Dreamgirls,” found her way back to the stage this year, playing music teacher Miss Liza Jane in the acclaimed musical “Hell’s Kitchen,” inspired by Alicia Keys’ life growing up in New York City. Her performance won Lewis her first Tony for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role at the 2024 awards, making her the first Black actress to win in the category since Renée Elise Goldsberry’s performance in “Hamilton” in 2016.
While she’s enjoying her time in the spotlight, Lewis is always happy to share what she knows by mentoring her younger co-stars. “She’s an earthy and royal woman and she brings a sense of powerful groundedness to every room she walks in,” her “Hell’s Kitchen” co-star Maleah Joi Moon told the AP, “I knew from our first conversation that I wanted to learn as much as I could from her.”
Lewis is preparing to star alongside Tracy Morgan in “The Neighborhood” spinoff, “Crutch” on CBS.
Olympic star Sha’Carri Richardson is a world-title holder and an inspiration for many young athletes. Hailing from Dallas, Tx., Richardson’s natural speed was evident early in her career, breaking the 100 m collegiate record and becoming one of the fastest women in history. After one year at Louisiana State University, Richardson turned pro in 2019 and signed an endorsement deal with Nike. She became a star in the sport, known for her bright, boldly colored hair and long nails.
In the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Richardson received the silver medal in the 100-meter dash, running 10.87 seconds. The prize served as Richardson’s first in the Olympics, and most likely not the last. Richardson has overcome controversy throughout her track matriculation, including deaths in her family and a one-month ban for use of marijuana. To see Richardson return at the top of her game is a sight to see.
Don Lemon remains one of the biggest voices in television and journalism. Last year, Lemon was let go from CNN after more than a decade, in a pretty messy fallout between talent and network. But in the time since, Lemon was able to carve out his own space on the internet for himself, launching his own series and podcast “The Don Lemon Show.” Still at the forefront of the conversation in the middle of one of the biggest election years in recent memory, Lemon has found a way to relaunch himself and continue to provide impressive and necessary journalistic work into the fold. As he told USA Today last month, “You can always reinvent yourself. That’s really the beauty of America, and as long as you just not hang on to the past, or not hang on to whatever mistake you feel that you’ve made, or even whether you think it’s whatever happened to you is warranted or not, that there’s always room for reinvention, and there’s always room for reciprocity.”
Daytime television host and author Tamron Hall has graced screens for over 30 years on NBC News, MSNBC, and the “Today” show. Her work is critically acclaimed, and her poised energy keeps viewers coming back for more. The Texas native has received two Emmy awards, an NAACP Image Award, and other accolades. She recently released “A Confident Cook: Recipes for Joyous, No-Pressure Fun in the Kitchen” with Lish Steiling. “The Tamron Hall Show” is currently the second-longest-running Disney-produced syndicated talk show and is one of the highest-rated daytime television shows. Her leadership in the media industry is remarkable and undeniable. When asked by “Forbes” about the most enjoyable part of her career journey she said, “Never expecting [TV success], but always feeling it was possible.”
Sabrina Greenlee is a survivor in every sense of the word. In 2002, the South Carolina native was the victim of an attack with a mixture of bleach and lye that left her blind and fighting for her life. But with faith and the support of her family, she fought her way through the emotional and physical pain to raise four successful children –– including her son, NFL star DeAndre Hopkins. Today, Greenlee shares her message of strength and overcoming adversity with others through S.M.O.O.O.T.H., her non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women impacted by domestic violence. In July 2024, she released an inspiring memoir about her journey, “Grant Me Vision.”“I was living my best life before the attack. But one bad decision – attaching myself to the wrong people – changed my life in an instant,” Greenlee told The Root in a July 2024 interview. “It was a journey for me to get myself together for my children, but I was determined to do it.”
Love him or hate him, Tyler Perry is a true Hollywood changemaker. The director, producer, writer, and actor has created his own empire with Tyler Perry Studios and churned out numerous TV shows, films, plays, and more for millions of viewers. His projects, whether on Netflix, BET, or Prime Video, bring in record-breaking numbers, as his audience continues to come back for more each and every time. Tyler Perry Studios became the first Black-owned studio lot when it opened officially in 2019 in Atlanta. He continued his prosperous career this year with “Divorce in the Black,” earning more new Prime Video subscriptions than any other Amazon MGM film. With upcoming projects like “The Six Triple Eight” and “Madea’s Destination Wedding,” expect more from Perry’s empire as it continues to grow and grow.
As the co-CEO of Ariel Investments, Mellody Hobson is one of the most powerful women in the world. In 2021, she became the first Black woman to chair an S&P 500 company when she accepted the leadership role at Starbucks. But in 2024, the Chicago native used her power and knowledge to give back to those who need it in the children’s book “Priceless Facts About Money.” The 80-page book makes financial literacy easy to understand and gives young people a head start when managing their “cheddar.” The 55-year-old is also the president of the Chicago Public Education Fund. This nonprofit organization aims to help public schools in her hometown by investing in the leaders teaching the next generation of students.
Robin Roberts has never been accused of being a fashion slouch, as her “glam fam” of viewers who tune in each morning to watch her share daily prayers from her dressing room know so well. But the “Good Morning America” co-host set the internet ablaze with emojis as fans swooned over the sparkly, floor-length, silver and blue dress with a halter top and plunging back that Roberts sported recently while co-hosting the “On the Red Carpet: Live at the Emmys.” She jokingly dubbed the revealing rear of the dress “the party.” It was a stellar night for Roberts, whose GMA program has won four Emmy Awards during her tenure. It also came a month after her first wedding anniversary to her wife, Amber Laign. Both are cancer survivors.
Whoopi Goldberg has been a veteran in the film and television industry for years, but her political advocacy work during the 2024 presidential election cycle on her daytime talk show “The View,” has garnered much attention and praise from viewers. She’s constantly debunking disinformation, calling out Donald Trump and his lies, speaking truth to power on a variety of issues, and simply keeping it comically real on screen with her co-hosts. Goldberg’s actions over the course of the year just goes to show that no matter the platform and no matter the medium, you always have an opportunity to make a difference. What’s more is that the EGOT-winner also teased she’d be tapping back into her acting roots and bringing another installment of the “Sister Act” franchise to our screens soon, as evidenced by a reunion special that aired on “The View” back in June.
