Under the Saturday night sky in Los Angeles, and just a few hours after day one of the 15th Street Block Party weekend, stars gathered on the backlot of Paramount Studios to celebrate the work of and raise funds for the Fifteen Percent Pledge. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Kelly Rowland, Law Roach, Wayman + Micah, Amy Sherald, and Mickalene Thomas, along with Symone Sanders-Townsend, Ryan Destiny, Chloe Bailey, Karen Pittman, MC Lyte, Kimora Lee Simmons, and Winnie Harlow, were on hand for the annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala, honoring Tina Knowles.
Upon arrival, guests gathered at the cocktail reception to sip, mingle and sway to the sounds of old school hip-hop and R&B. And it was hard to miss the message posted on a nearby marquee that read: Black Joy is an Act of Resistance: Community Over Complacency. No truer words, right?
Then, just after 8 pm, guests were summoned to dinner (curated by none other than Marcus Samuelsson) and hopped on golf carts to ride over to Stage 26, where the program commenced. All the while, content creator Dash Lopez, who attended the festivities for the first time, was roaming about and capturing footage exclusively for EBONY.
“There was so much love in the room that it was just…beaming,” Lopez said. “The room was full of people I deeply respect and admire, so I loved reconnecting with brand founders Danessa Myricks and Denise Vasi. I was also excited to connect with Jackie Aina, even if for a short moment!”
Hosted by journalist and CNN anchor Abby Phillip, the evening included the presentation of the Sephora Beauty Grant, which awarded $100,000 to Denise Vasi, founder of Maed Beauty.
When Fifteen Percent Pledge founder Aurora James took the stage, she spoke from the heart about the nonprofit’s mission, milestones, and why the work remains both important and necessary.
“Since I launched the Fifteen Percent Pledge in 2020, we’ve helped place more than 950 Black-owned brands on the shelves of major retailers across the country. Last year alone, the Fifteen Percent Pledge was able to distribute over $1 million in grants,” said James. “I have done this work with the [Fifteen Percent] Pledge, day in and day out, because I want to support artists. I want to support designers. I want to support dreamers because society is nothing without them.”
Closing out the program, Rowland introduced Knowles, the evening’s honoree and her “Mama T,” who received a standing ovation as she walked to the stage. She received even more love when she shared her thoughts about being in the room with fellow entrepreneurs.
“It is such a blessing to get an opportunity to be in the company of so many young and smart Black entrepreneurs and business owners,” said Knowles. “I appreciate this great honor of acknowledging me, but the real joy for me at this event comes from seeing all of us cheering each other on, [and] supporting, networking, sharing resources and looking fabulous as we do.
“I want to thank each and every one of you in the audience who has had the courage to persevere and put your heart and soul into your business. It is not an easy task. You have to have tenacity, drive, and be a self-starter. And I know how it feels to be the CEO one day, but the next day be the delivery person and sometimes the cleaning crew. It takes a very special kind of person to do this.”
And speaking of the night’s honoree, Knowles was a standout for Lopez when it came to her glam, too. “Ms. Tina Knowles’ makeup looked absolutely flawless,” Lopez said. “Shoutout to her fabulous makeup artist, Armando Kole, for his stunning work.”
As the evening came to a close, guests filed out of Stage 26 and hopped onto waiting golf carts to return to their cars. Even in the night chill, there was a buzz in the air.
There was also a feeling of camaraderie, inspiration and even possibility. Lopez concurred, “The Fifteen Percent Pledge helps create economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, who have historically been underfunded, and holds the systems that undervalue them accountable,” she said. “The night was nothing short of inspiring and affirming.”
It was indeed a good night for a great cause.