President-elect Barack Obama Recognized as Readers' Choice for 'African-American of the Year'

NEW YORK, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- ESSENCE magazine reflects back on the epic year that was 2008 and recognizes 25 distinguished African-Americans who have made a difference. From the rise of political figures to the celebrity activists changing the world and entertainers breaking artistic ground ESSENCE honors the extraordinary trailblazers that made 2008 an unforgettable year. President-elect Barack Obama received the most votes in an online poll on essence.com, earning recognition as the "Readers' Choice" for the year's most influential African-American. The December issue of ESSENCE features 20 of the Most Influential List, with essence.com reporting the complete list of honorees.

"President-elect Barack Obama's historic win was the pinnacle of an amazing year in African-American achievement," says Angela Burt-Murray, editor-in-chief, ESSENCE. "ESSENCE is so proud to acknowledge the top 25 African-Americans who followed suit with extraordinary steps in news, music, film, politics, activism and fashion and emerged as the game changers of 2008."

The list features the newsmakers like Gwen Ifill and Donna Brazile who helped shape this year's news and captured the attention of millions while making a powerful impact on the media landscape. Celebrities who raised the bar and achieved enormous success are saluted as well, like Tyler Perry who became the first African-American to own a major television and movie studio and Will Smith who broke barriers at the box office. Following the pattern of historical moments in African-American history, New York Governor, David Paterson makes the list as the first Black governor of New York and the first blind governor of any state. In a special tribute to African-American women in radio, the list boasts Michel Martin, Adaora Udoji, Michele Norris, Bev Smith and Farai Chideya. These influential African-Americans and more are featured in the December issue of ESSENCE and on essence.com.

To see the full list log on to: www.essence.com.

25 Most Influential List

    Barack Obama - President-elect
    Donna Brazile - Political Strategist, Commentator
    Gwen Ifill - Journalist
    Valerie Jarrett - President and CEO, The Habitat Company, Adviser
     to Barack Obama
    Queen Latifah - Singer, Actress, Jenny Craig Spokesperson
    Will Smith - Box Office Titan
    Wyclef Jean - Musician, Activist
    Kanye West - Hip-Hop Artist, Producer
    will.i.am - Musician, Activist
    Tyler Perry - Writer, Actor, Director, Producer, Studio Owner
    Michel Martin - Tell Me More, Host
    Adaora Udoji - The Take Away, Host
    Michele Norris - All Things Considered, Host
    Bev Smith - The Bev Smith Show, Host
    Farai Chideya - News & Notes, Host
    Van Jones - Founder and President, Green For All
    Ian Smith, M.D. - Diet Expert, Author, Television Host
    David Paterson - Governor, New York
    Bethann Hardison - Advocate for Black Models
    Phill Wilson - CEO, Black Aids Institute
    Reverend Leah Daughtry - CEO, Democratic National Convention
    Mark Whitaker - Washington Bureau Chief, NBC News
    Candace Parker - WNBA Star
    Patrick Robinson - Lead Fashion Designer, GAP
    James Rucker - Internet Civil Rights Activist

Additional information about ECI and ESSENCE is available at essence.com.