Rapper, actor and occasional co-chef to Martha Stewart, Snoop Dogg has had an amazing year. This summer, he carried the torch during the opening ceremony at the Paris Olympics, served as a correspondent for NBC, and performed with friend and longtime collaborator Dr. Dre during the closing ceremony. He also launched a gin-based cocktail with Dre, based on the duo’s classic hit “Gin & Juice.” With a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an Emmy nomination, a plethora of BET and MTV awards, and multiple Grammy nominations, Snoop has earned just about every accomplishment the entertainment industry has to offer. He’s also one of the most versatile musicians ever, way beyond his original stomping grounds of Hip-Hop. He’s released funk, retro R&B, reggae and even gospel music. He plans to drop an album this December with Dr. Dre called “Missionary.” In a recent visit on “Today Show,” he announced an upcoming collaboration with country artist Zach Bryan. That same television appearance birthed another viral moment with Snoop joining co-host Al Roker to help with a “special Snoop weather report” that had highlights from “Stoner, Colorado, Roach, Missouri, Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and High Point, North Carolina.” Snoop Dogg is hilarious, charming and adaptable — all crucial ingredients in the longevity that he’s enjoyed.
Brittney Griner’s critically acclaimed memoir “Coming Home,” which she wrote after her release from a Russian prison in 2022, “could be shelved under horror,” according to The Guardian. The six-time WNBA All-Star and center for the Phoenix Mercury won her third Olympic gold medal during the 2024 Summer Games. ESPN ranked her 15 out of the top 25 players for the WNBA playoffs, and in January she’s set to join the new off-season 3-on-3 Unrivaled Basketball League. In July, she and her wife welcomed their baby boy to the world. Griner told the Hollywood Reporter “that her whole phone has turned into him.”
Vladimir Duthiers has worked in broadcast media for more than a decade after a late start to his journalism career. He has moved up the ranks, now being a featured host of “CBS Mornings” and an anchor on CBS News 24/7. Duthiers first came on the scene in 2009 as a production assistant with CNN after starting his career as a managing director at an investment company. That following year he responded to the earthquake in Haiti, one of the first journalists on the scene to cover the tragedy. With Duthiers being a first-generation American of French-Haitian descent and having a first name inspired by his biological father’s admiration for Russian literature, it was noble to see him meet that call to action. After working for five years at CNN, Duthiers joined CBS News as a news correspondent, which ultimately catapulted his journalism career to the space audiences respect him for today.
With the stroke of a pen on an executive order last June, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore pardoned 175,000 people convicted of low-level marijuana offenses in the state. It was the largest group pardoned by a state in American history. Marijuana was decriminalized in Maryland in January 2023. “Maryland is going to use this moment to right many historical wrongs,” said the Rhodes Scholar who attended Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. “Legalization does not erase the fact that nearly half of all drug arrests in Maryland during the early 2000s were for cannabis. It doesn’t erase the fact that Black Marylanders were three times more likely to be arrested for cannabis than White Marylanders before legalization.” Mention this the next time someone says your vote doesn’t count.
LL Cool J celebrated hip-hop’s 50th anniversary in 2023 by headlining the “F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) Live Tour.” For his first tour in 30 years, he joined fellow legends like The Roots, Ice-T and Queen Latifah. And this fall, he teamed up with revered producer Q-Tip for “THE FORCE,” his first studio album in 11 years and one of the best rap records of 2024. By reasserting his dominance as a performer, curator and recording artist, he provided a triumphant reminder of his enduring impact on music and culture. LL Cool J further solidified his acting legacy by co-starring in the 14th and final season of “NCIS: Los Angeles.” Bridging generations, LL Cool J continues to push boundaries, remaining one of the most dynamic figures in entertainment.
RuPaul has spent decades pursuing queer representation in mainstream media with fearlessness and flair, and he’s still not slowing down. The multitalented artist is known as the mother of commercial drag, hosting an eponymous television talk show and morning radio show in the 90s before launching the reality competition series “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2009. The show, which RuPaul, 64, both produces and hosts, has since earned 27 Primetime Emmy Awards and aired its 16th season this year. RuPaul also published his fourth book in 2024, a memoir titled “The House of Hidden Meanings” that covers the first 40 years of his life before his hit show began.
Donald Glover’s career is nothing short of dynamic. This year, Glover made waves, taking on a lead role in the Prime Video remake of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” The series earned him 16 Primetime Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Lead Actor. His ability to seamlessly shift between acting, music and writing has solidified his stance as one of the most versatile and creative talents in entertainment. He first gained attention as a writer for “30 Rock” and later became a fan favorite as Troy Barnes on “Community.” He also created, directed and starred in the critically acclaimed “Atlanta,” a TV show which won him multiple Emmys. But that’s only one side of Glover’s talents. Under the name Childish Gambino, he has achieved massive success in music, including Grammy Awards for the genre-bending hit “This Is America.” While he may have announced that his 2024 album “Bando Stone & the New World” is set to be the last under that name, he continues to bridge the gap between music and acting with innovative projects.
Whether on or off the basketball court, Angel Reese is making waves as a multi-talented force. She earned various individual and team awards as a collegiate athlete, including leading her Louisiana State University Tigers to their first NCAA Women’s National Championship in 2023 against Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes. Since taking her skills to WNBA’s Chicago Sky, she’s continued her dominance in the pros. Reese’s rookie season saw her put up historic numbers. She broke WNBA records for the most consecutive double-doubles with 15 straight games, and for the most rebounds per game. The “Bayou Barbie” is also a business-savvy entrepreneur and a budding fashionista. Recent ventures include a limited edition brand deal with Reese’s Pieces candy, a fashion campaign with Good American, and the September launch of a podcast called “Unapologetically Angel” that features interviews with stars like Latto, GloRilla and retired NBA player Dwayne Wade.
Jotaka Eaddy, founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies, is a leader in social impact and political advocacy. Leading the movement #WinWithBlackWomen, she organized a total of over 44,000 Black women for a Zoom call about championing political causes and supporting Kamala Harrs as the democratic presidential candidate. Eaddy’s work extends beyond elections though, as she tackles issues such as reproductive justice, racism, and economic inequality. Notably, she was instrumental in a national and international lobbying campaign that led to the abolition of the juvenile death penalty with the Supreme Court’s 2005 ruling on Roper v. Simmons. Reflecting on the work of #WinWithBlackWomen, Eaddy says, “We’re about the heart space, because it’s just as important to Black women to have a place where our hearts can flourish. Where we can be seen and heard.”
