The 2025 EBONY Power 100 Gala honored influential Black leaders across culture, business, and entertainment. Supermodel Winnie Harlow turned heads in a red-carpet gown, days after facing online debate over her Whitney Houston Halloween costume. This article highlights the gala, key attendees, and its role in celebrating Black achievement and influence.
A Celebration of Influence and Cultural Impact
The EBONY Power 100 Gala is one of the most prestigious annual events celebrating Black excellence. Hosted by EBONY, a publication with nearly 80 years of cultural influence, the gala recognizes leaders, innovators, and creators who are shaping entertainment, business, activism, and public life.
This year’s ceremony underscored the gala’s ongoing commitment to spotlighting not just professional achievement, but the broader cultural impact of Black leaders across industries.
As Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, Chairwoman of EBONY Media, said:
“The EBONY Power 100 is our opportunity to celebrate Black excellence in all forms and highlight those who are reshaping our world.”
Tracee Ellis Ross
Red Carpet Highlights: Star-Studded Glamour
The 2025 gala drew a high-profile lineup, including:
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Winnie Harlow — Supermodel and entrepreneur
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Issa Rae — Producer, writer, and CEO of Raedio
Issa Rae
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Colman Domingo — Actor and Academy Award nominee
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Ryan Coogler — Director of Black Panther
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Ava DuVernay — Filmmaker and cultural influencer
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Chlöe Bailey — Singer and rising actress
Executives, athletes, activists, and business leaders also filled the ballroom, emphasizing the event’s cross-industry significance. The evening was a celebration of both influence and achievement, reinforcing EBONY’s mission to spotlight leaders who combine professional success with cultural impact.
Winnie Harlow
Winnie Harlow’s Show-Stopping Moment
Supermodel Winnie Harlow stole the spotlight in a backless red gown, exuding confidence and poise. Her appearance came just days after online criticism over her Whitney Houston Halloween costume sparked debate about cultural sensitivity and celebrity image.
By taking the stage at EBONY’s gala, Harlow signaled a return to focus and narrative control. The event also highlighted her dual role as a public figure and entrepreneur: her beauty brand, Cay Skin, which has raised $6.5 million in investment funding, benefits directly from positive public engagement and strong brand management.
Brand strategist Jeetendr Sehdev, author of The Kim Kardashian Principle, has noted:
“In today’s world, fame is a currency. How public figures manage perception directly impacts business value and audience trust.”
Harlow’s presence at the gala demonstrates her ability to navigate both cultural commentary and commercial strategy in real time.
The Broader Significance of the Gala
Beyond the red carpet, the EBONY Power 100 Gala serves as a platform to reinforce leadership, representation, and economic influence within the Black community. Recognition at high-profile events like this can strengthen personal brands, amplify entrepreneurial ventures, and solidify public perception in ways that impact long-term financial and cultural capital.
According to analysis reviewed by CEO Today, the gala underscores how visibility and credibility intersect — particularly for those balancing creative work with business interests and social impact.
Final Takeaway
The EBONY Power 100 Gala continues to be a defining cultural event, celebrating Black excellence across industries. While headlines may briefly fixate on controversy, the enduring message is clear: influence, achievement, and presence matter most.
For Winnie Harlow and fellow attendees, the evening was a celebration of both accomplishment and intentional visibility — a reminder that cultural relevance, reputation, and business strategy are inseparable in today’s public sphere.
