BLACK ENTERPRISE, the premier Black-owned digital media brand, has unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 40 Under 40 List.
The list showcases a remarkable assembly of young Black visionaries and changemakers making their mark in the following industries: technology and STEM, business and finance, creative arts and entertainment, media, fashion and beauty, politics and social, and sports. This year’s listicle also celebrates five corporate executives who are driving impact and climbing the ranks of Fortune 500 companies.
The exceptional honorees, recognized for their innovation, resilience, and pioneering spirit, have achieved significant milestones and exemplified outstanding leadership before turning 40. They include activists, athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs, tech leaders, and corporate change agents. Together, their commitment to creating a more just and equitable society reflects the very best of this generation.
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The individuals were selected through an internal process based on the achievements, headlines, impact – and even history – that they made in 2024. Individuals also had the opportunity to nominate themselves and others to be considered for the 40 Under 40 list, reflecting a broader selection process. This inclusivity aligns with BLACK ENTERPRISE’s commitment to recognizing and making space for diverse visionaries within the Black community.
“These extraordinary leaders are not only shaping the future, they’re driving innovation across industries and fostering meaningful change today,” said Selena BLACK ENTERPRISE Director of Multiplatform Content. “At BLACK ENTERPRISE, we proudly celebrate these honorees for their groundbreaking achievements, barrier-breaking efforts, and record-setting accomplishments. Their stories embody the power of passion and purpose coming together, inspiring us all to dream bigger and strive higher.”
Meet The Tech & STEM Category Honorees
Some of the Tech & STEM category honorees include 15-year-old scientist and innovator Herman Bekele. The Ethiopian American has made significant strides in medical impact innovation, earning him recognition as America’s Top Young Scientist in 2023 and Time Magazine’s Kid of the Year in 2024.
Another Tech and STEM category honoree is award-winning journalist, host, author, and investor Sherell Dorsey. As the founder and CEO of Build The Good, Dorsey is dedicated to bridging the gap between equity and technology. She committed to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities to thrive in tech.
Tiffani J. Martin is another Tech & STEM category honoree. The social tech entrepreneur is merging innovation and inclusivity to revolutionize how technology serves diverse communities. Other winners in the Tech and STEM category include Jerelyn Rodriguez Williams, the Founder of Knowledge House, and Justin J. Samuels, the founder and CEO of RenderATL.
Here are the other honorees on the BLACK ENTERPRISE 40 Under 40 list:
CREATIVE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Kendrick Lamar – Rapper and Songwriter
Kai Cenat – Online Streamer and Influencer
Courtney L. Branch –Co-Founder, The Micheaux Film Festival
Victoria Monet – Singer and Songwriter
Sable Elyse Smith – Interdisciplinary artist, writer, and educator
FASHION AND BEAUTY
Aris Singleton – CEO, Thank God It’s Natural (tgin)
Anifa Mvuemba – Founder, Hanifa
James M. Jeter – Creative Director, Ralph Lauren
Ugo Mozie – Designer, Celebrity Stylist, and Founder, Eleven Sixteen
Brandon Blackwood – Designer and Founder, Brandon Blackwood
SPORTS
Cori Dionne “Coco” Gauff – Tennis Player
Sha’Carri Richardson – Olympian and Track & Field Star
Darrius Barnes – President of Crown Legacy FC MLS ProNext, Charlotte FC
Nigel Sylvester – Pro-BMX Athlete, Founder and CEO, Nigel Sylvester Foundation and GO Brand
Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics Star and Entrepreneur
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BUSINESS & FINANCE
Ashley M. Fox – Founder and CEO, EMPIFY
Larry Morrow – CEO, The Morrow Hospitality Group
Abdul Karim Abdullah and Ken Agyapong, Jr. – Co-founders, AfroFuture
Amira Rasool – Founder and CEO, The Folklore
Daniel Taylor, CEO and Co-Founder, Bags
CORPORATE LEADERSHIP
Damola Adamolekun – CEO, Red Lobster
Chardae F. Jenkins – Senior Manager, Publicity, Netflix
Nikki Forman – Head of Black Media Engagement, Amazon
Emily Graham – Global Chief Equity & Impact Officer, Omnicom Group
Chanel T. Rowe, Esq. – Business Attorney, Strategic Advisor, and Consultant
MEDIA
Shawn McKenzie – Founder, Spiritual World
Zuri Hall – Emmy Award-winning TV Host and Entertainment Journalist
Phil Lewis – Deputy Editor, HuffPost
Monica McNutt – Basketball Analyst, ESPN and MSG Network
Abby Phillip – CNN Anchor, “NewsNight with Abby Phillip”
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POLITICS AND SOCIAL IMPACT
Alexis D. Williams – Creative Technologist and Founder, Software by Lex
Chelsea Miller – CEO, CPM Global; Co-Founder, Freedom March NYC
Alencia Johnson – Author, Political Strategist, and Cultural Commentator
Antjuan Seawright – Founder and CEO, Blueprint Strategy LLC; Democratic Political Strategist
M’Balu “Lu” Bangura – Chief of Equity and Fair Practices, Enoch Pratt Free Library
More About BLACK ENTERPRISE
BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier resource for success-oriented and business-minded Black Americans. The magazine provides business news and information covering investing, entrepreneurship, personal finance, careers, and small business.
Launched in 1970, the publication has empowered professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs with essential tools and information to advance their careers, excel in business, and build generational wealth.
Today, BLACK ENTERPRISE is recognized as the No. 1 Black digital media brand with 10 million monthly page views and 7 million monthly unique visitors. The outlet also serves its audience through signature events and multiple linear and digital channels.