This year's Creative Class celebrates the thinkers, builders, and dreamers who treat curiosity as calling.

CELEBRATING 83 CREATIVES
ACROSS 6 CATEGORIES

CLICK A FOLDER TO MEET THE 2026 HONOREES

2026 Creative
of The Year

2026 Creative of the Year - Ryan Coogler - Picture of him on a Polaroid..

OAKLAND, CA

CITY

FILMMAKER + PRODUCER

TITLE

Ryan Coogler builds his work through close observation — of people, places, history, and power — returning to the same questions with increasing precision across films that move between the intimate and the epic. In a cultural moment where speed often substitutes for depth, his career reflects the discipline of staying with the work long enough for it to say something lasting. It’s creative leadership shaped by study, not trend — and why he stands as our 2026 Creative of the Year.

Entrepreneurship & Tech - Disruptive innovators who use their platforms & talent to push the envelope with future-thinking initiatives.
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Featured
Aaron Weaver

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/recordroom/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>recordroom</p></a></span>

Arlette Amuli + Bolia Matundu

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/arletteamuli" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>arletteamuli</p></a></span>

Avante Price

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/avanteofficial" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>avanteofficial</p></a></span>

Cyndia Robinson

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ofcynn" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>ofcynn</p></a></span>

Erin White

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/erinondemand/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>erinondemand</p></a></span>

Eunique Jones Gibson

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/euniquejg" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>euniquejg</p></a></span>

Jordan Taylor

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/vizcom_" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>vizcom_</p></a></span>

Kaitlyn Miranda

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/_kaitlynmiranda/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>_kaitlynmiranda</p></a></span>

Khalid Briggs

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/khalidbriggs" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>khalidbriggs</p></a></span>

Rashan Brown

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/_russian/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>_russian</p></a></span>

Ria and Kevol Graham

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/riri.grahamm" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>riri.grahamm</p></a></span>

<br>

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kevgraham_" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>kevgraham_</p></a></span>

Savannah &amp; Miles Whitfield

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/okovate.se/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>okovate.se</p></a></span>

Shaina Rainford

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/_ceoshay_/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>_ceoshay_</p></a></span>

Sean Brown

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/byseanbrown/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>byseanbrown</p></a></span>

Shanna, Darean, &amp; Ashlyn

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/drinksensori" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>drinksensori</p></a></span>

Content Creation - Innovative creatives who transform digital spaces into vibrant hubs of inspiration, through compelling storytelling and stunning visuals.
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Featured
David Dames

<span><a href="https://m.youtube.com/@ddames" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-youtube"></i><p>ddames</p></a></span>

Drew Thomas

<span><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jrue17" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-tiktok"></i><p>jrue17</p></a></span>

Jahara Jayde

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jaharajayde/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>jaharajayde</p></a></span>

Jasmine Davis

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thejasminemonroe/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>thejasminemonroe</p></a></span>

Jayde Powell

<span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaydeipowell/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-linkedin"></i><p>jaydeipowell</p></a></span>

Josh Williford

<span><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@rappingchef" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-tiktok"></i><p>rappingchef</p></a></span>

Kirah Ominique

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kirahominique/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>kirahominique</p></a></span>

Kyle Jones

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kyleonthemic" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>kyleonthemic</p></a></span>

Lellies Santiago

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lelliessantiago/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>lelliessantiago</p></a></span>

Micky Gordon

<span><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mickycashflow" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-tiktok"></i><p>mickycashflow</p></a></span>

Paige Tailyn

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/paigetailyn" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>paigetailyn</p></a></span>

Sydney Price

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sydthecreative/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>sydthecreative</p></a></span>

Taryn Delanie Smith + Tiffani Singleton

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tiffani.charisse/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>tiffani.charisse</p></a></span>

<br>
<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/taryndelaniesmith/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>taryndelaniesmith</p></a></span>

Wildlin Pierrevil

<span><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@notwildlin" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-tiktok"></i><p>notwildlin</p></a></span>

Post it note 7 (Copy)

Health + Wellness - Selfless leaders that guide wellness conversations and develop resources to meet people where they are in their journey.
Featured
Angela D. Aina

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/blackmamasmatter/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>blackmamasmatter</p></a></span>

TRAPHAUS

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/traphausfit/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>traphausfit</p></a></span>

Kenji Summers

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kenjisummers/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>kenjisummers</p></a></span>

Post it note 7

Olivia Yokubonis

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/olivia.unplugged.ig/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>olivia.unplugged.ig</p></a></span>

Dr.Raquel Martin

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/raquelmartinphd/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>raquelmartinphd</p></a></span>

Teya Knapp

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/teyaknapp/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>teyaknapp</p></a></span>

Zhane Dadson

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachzha/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>coachzha</p></a></span>

Post It Note 9

Entertainment + Arts - Brilliant artisans that utilize their talents to drive impact through performance and artistry.
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Featured
Amanda Reid

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/theamandareid/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>theamandareid</p></a></span>

Anania Williams

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/anania00/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>anania00</p></a></span>

Chuck Marcus

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/chuckmarcus/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>chuckmarcus</p></a></span>

City James

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/city.james/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>city.james</p></a></span>

