The Fifteen Percent Pledge hosted its third annual benefit gala at Paramount Studios, marking the Pledge’s first time hosting the event in Los Angeles. The gala featured remarks from First Lady Jill Biden, and honored Tracee Ellis Ross with the “Trailblazer Award”. The evening also celebrated the opening of the Fifteen Shop, presented by Citi - four pop-stores featuring dozens of Black brands.
The Pledge brought back its Achievement Award, sponsored by Shop with Google, which awarded $200,000 to hanahana beauty, $35,000 to Blackstock and Weber and $15,000 to Soap Distillery respectively. Gala attendees had the opportunity to select the winner of the award through in-person voting during the Gala.
In addition to the Achievement Award, Malaika Jones, founder of Brown Girl Jane, was awarded the inaugural Sephora Beauty Grant, a $100,000 grant created with the goal of unlocking the next level of growth for the brand.
Partners for the Gala included Almave, the first non-alcoholic product made using real blue agave, created by Lewis Hamilton and Casa Lumbre Spirits. Florals were designed by Maurice Harris of Bloom and Plume, with a specially curated menu by Ghetto Gastro.
Notable guests from the evening include Aurora James, Emma Grede, Tracee Ellis Ross (honoree), Robin Thede (host), Erika Alexander (presenter), Kelly Rowland, Queen Latifah, Nicole Ari Parker, Sophia Bush, Laura Harrier, Ashley Graham, Boris Kejode, Jordyn Woods, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Reign Judge, Hilary Rhoda, Jordyn Woods, Salem Mitchell, Sabrina Elba, June Ambrose, Kelly Sawyer, Derek Blasberg, TyLnn Nguyen, Marianna Hewitt, Pia Baroncini, KESH, DeAndre Hopkins, Zuri Marley, Chriselle Lim, Sophia Roe, Karen Blanchard, Ayo Tomei, Jenee Naylor, Stephen Galloway, Nasteha Yusuf, Nuni Yusuf, Kia Davidson, Zerina Akers, Charles Porch, Shiona Turini, Peter Dundas, June Ambrose, Tarana Burke, Angela Rye, Geffri Maya, Ebony Riley, and Jason Rembert.
The host committee included Gabrielle Union, Misty Copeland, Meena Harris, Bethann Hardison, Derek Blasberg, Karla Welch, Mickalene Thomas, Darnell Storm, Stuart Vevers, Tory Burch, Tommy Hilfiger, Thelma Golden, Ruth E Carter, and Everette Williams.
Image Credit:
- BFA / Linnea Stephan and Virisa Yong
- BFA / Marc Patrick and Jojo Korsh
