No matter who you voted for, that power is one we can all wield. It is what propels our democracy and our future.
On that note, BlackVoices also wants your vote. Each week we'll compile a list of individuals (some famous and some not) that we think have wielded power in their own fields that week.
Since you may disagree with some of our rankings, we decided to make the Power List interactive -- so you can tell us how you'd rank our choices. Check out the "This Week's List" module to the right of this posting. Use it to tell us who you think is the most powerful, and then we'll show you how other BV visitors have ordered the list. You can also "write in" your candidate by clicking on the "Who's On Your Power List?" link. It will take you to a forum where you can add, debate or otherwise tell us how you feel about the list. We're counting in your input to make the BV Power List a strong community forum.
For example, Barack Obama wields sheer power for his historic presidential campaign. After an illustrious basketball career, Magic Johnson has become a business powerhouse. Tyra Banks has parlayed a successful modeling career into a thriving talk show. Meanwhile, Tyler Perry is one of the most powerful black producers in Hollywood.
Also, check back every week for the latest Power List.
Barack Obama was an easy pick for our first list. We salute the senator and now 44th President-Elect of the United States for using his power for good and for having the strength to never give up hope during his long journey to the White House.
Tyler Perry, now here's a true rags-to-riches story. The once homeless movie director opened up his very own movie studio in Atlanta in October. He's fast becoming one of the most powerful black men in Hollywood.
Tyra Banks makes the list for continuing to build her fashion icon status with her third reality show 'Stylista," which was recently picked up by UK television.
Magic Johnson has always used his financial strength for good. Props to Magic for actually doing something in these hard economic times by recently launching MAGIC Workforce Solutions, a new job staffing services company.
You might not know Mellody Hobson, President of Ariel Investments, but her company recently released the 11th Annual Black Investor Survey. The October report highlights investment and financial disparity the need to educate our community about important financial matters.
Comments: (87)
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By: BK Girl on 11/01/2008 10:32AM
I think no power list is complete without Oprah, the queen of all media.
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By: BETTYEJ on 11/02/2008 7:41AM
I am a black women who would like to say that they might not be known by name, but there have been countless white men and women and other races that have work for Senator Obama's campaign who have my utmost respect.
I want to add two names on this list that I think did outstanding coverage of this election, the right way!
They both work for MSNBC, Ms. Rachel Maddow, and Keith Olbermann. When the Republican's were trying to smear and use all the smut they could sling, these are the only two that shot them down each time with the truth.
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By: Farrar Soto on 11/02/2008 9:30AM
Does inmates or individuals on parolee have the right to cast vote in USA? Thanks
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By: FirstLady on 11/02/2008 10:28AM
Not D.L. Hughley, his show was not as interesting as HE thought it was. He laughed a lot at his own jokes, not really giving guests a chance to finish their point. We need intelligent interviewers, not ones who like to hear themselves talk. We get enough of that with the pundents.
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By: Louise Belardo on 11/04/2008 9:09PM
who cares, this asshole doesn't no a damn damn thing
about running a country, I watched the debates, he is a parrot, Hillary should be president. He is an asshole, and if I have to look at that ugly bug eyed wife of his on Oprah every week I will throw up. It doesn't even matter if he wins, watch and see what happens. I would have voted for Colin Powell, because he actually knows something. I love Denzel Washington, and that beautiful black guy the beautiful blue eyes that played the cop in THe Brave One with Jodie Foster. It's not racism, it's just that big ears is a moron. ANd Im sure he will live for a while to prove it. " spread the wealth"? you mean socialism, and the middle class will pay for all the government pay outs for the lazy bastards, and crack dealers. Go ahead, tell me that all the crack dealers are white. It's just a fact, and I don't give a shit if you don't like waht I have to say. Look at that rich asshole who killed all the pit bulls. Look at that asshole football player who hired some other winner trap her in her car and shoot her, and her unborn so he wouldn't have to pay child support. I love Samuel Jackson,
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By: Taiwon on 11/06/2008 7:35AM
I have to agree, where's Ms. Winfrey? Where's Kathy Hughes? There are far more powerful people missing from the list.
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By: Frances on 11/06/2008 7:45AM
Oprah! She prsented President elect B. Obama to the nation. She said, "This is the one!" On another note, these two people are not black, but power has no color. Ms. Racel Maddow and Keith Olbemann went to bat for Mr. Obama everyday and time that other news stations reported something negative or untrue. These two would set the record straight. I looked forward to listening to MSNBC everyday because I knew that if anyone would say something uplifting about Mr. Obama it would be Racel and Keith. Now these two had Mr. Obama's back for sure. They truly stepped out side of the box for him.
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By: Zuri Kyle Chambers on 11/06/2008 7:51AM
Patti LaBelle & Oprah for being 2 of the most influential black women of our time! All new female artist seem to look up to Patti LaBelle, she's a true trailblazer. And Oprah for obvious reasons!
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By: vkt on 11/06/2008 8:27AM
so true BK. got to have ms media, Oprah
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By: sadfortheus on 11/06/2008 8:29AM
ALL WHITE PEOPLE MUST REPORT TO THE COTTON FIELDS TOMORROW MORNING AT 7AM FOR ORIENTATION
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