10 Years Of Black Enterprise’s XCEL Summit Honorees

As the summit marks 10 years of honoring excellence, this list looks back at the standout honorees

Jun 8, 2026 - 12:31

10 Years Of Black Enterprise’s XCEL Summit Honorees

For a decade, the BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit has spotlighted the innovators, executives, entrepreneurs, and changemakers redefining leadership across business, technology, media, and culture. As the summit marks 10 years of honoring excellence, this list looks back at the standout honorees whose vision, influence, and impact have helped shape industries and open doors for the next generation. From boardrooms to startups, from entertainment to public service, these leaders embody the ambition, resilience, and forward-thinking spirit that continue to drive Black excellence. Join BLACK ENTERPRISE at the XCEL Summit taking place in Orlando, Florida, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress on Oct. 21-Oct. 23, 2026.

2025

George C. Fraser: Founder, FraserNet Inc.

GEORGE FRASER — Source: **photo credit: BE**

Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson: Senior Pastor, Grace Baptist Church

Larry Fitzgerald Jr.: Chairman & CEO, Larry Fitzgerald Foundation; Former NFL Player, Philanthropist, Investor

John Hope Bryant: Founder, Chairman & CEO, Operation HOPE, Inc.; Bryant Group Ventures L.L.C.

Troy Taylor: Founder, Chairman & CEO, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida

TROY TAYLOR, Coca-Cola Beverage of Florida , XCEL Summit for Men — Source: **TROY TAYLOR**

Robert Smith: Founder, Chairman & CEO, Vista Equity Partners

2024

Ed Gordon: President, Ed Gordon Media

ed Gordon,, xcel — Source: **Ed Gordon, President of Ed Gordon Media, moderated multiple panels at the 2025 National Urban League Conference.**

Steven Williams: Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo Foods North America

R. Donahue Peebles: Chairman & CEO, The Peebles Corporation

D.L. Hughley: Actor, Comedian & Author, The D.L. Hughley Show

2023

Anthony Anderson: Emmy & Golden Globe Nominated Actor

Anthony, Anderson, charmin, mental health, — Source: **Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images**

Chris Womack: President & CEO, Southern Company

David Grain: CEO, Grain Management L.L.C.

Shannon A. Brown: President & CEO, BCS Consulting Services; Retired SVP, Eastern Division U.S. Operations and Chief Diversity Officer, FedEx Express

2022

Ben Crump: Civil Rights Attorney

Ben Crump , atv shooting — Source: **(Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for NOBCO)**

Arnold W. Donald: President & CEO Carnival Corporation & PLC

Source: **Arnold W. Donald, former President and CEO of Carnival Corp (Image: Black Enterprise)**

Kirk McDonald: CEO, GroupM North America (NA)

Ray Robinson: Chairman, Citizens Banchares Corporation

Source: **Ray M. Robinson, Chairman, Citizens Bancshares Corporation (Image: Black Enterprise)**

Grant Hill: Owner, Vice Chairman of the Board, Atlanta Hawks

Grant Hill, Tamia Hill, Orlando City Soccer Club, Pride, sports — Source: **Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images**

2021- 2020:

The XCEL Summit was paused during the COVID19 pandemic. Like the rest of the world, BE pivoted to an online presence, hosting a virtual summit featuring one-on-one interviews and panel discussions to compensate for the in-person experience.

2019

Marc. H. Morial: President & CEO, National Urban League

Rev. Jesse Jackson: Founder, Rainbow PUSH Coalition

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rainbow coalition, Black men xcel — Source: **WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 22: Jesse Jackson poses for a portrait during the 55th Anniversary of Ben’s Chili Bowl on August 22, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kris Connor/Getty Images)**

Jerome “The Bus” Bettis: Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee

Eddie Levert: Lead Singer, Songwriter, Founding Member of The O’Jays

2018

Kenneth Chenault: Chairman and Managing Director, General Catalyst; Former Chairman & CEO, American Express Co.

Tommie Smith: U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist

Bishop T.D. Jakes: Bishop, Potter’s House Ministries; CEO, TDJ Enterprises L.L.P.; The Potter’s House of Dallas

T.D. Jakes, Diddy — Source: **(Photo: Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)**

2017

Congressman John Lewis: Congressman, Civil Rights Leader

statue, John Lewis, Georgia — Source: **Photo by Jeff Hutchens/Getty Images**

John W. Rogers Jr.: Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Ariel Investments

John W. Rodgers Jr. — Source: **photo credit: BE**

Robert Townsend: Award-winning TV/Film Director, Actor, Comedian

Lonnie Bunch: Founding Director, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

To witness the 2026 BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit honoree ceremony, join BE in Orlando, Florida, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress on Oct. 21-Oct. 23, 2026.

Thanks From Black News