The Root 100 – 2023

1. Fani Willis

District Attorney of Fulton County, Georgia

Instagram, Twitter

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, the first female district attorney in Fulton County’s history, made headlines all year for her bold actions. She rose to prominence by charging 19 co-defendants, including former President Donald Trump, in a high-profile case related to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Willis has a history of successfully pursuing conspiracy and racketeering charges, using the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to secure convictions. Willis campaigned on a promise to restore integrity to the DA’s office after ousting a six-term incumbent and has been working toward just that. In addition to the election subversion case, she has taken on other high-profile cases, including anti-corruption indictments against celebrities. Willis’ determination and unconventional methods have solidified her reputation as a relentless prosecutor who prioritizes justice above all else.

2. Coco Gauff

Professional Tennis Player

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Cori “Coco” Gauff took the world by storm when she defeated Venus Williams at the 2020 Wimbledon tennis tournament at just 15 years old. In 2023, she continued to demonstrate her extraordinary talent on the tennis court when she won her first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open, which ranked her #3 in singles and #1 in doubles in the world. Her triumph at the tournament made her the youngest American champion since Serena Williams in 1999. Gauff has proved to be impactful both on and off the court, using her platform to speak on various issues such as the Black Lives Matter Movement, anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Florida and climate change. She made headlines more recently when she called out at an umpire for unjust treatment during the U.S. Open, proving she is a force not to be taken lightly.

3. Hakeem Jeffries

Congressman/ Representative

Instagram, Twitter

Hakeem Jeffries currently serves as the minority leader of the House of Representatives and as leader of the House Democratic Caucus. Rep. Jeffries is popular for the ABCs of Democracy speech he gave after ascending to the Minority Leader role earlier this year. It’s a new role, but the 53-year-old isn’t new to politics. He’s been championing community-centered policy since early in his career when he pushed for criminal justice reform. He wrote, supported and passed bills like the “Stop and Frisk” database bill in 2010, which protects privacy and mitigates prejudice by preventing the NYPD from keeping a database of innocent people who have been stopped and frisked.

4. Halle Bailey

Singer-Songwriter, Actress

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Born in 2000, Halle Bailey’s star power has skyrocketed in the last year. She started her career teaming up with her sister to create the dynamic duo “Chloe x Halle,” belting out powerful vocals and harmonious performances. The group earned the mentor of dreams: Beyoncé. Bailey then made waves by snagging the barrier-smashing role of Ariel in Disney’s live-action film “The Little Mermaid.” She will continue in her Hollywood takeover in the upcoming “The Color Purple,” set for a Christmas release. Bailey’s got talent oozing from her pores and her dedication to her craft is on another level. She’s a rising star, an icon of empowerment and an inspiration to all the young artists out there.

5. Jon Batiste

Singer-Songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, tv personality

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Grammy- Golden Globe- and Oscar-winning singer, songwriter and composer Jon Batiste, known to many as the former bandleader and musical director of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” is on the ride of his life. After grabbing nearly all the 2022 Grammys, including Album of the Year, Batiste stepped back from his nightly television duties to help care for his wife, author Suleika Jaouad, but didn’t slow his output. Batiste, who has worked with a multitude of other artists, including Stevie Wonder, Mavis Staples, Lenny Kravitz and Trent Reznor, currently serves as the music director of The Atlantic magazine and as creative director of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. His current project is the documentary “American Symphony,” which provides a glimpse into his creative process as he composed his inaugural four-part symphony. The Netflix doc is said to be a frontrunner for the Oscars. His latest studio album, “World Music Radio,” features Lana Del Rey, K-pop group NewJeans and Lil Wayne, among others. He also netted six nominations for the upcoming 2024 Grammys.

6. Keke Palmer

Actress, Musical Artist, Entrepreneur

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Keke Palmer stayed at the top of everyone’s mind throughout 2023 – trending for reasons good and ugly but staying Black America’s sweetheart through it all. Having started her career as a child actress best known for roles in “Akeelah and the Bee,” “Madea’s Family Reunion” and as the title character in the Nickelodeon series, “True Jackson VP,” Palmer broke the internet in 2022 when she announced she was pregnant with her first child. Her pregnancy with son Leodis Andrellton Jackson, who was born in February, made her a maternal and postpartum fashion icon, showing the world how sleek and sexy pregnancy and new motherhood can be. Palmer even leveraged a domestic controversy to star in Usher’s “Boyfriend” video in August. With such a wild year, we’re all excited to see what Palmer’s 2024 brings.

7. Dr. Uche Blackstock

Doctor, Founder, Author

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Uche Blackstock is an award-winning physician, author, writer and public speaker who addresses bias and racism in medicine and health care. She is also founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity, which has a primary mission of engaging with organizations to dismantle racism in health care. Blackstock won the American Medical Women’s Association’s 2021 Presidential Award, the 2021 Harvard Humanist of the Year and the NAACP Brooklyn Chapter’s 2022 Valiant Service Award. Her book, “Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine,” is set to release in January 2024. Blackstock is a force in the medical field, using her platform to advocate for those who do not have one. She is bridging gaps to create equity in health care for both patients and providers.

8. Simone Biles

Gymnast

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Simone Biles is considered one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. She became the world’s most decorated gymnast earlier this year after she competed in the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Belgium. The championship marked Biles’ return from a two-year hiatus. She was on the gold medal-winning 2016 Women’s Olympic Team and has since competed in over 36 competitions. “I had to prove to myself that I could still get out here, twist, I could prove all the haters wrong that I’m not a quitter, this, that, the other,” she told NBCSports.

9. Pharrell Williams

Record producer, songwriter, rapper, singer and founder

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Born in 1973, Pharrell Williams is a musical and fashion phenomenon. Starting as a music producer with The Neptunes, Williams produced hits for more than two decades. His solo career, including the mega-hit “Happy,” has raked in awards and accolades, including 13 Grammys. But it doesn’t stop there: Pharrell’s a fashion icon, known for his unique style and major brand collabs. In 2023, he became the men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton, a position once occupied by the late Virgil Abloh. He’s also a vocal advocate for social and environmental causes like education and climate change. In 2020, he founded Black Ambition, a nonprofit organization that focuses on uplifting Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs and closing the opportunity and wealth gap for people of color. On Nov. 9, Williams and his organization hosted this year’s Black Ambition Prize Competition, where millions were granted to 35 visionaries. Williams’ creative genius and philanthropic efforts have cemented his status as a cultural icon and a humanitarian changing the game and setting the pace.

10. Jaime Harrison

DNC Chair

Instagram, Twitter

Four years after serving as the chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party and the first African American man to hold the position, 47-year-old Jaime Harrison assumed the office of the chair of the Democratic National Committee with President Joe Biden’s election. The South Carolina native has broken records for funding several times over and has pushed accountability among state parties with the “Every ZIP Code Counts” strategy. “Not all states are the same — what Alabama needs may be quite different from what Arizona or Alaska needs,” he said of the strategy. “My team has been on the ground in every state doing an analysis of each state party to determine what each state needs to win elections. We’ve met with party staff, partner organizations and key allies to get a comprehensive understanding. And we’re reviewing with the state parties what is currently working and what could be working better to help win local, statewide and national elections.”

11. Yusef Salaam

City Councilman

Instagram, Twitter

In 1989, five boys who would come to be known as “The Central Park Five” were accused of rape, imprisoned and incarcerated until a serial rapist confessed to the assault years later. Yusef Salaam was one of those five boys. Nearly seven years passed before he was exonerated, but he was left to live with the weight of an accusation that cost him his childhood and left him to figure out how to move forward. For Salaam, that included going to school, becoming an author, and, as of November’s elections, becoming a New York City councilmember. His story is one of redemption, survival and justice — paralleling his activism, criminal justice reform work and rehabilitation efforts for the formerly incarcerated.

12. Fantasia Barrino-Taylor

Actress and Singer

Instagram

Since her epic win on Season 3 of American Idol, Fantasia has continued to prove that she is a generational talent. She has sold over three million records and won numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award, three Billboard Awards, three NAACP Image Awards and two ASCAP Awards. Fantasia has distinguished herself as an actress, with a Broadway turn as Celie in the stage adaptation of “The Color Purple,” a role she will reprise in the film production to release this Christmas. Fantasia recently launched a new swimwear line that honors her late grandmother, Apostle Addie Collins, who passed away in 2015. Addie’s Place will also feature swimwear, nightgowns and candles – fitting since Fantasia has always shined so bright.

13. Ava DuVernay

Filmmaker

Instagram

Ava DuVernay is a visionary filmmaker who has shattered conventions to showcase the Black experience. This year, the spotlight found its way to DuVernay in a never-seen-before way. At the prestigious Venice International Film Festival, the award-winning filmmaker premiered her film “Origin,” becoming the first Black woman to premiere a feature film in competition at the festival. At a festival press conference, she revealed the struggles she faced throughout her journey. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told, ‘Don’t apply to Venice, you won’t get in, it won’t happen,'” she confessed. Against the odds, DuVernay opened a door that remained elusive for so long and made history.