Yamiche Alcindor is a seasoned journalist and commentator, best known for her coverage of U.S. politics. After previous roles as a White House correspondent for PBS NewsHour and a reporter for the New York Times, she is now a correspondent for NBC News covering the Harris-Walz campaign. Alcindor has earned widespread recognition for her analysis on marginalized communities, including her recent coverage of former President Trump’s false allegations of Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. Alcindor’s various accomplishments include the Peabody Award for her work on the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, the John F. Hogan Distinguished Service Award, the Gwen Ifill Award, Zenger Award for Press Freedom and more. Whether she’s covering Capitol Hill or Black Lives Matter protests, she continues to raise the bar for Black journalists and stands firm in the truth.
Symone Sanders Townsend is both a powerhouse political strategist and one of the most respected names in media. The North Omaha, Neb. native previously made history as the youngest presidential press secretary for Bernie Sanders’ campaign in 2016. She would later serve as a senior advisor and chief spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris. Sanders Townsend left the Biden administration in 2022, but she’s still a powerful voice in news and politics as the co-host of MSNBC’s “The Weekend.” This year, Sanders received Black Enterprise’s Luminary Award at the Women of Power Summit.
Filmmaker Will Packer’s impact is undeniable. He has amassed over $1 billion in box office revenue with several of his films debuting at No.1, including “Ride Along,” “Think Like a Man,” and the blockbuster N.W.A. biopic “Straight Outta Compton.” His television prowess shines through with projects like the Emmy-nominated remake of “Roots” and the comedy series “Uncle Buck.” In 2024, Packer executive produced Peacock’s ensemble cast miniseries “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.” We’re on pins and needles knowing he’s revisiting “Girls Trip 2.” With deals at Universal Studios and membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, Will Packer continues to shape the future of entertainment.
Issa Rae, 39, bets on herself and wins. Rae consistently demonstrates her versatility as an actress, writer and producer, from creating the recent HBO Max series “Rap Sh!t” to co-starring in the critically acclaimed “American Fiction” and the global blockbuster “Barbie.” She’s also appearing in “Black Mirror,” lending her voice again to the “Spider-Verse” animated film franchise and releasing the buddy comedy “One of Them Days,” which she’s producing, in January 2025. And even though her hit series “Insecure” ended in 2021, it continues to resonate with audiences. But Issa Rae’s work behind-the-scenes is just as important as what shows up on the camera. Her production company Hoorae Media delivers multiplatform content at the intersection of culture and identity. She shows her commitment to empowering emerging talent through her management company ColorCreative and the Black and Unlimited digital development program, and she also founded a record label called Raedio. Outside of entertainment, Rae’s entrepreneurial ventures include her year-old Viarae Prosecco’s new Rosé. Her growing empire is a testament to the power of creating your own authentic lane — and letting others share the journey.
Shannon Sharpe immediately had the internet buzzing at the top of the year with his viral interview with Katt Williams on his “Club Shay Shay” podcast. The controversial comedian shared his insane theories about Sean “Diddy” Combs and his other rivals in the industry. Since that moment, Sharpe’s one-on-one interviews with celebrity guests have become a must-watch as the internet waits for them to say something as insane as Williams did. The 56-year-old has interviewed LL Cool J, Tyrese, Devante Adams, Marlon Wayans, Karl-Anthony Towns, Fat Joe, Ray J, Amanda Seales, and anyone relevant to current popular culture. Sharpe also hosts a live show with Chad Ochocinco titled “Nightcap” where the two former NFL players recap the sporting events of that night and anything else that the internet has been discussing, even if it may be too embarrassing for one of the hosts. And he’s doing all of this while maintaining a day job as a commentator on television’s top sports debate show, “First Take” on ESPN.
As one of the most polarizing figures in the entertainment world, Katt Williams always has people talking about him. However, 2024 was definitely different, even by his standards. His unforgettable appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast saw the comedian spill his particular brand of tea on the likes of Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, Tyler Perry, Diddy, and more. The episode has amassed 80 million views since dropping in January, and people are still quoting it. It led to sold out shows for the 53-year-old’s comedy tour and increased bookings on other podcasts. With his name back in the mainstream, Katt introduced himself to a whole new audience. What made his reemergence so fascinating is that he did it just by being the same unpredictable, wild Katt Williams we’ve always known. We’re not going to pretend that everything he spouts is worth paying attention to, but he certainly made 2024 a lot more interesting.
Bakari T. Sellers is an American attorney, political commentator, and politician known for speaking his mind and advocating for the Black community. In April of this year, Sellers released his new book called “The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn’t and How We All Can Move Forward Now.” Joy-Ann Reid, New York Times bestselling author and host of MSNBC’s “The Reid Out,” called Sellers’ book “a must read,” saying “Sellers brilliantly and precisely cuts through the noise of the calculated, well-financed, and relentless campaign by conservative media, think tanks, and politicians to end the post-George Floyd ‘racial reckoning’ and reverse the civil rights victories of the past fifty years.” But that wasn’t all Sellers was up to this year. His podcast, “The Bakari Sellers Podcast,” was also nominated for a NAACP Award for Outstanding Podcast: Society and Culture. Sellers continues to rise in the political world, and now he’s getting his well-earned props.
Laura Coates is a dynamic voice for justice who breaks down complexities of the law in a way that’s resonant for her audience. She’s an attorney and SiriusXM host by day, as well as anchor of “Laura Coates Live” and chief legal analyst on CNN by night. Coates is known for being outspoken on women’s rights, social justice, and advocating for Black women in the political sphere. After practicing privately in Minnesota and New York, she became a federal prosecutor for the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice during the Bush and Obama administrations. Additionally, beyond the courtroom and newsroom, she’s a bestselling author. In “Just Pursuit: A Black Prosecutor’s Fight for Fairness,” Coates shines a light on issues impacting the Black communities and reminds others to fight for justice in the courts.
