will.i.am Recognized by ESSENCE Magazine as One of 25 Most Influential African-Americans in 2008

Written by MrDippy on December 10, 2008

ESSENCE proudly acknowledge the top 25 distinguished African-Americans who have made a difference this year. From celebrity activists to the political figures changing the world and entertainers breaking artistic ground ESSENCE honors the trailblazers that made 2008 unforgettable.

Musician, activist, and front-man for the Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am, was among those honored. He got political this year after hearing a Barack Obama speech in New Hampshire, he produced the now famous video “Yes We Can.” The artist says, “[Getting involved in activism] makes me realize...every person on the planet who is pushing for change can see that it can happen.”

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 list features others who raised the bar and took extraordinary steps in news, music, film, politics, activism and fashion and powerfully impacted 2008.

Meet African-Americans who aimed high and had the greatest impact this year.
To see the full list log on to: www.essence.com.

  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