14. Barbara Lee

Congresswoman

Instagram, Twitter

Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a stalwart representative of California’s 12th District since 1998, has broken barriers and championed progressive causes throughout her distinguished career. Her influence extends to the highest echelons of Democratic leadership, where she serves as the co-chair of the Policy and Steering Committee, advocating for diversity and Democratic ideals. With strategic roles on the influential Budget and Appropriations committees, she wields immense influence over federal spending decisions. Notably, she became the first African American to lead the House Appropriations subcommittee on state and foreign operations; and related programs in 2021. In addition to her leadership roles, Lee chairs the Majority Leader’s task force on poverty and opportunity and co-chairs the pro-choice caucus and the cannabis caucus. Lee isn’t one to hold her tongue when something doesn’t sit well with her. This year, she called for a ceasefire in Gaza, echoing her decision to be the sole vote against former Pres. George W. Bush when he launched “the war on terror” in 2001. She called out her own Gov. Gavin Newsom for his caretaker comment following Sen. Diane Feinstein’s death. And she has launched a run for Senate. Her legacy includes chairmanship of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chairing the Congressional Progressive Caucus, making her a tireless advocate for social justice and a trailblazer in American politics.

15. Issa Rae

Actress,Writer, Producer, Entrepreneur

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Issa Rae, the dynamic American actress, writer, and producer, is a beacon of creativity in the entertainment industry. The Peabody award-winning comedy series “Insecure,” is her most notable work, where she not only stars but also works her magic as a writer and producer. She doesn’t stop at just television; this year, she conquered the silver screen with roles in summer box-office hits like “Barbie” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” showcasing her versatility as an actress. In 2020, the award-winning producer launched Hoorae Media, a platform dedicated to promoting artists of color and women, further expanding her commitment to representation and diversity in the industry. Now, she’s embarking on a new adventure by introducing Viarae, her very own brand of prosecco, to her evermore expanding empire.

16. Rihanna Fenty

Businesswoman

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Despite pausing her music career seven years ago, Rihanna has become a self-made billionaire through her cosmetics brand Fenty. The Barbados native stunned fans earlier this year with her dazzling performance at the 2023 Super Bowl, where she revealed her second pregnancy with American rapper A$AP Rocky. Rihanna the businesswoman is busy raising her kids and running an empire with hints that she is set to make a long-awaited musical return. As of now, her fans lie in wait for a potential new album and world tour.

17. Doug E. Fresh (with Dr. Olajide Williams)

Rapper/Nonprofit founder

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

For Doug E. Fresh, 2023 was 50 years in the making. As the world stopped to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, The World’s Greatest Entertainer was standing right in the center of the ring. The incomparable performer conceptualized a block party-style summer celebration tour with other legends called “Masters of the Mic: Hip Hop 50 Tour.” He also used the golden anniversary to help raise awareness for an organization he founded with with Dr. Olajide Williams called Hip-Hop Public Health, a group dedicated to teaching health literacy to historically underserved communities. Fresh said in a statement, “When we celebrate that block party in ’73 with Kool Herc that started it all, we’re celebrating the true spirit of Hip-Hop; everyone coming together and having a party sharing the love of their music and community. That’s the true heart of Hip-Hop culture right there.” Fresh is also a heartbeat of the culture, having rocked stages around the world. He’s an author, entrepreneur and has even had a dance named after him. Fresh currently serves as vice president and co-founder of the Hip-Hop Public Health (HHPH) nonprofit whose mission is to amplify health literacy through music and to foster positive health behavior changes, beginning with school-aged children. According to his agency, Fresh is one of the most actively touring musicians in the U.S. with more than 200 live shows a year.

18. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

Singer-songwriter, actress, producer

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

After releasing the “Renaissance” album in 2022, Queen Bey took Europe and North America by storm in 2023 by traveling to more than 50 cities, making the Renaissance World Tour the highest-grossing concert tour by a female artist of all time before it was dethroned by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. The superstar was viral all summer with videos of her elaborate sets, custom outfits, mute challenges and mommy-daughter moments on stage with Blue Ivy breaking the internet. Along the way, the Houston native singlehandedly made metallic clothing a trend. Renaissance was long overdue, as it was Beyoncé’s first solo tour since 2016. An intimate, behind-the-scenes film of the tour is slated for release in December. She also announced an upcoming perfume line.

19. Alicia Keys

Singer

This was a banner year for Alicia Keys. The 15-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter embarked on a new tour performing new songs alongside her classic hits. She and producer Swizz Beatz celebrated 13 years of marriage. She had success with her skincare line, Keys Soulcare. Finally, “Hell’s Kitchen,” a musical inspired by her teenage years, recently opened off-Broadway. ”Hell’s Kitchen” depicts a few months in the life of a 17-year-old named Ali. “It’s really so much more about relationships and identity and trying to find who you are,” Keys explained to The New York Times. “Which, I think, is a continuous theme in all of our lives: Who are we? Who do we want to be? Who are we becoming?” The play features many of Keys classic songs reimagined for the stage. More and more, Keys reminds us that not only do we know her name…we will never forget it.

20. Usher Raymond IV

Award-winning singer, actor, dancer

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Usher has dominated the music industry for nearly 30 years, from his self-titled debut album to his Las Vegas residency. He’s an award-winning singer, songwriter, and dancer with popular albums like “Confessions” — an album that earned Diamond status — several chart-topping songs such as “Nice & Slow” and “You Make Me Wanna;” and collaborations with artists like Alicia Keys and Lil’ Jon. His Vegas residency has been the talk of the town and brought out celebs including Saweetie, Queen Latifah, Diddy, Issa Rae, LeBron James, and most memorably, Keke Palmer. His recent collaborations with artists such as the City Girls and Summer Walker just prove he’s here for the long haul, no matter the generation. Soon the living legend will be taking the stage during the Apple Music Halftime Show at the 2024 Super Bowl in Las Vegas — a performance that is long overdue.

21. Amir “Questlove” Thompson

Musician/Producer, Multi-hyphenate Creator

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is on a mission. The longtime front man of the The Roots is trying to build a world for himself that he never had growing up. Most recently, he’s set out to achieve this goal by entering the book publishing industry. AUWA Books, an imprint by Questlove and MCD Books, is set to tell stories that will impact the next generation. The imprint is a continuation of the musical genius’ artistry. Documentaries such as “Summer of Soul” about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival have showcased Questlove’s talents outside of music, emulating his commitment to empowering the Black community through his various mediums of creative expression.

22. Leslie Odom Jr.

Actor and Singer

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Leslie Odom Jr. is a theater superstar, celebrated for his Tony and Grammy Award-winning performance as the original Aaron Burr in the acclaimed musical “Hamilton.” In 2023, the renowned Broadway veteran graced the stage in a revival of “Purlie Victorious.” In this production, he not only takes on the lead actor’s role but also serves as a producer. This captivating return allows the star to showcase his remarkable talent, leaving an indelible mark on the theater world and reaffirming his status as a luminary of the stage. As if that’s not enough to keep Odom busy, he displays his vocal chops with the release of 10 tracks on “When a Crooner Dies,” his fifth studio album and first release of all-new original music since 2019.

23. Colman Domingo

Actor/Director/Writer

Instagram, Twitter

Colman Domingo is a critically acclaimed actor, playwright, and director and known for various roles in The Color Purple, Rustin, Candyman, and Euphoria. Although graduating with a degree in journalism from Temple University, Domingo found his passion in acting, earning a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama for his role as Ali in the HBO drama Euphoria. He has been nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play as a producer for “Fat Ham.” In addition to his successful acting career, Colman wears many hats; he hosts “Bottomless Brunch at Colman’s,” a talk show on AMC; produces, directs and is faculty member at University of Southern California, School of Dramatic Arts.

24. Ayanna Pressley

Congresswoman

Instagram, Twitter

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) is a voice for the voiceless and a symbol of resilience. Elected to represent Massachusetts’ 7th Congressional District in 2018, she shattered barriers, becoming the first woman of color from Massachusetts to serve in Congress. Pressley’s career is defined by her dedication to serving her community. From her early work as an aide to Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy II and Sen. John Kerry to her historic election as the first woman of color to the Boston City Council, she has consistently fought for justice and equality. In Congress, Pressley continues her fearless advocacy, championing legislation for fair wages, supporting survivors of sexual assault, reforming the criminal justice system and, with Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH), pressing the FDA to remove harmful chemicals in relaxers Black women use on their hair. She is a powerful advocate for immigrant rights, reproductive freedom and government accountability. Her unwavering commitment to making a difference has earned her numerous accolades and recognition as a true leader.