Harry Dunn served 15 years as a member of the United States Capitol Police, where he was one of the brave officers who protected the country from insurrectionists trying to storm the Capitol building on January 6, 2021. He released a New York Times Bestseller memoir called “Standing My Ground” two years later, and after an unsuccessful bid for a House seat for the state of Maryland last May, he turned his attention towards starting a political action committee (PAC). The goal of Dunn’s Democracy Defenders, according to its website, is to support candidates who “will take on the MAGA extremists and the massive super PACs that undermine our democracy.” Dunn was also on the campaign trail with President Joe Biden before he dropped out of the race.
Michelle Buteau has captivated audiences and shown the world that you can have your big break at any age. At 47, she’s taken the comedy industry by storm by turning her 2020 memoir “Survival of the Thickest” into a hit Netflix show that she stars in. On top of that, as a seasoned stand-up comic, she was the first woman to have a comedy show taping that was shot at Radio City Music Hall, and she released a new film “Babes” in May. Buteau’s comedic brilliance and relatable charm made her a standout as she continued to redefine what it means to be a leading lady. Off-screen, she advocates for self-acceptance and body inclusivity, flawlessly blending humor with heart.
Glory Edim, author of “Gather Me: A Memoir in Praise of the Books That Saved Me,” has spread her love for words to a half-million Black women. Since beginning Well-Read Black Girl in 2015, Edim has built a space to amplify Black women’s stories. It all started as a Brooklyn-based book club that has developed into a community and digital literary platform with a podcast, newsletter and robust social media presence. In 2017, Edim added an annual festival complete with panels, discussions and celebrations of the stories that are so often not granted the limelight. For the 2024 book fest, she invited authors ranging from Edwidge Danticat to Nikole Hannah-Jones. In addition to her new memoir, Edim published two anthologies, “Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves” and “On Girlhood: 15 Stories From the Well-Read Black Girl Library.” Now she’s acquiring books through a new series with Liveright Publishing. “If we continue to make communities that are supportive, and are nurturing, and allow us to create these open spaces where we can center ourselves,” Edim once told NPR, “the talent will emerge.”
Visual artist Mickalene Thomas, 53, shook our tables with her newest exhibit “All About Love,” which celebrates Black womanhood through bold, audacious and vibrant portraits that fuse modern art with historical references. Known for her signature use of rhinestones, acrylic and enamel, her work challenges conventional beauty standards while paying homage to Black femininity and culture. Thomas’ unique visual language, blending pop art with elements of classical portraiture, has made her a leading voice in contemporary art. From her early days transforming iconic images with new narratives to her multimedia installations, Thomas continues to inspire by centering marginalized voices. Without a doubt, she cemented her legacy as an artist whose work speaks to empowerment, identity, and the complexity of representation.
Known for her show “The ReidOut” on MSNBC, author, journalist, and political analyst Joy Reid has been prominent in the news precisely because she’s relentless in discussing issues that impact us all – especially those in the Black community. The Harvard grad was one of the first journalists to provide a detailed description of what “Project 2025” is – and its implications should former President Trump be re-elected. In a move to shut up her critics who said that she stole former President Trump’s hairstyle, the award-winning commentator appeared on the June 17th episode of “The ReidOut” rocking a platinum blonde buzz cut. That was her way of silencing her critics and showing that Black women could wear their hair in any style on the job.
From “New Girl” to starring in a new film about the origins of “Saturday Night Live,” Lamorne Morris has come somewhat face-to-face with his lifelong dream of being on “SNL.” Now he’s starring as his idol Garrett Morris (no relation) in a biopic about “the not ready for prime time players.” The Chicago native cut his teeth at Second City, where quite a few “SNL” cast members have trained. Fresh from winning an Emmy for his role in FX’s “Fargo,” Morris stars in “Saturday Night,” which highlights the intricacies that nearly prevented Lorne Michaels’ comedy series from debuting almost 50 years ago. Next up for Morris? A role in Prime Video’s new live-action series “Spider-Noir.”
Danielle Brooks has been on a meteoric rise in 2024, with her portrayal of Sofia in “The Color Purple” musical film earning her critical acclaim and over 20 awards and nominations including an Oscar nod and a British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) for Best Supporting Actress. The role is deeply personal for Brooks, who played Sofia on Broadway, and it marks a powerful full-circle moment in her career. Brooks has been addressing the importance of using her platform to champion stories of Black womanhood and resilience. As a performer known for her authenticity and grace, she’s committed to creating space for diverse narratives on screen and stage. Beyond acting, Brooks has become a voice of advocacy for body positivity and Black women in Hollywood, recognizing that her visibility is part of a larger cultural shift. “I want to be a vessel for change,” Brooks shared in an interview with the Golden Globes, highlighting her dedication, not only to her craft, but also to the impact her presence has on future generations of performers.
Every morning, millions of Americans start their day with Craig Melvin. One of the hosts of the third hour of NBC’s “Today” show, Melvin has appeared alongside Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Carson Daly. Melvin in particular has been open about his friendship with Roker, crediting it for helping him get through some of his “darkest moments.” This year, Melvin published what he describes as “a love letter to fatherhood:” a picture book called “I’m Proud of You” that illustrates his relationship with his two kids, Delano and Sybil. “I didn’t even realize some of the emotions I’m capable of having until I had my own children,” he told Garden & Gun magazine earlier this year. “I wanted to write a book that helped all the dads out there.”
Kimberly Bryant continues to push boundaries, leveraging her expertise to advocate for inclusion in tech. As the founder of Black Girls Code, Bryant played a pivotal role in creating pathways for young Black girls in STEM. Now she’s using her Silicon Valley experience and ties to develop a startup district on Black Wall Street in Memphis, her hometown. “There’s even a greater need to have more women of color and people from marginalized communities really starting these tech companies — not just going to work at them,” said Bryant, founder and CEO of the Black Innovation Lab. Her pre-accelerator will be housed in the Black-owned Grigg’s Business and Practical Arts College, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places last year. “I believe we’re on the cusp of a new golden era of innovation,” the biotech engineer predicted, “marking the onset of what I term the fourth Industrial Revolution.”
