Digital creator and culinary tastemaker Keith Lee has been named to the prestigious 2026 EBONY Power 100 Court. EBONY Media Group announced the six special honorees who will take the stage at the upcoming EBONY Power 100 Gala at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on November 9, recognizing leaders whose impactful work embodies this year's theme, "The Stories We Shape."
Lee joins an esteemed group of honorees that includes Grammy-winning artist Brandy, media executive Byron Allen, WNBA player Flau'jae Johnson, award-winning writer and actor Lena Waithe, and NASA Astronaut Emeritus Victor Glover. Each member of the Court will receive a dedicated personal tribute and accept their award live on stage, celebrating their significant contributions across entertainment, sports, media, space exploration, and digital culture.
Rising to global prominence as a former mixed martial artist turned food reviewer, Lee has fundamentally reshaped digital food culture and influencer marketing. Through his viral short-form videos, Lee visits local, independent, and family-owned restaurants, delivering candid and constructive reviews that routinely transform struggling establishments into overnight success stories. His widespread influence—often referred to by fans and industry insiders as the "Keith Lee Effect"—has driven millions of dollars in economic support directly to small businesses and local food entrepreneurs across North America.
The annual EBONY Power 100 Gala stands as one of the most significant cultural celebrations of Black excellence and leadership. Celebrating more than eight decades of documenting history, the event brings together groundbreaking leaders across 11 distinct categories. The 2026 ceremony, held inside a bespoke immersive environment dubbed "La Cour," will feature live musical performances from gospel icon Kirk Franklin and legendary rapper T.I., further underscoring the influence and legacy of the honored class.
