A Gilded Night

When you’re part of The Gilded Age, an ordinary after-party just won’t do. Multiple Tony Award winner Audra McDonald joined her fellow cast and crew at the show’s New York premiere before heading to The Plaza for a celebration worthy of New York high society.

With on-screen daughter Denée Benton also on the scene, McDonald dished about what’s coming for them both. “Peggy is now starting to blossom and thrive, fully thrive and come into her own, soDorothy’s main test is being able to let go of Peggy and let her fight her own battles,” McDonald shared.

“What’s kind of fun about Dorothy is she stayed and reserved until pushed to a certain point, and then the gathering comes out. It comes out quickly. It comes out accurately, slices and dices and then comes back. That’s a strength she relies on. And when she needs to pull out that weapon, she does.” 

As the night bustled on, guests enjoyed tea leaf readings and hand-drawn portraits by fashion illustrator Deanna First. Meanwhile, a DJ accompanied by an electric violinist mixed classical and contemporary music inside the historic Grand Ballroom, making this old-money vibe right now fun.

The Gilded Age, season 4, premieres November 1 on HBO Max.

Monét X Change Brings the Halloween Heat

Who needs a haunted house when Monét X Change is behind the DJ booth? The RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars winner kept the dance floor moving at Smirnoff Ice’s Halloween bash in Los Angeles, where costumes, cocktails and a little celebrity mischief were all part of the festivities. Love Island USA star Jeremiah Brown, along with fellow alums Kenzie Annis and Jaiden Bacciocco, traded villa life for a night of tricks, treats and Halloween revelry. Guests sipped Smirnoff Ice and Dirty Shirleys as Monét supplied the soundtrack. This was no nightmare, but instead, a night to remember.

Salt-N-Pepa Get Their Flowers

Some legends don’t just make music. They change the culture. Salt-N-Pepa received their well-deserved flowers at the Museum of Pop Culture’s 2026 Icons of Pop Culture Gala in Seattle, chaired this year by creative and archivist Syreeta Gates, where the hip-hop pioneers were honored as this year’s Music Icons. Original DJ Spinderella joined the duo for a one-night-only performance, bringing a little old-school flavor to the celebration.

For Michele Y. Smith, MOPOP’s CEO, the moment was especially meaningful. “As a Black woman leading this cultural institution, honoring them was a career highlight. The future is now, and they truly helped build it.” Decades after helping women claim their space in hip-hop, Salt-N-Pepa are still pushing it.

Chloé Arnold Gives the Rockettes a New Rhythm

The Rockettes are getting a little extra pep in their soles this holiday season. Tap powerhouse Chloé Arnold, who co-founded Syncopated Ladies with her sister Maud, is making history as the first Black female choreographer to create a number for the iconic dance company. Arnold serves as co-director and co-choreographer of “Ring,” the first new tap number added to the Christmas Spectacular in more than 20 years. Set to “Carol of the Bells,” the performance gives the Rockettes’ famous precision a contemporary tap makeover.

“I wanted to unite their iconic precision with the amazing rhythmic language and cultural impact of tap dance, creating something that feels both timeless and boldly new,” Arnold told EBONY. “As someone who has dedicated their life to sharing the love of tap dance with the world, my hope is that the joy, power, and beauty of this art form will be felt in the hearts of everyone who experiences this historic moment.”

The Christmas Spectacular opens November 4 at Radio City Music Hall and runs through January 4, 2027.

When it comes to moving the culture forward, podcasters have become an integral part of the conversation. In a media landscape that often leaves Black voices out of the discussion, podcasts have created a space for the community to take control of the narrative and reclaim their stories, one episode at a time. That mission echoes this year’s Power 100 theme, “The Stories We Shape,” which is about ensuring Black people remain at the center of storytelling while defining our collective future.

Reports show there are over 4.58 million podcasts worldwide, and in the US alone, around 158 million people listen to podcasts every month. What started out as a simple form of entertainment to keep people company during the most mundane parts of their lives has turned into a prominent medium to share perspectives and even cause plausible changes within the community. This year’s honorees represent a range of podcasts: “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer”; “Questlove Supreme”; “Outlaws With TS Madison”; “Please Explain,” hosted by Aria Hughes; “The Jason Lee Show”; “Higher Learning”; “Clock It With Symone & Eugene”; NPR’s “Fresh Air”; and “The Vic Mensa Show.” These respective programs have been selected for their impact and presence within the industry.

In an era where people are begging retailers to stop selling mics, these platformed individuals are an anomaly. Not only do they transcend within the digital ecosystem, but they also operate within the thesis of the Power 100 — capturing the true essence of narrative ownership while simultaneously molding the culture, driving economic impact, and expanding representation in real time. So, whether that’s through discussing the latest scandal, dissecting political affairs, exchanging deep thoughts with public figures, or even recounting the discography of your favorite artist (with said artist) — the podcast nominees from EBONY’s Power 100 list are surely worth the listen.

