The Closers 2025

For many Black Americans, closing the racial equity gap can feel like an insurmountable task. More than 83% say efforts toward equality in the U.S. haven’t gone far enough, according to a Pew Research Center survey. And while there have been major wins, extensive disparities—embedded in the fabric of the country—persist.

Colman Domingo Leads With Radical Love

byStephanie Zacharek
Emily Anadu Is on a Mission to Elevate Black Joy

bySolcyré Burga
Eugenia Millender Wants High-Quality Health Care for All

byAlice Park
CNN’s Sara Sidner Is Demystifying Breast Cancer Treatment

byJamie Ducharme
Monique Couvson Wants Society to Better Understand Black Girls

byRebecca Schneid
Philip Cooper Gives Former Inmates the Tools to Start Over

byBelinda Luscombe

Civil Rights Attorney Lisa Holder Says Reparations Are More Than Money

byNik Popli

Innovators

Percival Everett Is Challenging the American Literary Canon

byEliana Dockterman
Designer Rachel Scott Is Redefining Luxury

byJuwayriah Wright
How a Self-Taught Makeup Artist Built a Beauty Brand for Every Skin Tone

bySimmone Shah
Elise Smith Defends DEI as Good Business

byAndrew R. Chow
These Podcasters Think You Deserve More Money

byAndrew R. Chow

Leaders

Gabby Thomas' Life Is About Much More Than Olympic Medals

bySean Gregory
The Power Couple Making the Art World More Inclusive

byOlivia B. Waxman
Senator Raphael Warnock’s Push for a More Equitable America

byPhilip Elliott
Tara Duncan Is Using Disney's Reach to Share New Stories

byRebecca Schneid
LaChanze Has an Expansive Vision for Broadway's Future

byCharlotte Alter

Advocates

The Strategist Behind the Viral #WinWithBlackWomen Movement

byBrian Bennett
Niecy Nash-Betts Won't Let Hollywood Put Her in Box

byMegan McCluskey
Dorothy Roberts Thinks We Need a New Way to Keep Kids Safe

byBelinda Luscombe
For Elizabeth Yeampierre, the Environment Is a Civil Rights Issue

byJustin Worland
David J. Johns Won't Stop Fighting for Queer Black Youth

bySolcyré Burga
Elaine Welteroth's Birthing Experience Changed Her Life–and Career Path

byChantelle Lee

The Closers 2025

Healers

Innovators

Leaders

Advocates