Dimithry Victor

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/dimithryvictor/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>dimithryvictor</p></a></span>

KING SZN

<span><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@djkingszn" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-tiktok"></i><p>djkingszn</p></a></span>

Dotun Abeshinbioke

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/doseofdots/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>doseofdots</p></a></span>

Herrana Addisu

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/herranathegreat_/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>herranathegreat_</p></a></span>

Post it note Ent

Imani Monet Moss

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/theimanimonet_/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>theimanimonet_</p></a></span>

Jay Versace

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jay/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>jay</p></a></span>

Miles Caton

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/_milescaton_/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>_milescaton_</p></a></span>

Nick Darnell

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_nickdarnell/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>the_nickdarnell</p></a></span>

Olandria Carthen

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/olandria" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>olandria</p></a></span>

Shema Love

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/shema.love" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>shema.love</p></a></span>

Social Good & Community - Inspiring change makers that utilize their voice to be advocates of culture and impact.
CATEGORY-COLLAGE_SOCIAL-GOOD_DESKTOP
Featured
Alexis Denise Williams

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexisdenisew/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>alexisdenisew</p></a></span>

DaShawn Usher

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/dashawnusher/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>dashawnusher</p></a></span>

Erin Goldson

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/eringoldson/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>eringoldson</p></a></span>

Evelynn Escobar

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/evelynnworld/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>evelynnworld</p></a></span>

Gabrielle Souza

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/muvasouza/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>muvasouza</p></a></span>

Jade Walters

<span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadekwalters" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>jadekwalters</p></a></span>

Jerome Foster

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeromefosterii/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>jeromefosterii</p></a></span>

Joshua Love

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/onejoshualove/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>onejoshualove</p></a></span>

Kendra Austin

<span><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@kendramorous" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>kendramorous</p></a></span>

Michael Oloyede

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/michaeloloyede_/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>michaeloloyede_</p></a></span>

Renata Cherlise

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/renatacherlise/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>renatacherlise</p></a></span>

Post-it-3

Fashion + Beauty. Prolific creatives with an eye for art and beauty, who use their craft to amplify Black stories.
CATEGORY-COLLAGE_FASHION_DESKTOP
Featured
Aiyana Ishmael

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aiyanaish/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>aiyanaish</p></a></span>

Channon Wright

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/wisdomofageny" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>wisdomofageny</p></a></span>

Chelsea Billingsley

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/chelseab128/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>chelseab128</p></a></span>

Domo Wells

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/domowells/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>domowells</p></a></span>

Fisayo Longe

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/fisayolonge/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>fisayolonge</p></a></span>

Greg Betty

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/betties__/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>betties__</p></a></span>

Imani Nia

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/imaninia/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>imaninia</p></a></span>

Jrod Lack + Jawara Wauchope

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jrodlacks/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>jrodlacks</p></a></span>

<br>
<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jawaraw/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>jawaraw</p></a></span>

Kayra Theodore

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kayratheodore/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>kayratheodore</p></a></span>

Sierra Rena

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sierrarenas/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>sierrarenas</p></a></span>

Stixx Mathews

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/_stixxinthecity_/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>_stixxinthecity_</p></a></span>

Uche Natori

<span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/uchjn/" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-instagram"></i><p>uchjn</p></a></span>

Meet The 2026

Creative Class Council

Each year, we collaborate with a rotating group of Creative Class
alumni to help identify the next cohort of creatives shaping culture
and ensure the list is thoughtful, representative, and intentional.

  • B. Hawk Snipes - BTFA COLLECTIVE ARTIVIST (2025)

    B. Hawk | Snipes

    BTFA COLLECTIVE ARTIVIST

  • Bimma Williams - MARKETING CONSULTANT (2024)

    Bimma | Williams

    MARKETING CONSULTANT

  • Elyse Fox - FOUNDER, SAD GIRLS CLUB (2023)

    Elyse | Fox

    FOUNDER, SAD GIRLS CLUB

  • Georgina Ogirri - FOUNDER, GRISÉ NYC (2025)

    Georgina | Ogirri

    FOUNDER, GRISÉ NYC

  • Jamiersen Green - FOUNDER, LEADER QUALITY (2025)

    Jamiersen | Green

    FOUNDER, LEADER QUALITY

  • Josef Adamu - CREATIVE DIRECTOR (2024)

    Josef | Adamu

    CREATIVE DIRECTOR

  • Justin Blanco - FOUNDER, NEW YORK PENN (2024)

    Justin | Blanco

    FOUNDER, NEW YORK PENN

  • Simi | Moonlight - WRITER + CONTENT CREATOR (2022)

    Simi | Moonlight

    WRITER + CONTENT CREATOR

  • Tatiana "Yan" Snead - MUSIC EDITOR, SIRIUSXM (2025)

    Tatiana "Yan" Snead

    MUSIC EDITOR, SIRIUSXM

  • Temi | Ibisanmi - CREATIVE DIRECTOR + PHOTOGRAPHER (2025)

    Temi | Ibisanmi

    CREATIVE DIRECTOR + PHOTOGRAPHER

  • Tola Lawal - FOUNDER, GYRL WONDER (2023)

    Tola | Lawal

    FOUNDER, GYRL WONDER