‘Girlfriends’ cast reunites at EBONY Power 100 after 17 years, fans demand a reboot [VIDEO]
Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, Jill Marie Jones, and Persia White reunite on the red carpet at the EBONY Power 100 Gala, celebrating Black excellence and reigniting nostalgia for their iconic sitcom.
It’s the reunion fans have been waiting for. Nearly two decades after Girlfriends wrapped its groundbreaking eight-season run, the beloved cast reunited on the red carpet at the 2025 EBONY Power 100 Gala in Los Angeles — a moment that instantly went viral.
The clip, posted by @Glock_Topickz on X, shows Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, Jill Marie Jones, and Persia White together again, smiling, posing, and embracing with the same warmth and chemistry that made their sitcom an instant classic. The gala, which honors influential figures across Black culture and business, also recognized Ross as “Pathbreaker of the Year” for her impact in entertainment, fashion, and beauty.
A Moment Years in the Making
The reunion marks the second full Girlfriends cast appearance in 17 years, following the show’s abrupt 2008 finale that left fans craving closure. Their first reunion came during season five of black-ish. Dressed in bold, expressive gowns — Ross in a radiant yellow, Jones in leopard print, Brooks in white, and White in red and black — the women exuded timeless confidence and style on the carpet.
Their presence at EBONY’s annual celebration symbolized more than nostalgia; it was a visual statement of legacy. The four actresses represented an era of television that gave voice to modern Black womanhood, long before diversity became a mainstream talking point.
Fans immediately connected the moment to the show’s enduring influence, recalling how Girlfriends laid the groundwork for later series like Insecure and Harlem.
The Power of Girlfriends and Its Cultural Legacy
When Girlfriends debuted in 2000, it filled a void in television — depicting Black women not through stereotypes, but as ambitious, flawed, funny, and emotionally complex. Created by Mara Brock Akil, the series followed four best friends navigating careers, relationships, and self-discovery in Los Angeles.
Over eight seasons, it became a cultural touchstone, blending sharp humor with heartfelt storytelling. Ross’s portrayal of Joan Clayton, Brooks’s streetwise Maya, Jones’s glamorous Toni, and White’s free-spirited Lynn created a dynamic sisterhood that resonated across generations.
The EBONY Power 100 reunion underscored that impact. In an era when Black-led shows continue to battle for visibility, the sight of these women together again served as both celebration and reminder: Girlfriends changed the landscape — and fans still want more.
Tracee Ellis Ross Honored as “Pathbreaker of the Year”
Beyond the excitement of the reunion, the evening also spotlighted Tracee Ellis Ross’s ongoing influence. Honored by EBONY for her work in media, fashion, and entrepreneurship — particularly through her beauty brand PATTERN — Ross stood as both honoree and symbol of the show’s legacy.
Throughout her career, Ross has championed inclusivity and authenticity, advocating for greater representation of Black women in entertainment and beauty. At the gala, she accepted her award in a bright yellow gown paired with Christian Louboutin pumps, radiating the same poise and leadership she embodied as Joan Clayton.
Her reunion with the Girlfriends cast only magnified the moment, with fans calling it “full circle” for one of TV’s most enduring sisterhoods.
Fans Flood X With Calls for a Girlfriends Reboot
The short red carpet clip quickly went viral. Thus, drawing over 425,000 views and more than 22,000 likes within hours. Replies and quotes overflowed with nostalgia and excitement — and one dominant request: bring the show back.
“We need season 9 + Toni Childs returning,” wrote one fan.
“They really tryna soft launch this ‘Girlfriends’ resurgence — give us the movie already,” another joked.
Others praised how “ageless” the cast looked. Therefore, crediting them as “The Blueprint” for shows about female friendship and empowerment. Some humorously slipped into character mode, with posts like “Lynn still sleeping on couches” and “Maya’s still loud as ever.”
The tone was overwhelmingly affectionate, a mix of cultural pride and longing for the nuanced storytelling Girlfriends delivered — particularly at a time when fans crave deeper, character-driven Black narratives on streaming platforms.
A Show Ahead of its Time
More than a sitcom, Girlfriends was a mirror. It tackled issues like colorism, mental health, class tension, and workplace bias with a blend of comedy and grace that kept it authentic. Its influence is seen across modern media — from Insecure’s emotional honesty to Run the World’s ensemble sisterhood.
The EBONY reunion reignited that legacy for a new audience discovering the series on streaming platforms, while longtime fans were reminded why it still matters. At a time when reboots dominate Hollywood, many argue that Girlfriends deserves the same revival treatment as Sex and the City or The Game.
Even without a reboot, the cast’s unity sent a powerful message: the bond forged on set remains unbroken — and so does the cultural footprint they left behind.
The Magic of Seeing Black Women Celebrated Together
The EBONY Power 100 Gala, marking the magazine’s 80th anniversary, highlighted not only entertainment icons but community leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Attendees included Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, and other honorees recognized for advancing Black excellence.
Yet it was the Girlfriends reunion that stole the night’s conversation online — proof that representation and nostalgia remain a potent mix. As fans watched the clip circulate across timelines, many called it “healing” and “iconic,” citing how rare it still is to see four successful Black actresses celebrated together in mainstream media.
For a brief moment, the internet agreed: this wasn’t just a reunion — it was a reclamation of joy, history, and sisterhood.
The Legacy Lives On
Seventeen years after the Girlfriends credits rolled, the chemistry among Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, Jill Marie Jones, and Persia White remains untouched. Their reunion wasn’t just nostalgia — it was a reminder of what happens when four women with distinct voices, styles, and stories build something that outlives an era of television.
At the EBONY Power 100 Gala, that legacy felt tangible. Each woman represents a piece of what Girlfriends gave the culture: ambition, humor, vulnerability, and solidarity. Ross continues to redefine beauty standards and leadership in Hollywood; Brooks mentors young actors while producing indie work; Jones remains a style icon balancing film and philanthropy; White channels artistry through music and activism. Together, they stand as living proof that a Black ensemble can thrive beyond the screen that birthed it.
Final Thoughts
Their brief but powerful appearance at the gala reignited conversations about preservation — how classic Black television deserves the same cultural archiving, celebration, and investment as its mainstream peers. For many who grew up watching Girlfriends reruns after school, this reunion felt like reclaiming a piece of history that shaped womanhood, friendship, and self-worth.
And while no reboot is confirmed, the night’s energy suggested something deeper than a photo-op. It was a bridge between generations — from those who watched Joan, Toni, Maya, and Lynn navigate love and ambition in the 2000s, to Gen Z viewers discovering them on streaming platforms and finding the same laughter, heartbreak, and truth. The sisterhood that once existed on The CW and UPN now transcends networks, carried by the fans who refuse to let it fade.
So whether Girlfriends ever returns as a limited series or remains a cherished classic, its heartbeat still echoes. The four women walking that EBONY carpet weren’t just posing — they were reminding everyone that representation, resilience, and friendship never go out of style.