Baby, This is Keke Palmer

The multi-hyphenated Keke Palmer has taken her creative chops to the podcast world and has brought many moments of joy, laughter, and, of course, answers to all our burning questions. She has sat down with the biggest names shaping pop culture, interviewing notable guests like Usher, Oprah, Olandria, and even former Vice President Kamala Harris. Palmer’s podcast focuses on creating honest conversations about identity, relationships, reinvention, success, and growth.

Questlove Show

Playful, profound, and curious are just a few ways audiences describe “The Questlove Show.” But above all, QLS, hosted by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, offers a fresh and unpredictable listening experience from a trusted and entertaining musical source. Listeners are invited to intimate conversations with his peers — offering special insight into the minds of leaders in music, film, literature, and beyond.

Outlaws with TS Madison

The world first fell in love with TS Madison on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and has been drawn to her infectious spirit ever since. Aside from being a dynamic podcaster, Madison is an entertainer, actress, and LGBTQ+ activist. Every week she brings her bold and charismatic energy to “Outlaws,” interviewing living legends like Jenifer Lewis and Mathew Knowles while cultivating a space for fellow queer peers like Laverne Cox, Silky Nutmeg Ganache, and Durand Bernarr.

Please Explain Hosted By Aria Hughes

For a deeper look at culture, fashion, and music — Complex’s Editor-in-Chief Aria Hughes hosts the “Please Explain” podcast. The enthralling series acts as an explainer, bringing insight, clarity, and context in a world full of confusion. They’ve covered topics like Black Dandyism, the rise of the WNBA, and Black ownership in streetwear — all in the hopes of cutting through the noise and providing essential context to the budding trends and impactful movements happening right before our eyes.

The Jason Lee Show

“Hollywood Unlocked” founder Jason Lee doesn’t hold back on the internet, and listeners can expect nothing less when it comes to his uncensored podcast series. Recognized for its unfiltered conversations, “The Jason Lee Show” allows fans to see their favorite celebrities in a new light through his engaging topics and bold interview style. Lee pulls back the veil of Hollywood, unlocking new perspectives intended to push the culture forward.

Higher Learning

Journalist Van Lathan and media personality/attorney Rachel Lindsay’s joint podcast “Higher Learning” breaks down the biggest topics in Black entertainment, politics, and sports. Airing twice a week, the duo discusses timely subjects — often inviting special guests to share their opinions  — while shedding light on the various aspects of society.

Clock It with Symone & Eugene

Two Washington power players once at odds have transformed their rivalry into a lively friendship and an equally exciting podcast series. Featuring Symone Sanders Townsend and Eugene Daniels, “Clock It”, invites listeners to their very public group chat, discussing everything from ICE to the Oscars. The duo sees exactly what’s going on in society, culture, and politics — and they want listeners to “clock it” as well.

NPR’s Fresh Air

Hosted by journalists Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley, “Fresh Air” is a 45-minute interview segment featuring intimate conversations with today’s leading writers, musicians, actors, and historians. The weekly show has received multiple honors for its refreshing take on the biggest headlines shaping the world. In a media landscape filled with clickbait snippets and combative commentary, “Fresh Air” brings well-researched and thought-provoking dialogue to the forefront during a time when it’s needed the most.

The Vic Mensa Show

What began as a short and provocative series of hot takes in a backyard full of oranges has blossomed into a fruitful show. Rapper and activist Vic Mensa’s video-forward weekly podcast brings artists and cultural figures alike to discuss politics, personal confessions, and music. This isn’t the average Hip-Hop-led interview series platform; it’s quite the opposite, actually. Mensa’s podcast is rooted in having authentic conversations with real cultural thinkers.

Javits Frimpong, a 15 year old residing in the Bronx was killed near Cortona park and East 171st Street while on his way to school the morning Thursday, October 29. Frimpong was just shy of a year living in the United States after immigrating from Ghana to live with his father, Thomas Frimpong. The teen sustained a single gunshot wound to the stomach, and was seen trying to escape his attackers through surveillance footage near the scene of the crime. Frimpong was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, New York where he later died due to his injuries.

Thomas Frimpong and the teen’s school bus aid told CBS News that the incident follows a series of ongoing bullying of Javits. “An innocent kid. An honorable student that just came from Ghana,” the school bus aide said. “For his life to be ended recklessly is just sad.” Frimong’s father informed ABC News that his wife, and Javits’ mother is in shock and disbelief that her child is deceased. The young man’s father appeared to be equally distraught, unable to put together words when asked what he would say to his son if he could have a few final moments with him.

