By Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com
Mayor Brandon M. Scott received one of the world’s most distinguished recognitions, earning a spot on Time magazine’s 2025 list of the 100 most influential people, and also landed on Ebony’s Power 100. Yet, in typical fashion, Scott redirects the spotlight back to his hometown.
“For me it’s truly a humbling experience and an honor,” Scott said. “But I think about it as not just Brandon Scott being influential in the world, but Baltimore being influential in the world. And that’s what I want people to understand.”
Accompanying Scott on the Ebony Power 100 list is Mayors Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, Ala., and Brandon Johnson of Chicago. He expressed gratitude that his work was noticed by such a meaningful publication, which has highlighted and celebrated the beauty, culture and achievements of Black people since its inception.
“I am deeply proud of the work that we and so many of our fellow mayors are doing at this critical time,” Scott said in a statement. “Thank you, Ebony, for including me in this iconic 80th anniversary list that celebrates Black excellence.”
Scott’s inclusion in the Times magazine marks a historic moment for the city, placing him among a select group of Baltimoreans who have previously appeared on the Time 100 List. That legacy includes author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates, who was recognized in 2016, and educator Freeman Hrabowski III, honored in 2012. Both men, like Scott, have carried Baltimore’s voice and values onto the national stage.
Coates, a native of West Baltimore, is widely celebrated for his work exploring race, history and identity in America. His 2015 book, “Between the World and Me,” a letter to his son about the realities of being Black in America, won the National Book Award and continues to shape conversations about equity and justice. Beyond his nonfiction writing, Coates has written acclaimed graphic novels for Marvel, including “Black Panther” and “Captain America,” where he reimagined iconic heroes through the lens of power, identity, and responsibility.
Hrabowski, who served as president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County for three decades, transformed UMBC into a national leader in science and engineering education. His programs to expand access and support for underrepresented students in STEM fields have been replicated across the country, earning him national acclaim.
For Scott, being listed alongside such figures underscores how Baltimore continues to influence far beyond its borders.
“Yes I’m personally being honored, but nothing that I have I did not get without this city,” he said. “This award is not about me, it’s about Baltimore.”
Since taking office, Scott has emphasized youth investment, public safety reform, and rebuilding public trust in local government. His recognition by Time and Ebony comes as Baltimore works to redefine its national image, moving from perceptions of struggle to stories of progress and resilience.
“In a few short years, despite even craziness with the president, we have flipped the national perception and what people think about Baltimore and its leaders on its head,” Scott said. “I was in New York recently and everyone was telling me about how things are moving in the right direction. They’re looking to invest in Baltimore.”
The Board of Estimates Recommendations for the city of Baltimore reports that “since 2021, the city has allocated more than $130 million toward youth employment, education, and violence prevention initiatives, including the “Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement,” according to their 2024 annual report.