The EBONY Power 100 gala remained an inspiring space filled with fellowship, divine connections, and community. One of the standout moments from the evening was a look inside “La Cour,” the gala’s immersive creative world, which reimagines the grand royal courts of history with Black excellence at its center. The Court represents the honorees whose work most fully embodies this year’s theme, “The Stories We Shape.”
The full court includes GRAMMY-winning singer and actress Brandy, Allen Media Group founder Byron Allen, Digital influencer and culinary tastemaker Keith Lee, actress, producer, and screenwriter Lena Waithe, NASA astronaut Victor Glover and Seattle Storm WNBA player Flau’jae Johnson, and People’s Choice recipient Maleah Joi Moon.
“For more than 80 years, EBONY has kept the record of the people moving Black America forward, and the Court is that record at its most vivid. They wrote it themselves, and that is exactly what this year’s Power 100 celebrates,” said Eden Bridgeman, CEO of EBONY. Scroll down to read the key takeaways we’ve gathered from all the honoree speeches.
You Can Inspire Others Through Your Own Journey
Inspiration comes from many places, and EBONY Power 100 Court honoree Brandy has looked at her own journey and seen how much she’s inspired the next generation around the world. From her breakout success in the 1990s and starring role on Moesha to making history as Disney’s first Black Cinderella alongside Whitney Houston, Brandy has consistently expanded what representation and artistic excellence look like in entertainment.
Be Proud to Stand on the Shoulders of Giants
There’s always pressure to be the one to open doors, but Victor Glover welcomes and embraces what it means to stand on the shoulders of those who opened doors for him. “The amazing thing is that they are regular people, but every one of them sacrificed [things] for the rest of us,” Glover said. “I hope someone can stare into the sky and see themselves because of what we did.”
Don’t Let Others’ Fears Put You in a Box
Flau’Jae Johnson embodies keeping your foot on the gas. The 23-year-old continues to live her mission of never wanting to be placed in a box and, most importantly, not allowing others’ fears and projections to stop you from achieving your dreams. “My dream is to play in a WNBA game, and then they flip the screen, and I’m performing my song.
You are In Control of the Power of You
Byron Allen remains one of the frontrunners in what it means to be a fearless businessman. He continues to push himself and others to do their best and wants others to understand what it means to believe in yourself and own your vision. “Hold on to your power, your voice, and own everything,” Allen said.
Stay Connected and Involved
Maleah Joi Moon has had a whirlwind of a year, and despite all of her success and accolades, her main flex has been to always be in the moment. “Stay present, stay grounded, stay connected and involved,” Moon said. Throughout the evolution of the state of our world, the actress and performer enforces the importance
Thank Your Younger Self
Keith Lee has become the face of how it’s okay if your journey to success is unconventional because the mission remains the same. “Whether you have 89 followers or 20 million…stay grateful, stay grounded and continue the work,” Lee said. His speech left the crowd in awe as he made a point of thanking his younger self, because without that version, he would not be who he is today.
Storytelling is Not About Being Easy
Lena Waithe has never taken the easy route in her storytelling. She lets herself tap into the rawest, ugliest parts, which then become something beautiful. “We are all always shaping our own stories, and if we do it right, someone out there will see themselves, and then we feel less alone,” Waithe said.