This marks the 21st Annual Legacy Power edition. Over two decades, we’ve proudly recognized and celebrated more than 3,000 exceptional Black business leaders—trailblazers who exemplify excellence, ambition, and influence.

Today, I extend my deepest congratulations to Legacy Magazine’s 2025 Most Powerful and Influential Black Business Leaders. Your leadership is not just impressive—it’s essential. You are shaping communities, inspiring generations, and building a legacy that speaks louder with every achievement. We honor you not only for what you’ve done, but for what you stand for.

We are living in turbulent times. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are under attack. Education is being politicized. Immigration policies are being weaponized. Our economy is being tested. In moments like these, leadership isn’t optional—it’s urgent. That’s why I must salute those in our community who continue to answer the call: Bill Diggs, Eric Knowles, Shaheewa Garrett-Gelin, Rick Beasley, Keely Gideon Taylor, and Sandy-Michael McDonald. Each of them is a fierce advocate for economic opportunity and progress in Black business.

I would also be remiss not to recognize Glendon Hall and the Miami Beach Black Affairs Advisory Committee, who are doing the hard, necessary work of bridging the gap between the City of Miami Beach and the Black community—work that demands recognition and support.

This year’s cover shoot took place at the historic Bath Club—a location that once excluded Black and Jewish people from membership or employment. Today, that very space is owned by The Peebles Corporation. That’s more than full-circle—it’s progress. We’re honored to spotlight Donahue Peebles III in this edition, a testament to what ownership and legacy truly look like.

To our honorees: this moment is more than a title or a list. It’s a charge. You are uniquely positioned to lead in ways this nation—and our community—urgently needs. This isn’t a polite ask. This is a demand for vision, courage, and action.

Lead boldly. The moment is now.