Photo credit: Ebony
EBONY will host its 2026 Power 100 Gala on November 9 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. The event will feature special performances by Grammy-winning artists T.I. and Kirk Franklin. It will also celebrate influential figures shaping Black culture, entertainment, business and other industries.
This year’s theme is “The Stories We Shape.” It highlights narrative ownership, cultural influence and representation. Moreover, the gala will recognize leaders whose work continues to shape communities and inspire change.
T.I. and Kirk Franklin to Perform at EBONY Gala
T.I., the Grammy-winning rapper and entrepreneur, will join Kirk Franklin for the celebration. Franklin has earned 20 Grammy Awards for his contributions to gospel music. Together, the performers will help celebrate the achievements of the 2026 EBONY Power 100 honorees.
Additionally, the evening will feature special tributes to six members of the EBONY Power 100 Court. Each honoree will take the stage to accept their recognition. The ceremony will also recognize every member of the 2026 Power 100 class.
Furthermore, EBONY will photograph the honorees in the gala’s portrait studio. This tradition continues the publication’s eight-decade legacy of documenting Black leadership and achievement.
50 Cent, Alicia Keys and Jay-Z Among Honorees
The 2026 EBONY Power 100 list features influential names from music, sports, entertainment, media and business.
Music stars on the list include 50 Cent, Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Megan Thee Stallion, Common, Swizz Beatz and Questlove. Other honorees include Keke Palmer, TS Madison, Van Lathan, Jason Lee and IShowSpeed.
Meanwhile, the sports category features tennis star Naomi Osaka and basketball players Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. Olympic bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor and basketball star Victor Wembanyama also appear on the list.
The honorees also include actress and director Debbie Allen, filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood, journalist Sheinelle Jones and Broadway performer Joshua Henry. Collectively, they represent the diverse talent and leadership shaping Black culture today.
Readers can view the complete list of honorees on the official EBONY Power 100 website.
Jesse Collins Entertainment to Produce the Gala
EBONY is partnering with Emmy-winning Jesse Collins Entertainment to produce the invitation-only event. This year, the Hollywood Palladium will feature an immersive creative environment called “La Cour.”
The concept reimagines the grand royal courts of history. However, it places Black excellence at the center of the experience.
The evening will begin with a red carpet and cocktail hour. Afterward, guests will attend the awards ceremony and post-event reception. The program will celebrate the honorees’ achievements and highlight their influence across industries.
How to Attend the 2026 EBONY Power 100 Gala
The 2026 EBONY Power 100 Gala will take place on Monday, November 9, at the Hollywood Palladium. The venue is located at 6215 Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California.
Media check-in begins at 4 p.m., while the red carpet opens at 5 p.m. The red carpet will close at 7 p.m.
Members of the media can submit their requests through the official red carpet RSVP form. However, all media requests require approval.
For additional information, media representatives can contact ebony100@alfordandco.com.
With its theme, “The Stories We Shape,” this year’s gala will celebrate Black achievement and cultural influence. Ultimately, the event will spotlight the leaders and creatives shaping the future of Black excellence.
Source: EBONY
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