A gathering of prominent Black celebrities, leaders, and business figures in Britain will take place tonight to honor the achievements of Black Britons at the prestigious Powerlist 2025 awards ceremony. The Powerlist, which recognizes influential Black individuals making a positive impact on society, has previously honored icons like Sir Lewis Hamilton and Malorie Blackman.
Launched in 2005, the Powerlist aims to showcase Black role models and trailblazers across various industries such as arts, technology, and entertainment. Esteemed guests attending the event include Rudolph Walker, Oti Mabuse, Dame Denise Lewis, and Sir Lenny Henry.
This year, the Powerlist Celebration of Black Excellence Awards will be hosted by Tim Campbell, MBE, at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London. The top spot on the Powerlist has been awarded to Dean Forbes, the CEO of tech company Forterro, recognized for his significant contributions to industry and philanthropy.
Forbes, humbled by the honor, expressed his pride in being a source of inspiration for young Black individuals striving to achieve their dreams. He emphasized the importance of resilience, community support, and seizing opportunities to succeed, vowing to empower others through mentorship and opportunities.
New additions to the Powerlist this year include Andrew ‘Rapman’ Onwubolu and Damson Idris, who have made notable impacts in the entertainment industry. The event, sponsored by JP Morgan, will be hosted by Tim Campbell MBE, featuring prominent figures like Idris Elba, Alex Scott, and Stormzy.
Michael Eboda, CEO of Powerful Media, commended Dean Forbes for his dedication to community service through the Forbes Family Group Foundation, highlighting his exceptional achievements that set him apart as a deserving top honoree.
Cecil Peters from JPMorganChase praised the Powerlist for recognizing and promoting Black talent in the UK, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in breaking barriers across industries. JPMorganChase’s commitment to supporting initiatives that elevate diverse talent aligns with the Powerlist’s mission to celebrate Black excellence in the UK.