25. Keith Lee

Fighter

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Keith Lee is proof that social media can sometimes make the right people famous. With nearly 15 million followers on TikTok, the former MMA fighter is using his platform to change lives — one food review at a time. His reviews of mom-and-pop restaurants immediately turn into viral videos, which in turn gain small businesses more followers, orders, and sometimes donations. This is known as the “Keith Lee Effect.” His most viewed video to date, with 48.2 million views, is his review of Frankensons Pizzeria earlier this year. A staff member reached out to Lee because the restaurant wasn’t getting much business. After posting his review, Frankensons had a line out the door and even ran out of product. The story made national news as Lee and his family traveled to New York for a “Today Show” appearance. Although the Detroit native’s content has always centered around food and family, the Frankensons review catapulted his following. As TikTok’s favorite food reviewer, Lee now has brand deals with Wingstop, Chipotle, and other major corporations. He highlights Black businesses and food trucks on his page often and gives back to his community by buying sneakers for kids at his favorite local shoe store or buying all the ice cream from an ice cream vendor and passing it out at schools. A self-proclaimed family man and foodie who leaves inspirational messages about faith and perseverance throughout his content, it’s impossible not to love this guy.

26. Victor Wembanyama

NBA Player – Forward for the San Antonio Spurs

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Hailing from France and towering over opponents at 7-foot-4, Victor Wembanyama was the face of the NBA Draft this year. Wembanyama, who’s only 19, was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs as the No. 1 pick overall. The young baller was all the rage over the summer, receiving praise from many of basketball’s greats, including LeBron James and Kevin Durant. So far, Wembanyama has maintained the hype, averaging 19 points, eight rebounds and two blocks per game in the first few weeks of the season — something Indiana coach Rick Carlisle reportedly believes is unlike anything the league has ever seen.

27. Dr. Oni Blackstock

Entrepreneur

Instagram, Twitter

Oni Blackstock is a physician, entrepreneur, researcher, executive director and founder of Health Justice, a racial and health equity consulting practice whose primary focus is to center anti-racism and equity in the workplace and reduce health inequities in the communities they serve. Blackstock was inspired to become a doctor after witnessing her mother do the same in New York. As a former assistant commissioner of the New York City Health Department, Blackstock led the city’s response to the HIV epidemic. Blackstock is championed in the public health sphere as she is passionate and vocal about achieving health equity for folks in marginalized communities. “My background, the way I was raised, was always very much rooted in social justice,” she said. “And I think so much of my work had maybe not explicitly addressed issues around social justice, but it was always sort of a part of my work.”

28. Sherri Shepherd

Actress, author, comedian, TV Host

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Sherri Shepherd has made us laugh for most of our lives, and 2023 was no different. A seasoned comedian and actress, Shepherd hosts the “Sherri” talk show, where she discusses everything from pop culture to food choices. Only in its second season, the show has hosted some notable guests, including Katt Williams, Kirk Franklin and Tina Knowles. She also has four Emmy nominations and an NAACP Image Award under her belt.

29. Sha’Carri Richardson

Athlete

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Sha’Carri Richardson ran through trials and tribulations these past few years only to triumph and cross the finish line in first place at both the 2023 USA and World Track and Field championships. She proved her “I’m not back; I’m better” mantra to be true this year — from getting suspended and no longer being qualified to compete in the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for marijuana to losing to Jamaican runner Elaine Thompson-Herah in the Prefontaine Classic. The 23-year-old track star ran to claim her title as the fastest woman in the world. Her perseverance is what led the board of the Dallas Independent School District, where she was a student from elementary to high school, to vote unanimously to rename a track in her honor. Let’s see who follows in her fast footsteps on the Sha’Carri Richardson Track.

30. Flau’jae Johnson

LSU Basketball Player, Rapper

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Flau’jae Johnson is the embodiment of a rising star — a rare blend of musical artistry and athletic prowess making her mark in the world in extraordinary ways. At the tender age of 13, she made her debut on “The Rap Game,” showcasing her rap skills. The spotlight only grew brighter when, at 14, she stunned the world on “America’s Got Talent” by becoming the first rapper to receive the coveted golden buzzer. Johnson’s talents extend beyond music: she’s a dynamic athlete on the basketball court. As a freshman at Louisiana State University, the young athlete assumed the role of the team’s starting point guard, contributing to their triumph in the Southeastern Conference and earning the title of Freshman of the Year. As her journey reached its pinnacle in 2023, Johnson’s signing with Roc Nation stood as a testament to the recognition of her remarkable talent. Furthermore, she ascended to the ranks of the highest earners in the realm of name, image, and likeness (NIL), firmly cementing 2023 as the year when her star truly soared.

31. Daymond John

CEO/Founder

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Daymond “The Shark” John may have gotten his nickname in part due to his 10 years on the hit show “Shark Tank,” but the entrepreneur is a go-getter in both life and business, using his success story to inspire others. Starting his brand “For Us By Us (FUBU),” with only 10 shirts, John has impacted the Black community by sharing his wealth of knowledge. The “Power of Broke” author has opened doors for Black business owners to create their own success stories through “Black Entrepreneurs Day.” The event gives Black entrepreneurs the chance to learn from successful business owners and market themselves to various companies and investors.

32. A’ja Wilson

Professional Basketball Player

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

A’ja Wilson was the name on everybody’s lips this past basketball season after successfully leading the Las Vegas Aces to their second consecutive victory at the WNBA Finals, making them the first WNBA team in 21 years to win back-to-back titles. Along the way, Wilson snagged the 2023 Finals MVP. Her recent accomplishments at the finals simply scratch the surface of her success: she has a nice collection of hardware on her shelf, with an Olympic gold medal, another WNBA Finals MVP and two WNBA Defensive Player of the Year awards. She has become a household name, and this looks like just the beginning of her professional athletic journey.

33. Dr. Joia Crear-Perry

Physician, activist

Instagram, Twitter

Joia Crear-Perry is a physician and champion of health equity. Her awards — including the Congressional Black Caucus’ Health Hero Award and the Global Visionary award from the Maternal Health Task Force at Harvard University — are evidence that she lives up to her reputation. In addition to being a practicing OB-GYN doctor, Crear-Perry’s career has focused largely on improving maternal mortality rates, experiences, and outcomes. She addressed the United Nations’ Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights to petition the establishment of a framework that improves maternal outcomes. Her work also pulls the thread on anti-racism teaching and training.

34. Nija Charles

Grammy-winning, multi-platinum songwriter and artist

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Not many songwriters can say they got a Beyoncè placement before 25, let alone two. But Nija Charles can brag about doing just that. In 2017, Charles dropped out of school at New York University — where she was studying at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music — and signed a publishing deal with Universal Music Group. Since then, she’s penned hits for Cardi B (on her Grammy-winning debut album), DJ Khaled, Summer Walker, Lady Gaga, Teyana Taylor, Chloe x Halle and Ariana Grande, among others. Charles wrote and sang on “My Power,” the song Blue Ivy Carter danced to, capturing hearts throughout the Renaissance Tour. At 26, Charles has several platinum plaques for her work. She began releasing her own music in 2021 and now has 1.3 million listeners on Spotify. This year, she executive produced her first album with R&B songstress Kiana Ledè. Her latest release is titled “Stay Awhile” and is featured on Diddy’s newest album. This singer-songwriter is ahead of the game and it’s only a matter of time before everyone knows her name.

35. Michael B. Jordan

Actor/Director

Instagram, Twitter

From his role as Erik Killmonger in “Black Panther” to his portrayal of Adonis Creed in the Creed series, Jordan has become something of a household name in recent years. Though he began his career with small cameos and memorable roles in TV shows and movies like “The Sopranos” and “Hardball,” it was 2006 when the Creed actor received his breakthrough role on “The Wire” before going on to star in “Friday Night Lights.” From there, the sky was the limit for Jordan, and it was not long before blockbuster hits such as “Fruitvale Station” and “Creed” made the multi-threat creative a household name. After being recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the 30 under 30 changemakers of 2013, the publication circled back a decade later to honor the heartthrob as one of the 100 most influential people in 2023. Jordan set his sights past acting and made his directorial debut this year with “Creed III,” which earned $100 million in its first week of release. Jordan admitted to TIME in an April interview that he’s looking forward to his next directorial opportunity and can’t wait to be “sitting behind the camera” again. Along with his contributions in the entertainment industry, Jordan was also featured in Calvin Klein’s Spring/Summer ’23 campaign at the top of the year.

36. Claudine Gay

President

For 387 years, no Black person ever ran the illustrious Harvard University until Claudine Gay assumed office as the school’s 30th president. The Haitian-American is the first Black president since the school was founded in 1636. The political scientist is no stranger to Harvard’s campus: she was recruited as a professor of government in 2006 and later served as the dean of social sciences and then the Harvard’s Edgerley Family Dean of Arts and Sciences. Outside of Harvard’s walls, she explores the ongoing racial issues in the country as a political scholar and founding chair of the Inequality in America Initiative.

37. Deion Sanders

Former NFL Defensive Back, NFL Hall of Famer, Head Coach of Colorado Buffaloes Football Team

Instagram, Twitter

Deion Sanders, also known as Coach Prime, took over the college football landscape overnight. After leading Jackson State to two SWAC championships the last two seasons as well as a Celebration Bowl appearance in 2022, Coach Prime took his talents to Boulder, Colo. to become the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes. Controversy surrounded the move, but Sanders kept it business as usual. After Colorado finished with a 1-11 record last season, he brought in over 50 new players from the transfer portal, including his two sons, Shiloh and Shedeur Sanders, as well as star wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter. Since becoming the head coach, Sanders has made Boulder the place to be this season, as Colorado football tickets are the most expensive average ticket costs in the nation.

