Time magazine recently released its annual TIME100 List of the most influential people of 2025—a list that celebrates the achievements of individuals from around the world, across diverse industries, whose ideas and stories help shape and improve the world. This year, personalities such as Blake Lively, Ed Sheeran, Scarlett Johansson, and Kristen Bell made the list. Black powerhouses from various countries and industries were also featured, including Mo Abudu, Simone Biles, Danielle Deadwyler, Angeline Murimirwa, Fatou Baldeh, Duma Boko, Serena Williams, Percival Everett, Myles Smith, Snoop Dogg, Kwame Onwuachi, Mickalene Thomas, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and Christian Happi, who were described as “leaders driving innovation and cultural change across the African continent.”

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The inclusion of these Black individuals demonstrates that, over the years, they have consistently worked on innovative ideas that have benefited their communities and the world. Whether in film, sports, technology, philanthropy, science, activism, education, leadership, music, or literature, they exemplify how Black excellence continues to grow stronger with each generation. In a statement released by TIME’s Editor-in-Chief, he predicted that everyone on the list will be at the forefront of the changes taking place in their countries. This prediction isn’t far-fetched, as several of the Black individuals on the list have already broken records and driven change—and this year, they are poised to do even more.

While speaking about the list, TIME Chief Executive Officer, Jessica Sibley said, “The 2025 TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people recognises the leaders shaping the world today and defining its future. We look forward to bringing together the newest members of this extraordinary community at the annual TIME100 Summit and TIME100 Gala.” Other individuals on the list include Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Demi Moore, Donald Trump, JD Vance, and many others. Check the full list here.

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