EBONY Power 100 Gala celebrates Black changemakers

The annual EBONY ​Power 100 Gala honoured Black stars, including ​Jay-Z, Alicia Keys and Debbie Allen, ‌at ​an event in Los Angeles on Monday night, with gospel singer Kirk Franklin opening proceedings with a prayer and musical performance.

Ebony, ‌founded in 1945 by John H. Johnson, is a historic US magazine celebrating Black culture and achievement. Its annual Power 100 list honors influential Black leaders and changemakers. This year's theme, "The Stories We ‌Shape," celebrated leaders driving culture, economic impact and representation.

"It (being at the EBONY gala) means ‌so much to me because Ebony Magazine was important to me when I was four years old," choreographer Allen told Reuters on the red carpet before the ceremony. "I used to drool over the pictures and seeing ⁠all ​the people from my ⁠community, learning about ourselves and celebrating our culture. It means a lot," she added.

EBONY CEO Eden Bridgeman Sklenar ⁠encouraged attendees to put down their phones and take in the room around them. "There are doctors ​here, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, titans of the industry, media moguls and mavens, athletes, entertainers across music, ⁠stage, film and television," she said.

"And tonight, somehow, all of our lives are intersecting." Sklenar said EBONY has spent ⁠decades ​connecting changemakers across generations, including many of those gathered for the gala.

After opening the gala, Franklin stepped into the crowd for a spirited dance with Allen. Hollywood honorees included Jay-Z, ⁠Megan Thee Stallion, Alicia Keys, Brandy, Keke Palmer, Questlove and Lena Waithe.

"This year's theme is ⁠all about stories, ⁠and I'm grateful to call myself a storyteller," actor, producer and screenwriter Waithe said on stage during the ceremony. "All of us have something ‌to say," ‌she added.