38. Al Roker

Weatherman and journalist

Instagram, Twitter

Al Roker, an institution in the television world, has been a beloved figure for over 40 years. Known as the weatherman on NBC’s TODAY Show and co-anchor of the 3rd Hour of TODAY, Roker garners an impressive 30 million viewers each week. His 14 Emmy awards and numerous accomplishments speak to his enduring talent. Roker is not limited to weather forecasting; he conducts engaging interviews with celebrities and covers a wide array of topics. He’s also a prolific author with 13 books to his name, including a humorous and personal collection of essays, “You Look So Much Better In Person.” Beyond TV, Roker is an award-winning producer and the CEO of Al Roker Entertainment, Inc., creating content for various platforms. He’s even taken the TED stage to discuss the effects of extreme weather due to climate change. Despite health challenges and stormy weather, Roker remains dedicated to the advancement of journalism and content creation.

39. Karine Jean-Pierre

Press Secretary

Instagram, Twitter

Karine Jean-Pierre showed us she was a force to be reckoned with back in 2019 when she stood between a protester and the future Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. The then-senator was speaking at a MoveOn.org event when a protester rushed to the stage and grabbed the microphone from her hands. Karine, chief public affairs officer for the group, also rushed to Kamala and brought her arm in front of her as a wall between her and her objector. Three years later, Karine made history in the White House as the first Black and proud gay woman to serve as the public face for a presidential administration. She is well known for her bold, fiery comebacks and responses while remaining outspoken and passionate about the Biden administration and a variety of political topics. It’s possible that Karine’s daring spirit came from her childhood, which she details in her memoir, “Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America.” In her book, Karine recounts her time growing up in New York and taking care of her siblings while undergoing abuse and mental health issues. After enrolling in a class by urban policy expert Ester Fuchs, Karine later realized that there were issues within the country that she wanted to challenge and thus her journey into politics began.

40. Yara Shahidi

Actress

Instagram, TikTok

Best known for her role on popular television shows “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish,” Yara Shahidi is a Hollywood veteran. Her work in film this past year — she became the first Black woman to play Tinkerbell in Disney’s live action film “Peter Pan and Wendy” — solidified her icon status. The young actress also stepped behind the camera, serving as executive producer of “Grown-ish,” “Yara Shahidi’s Day Off” and “Sitting in Bars with Cake.” She’s also won numerous awards, including the WIF Max Mara Face of the Future Award, the first Cameron Boyce Youth Empowerment Award and the Shining Star Award at the 2023 Maui Film Festival. Shahidi also dedicates herself to helping young people get involved in politics through her creative platform WeVoteNext. Her ability to navigate different fields so effortlessly continues to leave us stunned.

41. Marques Brownlee

YouTuber (MKBHD), Professional Ultimate Frisbee Player

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Product reviews are a big category on YouTube, but Marques Brownlee is the only tech reviewer who has appeared on the hit digital show “Hot Ones” and has his own signature shoe. Brownlee began posting his thoughts on technology products to YouTube when he was a high schooler in 2009. His longevity has paid off: he now has more than 17 million subscribers on YouTube, where he’s interviewed celebrities including Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Kobe Bryant and Barack Obama.

42. Rich Paul

NBA Sports Agent, Founder of Klutch Sports Group

Instagram, Twitter

Rich Paul is the CEO of KLUTCH Sports Group, which he founded in 2012. At KLUTCH, he forged a unique and personal approach to representing NBA talent – putting athletes first and empowering them to build careers and brands on and off the court. KLUTCH Sports now represents some of the biggest athletes across major professional sports including the NBA, NFL and WNBA. In 2019, KLUTCH Sports partnered with UTA, and Paul now serves as UTA’s Head of Sports. In 2021, TIME recognized KLUTCH Sports on its first-ever list of TIME100 Most Influential Companies, and Variety recently named Paul to its “Variety500” list of the most influential business leaders shaping the global media industry.

43. Nikole Hannah-Jones

Journalist/ Author

Instagram, Twitter

Nikole Hannah-Jones is the closest incarnation of investigative journalist Ida B. Wells. Like her role model, she uses her pen to fight for truth and democracy while slaying haters (especially on Twitter aka X). And they both faced personal danger for keeping it real. Nikole’s work is especially crucial today with growing threats on civil, voting and reproductive rights. No matter how much racists try to ban “The 1619 Project,” dubbed “the greatest story never told,” Nikole’s mission is to spread the word by any means necessary. That includes her new Democracy Summit – a meeting of brilliant minds like Sherrilyn Ifill and Ta-Nehisi Coates — and the 1619 series on Hulu, which won the 2023 Critic’s Choice Award for Best Limited Documentary Series. After all, Nikole insists, “It is Black people who have been the perfectors of our democracy.” She’s paying it forward by training her peers to go deeper through the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting, which was relocated from her alma mater at the University of North Carolina to Morehouse College. She’s also teaching the next generation of truth tellers through her 1619 course at Howard University and a variety of new HBCU programs launched there by her Center for Journalism & Democracy. In the process, she is also shining a light on other lingering issues like health equity and reparations.

44. Ayo Edebiri

Actress, Comedian

Instagram, TikTok

Ayo Edebiri’s meteoric rise to stardom has captivated audiences across the world. Best known for her star turn as Sydney Adamu on Hulu’s hit series “The Bear,” Edebiri’s voice and live acting can be found in “Spiderman: Across The Spiderverse,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” Netflix’s “Big Mouth” and the comedy film “Bottoms.” She also has a recurring role on ABC’s hit sitcom “Abbott Elementary.” After winning the IMDb “Breakout Star” StarMeter Award at the South by Southwest Festival, she detailed the reason why she became a comedian and actor. “There’s a host of character actors who are like strange older men who I really love,” she said. “I love Danny Glover. I love Tony Shalhoub…I love Erika Alexander. Like the whole cast of ‘Living Single’ just made a big imprint on me.”

45. Teyana Taylor

Singer, dancer, choreographer, model and actor

Instagram

Muti-hyphenate Teyana Taylor is a singer, dancer, choreographer, model and actor who stole her way into our hearts before semi-retiring from the music scene in 2022. (She felt undervalued by the industry after 15 years, she said.) Music’s loss is Hollywood’s gain, as Taylor, who has had roles in Lee Daniels’ “Star,” VH-1’s “The Breaks” and Amazon Prime’s “Coming 2 America,” turned in a tour de force performance as a single mother who kidnaps her son out of foster care in the Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize-winning film “A Thousand and One.” In November, Femme It Forward named her among their second-annual Give Her FlowHERS honorees. Taylor is also being recognized with The Visionary Award that “highlights a multi-dimensional creative who is changing the game for the future of women in music.”

46. Nate Burleson

CBS Mornings co-host

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Nate Burleson is not much for staying in one lane. The Canadian-born former NFL wide receiver played for several teams, finishing his football career with the Cleveland Browns in 2014 and segueing immediately into an analyst role with the NFL Network. Since then, he’s built a robust broadcast career, now serving as an integral (and well-dressed) part of the “CBS Mornings” squad. Burleson is also a voice for mental health, discussing openly how he spiraled when a 2008 injury put his football career on pause. His advocacy included reciting his poem, “Won Day at a Time,” on air for Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Burleson is also father to three teenagers with his college sweetheart and wife, Atoya. Oh, and if you want to hear his rapping chops, look for his tracks as a guest on Seattle rapper Wizdom’s albums, rapping under the moniker “New Balance.”

47. Megan “Megan Thee Stallion” Pete

Rapper

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Megan Pete, also known as Megan Thee Stallion is THEE hottie of 2023. The Grammy award-winner isn’t just a rap icon — this year, Megan stepped into the world of acting, making her silver screen debut in “Dicks: The Musical” and demonstrating the boundless nature of her talent. Her journey in 2023 is marked by resilience and determination, having triumphed over a 2020 shooting incident. She graced the stage with none other than Beyoncé during the Renaissance Tour in their hometown of Houston. Her most recent achievement involves successfully resolving a contentious lawsuit with her former record label, paving the way for the rapper to independently release new music and revitalize the signature “Hot Girl” energy with new music.

48. Melonie Parker

Chief Diversity Officer

Instagram, Twitter

Melonie Parker is a Chief Diversity Officer at Google and has a history of advocating for diversity in the tech industry. Melonie has been working to diversify industries from Lockheed Martin to Sandia National Laboratories, a science and engineering laboratory based in various locations across the United States for nearly three decades. A natural leader in every role she occupies, she is committed to opening doors and breaking glass ceilings for young and marginalized groups to enter the tech industry.

49. Laphonza Butler

California State Senator

Instagram, Twitter

Laphonza Butler made history when she took the oath to serve as the junior U.S. Senator from California in October 2023. She became the first openly queer Black representative to join the U.S. Senate from California and just the third Black woman to hold this position. Butler was the first Black woman president of EMILY’s List, an organization dedicated to electing Democratic pro-choice women. She served as president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) of California, representing 700,000 members and emphasizing her commitment to championing gender equality, women’s rights and labor advocacy. Butler’s impressive political journey includes serving as a senior adviser on both Kamala Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. Her unwavering dedication earned her praise from former President Barack Obama, who described her as a “champion for change.” In a recent announcement, Butler revealed she won’t seek re-election in 2024, emphasizing her devotion to California’s voters and their pressing concerns. With under a year left in her term, she is determined to make each moment count.

