From the pioneers of jazz and the Harlem Renaissance to at present’s daring voices in content material creation, meals, trend and wonder—the contributions of Black artists and thought leaders have at all times been on the forefront of revolutionizing at present’s cultural panorama. The 2024 EBONY Energy 100 Influential Creators, introduced by Walmart, actually embody this notion in each sense of the phrase as they shake up the world whereas remaining rooted of their genuine selves.
Our honorees—Aaliyah Jay, Aurora James, Humorous Marco, Jerald “Coop” Cooper, Kahlana Barfield Brown, Kamie Crawford, Keith Lee, Kwame Onwuachi, Sean Bankhead, Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald—persistently exude energy by way of their creativity. But, regardless of their profound affect, the popularity of those people usually stays inadequate. As we navigate a world more and more pushed by innovation and self-expression, it’s extra vital than ever that we honor the manufacturers and legacies these women and men are constructing.
“I really feel like I convey energy to my artwork by being my most unapologetic and daring self,” choreographer and artistic director Sean Bankhead shared. “Anytime I strategy my artwork with hesitation or a concern of what folks could say or suppose is once I don’t create from my most genuine self. I’ve realized through the years to be daring and stand robust to the visions in my head. These are the occasions it’s at all times obtained the very best or when it goes essentially the most viral.”
By amplifying voices and views like Bankhead’s, we additionally pave the best way for future generations to proceed pushing boundaries and reshaping the world in methods solely they’ll.
“In the future you may be acknowledged for being precisely who you’re, and the whole lot you’ve got been by way of shall be what makes you so particular,” 2024 honoree, content material creator and host Kamie Crawford mentioned when requested what she would inform her youthful self in addition to future generations that in the end need to make their very own mark on the artistic world. “The instruments you will have to beat obstacles, break down doorways and resonate with tens of millions of individuals will come by expertise and, at occasions, by what looks like rejection.”
All through her dynamic profession, she has proven the facility of perseverance, remaining true to your self and doing issues your approach. Not solely has she, together with our different ten influential creators, discovered the important thing to creating your individual lane. She’s additionally serving as an inspiration to others who appear like her.
“I might additionally inform anybody who needs to work on this house that rejection is God’s safety and redirection. You’re going to listen to lots of “NOs,” however you solely want one “YES” to get the place you’re going. Do your greatest to drown out the noise and the naysayers and break up with anybody who doesn’t consider in you and your goals. Everybody can’t make it with you,” she added.
We couldn’t have mentioned it higher.
The EBONY group, together with Walmart, couldn’t be prouder to honor these eleven women and men who’re persistently doing wonderful work all through the world. And we sit up for honoring the following wave of trailblazers and rule breakers that can come after them. Once we pour into and put money into the goals of younger creatives, international tradition will proceed to shift. In any case, the world hasn’t even begun to see what Black creativity is actually able to as a result of it’s nonetheless being written. However simply know, it’s going to be epic.