Known for styling such iconic stars as Zendaya, Kerry Washington, and Celine Dion, Law Roach has shaken up the fashion landscape. In his new book, “How to Build a Fashion Icon: Notes on Confidence from the World’s Only Image Architect,” he emphasizes the most important part of style: confidence. His fashion career began in Chicago after he opened Deliciously Vintage, a used clothing store and Kanye West dropped in for a visit, putting Law Roach on the map as a celebrity stylist. From his appearances on TV’s “America’s Next Top Model,” to being one of the judges on Legendary, a reality competition series that explored the world of ballroom culture in NYC, he waxed effusively to E! about next year’s Met Gala’s theme, which will pay tribute Black men and their impact on fashion. “I am pleasantly surprised and honored that such a huge body are finally paying homage to the contribution that my people have made to fashion.” In March, the “Image Architect,” announced his retirement from styling celebs to his 1.6 million Instagram followers, but he says his styling relationship with Zendaya isn’t finished.
Country music artist Shaboozey had an audience before now, but in 2024 he became a household name. In a year when everyone was talking about Black country artists, he topped the charts and opened up the genre to a new fanbase. His hit single “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is one of the biggest songs of 2024, breaking records with its run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While the 29-year-old’s music is definitely country, it also has a hip-hop vibe to it that allows it to bridge a musical divide. We’ll never forget his mash up of “Tipsy” with J-Kwon’s original 2000 cut at the 2024 BET Awards. There’s an authenticity to his voice that listeners are instantly drawn to. He’s the kind of artist you want to invest time in, because you know he means what he sings. As if that wasn’t enough, he was also featured on Beyoncé’s groundbreaking album “Cowboy Carter.” Anyone who tops the charts, changes their genre and collaborates with Queen Bey is having the best year ever.
It’s a testament to Seawright’s skills as a much-sought-after democratic political strategist and consultant that he’s carved out a national reputation as CEO of Blueprint Strategy LLC, a firm based in his Columbia, S.C., home. A former advisor on Hilliary Clinton’s 2008 and 2016 presidential campaigns, he’s worked with Democratic campaign committees in S.C., Georgia, and New York and advises the Democratic National Committee. A frequent guest on political talk shows, Seawright is a former advisor to CBS News, an opinion writer for The Hill, BuzzFeed News, BETNews.com, and The Christian Recorder. He hosts the “Insight with Antjuan Seawright,” a weekly public affairs radio show based in South Carolina, and co-host of “Hot Button Monday’s” segment on Reverend Al Sharpton’s national radio show. He regularly debates Fox News conservatives on-air while still managing to keep much of his private life private – a strategy more public figures should adopt! This year, he won numerous awards for his community work, including traveling all over the country, stopping in barbershops and churches to talk to Black men in order to understand what they were feeling prior to the election.
Vincent Evans has been committed to political change, especially in the Black community, for over a decade. A graduate of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Evans worked for the Biden-Harris Administration and even took on the role of Deputy Director of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs to the Vice President. President Biden himself appointed Evans to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans. In 2022, he became the Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus. Recently, the Jacksonville native was recognized by The Hill as one of the ‘25 Staffers Who Make Capitol Hill Run.’ Evans was also awarded the 2024 Do Something Award from the National Urban League for his diligence and enthusiasm to advocacy that uplifts his community. We need more people like Vincent Evans in this world.
At 27 years old, United States Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost is the youngest member of Congress and the first Gen Zer to ever win a seat. Since being elected in 2023, as a Democratic representative in a conservative state, Frost has been steadfast in his fight against gun violence. And with the help of President Joe Biden, Frost introduced legislation to create what he touts as the first-ever Office of Gun Violence Prevention. He is also a former organizer with an extensive background in activism and youth engagement.
From her Academy Award-nominated performance in “King Richard,” to her dynamic portrayals in “Origin,” “The Color Purple,” “Lovecraft Country,” and “The Help,” award-winning actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor never ceases to amaze us. With a BA in African American Studies from Brown University and an MFA in Acting from the Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, she has been gracing us with her impeccable and gut-wrenching dramatic performances for decades. The multi-talented actress, producer and activist, Ellis-Taylor has released four projects this year alone, including Lee Daniels’ “The Deliverance,” “The Supremes At Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat,” “Nickel Boys,” based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize Winning novel and “Exhibiting Forgiveness.” As an activist, she told Elle Magazine “I always try to go for my purpose and my paycheck at the same time.”
Actor Andre Holland has been all business this year. His new film, “Exhibiting Forgiveness” with Andra Day is about a Black artist and his path to success while struggling with forgiveness. Earlier this year, he starred in “The Big Cigar” as Black Panther Party leader Huey P. Newton and in Netflix’s “Shirley” about politician Shirley Chisolm. But one of the things he’s most proud of is the restoration of an old movie theater in his hometown in Bessemer Alabama, which he’s doing with his mother through his non-profit organization The Holland Project. “It was a heavy lift” ferrying him to theater companies in pursuit of acting, he told PEOPLE. “So one of the passions that [his mother] has, and that I have, is to bring arts programming to my immediate community that I grew up in…” Holland hit his stride with his performance in the Academy Award-winning “Moonlight.” He’s since starred in featured in “Selma,” “42,” and “A Wrinkle in Time.”
Stephen A. Smith reigns as one of sports media’s most unapologetic dust-kickers. The Bronx native is the face of “First Take,” ESPN’s most popular morning sports show. His career progression is the envy of Black sports journalists: He started in the 1990s as a print journalist in Winston-Salem before moving to the Philadelphia Inquirer to serve as a columnist for the 76ers. He launched his television career in 1999 on CNN/SI and was a staple on “ESPN Sportscenter” for years before settling into “First Take.” His assertive, often brash speaking style makes him divisive to many, but Smith is one of the highest-paid and most popular sportscasters at ESPN for good reason.
Duchesne Drew has shown exemplary leadership and excellence in the media and journalism industry for over 20 years. Previously, he merged innovation and communications as the Community Network Vice President of the Bush Foundation. Now, the Columbia University alumnus works as the Senior Vice President of the American Public Media Group and the President of Minnesota Public Radio where he leads the teams that produce MPR News, APM Reports, and the Marketplace. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the McKnight Foundation and the Board of Trustees for Columbia University. With his work ethic and commitment to community building, Duchesne Drew’s contributions to journalism are undeniable.