50. Shontel Brown

Congressional Representative

Instagram, Twitter

Rep. Shontel Brown has been in Congress since 2021, but she hit the ground running. Less than 48 hours after being sworn into office, she supported passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which brought jobs to Northeast Ohio, improved public transportation, delivered clean water to families and expanded access to high-speed internet. Brown has also worked to improve access to nutritious meals for students and enroll more veterans in preventive health programs. If that wasn’t enough, she recently teamed with Rep. Ayanna Pressley to pressure the FDA to ban cancer-causing chemicals in hair care products geared toward Black women. Talk about serving with constituents in mind!

51. Sean Combs

Music Producer

Twitter, TikTok

Sean Combs, rapper, clothing designer and a man of many nicknames including P-Diddy and now Sean Love Combs, was born and raised in Harlem. In 1993 he started his own record label, Bad Boy Records, grooming stars like Mary J. Blige and rapper Notorious B.I.G. He has gone on to produce multiple award-winning albums and singles. He is also a philanthropist, donating $1 million to the School of Business at his alma mater, Howard University, in 2016 and recently fulfilled a promise to donate another $1 million to Howard after a pledge he announced at the BET awards.

52. Khabane Lame

TikTok Star

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

For Khabane ”Khaby” Lame, silence is golden. TikTok’s million-dollar mime fetches $750,000 to feature a product in a TikTok and Instagram post. In 2019, Lame was assembling car filters in a factory outside the Italian city of Turin; he now has more than 240 million social media followers and has scored lucrative partnerships with Hugo Boss, State Farm and Middle Eastern bank QNB. This fall, he was featured as a character in “Fortnite,” the blockbuster multiplayer video game with more than 230 million monthly players.

53. Jada Pinkett Smith

Actress, Talk-Show Host

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Jada Pinkett Smith started as an actress, rocking our screens in “A Different World” and in iconic films like “Set It Off” and the Matrix series. But she’s not just a silver screen siren — she was the lead singer of the metal band Wicked Wisdom, turning heads with her eclectic talents. In recent years, she’s taken over the talk show space, co-hosting the mega-hit “Red Table Talk.” The Daytime Emmy Award-winning show, which ran for five seasons, taught the world about “entanglements” and gave Facebook Watch viewers candid conversations about personal topics. Pinkett Smith is also a fierce advocate for mental health and the well-being of women. Her memoir “Worthy,” released on Oct. 17, provides readers insight into her life and the struggles of fame and marriage. The memoir, an ode to self-love, is just another reason why she’s the star you can’t help but respect.

54. Taraji P. Henson

Actress/Author

Since her star-making debut in “Baby Boy,” Taraji P. Henson has become everyone’s favorite big sister in their head. The Academy Award-nominated superstar is known for her quick wit, thoughtful acting portrayals and iconic fashion sense. She was destined for greatness. Her great-great-grand uncle, Matthew Alexander Henson, made a massive contribution to science by being the first to reach the North Pole. One of Henson’s most iconic roles may be as the incomparable Cookie Lyon on “Empire,” which ran on Fox for six seasons. That incredible portrayal elevated her to a new untouchable status that may soon be eclipsed by her forthcoming portrayal as Shug Avery in the film adaptation of “The Color Purple.” In an interview with Essence, Henson talked about the weight of playing such a difficult role: “I know when you’re doing something so heavy like this, it can be triggering. You have to learn to live in between takes.”

55. DeMarco Morgan

Broadcast Journalist

Instagram, Twitter

DeMarco Morgan is a broadcast journalist known for his work on CBS and ABC News. He helped found the chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists at Columbia University as a student. Morgan has also worked in higher education, teaching journalism classes at Morehouse College and Jackson State University. In undergrad, he became the first African American male to rank in Scripps Howard’s Top 10 Collegiate Journalists in the country. In 2023, Morgan took over for T.J. Holmes as co-anchor of “GMA3: What You Need to Know.”

56. Angel Reese

Basketball player

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Angel “Bayou Barbie” Reese is a rising star in the world of basketball. She represents a resurgence in women’s collegiate basketball after helping lead her Louisiana State University team to win the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Hailing from Baltimore, this embodiment of perseverance and excellence inspires aspiring athletes everywhere. While her legacy is still in the making, Reese’s journey is one of grit, determination, authenticity and an unwavering passion for the game. As she enters her senior year at LSU, she’s an AP Preseason All-American and one of the highest NIL earners. Bayou Barbie, we’re rooting for you!

57. Bianca Belair

Professional Wrestler

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

If you’re not familiar with Bianca Belair, she’s putting on for Black women in World Wrestling Entertainment. The self-proclaimed “EST of the WWE” has dominated women’s wrestling since being drafted to Raw, the promotional brand that showcases its wrestlers on Monday Night Raw, in 2021. In May, Belair surpassed WWE icon Becky Lynch as the longest reigning Raw women’s champion after facing off against Iyo Sky. Belair is also half of WWE’s hottest couple: she’s married to pro wrestler Montez Ford. The pair has a new reality series: “Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez,” scheduled to air on Hulu next year.

58. Angela Bassett

Actress

Instagram

After being snubbed for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” at the 2023 Oscars, Angela Bassett is slated to become one of four Hollywood figures to receive an honorary Oscar at this year’s Governors Awards, hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in November. The 64-year-old star has gotten her flowers all year, snagging Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture at the 54th NAACP Image Awards and Best Actress at the 2023 BET Awards for her Queen Ramonda role. Bassett also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the iconic “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” this year. Not content to rest on her laurels, Bassett is working on her latest film with her actor husband Courtney B. Vance and Showtime, and she continues to portray police officer Athena Grant on the fire and police drama “9-1-1.”

59. LaChanze

Actress, singer, producer, dancer, president of Black Theatre United

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Multi-hyphenate performer LaChanze’s stage name is Creole for “the charmed one.” If her 2023 is any indication, the sobriquet is speaking truth to power. The Florida native, who started her acting, dancing and singing career in the 1980s, became a two-time Tony Award-winning producer in June, taking home statues for Best Musical winner “Kimberly Akimbo” and Best Revival of a Play winner “Topdog/Underdog.” They mark Tony wins two and three for LaChanze – she won Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical in 2006 for her performance as Celie in “The Color Purple.” Since 2022, she has served as president of Black Theatre United, a nonprofit designed to create opportunities and support for Black students and professionals in the theater industry. Her legacy of performance has passed on to her child, Celia Rose Gooding, who plays Uhura in the Paramount+ series “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.”

60. Erica Loewe

Special Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff

Instagram, Twitter

Inside 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Erica P. Loewe makes sure that what goes on in the “People’s House” trickles down to the people. She does this in her new role as Special Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff for the Office of Public Engagement, known as the “front door of the White House.” In addition to keeping communities and organizations in the know, she has fulfilled the dreams of everyday folks who thought they’d never visit the White House. Loewe also made sure that the issues important to them were covered by making sure that Black journalists had access to the nation’s movers and shakers in her previous position as the White House Director of African American Media. Born in Charleston and reared in the Miami area, Loewe developed an interest in public service from her parents who were government workers. She became a White House intern in college during the Obama administration and later worked with U.S. Representative Maxine Waters and then U.S. Majority Whip James Clyburn. During the January 6th insurrection, she was among the Congressional staffers barricading doors with furniture to keep out the angry mobs. Despite this low point, she has high hopes for America and for herself as one of the key Black women in the Biden-Harris Administration.

61. Victoria Monét

Singer, Songwriter, Producer

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Victoria Monét, a breakout talent who signed with RCA Records in March 2023, has continued to make her mark in the music industry. She released her debut album, “Jaguar II,” in August 2023, captivating audiences with her diverse musical style. Her 2023 single “On My Mama” only further catapulted her into the limelight as the music video paid homage to 1990s artists, 2000s fashion and the Divine 9. Monét’s success continued to shine as she headlined The Jaguar Tour, with every show selling out, solidifying her popularity among fans. Her touring experience extends to sharing the stage with popular acts like Fifth Harmony and Ariana Grande. Not confined to a single genre, Monét’s versatility shines through her songwriting for artists such as Chloe x Halle, GOOD Music, Ariana Grande, Brandy, BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez, among others. With over a decade of experience in singing, songwriting, and production, Monét is a seasoned professional in the music industry. Her work has received critical acclaim from various publications and her sold-out headlining tour is a testament to her growing success. As Monét’s star continues to rise, she remains a noteworthy and influential figure in the world of music.

