The Ebony Power 100
December 2016. Beverly Hills, The Beverly Hilton
On December 1, 2016, EBONY Magazine presented the 5th annual EBONY Power 100 Gala, honoring the nation’s 100 most powerful and influential African Americans, along with Lifetime Achievement recipients, Earth, Wind and Fire and Cicely Tyson, and Ebony Icon Award recipient, Nile Rodgers.
This year’s Ebony Power 100, took place at the historic Beverly Hilton's International Ballroom and was hosted by the CEO of Ebony Media Group, Cheryl Mayberry McKissack, the Chairman Emeritus, Ebony Media Operations, Linda Johnson Rice, Editor-In-Chief of Ebony, Kyra Kyles, The Chairman of Ebony Media Operations, Michael Gibson, and The Vice Chairman of Ebony Media Operations, Willard Jackson.
Following red carpet arrivals and an elegant cocktail reception, the approximately 600 guests were seated for a dinner program emceed by actor, comedian and director, Cedric the Entertainer. Attendees were entertained by a wide array of musical and dance performances, Performers included child dance phenom, and star of Black-ish, Miles Brown, neo-soul duo, Lion Babe, and a rousing finalé performance by Nile Rodgers and Chic, which included a livestream to Facebook Live for the world to see.
DJ D-Nice performed throughout the event and spun at the post-reception in the International Foyer and Terrace.
Celebrities and A-listers in attendance and showcased on the stage included Jimmy Jam, Skai Jackson, Regina King, Issa Rae, The Preachers, and Craig Robinson. Additional attendees included Simone Biles (who graced one of the four covers of the annual issue), as well as Holly Robinson Peete, Kelly Rowland, Kathy Ireland, Pam Grier, and Matthew Knowles, and more.
First Lady, Michelle Obama (who along with the rest of the Obama family, appear on this year’s Ebony Power 100 list) also sent a heartfelt video tribute for the occasion.
The Ebony Power 100 was presented by Nationwide Insurance, with other noteworthy sponsors and partners including United Airlines, Cadillac, and Hilton Worldwide.
Empire was honored to once again serve as event producer for the Ebony Power 100, responsible for venue logistics, décor, production, talent booking & coordination, registration, livestream, videography, event logistics and onsite management.