The New York Police Department is currently looking for three teenagers suspected of being involved in the murder. While a motive hasn’t been revealed, community members are speculating that it could be tied to retaliation due to an alleged suspension of students who were accused of bullying Javits.

An outcry surrounding the concern of gun violence and bullying has already begun to surge online. Online users are widely sharing their condolences for the young teen, and urging officials for real intervention and investment of prevention programs.

Names of the suspected perpetrators have not been released at this time. This is an ongoing story, additional details will be shared as the circumstances around Frimpong’s death continue to develop.

How did October fly by so quickly? Luckily, these past 31 days served up a slate of books that brought us closer to truth-tellers in politics, music and media.

Veteran White House reporter April Ryan bares her soul in a new memoir, offering a look at what happens when the world suddenly turns its full attention on you. Lil Jon also bares his — at full volume — in the aptly titled I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me, revealing the circumstances that led to his world-famous persona. 

Poet and professor J. Vanessa Lyon examines the enduring, along with often misleading and damaging, representations of race mixing in fine art and popular media in her new highly personal read.

From her TikTok series as heaven’s receptionist, welcoming in those we love who have just passed from stage and screen and answering questions about the afterlife that keep us up at night, Taryn Delanie Smith brings us those answers, now in book form.

Wole Talabi is putting Nigerian sci-fi center stage with his debut novel, which follows an alien visitor, a Nigerian assassin and a South African astronomer as their connection could change the world as we know it.

After he was the inspiration for her book, All Because You Matter, entrepreneur and economic advocate Tami Charles has now partnered with her teen son, Chris, for a new children’s read that centers around a young Black boy with much on his mind, from basketball and baking with grandpa to math class and video game conquests, celebrating the beauty of a neurodivergent mind.

Along with Tiki Davis’ self-help read about turning painful experiences and losses into wins, an exclusive photography book celebrating Black boyhood on the shelves, and more, this latest offering of books by Black authors is a powerful testament to the range, depth and brilliance of Black storytelling today.

I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me

by Lil Jon

Price: $21

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Notes on a Blacklash: When a Black Woman Goes Viral

by April Ryan

Price: $28

Shop on Amazon

Welcome to the Afterlife: A No-Nonsense Tour for Those in Mourning or the Merely Curious

by Taryn Delanie Smith

Price: $19

shop on Amazon

Blackness Thirteen Ways: Art, Life, & the Revisions of a Mulatta Lesbian

J. Vanessa Lyon

Price: $32

Shop on Amazon

The Fist of Memory

by Wole Talabi

Price: $29

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That Beautiful Mind

by Tami Charles and Chris Charles

Price: $20

https://link.amazon/B00f97sEV

Rock Paper Scissors Cheese

by W. Kamau Bell and Adam Mansbach

Price: $19

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The Tiki Factor: 4 Key Principles to Turn Your Losses into Wins

by Tiki Davis

Price: $25

Shop on Amazon

Beau

by Joshua Renfroe

Price: $100

Shop on BookBaby

Amber Guyton believes a home should feel like a love story you write to yourself. The Atlanta-based designer left corporate America for Blessed Little Bungalow, a brand that grew out of a blog about decorating her own home, and she has spent a decade proving that spaces layered with color, culture, and memory can be as intentional as they are bold. Now, with her debut book, Soulful Maximalism: A Colorful Guide to Living Boldly at Home, and a place as the only Black designer on Architectural Digest’s New American Voices of 2026 list, she is reflecting on what it takes to build a career around joy. In this conversation with EBONY, Guyton opens up about honoring Black heritage at home, designing on a budget, and the burnout that can creep in when a passion becomes a paycheck.

EBONY: You spent years in corporate America before decorating your own bungalow sparked what would eventually become a full-time career in interior design. Looking back, what did that transition teach you about recognizing your passions and giving yourself permission to pursue something beyond the path you originally envisioned?

Amber Guyton: You are allowed to change your mind. From the pillows on your sofa to the career path you pursue, nothing is permanent. I never dreamed that after earning my MBA, the entrepreneurship class I took and a blog I created about decorating my home would lead to building my own business and brand. Changing careers isn’t irresponsible; it’s brave and inspirational! This journey taught me that it’s okay to have multiple interests and pursue them at your own pace, and that every step along the way is preparing you for what’s next.

Your debut book, Soulful Maximalism: A Colorful Guide to Living Boldly at Home, encourages readers to embrace color, culture, memory and joy in their spaces. What does soulful maximalism mean to you, and how does it differ from simply following a particular design aesthetic or trend?

