Tony Elumelu, the founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation- an African Private Sector-Led Philanthropy Empowering African Entrepreneurs, has been named among the honourees of EBONY Magazine in its just-released 2020 EBONY Power 100 list. He was listed along with other powerhouses such as the Mayor of Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot; President of Oprah Winfrey Network, Tina Perry; Oscar Winner, Matthew Cherry; VP, Global Partnerships, Bonita Coleman Stewart; Google Inc. Co-Founder, FUBU, J Alexander Martin among many others.
The Ebony Magazine which has existed for 75 years is committed to shining a spotlight on the worlds of Black people in America and Worldwide by featuring stories and achievements of black people in all areas. In 1971, the magazine introduced “The Most Influential Black American List” which later evolved to the annual EBONY Power 100 list aimed at recognizing influential and inspiring individuals who are making a difference in the African-American community in various categories. The 2020 categories include; Community crusaders, Doing it for the culture, Excellence in the media, MVPs, Power Couples, Shining Stars, Social Justice, Titans of Industry, Trailblazers, Women Up,
Elumelu who was described by EBONY is a Nigerian economist, entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation was recognised in the Trailblazers category for his efforts at encouraging entrepreneurship, instituting luck and reducing poverty on the African continent.
According to the CEO, EBONY Media Operations-Michael Gibson, determining the people who made the list is a herculean task as the team is saddled with the task of narrowing down the numerous numbers of inspiring individuals to the undebatable 100.
EBONY Vice Chairman, Willard Jackson described everyone who made the 2020 list as leaders who have had positive impacts on the African-American community, shaped perceptions, influence cultures and galvanized communities.
