Black Excellence

By: Krystal Tome

On October 29^th, 2022, Ebony Magazine hosted their annual Ebony Power 100 Gala honoring 100 influential Black people. Every year, this Gala takes place in celebration of Black Excellence. This year, critically acclaimed artists, Myles Frost (Tony Winner) and Tobe Ngiwe (NAACP Image Award Winner), performed at the Gala and Amber Ruffin of The Amber Ruffin Show hosted. Honorees were in diverse industries: music, film, advocacy, business, STEM, and more! The star studded red-carpet featured Emmy Winner Quinta Brunson (writer and star of Abbot Elementary), Kandi Burrus (songwriter for Destiny’s Child & TLC, former member of Xscape), Myles Frost (Tony Winner for role in MJ the Musical), Nia Long, Amber Ruffin (star of The Amber Ruffin Show), stars of Insecure Kendrick Sampson, Jay Ellis, and Issa Rae and more!

On the carpet I asked various stars what their advice is to current Black college students in their specific area of expertise. 

In my interview with CEO Eden Bridgeman Sklenar of Ebony Magazine, she shared that there is no singular correct path to achieve success in the media and publishing industry. “As long as you dream it and you set out on your own path, it can happen…There’s no one way or another… It’s going to take a number of opportunities.” Speaking of her own experience, CEO Sklenar said, “I am truly the evidence that a number of things had to happen in order to get me here, but it was my own path to have and my journey that had to be lived.”

Myles Frost shared his experience at the Tony’s when I asked him about advice to give to Black college students aspiring to make it on Broadway. “I am pushing and urging young talent to continue to create.” He mentioned “it felt very scarce at the Tony’s…although [the event] was beautiful, it was kind of unfortunate at the same time because I want to see more of us”. Frost then pointed out the progress Broadway is making with the direction it is going in with having more shows with predominantly Black casts being performed such as: The Lion King, Tina, and MJ the Musical. 

The celebration of Black excellence at the annual Ebony Power 100 Gala also brings cultivation of more Black excellence through the inspiring speeches, awards, and interviews on the red carpet. To Black Bruins and Black college students across the globe, know that you are loved, appreciated, and talented.

This event, the 2022 EBONY Power 100 Gala was presented by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar^TM and was supported in sponsorship by: Cadillac, Walmart, Google Pixel 7, Ally, P&G, Baccarat, United Airlines, Nationwide, and Beam Suntory.