I define Soulful Maximalism as an interior design style rooted in joy, culture, layers, and intention, focused on creating spaces that celebrate who you are and what you love. It’s the idea that your home should feel like a love story you write to yourself. Full of meaning, memories, and pieces that actually reflect your life. I want Soulful Maximalism to empower readers to give themselves permission to stop playing it safe, trust their instincts, and build a home that unapologetically reflects who they are.

You’ve spoken about the importance of creating homes that tell our stories rather than simply reflect what is popular. What do you believe our living spaces can reveal about our identities, and how can people begin incorporating more of their personal histories into their homes?

I believe our homes are living organisms that grow with us over time. They are autobiographies that reflect what we value and what makes us feel seen and safe. Everything from the books on the shelves, art on the walls, clothing in the closets, and dishes in the sink are whispers about us. Whether it’s displaying family photographs, incorporating heirlooms, or collecting art and objects from our travels, these personal touches help tell our stories.

You were recently named one of Architectural Digest’s New American Voices of 2026 and are the only Black designer recognized on this year’s list. What does this recognition mean to you personally, and what does it reveal about the opportunities and challenges Black designers continue to navigate within the interiors industry?

I’m incredibly proud and humbled to be selected by AD for this prestigious new list. I see it as both an honor and a responsibility, especially as someone who doesn’t have a degree in interior design and has often been judged because of that. So if I’m going to be here with a seat at the table, I’m going to pull out a chair in front of, beside, and behind me for others. Because we are talented, worthy, and deserve our flowers, even if we only receive them from ourselves.

Interior design can sometimes feel inaccessible to people who associate beautiful spaces with expensive furniture, large homes or professional designers. How do you encourage people to approach their homes creatively within their existing budgets, and what are some ways they can make a space feel more personal without starting from scratch?

I encourage people to start by investing in the foundational elements of a room. You spend most of your time at home sleeping in your bed. Make sure you’re investing in a good mattress. Test out a few sofas for comfort before you commit. Select a dining table that can grow with your family and stand the test of time. Also, don’t be afraid to start small. Shop your own house. And most of all, ask yourself, “Does this add value to my life? Does this bring me joy?” That’s what makes you rich.

As you introduce readers to Soulful Maximalism, what do you hope they reconsider about the relationship between home, identity and self-expression? Ultimately, what would you like someone to feel or understand differently about their space after reading your book?

I hope and pray that Soulful Maximalism helps liberate readers to fall in love with where they live and arms them with the inspiration, tools, and motivation to make changes to their homes for the better. I want them to embrace color, pattern, and culture in their homes with the same boldness that surrounds us in this world. And beyond the practical tips and decorating advice I share in the book, I want every person to feel safe, seen, and celebrated where they live.

If you’d rather have the condensed answers total 100 words, or want me to restore a specific line you like better, I can redo any of them. Also, check #5. The second half of her answer on the lack of Black representation on these lists is a strong point I had to cut for length.

While it’s good to be front and center, none of that would happen without the people behind the scenes. Take Channing Dungey. This honoree’s influence over television just got considerably bigger.

Following the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger, she’s taking over Warner Bros. International TV Production, the division that operates around 20 production companies worldwide that make international versions of formats such as The Bachelor, according to Deadline. Continuing as Warner Bros. Television Group chief while overseeing the combined companies’ cable networks under Skydance, her portfolio includes scripted, unscripted and animation studios, along with more than 50 cable brands, including BET, MTV, HGTV, Food Network and TNT. The expanded assignment places Dungey at the center of decisions about the programming, creative talent and franchises that will shape the newly combined entertainment company.

She’s not the only one with a fuller plate. Gina Prince-Bythewood is adding another television project to her growing slate.

She is attached to direct the potential pilot of Good People, a drama in development at Universal Television based on Queen Sugar author Natalie Baszile’s novel Friends and Family. Prince-Bythewood is executive producing alongside collaborators including Mary J. Blige, Debra Martin Chase and Reggie Rock Bythewood. The story explores friendship, privilege and race as an affair and a police confrontation destabilize two Northern California families.

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson returned to the screen in Street Fighter, but he’s even busier behind the scenes. Along with his dominating media empire at STARZ, which includes the Power franchise and Fightland, his sold-out G-Unit Reebok sneaker collaboration is returning to shelves in new colors this December, just in time for the holidays.

We already know that Keke “keep a job” Palmer is one of the busiest women in Hollywood, and she’s not slowing down anytime soon. She’s set to host the CFDA Fashion Awards on November 2 and already has a full slate for 2027, which includes hosting The Voice: Celebrity (Season 31), appearing in the Spaceballs movie, continuing her 2026–27 teaching residency at UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and accepting her star as part of the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s 2027 class.