It is likely to spot sports journalist Taylor Rooks on the sidelines at a game with the most stunning outfit in the stadium or arena. But don’t mistake her classy and chic style for a lack of knowledge. She’s also known for her unique and daring interviewing style as well as her sports expertise. Rooks is the host and executive producer of “Take It There With Taylor Rooks” on Bleacher Report, and also works with Turner Sports. The Georgia native is one of the featured reporters on Amazon Prime’s “Thursday Night Football.” With her large social media following, she is not only a sportscaster but an influencer as well, as followers and other aspiring sports journalists see her “Get Ready With Me” videos and behind-the-scenes content as inspiration. Earlier this year, Rooks was inducted into the Gwinnett County Sports Hall of Fame at home in Georgia for her outstanding work in journalism. At only 32, Taylor Rooks is climbing the ranks to become one of the most respected individuals in her field.
Cameo George serves as the executive producer for “American Experience,” PBS’ longest running and most-watched history documentary series. Prior to PBS, George worked as the Head of Development of ABC News Originals at Walt Disney Television. The Georgetown University graduate also spent time as a supervising producer at CNN, where she developed and oversaw launch plans for original series and films.
Since becoming the first African American woman and second African American mayor of Los Angeles in 2022, Karen Bass, 71, has done her absolute best to elevate the city. She has decreased violent crimes and homicides. She also instituted solutions to battle the homelessness crisis, including the construction of new housing projects and the creation of a program called Inside Safe that works to get people out of street encampments and into transitional housing. She has also secured millions of dollars in funding from federal and state governments to combat climate change. But perhaps the biggest moment of her first term as mayor was having the Olympic flag handed to her by the Paris Olympics delegation at the end of the 2024 Summer Olympics, signifying that Los Angeles would be the next host of the Olympic games in 2028.
There’s television before Shonda Rhimes, and television after Shonda Rhimes. A true titan of the medium, Rhimes changed the game with her record-breaking medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” when it premiered on ABC almost 20 years ago. Since then, her Shondaland empire has grown with culture-shifting shows like “Scandal” and “How To Get Away With Murder,” literally owning an entire night of programming on the network during an era appropriately dubbed, “TGIT.” And when the streaming era came and upended linear TV, she continued to show out. Rhimes nabbed a massive deal with Netflix, bringing her studio to the streaming service and launching one of the biggest shows the platform has ever seen: “Bridgerton.” Rhimes continues to create boundary-pushing, addictive TV that captures the zeitgeist, and she shows no signs of stopping.
“Industry” is an HBO drama about a group of young graduates climbing the corporate ladder in London’s hypercompetitive finance world. And if you’ve watched the series at all through its three seasons, then the star of the show is crystal clear: Harper Stern, the ruthless finance prodigy whose deceptive charm, sharp analysis, and amoral ethics always keep her several steps ahead of her competition. Whether it’s insider trading or screwing over her mentor before forcing him to work with her, Harper is willing to do whatever it takes to get where she’s going. The character is memorably portrayed by Herrold, an actress whose other roles have included films like “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” “Leave The World Behind,” and an episode of “Black Mirror.”
Harriette Cole went from recovering from hamstring surgery to lighting the world on fire with her two Dreamleapers podcasts and the talk show she launched during the pandemic, “Real Conversations With AARP.” Just this year, she has interviewed firebrands including Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., Sheila Johnson, Don Lemon, Donna Karan, Chelsea Clinton, Anthony Hamilton, Mickalene Thomas and Kecia Lewis, inspiring others to leap into their dreams. The Baltimore native started her career at Essence where she ran the lifestyle and fashion departments. She was co-founder of Savoy, editorial director of Uptown, and creative director and editor-in-chief of Ebony where she produced iconic covers of Michael Jackson, Prince, and Barack and Michelle Obama. Her seven bestsellers include “Jumping the Broom” and “How to Be.” She writes the syndicated advice column “Sense & Sensitivity” and has been media trainer to Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Andra Day, PartyNextDoor, Shyne, Anderson .Paak, Caresha aka Yung Miami and Lori Harvey.
Acting as the Senior Advisor to the President and Director of Public Engagement for the Biden Administration, Stephen K. Benjamin works as the “the bridge between the people and the highest echelons of power,” according to the Washington Informer. Through his work, he continues to ensure the strong relationship between the White House leaders and the Americans that they pledge to serve. In his role as director, he also works to increase inclusivity and accessibility to communities across the country. He played a significant part in the $175 billion in student loan debt forgiveness and first ever celebration of Black Excellence and this year’s Juneteenth on the White House South Lawn. Before working in the White House, Benjamin was the Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina from April 2010 to December 2021.
Media expert and activist Trell Thomas has always believed in the importance of representation and sharing stories of success — particularly within communities of color.
Since 2018, the South Carolina native has hosted The Black Excellence Brunch, a celebration of Black history and culture that pays tribute to the Sunday dinners he grew up having with loved ones after church. The brunch has grown to become one of the hottest tickets in town, expanding to locations across the United States and Africa while attracting celebrities like Anthony Anderson, Iyanla Vanzant and Al Sharpton to show up in their finest white and enjoy good food and fellowship.
In September 2024, Thomas’ event was held at one of the most sought-after locations in the country – the White House South Lawn.
“Bringing Black Excellence Brunch to the White House is not just a dream come true, but a powerful statement about the significance of Black culture and achievement in America,” he said in a statement. “This event is a tribute to the resilience, talent, and beauty of the Black community, and I am honored to celebrate it in such a historic and meaningful setting.”
Keia Clarke serves as the CEO of the 2024 WNBA Champion New York Liberty. In this role, she leads and manages all business initiatives of the franchise. Her four-year tenure has seen the team become one of the most prominent franchises in the league: the Liberty are loaded with all-star talent on the court, boast the WNBA’s most beloved mascot in Ellie the Elephant, and have turned their home games at Barclays Center into one of the hottest tickets in New York City. Before being elevated to the role of CEO, Clarke worked as the team’s chief operating officer. The New York University grad also spent time at Golf Digest as a marketing analyst.
Fearless Fund co-founder Ayana Parsons had a fiery 2024 as she fought to keep her company afloat. Alongside Arian Simone and Keisha Knight Pulliam, she started Fearless Fund in 2019 to address racial disparities that impact Black women business owners. However, the company faced a federal lawsuit last year from conservative group American Alliance for Equal Rights (led by anti-Affirmative Action litigant Edward Blum) alleging racial discrimination. Despite being challenged by Blum, Parsons and her counterparts had already helped raise nearly $27 million for dozens of businesses with Black women at the helm, including Slutty Vegan and Thirteen Lune. Though Parsons stepped down from Fearless Fund over the summer, she remains committed to helping Black women thrive.