62. Myechia Minter-Jordan

Physican, President and CEO of CareQuest

Instagram, Twitter

Myechia Minter-Jordan, M.D., MBA, is president and CEO of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. With a distinguished reputation in health care, she is celebrated for her unwavering commitment to advancing equity and accessibility. In 2023, Minter-Jordan was honored with the Terrance Keenan Leadership Award in Health Philanthropy by Grantmakers In Health, recognizing her innovative and courageous contributions to the field of health philanthropy. Minter-Jordan’s commitment extends beyond her role at the CareQuest Institute. She is a passionate advocate for addressing social inequities and played a pivotal role in the New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund, collaborating with Black and brown executives to provide support in the fight against systemic racism in Massachusetts. “A safe and healthy pregnancy should be a fundamental right, not a privilege. But getting there will require treating Black maternal health with the urgency it requires—all year long—and demanding policies that we know will make a difference,” emphasized Dr. Minter-Jordan in an article she wrote in April 2023. “If we do, we will deliver more than a week’s worth of empty words. We will save lives.”

63. Aurora James

Activist/Fashion Designer

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Aurora James is a fashion designer, author and activist who has more than earned her spot on the Root 100 list. You may know her from her luxury brand, Brother Vellies, but James brings more to the table. She launched the Fifteen Percent pledge, asking retail brands to pledge 15 percent of their shelf space to Black brands. James uses her massive social media platform — nearly a quarter million followers on Instagram — to reach an audience that cares about fashion and activism. She’s also a talented author whose memoir “Wildflower” is a must-read!

64. Monet McMichael

Lifestyle and Beauty Influencer

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Monet McMichael is an O.G. beauty, fashion and lifestyle influencer with a massive following and loyal fan base that landed her at #47 on Forbes Top Creator List. In 2022, she graduated from Rutgers Nursing School, where she shared more than her regular lifestyle content as a student…opening up about nursing school stress and how she maintained a work-life balance. Over the past year, McMichael has blended her beauty influence and nursing school hacks into a $4 million dollar brand. She described the bond she’s built with her fans in an interview with Forbes: “I kind of feel like the big sister, where it’s like you know you can look up to me whether you’re older or younger, it’s a place where we can all learn from each other,” she said. McMichael has also landed major brand deals, partnering with Google, MAC Cosmetics, L’Oréal Paris and more.

65. Misty Copeland

Ballerina, Producer

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Misty Copeland, the world-renowned ballerina, has etched her name in history as a trailblazer. She shattered barriers as the first Black principal dancer in the American Ballet, paving the way for others to follow. After a brief hiatus from performing, the prima ballerina graced the world with her presence in a powerful new role in the activism short film “Flowers,” which premiered at the coveted Tribeca Film Festival. She not only stepped into her first on-screen acting role but also took on co-producing the independent film. “Flowers” sheds light on the housing crisis in the country, highlighting her commitment to addressing critical societal issues. Her production company, Life in Motion Productions, is a beacon of hope for artists of color and marginalized communities. Copeland’s mission is to empower these voices and bring their stories to the forefront.

66. Noah Lyles

American Professional Track & Field Sprinter, 100 meters and 200 meters

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Noah Lyles has been proclaimed by many to be the next Usain Bolt. At the age of 26, many say that he could be better than Bolt given that he is running faster than Bolt was at this age. Lyles, a primarily 200 meter sprinter, won the gold medal in the 100 meter Championships in August. After his win was confirmed, he told the camera, “They said I wasn’t the one, but I thank God that I am!” He also won the 200 meter World Championship five days later, becoming the first man to win the 100 meter and 200 meter at the same World Championships since Bolt in 2015, and the first American man to accomplish the feat since 2007.

67. Terrell Grice

Social media personality, Host of The Terrell Show on Youtube

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Television casting producer turned media personality Terrell Grice has become a force to be reckoned with. He’s built a platform of over 1.2 million followers that focuses on music, culture and entertainment with his web series titled “The Terrell Show.” Guests have included The Clark Sisters, Kelly Clarkson, Keke Palmer, Tia Mowry and others. The infamous blue wall is a staple of the show, along with “Song Association,” a game in which each of his guests must sing a song with the given word. Since his initial launch, he’s aired several other projects, including a competition show where viewers competed for the chance to appear on “The Terrell Show” and a cooking series with R&B songstress Coco Jones. Grice has also hosted the 62nd Grammy Awards red carpet, appeared at 2023 Culture Con as a featured speaker and performed in his first professional acting role on Season Three of “The Ms. Pat Show” earlier this year. As he closes out Season 6 of his show, which will feature Houston legend, Kelly Rowland, his influence on Black culture continues to grow.

68. Jalen Hurts

Starting Quarterback for Philadelphia Eagles

Instagram, Twitter

Jalen Hurts has taken the NFL world by storm since being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He had his breakout performance in week 12 of the 2020 NFL season against the Green Bay Packers; since then, he’s been the starting quarterback for the Eagles the last two seasons and led the team to Super Bowl LVII last season — an accomplishment that made him and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes the first two Black quarterbacks to start in a Super Bowl in NFL history. In the off season, Hurts signed one of the richest contracts in NFL history — a five-year, $255 million contract with his all-women management team leading the negotiations.

69. Abby Phillip

News Anchor

Instagram, Twitter

On weekdays at 10 p.m., Abby Phillip graces our TV screens with her nightly show “CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip.” Formerly known for her work as a news anchor for “Inside Politics Sunday,” Phillip took her career to new heights when she became a full-time primetime host for the network this past year. “One of the things that I think people know me for is raising perspectives that are not always the obvious ones, getting us to think harder about what is happening and why it’s important to you,” Phillip told the Los Angeles Times. It has undoubtedly been a successful year for Phillip, and we can’t wait to see what more she has in store!

70. Jackie Aina

CEO/Content Creator

Instagram, TikTok

Jackie Aina is an American influencer and beauty blogger with more than 10 years in the social media and influencing space. Known as a pioneer for women of color in beauty, she has amassed over 8 million followers across various social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. But Aina doesn’t just represent diversity for Black beauty influencers. She’s also the CEO and founder of FORVR MOOD, a candle company sold at notable shops like Sephora.

71. Arian Simone

Multi-hyphenate

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Arian Simone showed other businesses that there was something to fear when she founded her organization, The Fearless Fund, to address and challenge the funding gap for businesses owned by women of color (WOC). With over 17 years of serial entrepreneurial experience on her hip and her humbling journey of homelessness to Hollywood, Arian expresses the importance of lifting up other Black-owned businesses when others aren’t quick to give entrepreneurs who resemble her an easy path, including the parties who caused a federal court to block The Fearless Fund from granting funds to those businesses. Despite the loss, however, the fearless entrepreneur said, “Activism is in our DNA. We are not scared.” She promises to continue her fight to assist and fund WOC businesses throughout the country.

72. Kristen Welker

Journalist

Instagram, Twitter

This year, Kristen Welker became the first Black person to host NBC News’ “Meet the Press” and only the second woman to serve in the role. Welker stole America’s heart when she moderated the 2020 presidential debate between candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump. She didn’t come to play that night, setting firm boundaries on time and allowing no one to speak over her. She was only the second Black woman to moderate a presidential debate. Welker graduated from Harvard University and matriculated her way through NBC News, where she served as White House correspondent before succeeding Chuck Todd as host of “Meet the Press.”

73. Rikki Lee

CEO/Content Creator

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

At just 21 years old, Rikki Lee has already amassed tens of thousands of followers with her feel-good content. Whether she’s using her insightful wisdom to guide young women in her podcast or documenting her life at Ohio State University on YouTube, it’s easy to be inspired by Lee when she uses her social media platforms to help elevate and uplift young women using podcasts, blog posts and YouTube videos. When she’s not creating content or being a full-time college student, she operates her own agency, The Rikki Lee Agency, where she uses her creative consulting skills to help brands and influencers.

74. Tamron Hall

Daytime television host, author

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Tamron Hall is an award-winning daytime television host most known for her work on the “Today Show” and her eponymous daytime show, which entered its fifth season in September. Hall was nominated for the 2023 Daytime Emmys and won twice in previous years. Prior to hosting the “Tamron Hall Show,” she hosted the third hour of “Today Show” and hosted and anchored segments for MSNBC and NBC. In March, the New York City Council honored the Texas native with a proclamation for Outstanding Service and Achievements. With a career spanning over 30 years, Hall has certainly proved she’s one of the best in her field and broken barriers for Black women journalists.

75. Deborah Roberts

Journalist

Instagram, Twitter

Deborah Roberts, a trailblazing figure in broadcast journalism, carved her path to success with talent and tenacity. Her journalistic prowess led her to become a key reporter on NBC’s Dateline and eventually a contributor to “20/20” at ABC, where she delved into an array of pressing topics, from the Amish community’s sexual abuse to the emotional journeys of African Americans returning to their ancestral homelands. Her impactful work continues to earn accolades and is a testament to her excellence in communications; Roberts received the prestigious Clarion Award and an Emmy. She remains a powerful voice in journalism, inspiring many with her groundbreaking career, and she was just announced co-anchor of “20/20” after more than 25 years contributing to the show.