Since January 2025, Pearlena Igbokwe has helped determine what audiences watch across broadcast, streaming and platforms. As chairman of Television Studios, NBC Entertainment & Peacock Scripted, she oversees NBC’s entertainment programming, Peacock’s scripted originals and Universal Studio Group. In early 2026, she successfully stabilized and grew her division’s stature following NBCUniversal’s strategic separation from its linear cable channels, setting the stage for NBCU to become a standalone company.

The stars may get the headlines, but Meredith O’Sullivan Wasson knows how to help make them happen. The Lede Company co-founder and co-CEO added another win to her company’s portfolio in October 2026 by acquiring London-based fashion and lifestyle agency Aisle 8. The deal brings founder Lauren Winslade and her 21-person team into the business, strengthening the company’s presence in the UK. 

Questlove’s documentary Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial VS That’s the Weight of the World) opened the 2026 Tribeca Festival, bringing the legendary group’s journey and founder Maurice White’s vision to the big screen. But his storytelling isn’t limited to grown folks. On February 16, 2027, he and bestselling author S. A. Cosby will release Lost and Found, the concluding book in their The Rhythm of Time middle-grade science-fiction trilogy.

TS Madison’s podcast Outlaws with TS Madison earned a second season in 2026 on iHeartMedia’s Outspoken Podcast Network, following a first-season finale featuring Lil Nas X. The expanding franchise also introduced Outlaws Still Recording on Patreon, offering extended conversations, exclusive content and direct fan engagement, with merchandise in development. Alongside running TS Madison Starter House, a residential recovery safe house for formerly incarcerated transgender women in Atlanta, we can’t wait to see what she has in store for 2027.

Credits: Getty, courtesy of talent

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Getting dressed for date night is an occasion in itself, and depending on who’s making the plans, the outfit might be just as exciting as the destination. An impromptu girls’ night calls for that minidress that’s been waiting for its moment, while dinner with someone special might warrant a corset and perfectly fitted jeans. Whether romance is on the agenda or the group chat has finally agreed on a reservation, getting dressed is half the fun. With cooler temperatures inviting more opportunities to experiment with layers, textures and proportions, date-night dressing is getting a little more interesting.

The secret to a great date-night outfit isn’t necessarily buying something new. It’s understanding how to make the pieces already hanging in your closet work harder. A leather jacket can transform a sheer blouse into an evening look, while a statement heel can give everyday denim an entirely different personality. The key is finding a balance between dressing for the occasion and feeling comfortable enough to enjoy it. After all, an outfit should complement the evening, not become something you spend the entire night adjusting.

This season, familiar fall colors are finding new company. Burgundy and chocolate brown continue to hold their place in wardrobes, but unexpected shades of purple offer a fresh perspective on the traditional autumn palette. The trick to wearing multiple rich tones is establishing a visual hierarchy. Start with chocolate brown as your foundation, whether through leather trousers or a cropped jacket, then introduce purple through a sheer blouse or fitted knit. Burgundy knee-high boots can serve as the finishing touch without competing with the rest of the outfit. For those hesitant to embrace three colors at once, begin with a burgundy handbag or plum-colored heels.

Of course, an all-black ensemble will never lose its appeal, especially when texture enters the conversation. While the little black dress remains a reliable option, a lace jumpsuit offers something slightly more unexpected. Paired with sculptural leather heels, a plush faux-fur bag and a fringe-trimmed knit coat, the look balances softness with structure while delivering just enough drama for an evening out. Keeping the color palette consistent allows each texture to stand on its own without overwhelming the outfit, while gold jewelry adds warmth to the combination.

For a dinner date, the formula can be as simple as elevating pieces you already own. A structured corset paired with straight-leg denim and pointed-toe boots creates a look that feels intentional without appearing overly formal. Add a tailored blazer or cropped leather jacket for an extra layer that won’t compete with the silhouette. If the evening calls for something dressier, swap the denim for tailored trousers or a sleek midi skirt. The beauty of this combination is its versatility, allowing the same statement top to work across multiple occasions.

Girls’ night, on the other hand, is an opportunity to experiment a little more. A minidress paired with knee-high boots remains a dependable combination, but the details make all the difference. Consider balancing a shorter hemline with an oversized coat or introducing an unexpected texture through a statement bag. If the itinerary includes dinner followed by dancing, footwear becomes just as important as the outfit itself. A block heel or comfortable boot can deliver a polished finish without sacrificing practicality, while tights and substantial outerwear can extend the life of your favorite dress into colder months.

