LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Brittney Griner, Jason Collins, Michael Sam, Kain Colter, Michael Strahan, Maya Moore, Derek Jeter, Floyd Mayweather, Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman, Mo’ne Davis and The Jackie Robinson West Little League Team are all on the list.

For a full list of the honorees, please visit: http://staging.ebony.com/power100-2014/.

CHICAGO (November 11, 2014) — EBONY® Magazine today unveiled its annual EBONY Power 100 list, which salutes the remarkable achievements of African-Americans in 2014. Among the game changers honored this year are NBA player LeBron James, Sam’s Club CEO Rosalind Brewer, television producer Shonda Rhimes, music producer Pharrell Williams, actresses Audra McDonald, Gabrielle Union and Laverne Cox, comedian Kevin Hart, ballerina Misty Copeland and Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Quincy Jones –composer, record producer, artist, film producer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, TV producer, record company executive, magazine founder, multi-media entrepreneur and humanitarian –will receive the EBONY Achievement Award. The gala celebration will take place in Los Angeles on November 19, at the AVALON Hollywood.

The EBONY editorial team selected the 100 most influential African-Americans in the country. These achievers have made noteworthy accomplishments over the past year. The list of outstanding leaders highlights individuals from a variety of fields, including business, medicine, sports, media, religion, the creative arts and more. As the curator of the African-American experience, EBONY is proud to showcase these individuals.

These leaders are honored and recognized for changing the course of history and making an enduring and lasting impact in their communities and the world.

“The EBONY team is very excited to recognize the accomplishments of the honorees on this year’s Power 100 list,” said Mitzi Miller, editor-in-chief of EBONY Magazine. “From grassroots to the corporate boardrooms, all of the selected individuals have made a significant impact on both African-American and American cultures. They are truly an inspiration to keep striving.”

The 2014 Power 100 list will appear in the December issue of EBONY, on newsstands the week of November 17. The full list of the EBONY Power 100 can also be found at EBONY.com here.

The December EBONY is also dedicated to the topic of race. The publication looks at race relations in America today, and provides an opinion on why race still matters.

“Normally, our December issue is dedicated to the biggest achievers of the year,” added Miller. “However, throughout 2014, the issue of race has been an ongoing conversation. EBONY is taking it a step further and encouraging results-driven conversations on the issues.”

To supplement the feature, EBONY.com will also feature five videos on race relations interviews with thought-leaders including Dr. Ben Carson, Marc Lamont Hill, Melissa Harris Perry, Al Sharpton, Julian Bond, Dr. Cornell West, Marian Wright Edelman, Dr. Steve Perry and many others.

About EBONY:

EBONY is the No. 1 national consumer lifestyle magazine targeting the African-American community. As the longest-running Black publication, EBONY has the largest reach in the African-American print space, reaching nearly 20 million readers annually. EBONY features the best thinkers, trendsetters, celebrities and next-generation leaders of African-Americans. EBONY ignites conversation, promotes empowerment and celebrates aspiration. Available nationwide on newsstands and on all digital platforms, EBONY is the heart, soul and pulse of African-Americans.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer shared his thoughts on Michael Sam, the NFL’s first openly gay player who was recently dropped by the Dallas Cowboys last month, Sander’s said “I’m not saying I condone it, but I don’t condemn it. I don’t love what he do, but I love him as a man and I just wanted him to understand the burden and the weight that he’s carrying.” Larry followed up asking Sanders if he thought Sam’s sexuality could be a choice, the retired NFL player noted, “It could be” also adding “The God I know don’t make mistakes.” (clip below)

Deion Sanders also gave his thoughts on whether or not Ray Rice should get a second chance at playing football and whether or not a team will sign him if he’s reinstated, “I would hope so, because everybody I know, especially the person I see in the mirror every morning, has gotten a second or third chance at life, who are we not to give someone a second chance.” The NFL commentator also added that “This is something, I feel, he did it’s not something, who he is.” (clip below)

Sanders explained to Larry King that he’s sure Roger Goodell didn’t see the Ray Rice tape ahead of his decision, “He listened to the wife of Ray Rice, and they came in and pled their case personally. And you look into a woman’s eye and she tell you what happened, what transpired in that moment, you have to believe it.” Sanders went on to comment on the NFL Commissioner’s decision “His reputation has been that he’s too harsh, so all of the sudden you’re saying that he’s too soft in one incident.” (clip below)

The episode is now LIVE on Ora.tv and Hulu.com (episodes premiere daily 5pm EST)

To watch the interview, click here: http://goo.gl/MiV1Ub

At his pro day Michael Sam improved his numbers. He ran a 4.7 and benched 19 times. That is more in line with what scouts want to see. As I’ve said, Sam is simply a “gamer” type of pass rusher. You know what you’re getting with him minus the circus. He is never going to test well and likely won’t put up historic numbers. He’s a rotational pass rusher and that is worth a 5th round pick at best.

Early unofficial times from Missouri pro-day; Kony Ealy low 4.6's & Michael Sam low 4.8's…

— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) March 20, 2014

Michael Sam did 19 reps on bench press at Missouri's pro day a few minutes ago.

— Russell Lande (@RUSSLANDE) March 20, 2014

Here is what one scout had to say:

“I don’t think football is ready for [an openly gay player] just yet,” said an NFL player personnel assistant. “In the coming decade or two, it’s going to be acceptable, but at this point in time it’s still a man’s-man game. To call somebody a [gay slur] is still so commonplace. It’d chemically imbalance an NFL locker room and meeting room.”

All the NFL personnel members interviewed believed that Sam’s announcement will cause him to drop in the draft. He was projected between the third and seventh round prior to the announcement. The question is: How far will he fall?
“I just know with this going on this is going to drop him down,” said a veteran NFL scout. “There’s no question about it. It’s human nature. Do you want to be the team to quote-unquote ‘break that barrier?'”

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20140209/michael-sam-draft-stock/?eref=sihp

I will table my thoughts for another time, but MDHQ supports any and all professional/collegiate athletes who promote positivity.