The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) is thrilled to unveil its 2024 class of Power 50 Under 40 honorees, presented by Walmart and Molson Coors. This esteemed list features a diverse assembly of young Black leaders who have significantly impacted various fields such as business, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, health, technology and advocacy.
The Power 50 Under 40 awards ceremony will occur on Friday, October 11, 2024, at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. The event celebrates these visionary leaders under the theme “The Future of Black Leadership: Innovate, Elevate, Collaborate.”
This year’s honorees are trailblazers in business, education, arts, sports, entertainment, philanthropy, technology, and social justice. Each boldly reshapes industries and drives transformative change that elevates communities and enriches lives worldwide.
Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty, Founder of Fenty Beauty, has been honored as the 2024 Playmaker of the Year for her trailblazing impact in the beauty industry. Meanwhile, Joshua DuBois, Founder and CEO of Value Partnerships, has been recognized as the 2024 Game Changer ‘Entrepreneur’ of the Year for his outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship and social impact.
Young Black leaders
Some of this year’s powerhouse honorees include Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles and Quincy Wilson, celebrated for their unparalleled athletic achievements and influence beyond the podium. Earl Cooper and Olajuwon Ajanaku, the visionary Co-Founders of Eastside Golf, are hailed for revolutionizing the intersection of fashion and sports. NFL quarterback CJ Stroud is recognized for his prowess on the field and his impactful philanthropy and leadership that extends far beyond the game.
The illustrious Michael B. Jordan, renowned actor and trailblazing entrepreneur, is celebrated for his transformative influence in entertainment and business. Chef JJ Johnson, the acclaimed mastermind behind Field Trip, is recognized for redefining culinary creativity and innovation. Joining this dynamic roster are powerhouse WNBA star and co-owner of DC Power Football Club Angel Reese, Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, the visionary CEO of Ebony Media, and Damola Adamolekun, the newly appointed CEO of Red Lobster, alongside many other groundbreaking professionals shaping industries and inspiring change.
Ron Busby Sr., President and CEO of USBC, declared, “These extraordinary individuals are the embodiment of Black excellence and leadership. Their achievements not only demonstrate the limitless potential of Black talent but also ignite a powerful spark of inspiration for future generations to rise and lead. We are proud to celebrate their remarkable contributions and eagerly anticipate the profound impact they will continue to make on our communities and the world.”
2024 USBC Power 50 Honorees include these Black leaders
Damola Adamolekun, Red Lobster, CEO
Olajuwon Ajanaku, Eastside Golf, Co-Founder
Kyra Ambrose, REA Media Consulting, Creative Head
Johnny Bailey, Bailey Media Group, Founder & CEO
Sierra Balgar, City Girl Golf, Founder
Simone Biles, Team USA, Olympic Gold Medalist
Absalom Boiling, Vice Chairman, Kappa Alpha Psi for St. Jude
Chris & Fay Breedlove, Terminal B, Co-Founders
Keisha Brewer, The PR Alliance, Founder & CEO
Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, Ebony Media, CEO
Kelli Brooks, EiRAM Group, Founder & CEO
DeAndre Brown, GenXL Consulting, Founder
Isaiah Bryant, American Urban Radio Networks, Vice President of Sales
Alicia Butler, National Action Network (NAN), Health Equity Director Program and Policy Liaison
Earl Cooper, Eastside Golf, Co-Founder
Greg Davis, Davis Broadcasting Inc., Vice President
Anthony Edwards Jr., EatOkra, Co-Founder & CEO
Vincent Evans, Congressional Black Caucus, Executive Director
Milan Harris, Milan Rouge, Founder & CEO
Amber Hewitt, District of Columbia Government; Mayor’s Office of Racial Equity, Chief Equity Officer
Darryl Holiday Jr., Warner Bros / TNT Sports, Marketing Manager
Roosevelt Holmes III, U.S. Minority Business Development Agency, Acting Chief of Staff
Shayna Jamison, Amazon, Marketing Manager – Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator
Tiffany Johnson, Microsoft, Director, Startup Engagement & Creator of Amazon Black Business Accelerator
Chef JJ Johnson, Field Trip Restaurants, Founder & CEO
Michael B. Jordan, Investor, Actor, Entrepreneur
Elly Karamoh, Fashion Stylist, Entrepreneur
Demarius Love, Full Circle Strategies, Vice President
Kurt & Deanna Mangum, CoupleyFit, Co-Founders
Shaun Mayo, Arizona Cardinals, Chief People Officer
Jade Melvin, Servant-Leader | Minority-Owned Business Advocate
Zhu Mendoza, Fun Project – Kiddie Convos, Founder & CEO
Durecia Moorer, ABCD & Company, Managing Partner & Chief Marketing Officer
Sarah Nesbit, Capital One, Principal Associate – External Affairs Strategy and Engagement – Community Advocacy and Risk
Kimberly Nettles, Johnson & Johnson, Health Equity Lead for Cancer, US Medical Affairs
Michael Nordman, Molson Coors, Senior Manager of Community Affairs
Christen O’Neal, The Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC)
Earnest Offley, AiCure, Chief People and Diversity Officer
Oye Owolewa, DC Congressional/Statehood Delegation, US Representative of Washington, DC
Sierra Rainge-Jones, Live Limitless Media Group, Founder & CEO
Angel Reese, WNBA, Professional Athlete, Owner of DC Power Football Club
Demar Roberts, First Choice Sales & Marketing Group, Chief Growth Officer
Raven Robinson, Office Of State Senator Kevin Parker, Press Secretary
Jo-Vaughn Scott, Impact Mentorship, Founder
Monica Simmonds, Speaker / Author
Jordan Slade, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., External Relations Manager
Redell Spinks, InDemand Creative Agency, Founder & CEO
CJ Stroud NFL Quarterback, Philanthropist
Trell Thomas, Black Excellence Brunch, Founder & Executive Producer
Nicole Tinson, HBCU 20×20 | The Application, CEO
Quincy Wilson, Team USA, Olympic Gold Medalist
Hope Wiseman, Wiseco, Founder & CEO
Taylor Wright, The White House, Senior Advisor for Public Engagement
Lou Young III, Lou Young Show, Founder & CEO
For more information about the event and USBC Power 50 Under 40, please visit www.usbcpower50under40.com.
About the Power 50 Under 40
The USBC Power 50 Under 40 is an esteemed accolade that celebrates the extraordinary achievements of young Black professionals, innovators, leaders, disruptors, and business visionaries. This elite group excels in their respective fields, actively shapes their industries, sets new standards, and inspires others to follow their lead. USBC Power 50 Under 40 catalyzes innovation and excellence by spotlighting the next generation of Black leaders and fosters a vibrant community committed to promoting excellence, embracing diversity, and enriching our cultural landscape.
About U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) provides committed, visionary leadership, and advocacy in the realization of economic empowerment. Through the creation of resources and initiatives, we support a network of African American Chambers of Commerce and business organizations in their work of developing and growing Black enterprises. Learn more at usblackchambers.org.
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