For evenings involving the theater, ballet or an art gallery, consider pieces that offer polish without feeling overly traditional. A fluid midi skirt paired with a fitted knit and heeled boots strikes the right balance between sophistication and personal style. Alternatively, tailored trousers and a statement blouse create an equally compelling look. The goal isn’t to follow outdated occasion rules, but to understand how proportion, fabric and accessories can make an outfit feel appropriate for the setting.

Perhaps the most useful date-night styling trick is investing in pieces that don’t retire once the evening ends. Leather trousers worn to a cocktail bar can be paired with a sweater and flats for brunch, while a blazer thrown over a corset can become part of a weekday look. Whether you’re speakeasy-hopping with the girls or making last-minute dinner plans, the best date-night wardrobe is one that works with your personal style rather than against it.

Ahead, shop the pieces worth making plans for and wearing long after the night is over.

marsthelabel

The Sasha Satin Corset Top in Deep Blue

Price: $110

Shop at marsthelabel

Retrofete

Minerva Faux Fur Skirt

Price: $298 $178

Shop at Retrofete

Calzedonia

Sheer Rose Tights

Price: $27

Shop at Calzedonia

Chuks Collins

Eden Gather

Price: $450

Shop at Chuks Collins

Keta Gutmane

Yellow Wetlook Maxi Dress

Price: $400

Shop at Keta Gutmane

brand:Epifene

Kali Bangle Set

Price: $80

Shop at Revolve

SHENHE

Cowl Neck Draped Long Sleeve Sexy Sheer Blouses with Scarf

Price: $30

Shop at Amazon

Manière De Voir

Ambre Leather Lace Up Flared Trousers

Price: $230

Shop at Nordstrom

VOMIRA

Knee High Boots

Price: $61

Shop at Amazon

LIONESS

Gigi Leather Jacket

Price: $145

Shop at Revolve

Brandon Blackwood

Yuta Bag

Price: $350

Shop at Brandon Blackwood

Fumi the Label

Fumi Fringe Knit Coat

Price: $550

Naked Wardrobe

Lace Turtleneck Jumpsuit

Price: $128

Shop at Nordstrom

Jeffrey Campbell

Centaui Pointed Toe Pump

Price: $230

Shop at Nordstrom

Fashion Nova

Nyla Fringe Sweater Cardigan Skirt Set

Price: $70 $49

Shop at Fashion Nova

Oma the Label

The Chubby Hoops

Price: $79

Shop at Oma the Label

Halloween won’t be just about costumes this year. For the first time in WNBA history, the Finals are headed to Game 7, with the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries preparing for one final battle to bring home their respective team’s first championship. Atlanta kept its season alive with an 80–69 victory on October 29, putting each team at three wins.

Allisha Gray made sure Atlanta would be on that flight back to California for Game 7. The guard scored 23 points, including five three-pointers, while Rhyne Howard added 21. The Dream built a 46–26 halftime lead and held off Golden State’s second-half push. Angel Reese also recorded her fourth double-double of the series, continuing to make her presence felt on the championship stage.

Golden State had its own standout in Gabby Williams, who finished with 26 points, but the Valkyries couldn’t close out the series on Atlanta’s floor. They will get another opportunity at home, where the stakes will be at an all-time high.

There’s a bigger notion here than who wins this Saturday (which is huge in itself). We’re seeing the league’s expanded Finals format in action. The WNBA moved from a best-of-five championship series to best-of-seven in 2025. Game 6 between the Dream and Valkyries at State Farm Arena sold out, with more than 10,000 tickets purchased in the first 90 minutes. And this game was played at lunchtime. A reel from USA Sports shows fans skipping work to attend—and many of the people interviewed were Black women, some of the sport’s biggest supporters over the last few years.

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This comes on the heels of the Dream almost not being able to host at State Farm Arena because of scheduling conflicts. But if this game and these reactions mean anything, they prove women’s basketball isn’t just a pastime; it’s a phenomenon that deserves the investment and scheduling priorities to match.

Fans can watch the historic Game 7 on Saturday, October 31, at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock. Halloween plans can wait until after the final buzzer.

What sets the members of the 2026 Power 100 cohort apart isn’t just there exceptional careers, but the investment they’ve offered to the community. So many honorees have either founded an organization to uplift others or are deeply invested in the continuance of others. Here’s an in-depth look at what each pour into outside of their success.

Organizations founded, co-founded, or led by Power 100 honorees

Youth Development & Education

Common Ground Foundation

Artist in Residence: Common – Founder

Mission & Impact: The Common Ground Foundation invests in young people from underserved communities through mentorship, leadership development, and educational opportunities. The Foundation has served over 500 students through its programs, achieving a 100% high school graduation rate, an 89% college enrollment rate, and awarding over $1 million in scholarships.