76. Ron Nixon

Vice President for News and Head of Investigations, Enterprise and Grants, Editor, Journalist, Pulitzer Prize & Emmy award winner

Twitter

Under Ronald Nixon, the Associated Press is receiving Emmy nominations and praise for its visual investigations, complete with 3D modeling, satellite imagery and other tech tools to create an accurate account of bombings and other casualties around the world. It’s no surprise since the award-winning investigative journalist has trained a substantial number of investigative journalists over the years. An author and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nixon rose from global investigations editor and is now vice president of news, overseeing investigations, enterprise, grants and partnerships. Nixon has won a host of awards throughout his career, including an Emmy in 2020 for his work at the AP. He is co-founder of a team that includes Nikole Hannah-Jones of the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting, which is dedicated to increasing and retaining reporters and editors of color as well as educating news organizations and journalists on the transformative impact of diverse voices. Nixon is also the author of “Selling Apartheid: Apartheid South Africa’s Global Propaganda War.”

77. Mellody Hobson

Businesswoman, CEO

Instagram, Twitter

If there’s anyone who could teach a class on being a boss, it’s Mellody Hobson. She’s the co-CEO of Ariel Investments and the Chairwoman of Starbucks Corporation, making her the first Black woman to be chairperson of an S&P 500 company. Hobson’s philanthropic resume is long, as she has previously served on several other boards including DreamWorks Animation and Esteè Lauder. She’s been a longtime advocate of financial literacy, especially for the Black community. Her alma mater, Princeton University, named a college house after her — the first at the institution to be named after a Black woman. In September, the Executive Leadership Council (ELC) — an organization for Black CEOs, executives, board directors and entrepreneurs — announced that it will honor Hobson with the 2023 ELC Achievement Award.

78. Nicole Lynn

NFL agent for Klutch Sports Group

Instagram, Twitter

Nicole Lynn is a trailblazer in the NFL agency world, not only because she is a Black woman in a male-dominated space, but because of her success story to reach her level. In 2015, Nicole became the first female agent to represent a top NFL agency in PlayersRep. However, most people know her as the agent that negotiated the richest contract in NFL history this offseason, when quarterback Jalen Hurts re-signed with the Philadelphia Eagles for a five-year, $255 million contract extension. Her clientele list also includes New York Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams — who signed a four-year, $96 million deal to stay with the Jets this past offseason — Browns defensive lineman Myles Garrett, and rookies Brian Branch, Bijan Robinson, and Will Anderson.

79. Ubah Hassan

Model, TV Personality, & Entrepreneuer

Instagram

Ubah Hassan is no stranger to television. The Somali model and businesswoman caught the attention of numerous viewers with her star power on the reboot of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” enticing the audience with her charisma and spunk. Hassan’s work, however, goes beyond the screen: The reality star broke out into the culinary space in June 2021 when she launched her own line of hot sauces, UBAH HOT. “I created UBAH HOT for myself and anyone who strives to eat healthier and wants to consume more vegetables and less processed food without compromising the flavor,” Hassan said on the UBAH HOT website. She also keeps charity at the forefront of her endeavors, working a telethon earlier this year to help raise money for the nonprofit organization All Hands and Hearts. She continues to show her dedication to giving back while growing her business.

80. Adjoa Asamoah

Influencer and impact strategist

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

For many reasons, it is hard to conceive that, in 2023, Black people still have to worry about being discriminated against because of their hair – but it happens often. Which is why Adjoa B. Asamoah, a 45-year-old political and social impact strategist, chose to work with state and federal lawmakers over several years to introduce the CROWN Act, an acronym for Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. The law explicitly bans race-based discrimination in relation to hair choices. It allows Black men, women and children to legally wear their twists, locs, braids or teeny-weeny Afros proudly. “The thing I’m out here working for is to preserve and protect our right to do what we want to do with our crown,” Asomoah told The Zoe Report. “I think part of the beauty of Black hair is the versatility, and so I like to try different things with my hair, and I don’t believe I should be discriminated against.” With Asamoah’s diligent work, the CROWN Act has passed in 23 of the 50 states in the U.S. It is still awaiting a passing Senate vote to become a federal law. With continuing hair-based racial discrimination lawsuits cropping up across the country, the legislation won’t come a moment too soon.

81. Racquel Oden

Head of US & Latin America, HSBC Bank

Instagram

Racquel is Head of Wealth and Personal Banking for HSBC Bank USA, leading the bank’s wealth management, global private banking and retail businesses in the US and Latin America. Prior to her current role, she was the managing director and head of Network Expansion at JP Morgan Chase, and she’d served as the head of the firm’s National Sales. In this role, Racquel serviced over 20 million customers in multiple states. Before her stint at JP Morgan, she was an executive member at Merrill Lynch and UBS. On top of this, Oden also serves on the Board of Directors for the Apollo Theater, New York City’s Prep for Prep, The New York City Police Foundation and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

82. Natalie Wilson

Co-founder/COO

Instagram, Twitter

With her knowledge of the media’s reach and power, Natalie Wilson is ideal as co-founder and chief operating officer for the Black and Missing Foundation Inc. (BAMFI). This is captured in the award-winning HBO docuseries “Black and Missing,” which followed Wilson and her sister-in-law, Derrica Wilson, continued fight to bring awareness to the Black women, men and children who remain missing in the United States. Tamika Huston was the inspiration. Natalie noticed that Tamika’s story couldn’t be heard over the endless news coverage of a white woman who had gone missing months after Huston’s disappearance. Since then, Wilson and her sister-in-law have spent the last 15 years on the frontlines, acting as the voice for several thousand missing Black women, men and children who didn’t make it to national headlines. By doing this, the two have assisted in bringing awareness, justice and peace to several families who felt like no one else was listening and are now extending their reach after they announced their up-and-coming production company, with several projects in the works.

83. Blake Van Putten

Founder & CEO

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Blake Van Putten is an innovative tech entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the world of artificial intelligence and robotics. Born in 1986, he showed an early aptitude for computer science and engineering. After completing his doctorate in robotics, Van Putten co-founded a cutting-edge tech company specializing in AI-driven automation. His work has led to groundbreaking advancements in various industries, from health care to manufacturing, where his robots have improved efficiency and productivity. Van Putten’s visionary approach to technology and his commitment to making the world a better place through innovation have made him a respected leader in the tech sector.

84. Kerry Washington

Actress and NYT Bestseller

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Best known for her compelling portrayal of Olivia Pope on the hit series “Scandal,” Kerry Washington has been recognized for her groundbreaking roles and has received numerous accolades, including Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. She’s been a luminous star of the entertainment world for more than two decades and has continually captivated audiences with her talent and versatility. Her impact is undeniable, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of film, television, and advocacy. Most recently, she took her storytelling talents to the book world with her new book “Thicker than Water: A Memoir,” which recently landed on the New York Times Bestsellers List.

85. Danyel Surrency-Jones

Head of Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator, Founder

Instagram, Twitter

Danyel Surrency-Jones, former CEO of Powerhandz, assumed a groundbreaking role as the director and head of the Amazon Black Business Accelerator (BBA) Program. This visionary program is designed to empower and uplift Black-owned businesses, providing vital resources and support within Amazon’s marketplace. Under Surrency-Jones’s leadership, the BBA Program offers a wealth of benefits to Black entrepreneurs, including credits and cash investment opportunities, complimentary services and credits for brand owners, onboarding support, access to an educational library and monthly webinars featuring guidance and mentorship. Furthermore, the program collaborates with organizations experienced in supporting Black businesses and communities. Surrency-Jones is a dynamic figure in the world of business, known for her global strategic insights, philanthropic endeavors and inspiring speeches. With over two decades of experience in Fortune 100 and 500 companies, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role. “This role goes far beyond selling products and is a tremendous opportunity to aid in the building of legacies for Black entrepreneurs, which is deeply fulfilling at this stage in my career. I cannot wait to work alongside the brilliant minds at Amazon to amplify the stories and innovations that come from the Black community of entrepreneurs,” she said.

86. Brandice Daniel

Founder & CEO

Instagram, Twitter

Brandice Daniel peeped the fashion game and noticed the lack of representation for people of color. So, she did what any trailblazer would do: In 2007, she founded Harlem’s Fashion Row, an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Black and minority designers. This movement became a platform for emerging talents, shaking up the fashion world and celebrating diversity in style. Daniel’s relentless hustle to challenge the status quo and uplift underrepresented voices in the fashion realm has scored her serious recognition and respect. She’s a key player in the mission for inclusivity…a game-changer with style.

87. Joey Badass

Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actor (Power Book III:Raising Kanan), Founder of Impact Mentorship

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Joey Badass is known for his hard-hitting lyrics as a rapper, but he is also an actor, fashion model, singer, songwriter. As a rapper, he tackles the important topics of race and social justice; as an actor, he starred in the USA Network show “Mr. Robot” and as Unique in the Starz hit show “Power Book III: Raising Kanan.” He is the founder of a new mentorship program titled Impact Mentorship, designed for young Black men to become equipped with critical life skills across the landscapes of art, culinary arts, fashion, film/TV, media, music and sports.

