The Powerlist features figures from the worlds of cyber-security, banking, business, sport, and entertainment.
On a list of the most powerful black persons in the UK, names like Sir Lenny Henry, Stormzy, and Michaela Coel appear. However, the number one slot has been stolen by a businesswoman.
The Powerlist lists the most influential people of African, African Caribbean, and African American descent in the UK and has been published yearly since 2007.
The 2023 list has actors Sir Lenny, 64, and Idris Elba, 50, as well as Coel, a 35-year-old actress and playwright, rapper Stormzy, Simon Hepburn, the head of the UK Cyber Security Council, and Marcus Rashford, a football player.
But Dame Sharon White, the chairperson of John Lewis, is at the top of the list.
It is a tremendous honor to have been chosen to receive this year’s Powerlist award, especially in light of the outstanding efforts of the other contenders, said Dame Sharon, 55, the first woman to hold the position.
“My aim is that we can remove the chance element from social mobility; everyone should have the opportunity to become whatever they want to be in life, with their upbringing serving as a source of pride rather than a hindrance.”
Steven Bartlett, a podcast host, and Dragons Den celebrity is also among the top 10.
According to the list’s creators, it was created “to highlight black role models for young people.”
Former football player Alex Scott and Get Out star Daniel Kaluuya are also on the list.
Afua Kyei, the Bank of England’s chief financial officer, and Tangy Morgan, its senior adviser, as well as Dr. Claudia Natanson, the council’s chairwoman, are among those making their debuts.
The list also includes Munroe Bergdorf, Edward Enninful, David Lammy, and Raheem Sterling.
A group headed by retired High Court judge Dame Linda Dobbs created the list.
Massive impact
Tim Campbell, the victor of The Apprentice’s inaugural season, was also a member of the judging panel.
The list is “the premier presentation, appreciation, and reminder of the great individuals of African, African Caribbean, and African American background we have in the UK,” according to Michael Eboda, chief executive of Powerful Media, which released the list.
He continued by citing Dame Sharon as an illustration of “real perfection.”
“It is simply amazing how she has been able to make such a significant influence on one of the top retail businesses in the UK. I congratulate her on her excellent work.”
More accolades
The 2018 Ethnicity Awards also honored Sir Lenny.
He was listed next to Sir Mo Farah, 39, who received the sports pioneer award for speaking out against prejudice after he disclosed earlier this year that he was trafficked to the UK when he was eight.
Sir Lenny, 64, received the lifetime achievement award for his work as an actor, presenter, and comedian in promoting racial equality and defending communities.
Dina Asher-Smith, a 26-year-old Olympic runner, was voted sports personality of the year for discussing her encounters with racism, while Alison Hammond, a 47-year-old host, was named host of the year.
Azeem Rafiq, 31, won the media impact award for speaking out against racial harassment and bullying at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, while Emeli Sande, 35, won music artist of the year for “challenging prejudice and equality.”