Shawn Carter Foundation

Music Innovator: Jay-Z-  Founder

Mission & Impact: The Shawn Carter Foundation increases college access for underserved youth by offering scholarships, educational mentorship, and financial resources to students facing socioeconomic barriers. Since its founding, the organization has distributed over $17 million to support tuition, study-abroad programs, and college-prep initiatives across the United States.

Walker’s Winners Foundation

Leader in Sports: Jordan Walker – Co-Founder

Mission & Impact: Walker’s Winners empowers K–12 students through academic support, mentorship, and character development. Founded by Jordan Walker and educator Katrina M. Walker, the organization partners with schools and families to strengthen literacy, build confidence, and help young people pursue successful futures regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds.

Arts, Culture & Creative Opportunity

Black Boy Writes Media

Influential Creator: Mike Gauyo — Founder & CEO

Mission & Impact: Black Boy Writes Media amplifies underrepresented voices of all genders in television and film while addressing barriers to entry within the entertainment industry. Its mentorship programming supports emerging Black writers through professional guidance, industry connections, and resources designed to increase representation both on-screen and behind the scenes.

Debbie Allen Dance Academy

Artist in Residence: Debbie Allen — Founder

Mission & Impact: The Debbie Allen Dance Academy provides world-class dance training and performing arts education, with a particular commitment to underserved Black and Latino communities. Through instruction, mentorship, and performance opportunities, the academy nurtures artistic excellence, discipline, creativity, and self-confidence among young dancers.

Femme It Forward

Community Crusader: Heather Lowery — Founder & CEO

Mission & Impact: Femme It Forward champions women in music and entertainment through cultural programming, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Its work elevates women’s voices and creates pathways for emerging female creatives and industry professionals to build sustainable careers and expand their influence.

Saving Our Daughters — Saving Our Cinderellas

Entertainment Powerhouse: Keke Palmer — Co-Founder, Saving Our Cinderellas

Mission & Impact: Saving Our Daughters empowers adolescent girls of color by addressing bullying, mental health challenges, low self-esteem, and other barriers to personal development. Its Saving Our Cinderellas initiative connects girls with influential mentors and creative experiences that build confidence, leadership skills, and a stronger sense of self-worth.

Health, Wellness & Family Support

4Kira4Moms

Community Crusader: Charles Johnson – Founder

Mission & Impact: 4Kira4Moms works to eliminate preventable maternal deaths and improve maternal health outcomes through education, family advocacy, and legislative reform. Founded after the death of Kira Johnson, the organization provides 24-hour crisis support to over 100 families and elevates the Black maternal health crisis to the legislative level.

Free Root Operation

Community Crusader: Eva Maria Lewis –  Founder & Executive Director

Mission & Impact: Free Root Operation works in Chicago to interrupt cycles of violence through healing-centered services, economic empowerment, and community-based education. Centering women caregivers and families affected by violence, particularly in Chicago’s underserved communities, the organization advances a vision of generational healing, family stability, and community safety.

Goodr

STEAM Trailblazer: Jasmine Crowe Houston – Founder

Mission & Impact: Goodr leverages technology and logistics to track surplus food and divert edible items from landfills directly to food-insecure populations. Its impact includes providing over 30 million meals to communities in need, preventing more than 4 million pounds of food from entering landfills, and generating millions in tax deductions for their food-donor partners.

Keep a Child Alive

Artist in Residence: Alicia Keys – Co-Founder

Mission & Impact: Keep a Child Alive supports vulnerable children and families around the world by partnering with community organizations to expand access to essential care, resources, and opportunity. Founded in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, the organization works toward a future in which children can overcome hardship and thrive regardless of their circumstances.

Pete and Thomas Foundation 

Music Innovator: Megan Thee Stallion – Founder

Mission & Impact:Founded in honor of Megan Thee Stallion’s parents, the Pete and Thomas Foundation supports women, children, older adults, and underserved communities, primarily in Houston, Texas, through four core pillars. Since its founding four years ago, they have supported over 400,000 individuals with stabilization and support. 

Renee Montgomery Foundation

Leader in Sports: Renee Montgomery – Founder & CEO

Mission & Impact: The Renee Montgomery Foundation creates opportunities for underserved communities through youth empowerment, education, athletics, and community investment. Guided by its philosophy that meaningful moments create momentum, the foundation helps young people access resources, build confidence, and pursue successful futures.

TS Madison Starter House (IG link in lieu of a business link)

Entertainment Powerhouse: TS Madison – Founder

Mission & Impact: The TS Madison Starter House provides transitional housing and reentry support for formerly incarcerated Black transgender women and those rebuilding their lives after experiencing significant hardship. Through housing, employment assistance, health services, and life-skills training, the organization helps residents achieve independence, stability, and long-term economic security.

