President-elect Barack Obama Recognized as Readers' Choice for 'African-American of the Year'
NEW YORK, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- ESSENCE magazine reflects back on the epic year that was 2008 and recognizes 25 distinguished African-Americans who have made a difference. From the rise of political figures to the celebrity activists changing the world and entertainers breaking artistic ground ESSENCE honors the extraordinary trailblazers that made 2008 an unforgettable year. President-elect Barack Obama received the most votes in an online poll on essence.com, earning recognition as the "Readers' Choice" for the year's most influential African-American. The December issue of ESSENCE features 20 of the Most Influential List, with essence.com reporting the complete list of honorees.
"President-elect Barack Obama's historic win was the pinnacle of an amazing year in African-American achievement," says Angela Burt-Murray, editor-in-chief, ESSENCE. "ESSENCE is so proud to acknowledge the top 25 African-Americans who followed suit with extraordinary steps in news, music, film, politics, activism and fashion and emerged as the game changers of 2008."
The list features the newsmakers like Gwen Ifill and Donna Brazile who helped shape this year's news and captured the attention of millions while making a powerful impact on the media landscape. Celebrities who raised the bar and achieved enormous success are saluted as well, like Tyler Perry who became the first African-American to own a major television and movie studio and Will Smith who broke barriers at the box office. Following the pattern of historical moments in African-American history, New York Governor, David Paterson makes the list as the first Black governor of New York and the first blind governor of any state. In a special tribute to African-American women in radio, the list boasts Michel Martin, Adaora Udoji, Michele Norris, Bev Smith and Farai Chideya. These influential African-Americans and more are featured in the December issue of ESSENCE and on essence.com.
To see the full list log on to: www.essence.com.
25 Most Influential List
Barack Obama - President-elect
Donna Brazile - Political Strategist, Commentator
Gwen Ifill - Journalist
Valerie Jarrett - President and CEO, The Habitat Company, Adviser
to Barack Obama
Queen Latifah - Singer, Actress, Jenny Craig Spokesperson
Will Smith - Box Office Titan
Wyclef Jean - Musician, Activist
Kanye West - Hip-Hop Artist, Producer
will.i.am - Musician, Activist
Tyler Perry - Writer, Actor, Director, Producer, Studio Owner
Michel Martin - Tell Me More, Host
Adaora Udoji - The Take Away, Host
Michele Norris - All Things Considered, Host
Bev Smith - The Bev Smith Show, Host
Farai Chideya - News & Notes, Host
Van Jones - Founder and President, Green For All
Ian Smith, M.D. - Diet Expert, Author, Television Host
David Paterson - Governor, New York
Bethann Hardison - Advocate for Black Models
Phill Wilson - CEO, Black Aids Institute
Reverend Leah Daughtry - CEO, Democratic National Convention
Mark Whitaker - Washington Bureau Chief, NBC News
Candace Parker - WNBA Star
Patrick Robinson - Lead Fashion Designer, GAP
James Rucker - Internet Civil Rights Activist
About Essence Communications Inc.:
Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the leading media and communications company dedicated to African-American women. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events, and online, the Essence brand is "Where Black Women Come First." The company's flagship publication, ESSENCE magazine, is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women, generating brand extensions such as the Essence Music Festival, Women Who Are Shaping the World Leadership Summit, Window on Our Women (WOW I, II & III) and Smart Beauty I, II & III consumer insights, the Essence Book Club, essence.com, and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD) via Essence Studios. For 38 years, ESSENCE magazine, which has a readership of 8.5 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information relating to every area of African-American women's lives.
Additional information about ECI and ESSENCE is available at essence.com.
Source: Essence Communications Inc.
CONTACT: Dana Baxter, +1-212-522-1634, dbaxter@essence.com or Sheila
Harris, +1-212-522-1089, sharris@essence.com or Ra'Chelle Rogers,
+1-212-522-2724, rrogers@essence.com
Web Site: http://www.essence.com/