James Manyika is Google’s Senior Vice President of Research, Technology, and Society, a newly-created position reporting directly to the CEO of Google’s parent company Alphabet Inc. Utilizing his knowledge and expertise, Manyika researches the intersection of technology and the economy, looking at artificial intelligence, robotic automation, and the future of work. In September, Manyika spoke at Semafor’s “The Next 3 Billion” event in New York, where he stated that the world should work together to make sure that the existing digital divide between countries doesn’t turn into an AI divide that could leave out the Global South. In May 2024, Manyika and Google launched LearnLM, which allows teachers to better utilize technology in order to guide their students as they move to a digital world.
Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry (“Monster’s Ball”) is now tackling a new issue: menopause. This is after a doctor misdiagnosed her with herpes when she shared that she was pain the morning after sex. The experience prompted the star of “Never Let Go,” “The Union,” and “John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum” to found Respin, a business dedicated to helping women going through menopause by sharing information, including scientifically proven solutions. Berry has not only used her celebrity to erase the stigma placed on the life change; she has appeared before Congress to press for more research on menopause. Berry is advocating for the Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act, a bi-partisan bill seeking $275 million for research into menopause. Noting that only 13 percent of doctors are certified by the North American Menopause Society, Berry said, “Women are worthy of doctors who won’t tell patients they have herpes when they don’t.”
U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, a football player-turned-politician, is making history in the 32nd Congressional District in Texas. He has been praised for bipartisan work on issues ranging from infrastructure to health care. He was also the frontrunner among nine candidates challenging Senator Ted Cruz, infamously known for reading “Green Eggs and Ham” during a 21-hour filibuster. The San Antonio Express-News, which endorsed Allred (along with the Houston Chronicle), described him as “solid, smart and dedicated to his responsibilities as a public servant.” A former linebacker for the Tennessee Titans, Allred played in the NFL for nearly four years until injuries led him back to earlier goals. He obtained his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 2014 and began working as a civil rights attorney. In 2018, he ran for Congress, breaking a Republican’s 22-year streak in the seat. Allred was reelected in 2020 and won a third term in his battleground district in 2022. Allred is a trendsetter in politics, too, as the first member of Congress to take paternity leave.
Becoming a two-time WNBA champion is already an accomplishment in its own right, but Renee Montgomery earned even more respect after she retired. She became the first former WNBA player to serve as both a co-owner and executive of a WNBA team after purchasing the Atlanta Dream in 2021. That same year, she also became the first female team owner in the Fan Controlled Football League, teaming up with former NFL star and Marshawn Lynch and professional wrestler Miro to purchase the FCF Beasts. This year, Montgomery is the subject of a documentary executive produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter. The film, titled “A Radical Act: Renee Montgomery,” will open the LA Micheaux Film Festival and explores her life growing up in West Virginia and her career as an athlete.
As president of Xbox, Sarah Bond oversees Microsoft’s multi-billion-dollar global gaming platform. In 2023, the 46-year-old Harvard and Yale graduate played a major role in the $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard Inc., the creators of Candy Crush and Call of Duty. But the story doesn’t end there. The acquisition would be America gaming’s largest deal — ever. Despite being a Black woman in a man’s game, the Jersey native has been a rising star at Microsoft for some time. According to Bloomberg: “Seven years into her tenure, she can still seem like a newcomer in an industry whose prominent leaders are often lifers. And given the demographics of the industry, a Black woman who tends to wear 4-inch heels is easy to pigeon hole as an outsider.” This year was another good one for Bond. Xbox bought its cloud gaming service to Amazon Fire TV devices, and Bond and her team also helped turn the game Palword into a surprise success.
Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura had already made a name for herself through her 15-year career with hit songs such as “Me & U” and “Long Way 2 Go.” But her name made international headlines last November when she utilized New York’s Adult Survivors Act to file a lawsuit against her ex-boyfriend, Sean “Diddy” Combs. Six months later, she made headlines once again when CNN released video of Diddy beating on her in a hotel hallway, removing all doubt anyone had left regarding her claims against Diddy. It was arguably Cassie’s courage in coming forward with her lawsuit that set in motion Diddy’s ongoing legal issues; she could have unwittingly served as the catalyst for a long-awaited #MeToo-style reckoning in the hip-hop community.
It’s hard to think of another actress who has had a two-year run like Ayo Edebiri. Starting in the New York City comedy scene in the late 2010s, Edebiri worked her way up to become one of the industry’s biggest breakout stars with her role in Hulu’s hit series “The Bear.” Audiences and critics alike have fallen in love with her character Sydney Adamu, the dedicated chef de cuisine whose brilliant recipes and earnest leadership have held the kitchen together for the show’s three seasons. Her turn in the series has earned her Emmy and Golden Globe awards, making fans tune into other roles li films like “Bottoms” and “Inside Out 2.” Edebiri’s journey in Hollywood is just getting started, and we can’t wait to see where she goes next.
A “Saturday Night Live” legend, Maya Rudolph remains one of the best to ever do it on NBC’s sketch comedy show. The daughter of the late Minnie Riperton, Rudolph’s comedy stylings and spot-on vocal chops have kept audiences laughing for decades. From impressions of Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, to an iconic turn as Vice President Kamala Harris, Rudolph has more than cemented herself into the legacy of SNL, appearing on the series full-time from 2000 through 2007 while appearing as a host and guest player in the years since. Rudolph has also branched out beyond sketch comedy, appearing in other successful ventures like her Emmy-nominated series “Loot” and starring in the acclaimed comedy “Bridesmaids.” As she returns to SNL once again alongside Vice President Harris’ run for president, Rudolph’s impact on comedy at large is undeniable.
“The Body Politic,” a new PBS documentary, reveals how much Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott loves his hometown and why he’s on a mission to improve it. Scott believes in putting people first — from his street-level initiative to save lives while cutting crime in Charm City to his admonishments to reporters pressing him about repairing a collapsed bridge when he was first concerned about the search-and-rescue mission. This sentiment is partly why voters put him back in office for a second term. In 2020, Scott became Baltimore’s youngest mayor at 36 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd unrest. He also became the youngest city council member at 27 in 2011 and was elected unanimously as president in 2019. Brushing off ageism and naysayers, the mayor claims the “largest reduction in homicides Baltimore has ever seen” through his Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan. So far, homicides dropped 29.3% and nonfatal shootings by 36.5% compared to 2023. As supporters chanted “four more years” at his victory party, Scott gave them a charge: “Let us finish what we started!”