Civil Rights, Justice & Community Empowerment

Imagine Justice

Community Crusader: Common – Founder

Mission & Impact: Imagine Justice advances criminal justice reform by amplifying the voices and lived experiences of people affected by mass incarceration. Through storytelling, advocacy, and community partnerships, the organization challenges punitive systems and promotes rehabilitation, human dignity, and more equitable approaches to justice.

Organizations with Power 100 honorees serving in leadership, boards, or other affiliated roles

Alfred Street Baptist Church Foundation

Community Crusader: Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley – Board Member

Mission & Impact: The Alfred Street Baptist Church Foundation expands access to higher education by providing scholarships to academically accomplished students with demonstrated financial need. Serving students primarily in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, the foundation invests in educational opportunity and helps emerging leaders pursue college degrees.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Community Crusader: Artis Stevens 

Mission & Impact: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America empowers young people through meaningful, one-to-one mentoring relationships that build confidence, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities. The organization’s mentoring increases a young person’s likelihood of enrolling in college by 20%, raises lifetime earnings by 15%, and significantly reduces risks like drug use and school absenteeism.

Black in AI 

STEM Trailblazer: Gelyn Watkins – CEO 

Mission & Impact: Black in AI shifts the power dynamics, broadens inclusivity, and ensures an equitable future by increasing the presence and influence of Black professionals in the field. Since its founding, the organization has built a global community of over 6,500 members, helping over 1,200 students bypass structural barriers through academic mentorship, research travel grants, and active tech policy advocacy.

Dance Theatre of Harlem

Artist in Residence: Robert Garland & Anna Glass

Mission & Impact: Dance Theatre of Harlem expands access to classical ballet while celebrating the artistic excellence and cultural contributions of Black dancers. Through professional performances, arts education, and community engagement, the organization challenges historical barriers in ballet and creates opportunities for new generations of artists.

Food Education Fund

Entertainment Powerhouse: Questlove

Mission & Impact: Food Education Fund creates educational and career opportunities for public school students through culinary arts, hospitality, and food-related programming. By connecting young people with industry professionals and hands-on experiences, the organization helps students develop professional skills and access pathways into food and hospitality careers.

Grace Science Foundation

Junior Bridgeman Business Vanguard: Ime Archibong

Mission & Impact: Grace Science Foundation supports scientific research and therapeutic development focused on NGLY1 deficiency, a rare genetic disorder. The foundation  advances research, scientific collaboration, and potential treatments to improve the lives of affected children and families while contributing to broader discoveries in rare disease medicine.

National Council of Negro Women

Community Crusader: Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley, Prescient & CEO 

Mission & Impact: The National Council of Negro Women advocates for women of African descent, their families, and communities through education, economic empowerment, health equity, and social justice initiatives. Building upon the legacy of founder Mary McLeod Bethune, the organization mobilizes women and community partners to advance equitable policies, expand opportunities, and strengthen Black communities.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

Community Crusader: Brent Leggs 

Mission & Impact: The National Trust for Historic Preservation protects historic places and cultural landmarks that tell the diverse stories of American communities. Through preservation advocacy, funding, and its African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, the organization works to safeguard Black history, strengthen community identity, and ensure historically marginalized voices remain part of the nation’s collective memory.

More Than a Vote (IG link in lieu of a business link)

Leader in Sports: Nneka Ogwumike — Initiative Leader

Mission & Impact: More Than a Vote mobilizes athletes and communities to promote civic participation, voter education, and equitable access to democracy. Under Nneka Ogwumike’s leadership, its 2024 initiative centered women’s reproductive rights and empowered voters to use their voices to shape public policy and protect their communities.

Let’s Talk Menopause

STEM Trailblazers: Dr. Judith Joseph– Board Member

Mission & Impact: Let’s Talk Menopause is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the conversation around menopause so women can access essential information and the healthcare they deserve. Through public education, media partnerships, and targeted advocacy, the organization works to destigmatize the menopausal transition, connect women with supportive communities, and push for standardized, comprehensive medical care.

The Allstate Foundation

Community Crusader: Greg Weatherford II – Director

Mission & Impact: The Allstate Foundation advances community well-being through initiatives focused on youth empowerment, relationship abuse prevention, and nonprofit capacity building. Its philanthropic investments help young people lead community change, support survivors, and equip nonprofits to create lasting social impact.

White House Correspondents’ Association

Media Maven: Eugene Daniels – Former President & Treasurer

Mission & Impact: White House Correspondents’ Association is dedicated to protecting the First Amendment, advocating for press access to the presidency, and supporting independent journalism. The institution represents nearly 900 journalists across roughly 300 news organizations.