88. Amanda Seales

Actress, Comedian and Host

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Amanda Seales, the witty and fearless comedic force, lights up stages with her sharp humor and candid insights. With an unapologetic style, Seales tackles social and political issues, making audiences both laugh and think. Her unique blend of stand-up comedy is infused with a bold perspective that challenges societal norms, leaving no topic untouched. Known for her razor-sharp wit and unwavering authenticity, Seales deftly navigates the absurdities of everyday life, sparking uproarious laughter and thought-provoking conversations. The self-proclaimed common sense specialist launched her Patreon platform with the exclusive release of her brand new political comedy documentary, “In Amanda We Trust,” which allowed the public to digest the political landscape in a more lighthearted fashion than the norm. As an artist, actress and comedian, she masterfully uses her platform to amplify diverse voices and create change in the world.

89. Gbolahan Olanubi

UX Researcher

Instagram

Dr. Gbolahan Olanubi is a senior UX researcher at Google who aims to use Artificial Intelligence to collect speech patterns and dialects from African Americans to help create an AAE (African American English) dataset. With AI being all the rage this decade, Olanubi uses it to close the racial biases between Black people and technology.

90. Shericka Jackson

Sprinter

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Shericka Jackson is a 29-year-old Jamaican sprinter who competes in the 100 meter, 200 meter, and 400 meter races. As of 2022, Jackson is the fastest woman alive and second fastest woman of all-time, just behind Florence Griffith-Joyner. Jackson has dominated the 200 meter category while also holding a torch in the 4×100 relay and recording the third- and fourth-best times in the overlap distance. Including her gold medal as part of Jamaica’s 4×100 relay team, Jackson has received five Olympic medals. Most recently, the track star made headlines for her consecutive victories in the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, and then again at the Diamond League Weltklasse Zürich. On Aug. 19, Jackson retained her women’s 200 meter title and cleared her competition with a time of 21.41, beating her own record from the previous year and marking the second fastest time in history, which was only bested by 10 seconds in 1988 by Griffith-Joyner. Just 12 days later, on Aug. 31, the awarded Olympian took home another win at the Diamond League event, clocking 21.82. As of Oct. 11, Jackson is among 11 candidates nominated for the Female World Athlete of the Year 2023. The winner will be announced Dec. 11.

91. Kenny Beecham

YouTuber, Co-Host of the Through The Wire Podcast, Host of the Kenny Beecham Podcast, Owner of Enjoy Basketball

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Kentrell “Kenny” Beecham is the blueprint for bridging content creation and basketball. Through YouTube, Beecham has created a platform that allows viewers to watch him rebuild a team from scratch on NBA 2K or talk about the most recent NBA news. With a subscriber count of over 2 million across four different channels, Beecham is also featured on two podcasts, “Through The Wire” and “The Kenny Beecham Podcast.” He also started a basketball newsletter titled “Enjoy Basketball,” which garnered over 35,000 subscriptions in six months after launching in 2022. In April, he appeared on ESPN’s hit show “First Take” and was dubbed by Stephen A. Smith as “The Future of Sports Media.”

92. Sean Bankhead

Dancer and Choreographer

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

In the realm of dance and choreography, Sean Bankhead is a name synonymous with unforgettable moves. His mesmerizing choreography has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Bankhead’s choreography for Normani’s chart-topping hits, “Motivation” and “Wildside,” breathed life into every step and catapulted him to the forefront of the dance scene, ensuring his name would be etched in the public’s memory. His captivating choreography for Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “Up” was a perfect match for the fun-filled music video that set screens ablaze. In 2023, Bankhead’s influence grew even larger with his work on Victoria Monét’s “On My Mama.” This dance sensation was celebrated for the video’s nostalgic 2000s realness. Bankhead’s collaborations with numerous artists have provided electrifying dance moves to complement their songs, but he is more than a choreographer — he is a creative visionary. His work transcends language, fostering a global celebration of dance and music.

93. Jaylen Brown

NBA player – Shooting Guard for the Boston Celtics

Instagram, Twitter

Jaylen Brown is the shooting guard for the Boston Celtics. Since he was drafted the third overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Brown has blossomed into an All-NBA-caliber player. Brown is a two-time All-Star and was named to the All-NBA second team last season after posting career highs in points, rebounds, assists and field goal percentage. In the offseason, Brown signed the richest contract in NBA history, staying with the Celtics on a five-year, $304 million extension. During his contract signing press conference, Brown said, “I want to launch a project to bring Black Wall Street here in Boston. I want to attack the wealth disparity here. I think there’s analytics that support that stimulating the wealth gap could actually be something that could be better…for the entire economy.”

94. Sydney Colson

WNBA Player for the Las Vegas Aces

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Thanks in part to her 2023 championship-winning Las Vegas Aces, Sydney Colson is one of the faces of the WNBA. Her sarcastic humor, transparency about her sexuality and frequent twerk pictures — which she says are influenced of her Houston upbringing — have made her a fan favorite on Instagram and TikTok. In addition to being a national champ, Colson is the star of an unscripted comedy, “The Syd and TP Show,” produced by Togethxr, a women’s sports brand. Colson was a leading point guard at Texas A&M University before being drafted by the Connecticut Sun in the 2011 WNBA draft.

95. Anifa Mvuemba

Founder of Hanifa

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

As the visionary behind the Hanifa luxury wear fashion brand, Anifa Mvuemba’s entry into the fashion world as a self-taught designer has been one for the books. The Congolese fashion designer uses tech and bright colors to not only set herself apart from her peers in the space but also to cultivate a unique look. Her designs have been worn by many celebrities, including Beyoncé, Zendaya, Iman, Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae and Sarah Jessica Parker. This year, Mvuemba set out to bring accessibility and innovation to bridal fashion. Her recent Hanifa Bridal show made a significant impact, not only showcasing stunning designs but also highlighting her commitment to inclusivity and cultural consciousness. Mvuemba is truly the epitome of Black luxury and innovation.

96. Telfar Clemens

Fashion Designer

Instagram, Twitter

If you don’t know Telfar Clemens or the brand Telfar, you’ve missed out on one of the most notable yet affordable designer brands of the 2020s. With its iconic TC logo and various shopping bags, boots and other accessories, it’s no wonder Clemens has solidified himself as one of the most iconic Black designers of this generation. Telfar bags made with vegan leather have been called the “it” bag. A-list celebrities have supported them: Oprah picked it as one of her “Favorite Things.” Clemens’ success has resulted in a banner 2023: He delivered the commencement speech to his alma mater Pace University and now commands $7 million per drop.

97. Tasha Mccaskiel

Founder of Black Girls In Media

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

If each one reach one was a person, it would be Tasha Mccaskiel. After struggling to find her footing in the media after graduation from North Carolina A&T, she decided to create her own space. According to the media strategist, what was started as a GroupMe chat has now grown into a worldwide community. Today, Black Girls in the Media is a 1,000-member strong platform designed to help Black women, both novices and experts, network, train and equip themselves with the tools necessary to have their dream media careers. And that’s just her side gig; Mccaskiel’s 9-5 is as an editorial strategist at HBO.

98. Kai Cenat

Streamer

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

Ever since Kai Cenat created his YouTube channel in 2018 and joined the YouTube group “AMP” with six other members in 2019, he’s shaken the streaming world with his alluring, contagious energy and smile. On both channels, the creator would post videos that ranged from reactions and vlogs to challenges and comedy skits. The determination and effort he puts into his work goes without question after he streamed for 30 days straight on the Twitch platform in an unceasing “subathon.” He served his viewers a plethora of entertainment, with some streams including yoga, karate, hypnosis and celebrity interviews. The creative ideas that brew from Kai’s mind to the front of his lens are endless, but behind his engaging smile and lively spirit comes a humble beginning. Kai once revealed that he grew up in shelters during times when his mother struggled financially. The subathon would eventually capture the moment when the streamer became the first to surpass 300,000 subscribers on Twitch and his committed road to success showed his supporters that anything is possible. After he flooded the streets of New York with thousands and shut down the city in an attempted giveaway to show gratitude toward his fans, it became clear that Kai is a significant part of the influencer community.

99. Necole Kane

CEO/Founder

Instagram, Twitter, TikTok

1A self-proclaimed “Queen of Pivoting,” Necole Kane has built three brands for herself. The former gossip blogger founded Xonecole, a lifestyle website for African American women, which was acquired by Will Packer Productions to further extend the reach of the brand. Kane continues her legacy with her brand MyHappyFlo, a plant-based period product company dedicated to helping women achieve painless and healthy periods.

100. Van Lathan Jr.

Host and media personalty

Instagram, Twitter

Van Lathan Jr., the Oscar award-winning producer, host, and media personality, brings a distinctive passion to his work. His deep love for sports, entertainment and news is woven into his reporting and shines brightly in his insightful interviews. If you tune into The Ringer, you’ll find Lathan as the co-host of shows that immerse you in the world of sports and entertainment, like the enthralling podcast “The Ringerverse.” If you’re in pursuit of knowledge, his podcast with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay, aptly named “Higher Learning,” offers thoughtful discussions on pressing issues. Lathan’s voice isn’t just a sound…it’s a conduit to a world where sports, entertainment, and knowledge converge, leaving his mark in the realm of media and making him an unmistakable and influential personality in the industry.