ES Team Magazine

2009 rings in with a whole new meaning behind the term "black power".

Originally used in relation to the social and political movement that took place in the United States to promote the institutionalization of black culture during the 1960's and 1970's, today black power demonstrates that the political movement has served to be a successful fight 50 years later.

1. Barack Obama: The Most Powerful Man in the Free World

November of 2008, the world bit their nails while glued to television sets as the McCain vs Obama election raged on within the United States. January of 2009 the world watched with tears of joy in their eyes as the first African-American president was inaugurated. The time had come for change in the world, and Obama's "Yes We Can" slogan, wasted no time as the White House kicked into high gear making sure to begin his presidency as a man of action.

Equivocated as a president that has confirmed celebrity stautus, Obama has served to empower the black community worldwide. "[W]hile a man who's father less than 60 years ago, might not have been served in a local restuarant, can now stand before you and take a sacred oath. So let us mark this day with rememberance of who we are, and how far we have travelled." ~ Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States of America.

2. Oprah Winfrey: The Most Influential Woman in the World

Publisher, emmy award winner, talk show host, philanthropist and worth billions of dollars. The highest paid talk show host in the world ,Oprah Winfrey has dominated airwaves for over 20 years.

Oprah's talk show has had the ability to draw in a ridiculous amount of viewers, making any person who appears on her program an overnight success. With this amount of leverage, Oprah founded her "Oprah's Book Club", which instantly put authours on best sellers lists.

Aside from giving away cars to her entire studio audience, her biggest accomplishment was the building of a luxiourous $40 million all girls school in South Africa, for disadvantaged black youth.

3. Jay Z & Beyonce Knowles: Hollywood's Wealthiest Power Couple

Their combined networth sits at over $100 million. Superstar performing artists Jay Z and Beyonce are not only individually able to bring the house down with their musical talent, but own successful clothing lines that can be seen on almost every teenager in North America.

Aside from incredible endorsement deals for a number of international brands, this Hollywood power couple are considered to Hollywood royalty. Beyonce even performed for current president, Barack Obama's inauguration ball.