With memorable roles in films like “The Harder They Fall” and “Jurassic World: Dominion,” DeWanda Wise has already begun to make a name for herself in Hollywood. The 40-year-old rode into 2024 on a wave of acclaim for her work in the Starz series “Three Women,” and then terrified audiences in 2024 with the horror thriller “Imaginary,” which she both starred in and executive produced. From action, to drama, to horror, Wise’s range is amazing: she feels completely at home in every genre. She brings an authenticity to every performance that makes even the most outrageous stories believable. Trust us, this is a rare and special talent. As much as she caught our attention this year, we can’t wait to see the heights she reaches in 2025.
ABC News broadcast journalist and best-selling author, Linsey Davis has launched her sixth children’s book this year, “Girls of the World.” The book celebrates equality, and fairness, and aims to encourage girls to “be brave and take their place in a challenging world.” An anchor for ABC News Live Prime—the network’s first streaming evening newscast, she also anchors “World News Tonight” on Sundays. She’s recognized for spearheading the 2020’s presidential coverage of ABC’s News’ Democratic debates. A self-described Christian, wife, and mom, she is also a two-time Emmy Award winner who falls in the footsteps of those continuing to pave the way for female journalists of color worldwide.
Esquire has said that Steve Toussaint’s character Corlys “the Sea Snake,” Velaryon in HBO’s “House of the Dragon,” is the show’s “secret weapon.” “Dragon” is a prequel to the critically acclaimed “Game of Thrones” and making waves of its own, now in its second season. Toussaint is a British actor who has become a fan favorite with speculations that the character might get a spin-off series, according to the Economic Times. Toussaint also starred in BBC One’s mini-series Small Axe (2020), inspired by real-life events of London’s West Indian community between 1969 and 1982, and the crime thriller series “Before We Die.” He’s also appeared in the iconic “Doctor Who” series. In an interview with The Guardian on his career and “House of the Dragon’s” success Toussaint said, “If it does well, and people like what I do, fabulous. If it doesn’t do so well? Well, I still had a great time making it and I met some lovely people.” But it’s clear to see that people love his “House of the Dragon” and Toussaint’s role in it.
Aldis Hodge, who won a SAG Award for “Hidden Figures, isn’t just known for film and television. He’s also a scriptwriter and producer. This year he starred in the sci-fi thriller Parallel, a remake of a 2020 film, which he co-wrote and stars alongside with his older brother, Edwin. Most recently, he appeared in “Marmalade.” Fans will recognize him from “What Men Want,” with Taraji P. Henson and Tracy Morgan as well as “Straight Outta Compton.” He was also nominated for two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting actor in the motion pictures “Black Adam,” and “One Night in Miami.” Hodge has been making headway in the popular TV drama “Leverage: Redemption,” and “City On A Hill.” James Patterson fans can catch him as Alex Cross in his brand new crime series “Cross,” now streaming on Prime Video.
CNBC journalist Jon Fortt covers technology, finance, and innovation. As the co-anchor of “Closing Bell Overtime,” he reports and analyzes after-hours moves such as breaking news and post-market trading. He also created two weekly segments for other CNBC shows. “On The Other Hand,” a segment on the morning show “Squawk Box,” finds him analyzing the various sides of a contentious issue. And “Working Lunch,” a segment on the show “Power Lunch,” is an interview series with high-profile CEOs.
While he may be most known for his finance and tech coverage, the DePaul graduate has also led powerful coverage of race. After the killing of George Floyd in 2020, he launched “The Course,” an 18-lesson curriculum modeled after “The Talk” that Black parents around the country give their children about racism in America. Fortt’s course “pulls from sources as diverse as Shakespeare and NWA, Miles Morales and Toni Morrison” to illustrate the complexities of the Black experience in America.
Stephanie Dinkins is a transdisciplinary artist who focuses on the dialogue of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) at the intersection of race, gender, aging, and future histories. Dinkins uses technology to investigate ways to make A.I. more inclusive and accessible, in addition to illustrating why a well-rounded perspective is needed to reflect the real world. Additionally, Dinkins’ projects connect art and technology in order to create positive change. This past year, she was selected as the inaugural recipient for the LG Guggenheim Award, which is an award given by the Guggenheim Museum in connection with the electronics company LG. Her work has been showcased across multiple states and countries including Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Canada, Austria, Taipei, Canada, and Sweden.
British Actress Marianne Jean-Baptiste is said to “dazzle” in her new drama “Hard Truths” according to the BBC. In this film, Jean-Baptiste has reunited with director Mike Leigh, a pairing that led to Jean-Baptiste’s Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a supporting role in 1997. That film made her an instant, worldwide star. In an interview with “The Hollywood Reporter,” on working with Mike Leigh again Jean-Baptiste said that it was “terrifying and exciting … to get back to trusting someone wholeheartedly in a process and knowing that you’re going to be looked after.” According to Variety the pair have made another film that is Oscar-worthy, stating that Jean-Baptiste’s performance is a “tour de force.” She has also starred in “The Book of Clarence,” “Robocop,” “Spy Game,” “Edge of Tomorrow,” the TV series “Without A Trace,” “Blindspot” and Amazon Prime’s “Homecoming.”
At just 35 years old, Damola Adamolekun is making his name in the restaurant industry. In September, the Nigerian-American business executive assumed the role as the youngest CEO of Red Lobster. Adamolekun accepted the job during a critical time for the company, which filed for bankruptcy in May.
Facing the challenge head-on, Adamolekun plans to revitalize the beloved seafood restaurant chain through strategies that include reducing the menu, ending the restaurant’s famous $20 endless shrimp deal, and livening up the design of dining areas. Adamolekun has a proven track record: he graduated from Harvard Business School, worked as an investment banking analyst with Goldman Sachs, and at age 30, became the first Black CEO of P.F. Chang’s. Under his leadership, the casual Asian fusion restaurant chain generated nearly $1 billion in yearly revenue. He’s hoping to bring similar success to Red Lobster, one of the first chain restaurants he ate at with his family after moving to the U.S. at nine years old.
