At The Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala, Community Took Center Stage
The Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala returned this year at a moment when conversations around equity, funding, and corporate accountability feel more urgent than ever. Founded by Aurora James in 2020 to encourage retailers to dedicate—at least—15 percent of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses, the organization has since evolved into a broader ecosystem that supports founders through grants, mentorship, and retail partnerships. The annual gala serves as both a celebration and a call to action, bringing together entrepreneurs, creatives, and longtime supporters of the mission.
“We are in a very different landscape today than we were a couple of years ago,” James told Vogue ahead of the event. “Dozens of financial institutions, tech companies, and retailers have pulled back from funding critical inclusivity work. Since launching the Pledge, we’ve helped place more than 1,000 Black-owned brands on major retail shelves nationwide, and last year alone, we distributed over $1 million in grants.”
James emphasized that accountability isn’t a single milestone—but an ongoing commitment. The organization now supports more than 10,000 entrepreneurs, has expanded its grant and education programs, and recently launched an AI training initiative to ensure Black founders aren’t left behind as technology reshapes business.
Inside Saturday evening’s gala, hosted by CNN anchor Abby Phillip, the mood was balanced. Phillip acknowledged the complicated climate while reminding guests why the work continues. “The push for equity on store shelves and in commerce isn’t going anywhere,” she told Vogue. “It’s not charity. It’s about making sure consumers are getting what they actually need. And even when people step back from DEI work, this kind of quiet, consistent work keeps moving forward.”
One of the evening’s most buzzed-about arrivals came when Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance. The Duchess of Sussex was styled by Eric Archibald and Tracy Robbins, and wore a custom gown by Harbison Studio by Ccharles Harbison with Maison Mèrenor jewels. It was a reunion for Markle and the designer. Having known each other for over a decade, dating back to their New York years, they had long talked about collaborating when the right moment came along. “Meghan wore a custom Quanta gown in champagne duchess satin with a black velvet trim at the neckline. No extra seaming: just clean and perfectly sewn,” Harbison said of the look. “I thought it would be lovely with a soft silk velvet robe, and the proportions were an ode to Zelda Wynn Valdez, as she requested.”
At tables across the room, guests included Lake Bell, Chloe Bailey, Ryan Destiny, Emma Grede, Arya Starr, Quenlin Blackwell, Sloane Stephens, Olandria Carthen, and Winnie Harlow. Once Grede, chairwoman of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, pointed out the QR code on the official gala program for donations, phones immediately came out across the ballroom, a small but telling moment that captured the collective spirit of the night.
Grede later expanded on where she sees the biggest opportunities for Black-owned businesses. “It always comes back to creating the best products imaginable,” she said. “And I encourage founders to think about their audience as broadly as possible. Community matters, but scale matters too.”
Kelly Rowland arrived shortly after the carpet to present Tina Knowles with one of the evening’s top honors, recognizing her decades-long commitment to uplifting Black creatives and entrepreneurs. Knowles reflected on the realities of entrepreneurship with characteristic humor and candor. “I’ve been everything from a CEO to the cleaning crew,” she told Vogue. “It takes a special person to keep going. I’m just in admiration of anyone who perseveres and builds something of their own.”
Athlete and founder Sloane Stephens, whose self-care brand Doc Glo reflects her own wellness priorities, spoke about the role public figures can play. “Even small acts of support matter,” she noted. “A follow, a repost, showing up to events like this. Those things can translate into real visibility and growth.” Musician Chloe Bailey echoed that sense of momentum around emerging creatives. “Music feels urgent again,” she said. “There’s so much happening in the world, and artists are responding to it. That energy is inspiring.”
The evening also included tangible support for founders. Sephora executive Priya Venkatesh presented the annual Sephora Beauty Grant, awarding $100,000 to Denise Vasi, founder of Maed Beauty, reinforcing the retail industry’s role in expanding access to capital and shelf space.
Throughout the night, James returned to a central theme: community as infrastructure. She acknowledged funding challenges facing many nonprofits while encouraging attendees to stay engaged. “We’re here because we believe in each other,” she said during remarks to the room. “And honestly, that’s how change actually happens.”
The celebration extends beyond the gala. This weekend’s Fifteen Percent Pledge Block Party at Paramount Studios invites the public to shop Black-owned brands, including Brandon Blackwood, Brother Vellies, Cécred, Danessa Myricks Beauty, Harlem Candle Company, Jo Phillipe, and Sami Miró Vintage. Programming spans founder panels, book signings, beauty tutorials, astrology readings, food trucks, and adoption activations, reinforcing the Pledge’s goal of creating sustained economic impact, not just awareness.
“Everyone should have the same opportunities, but the reality is Black founders often don’t,” actor Dree Hemingway emphasized. “This weekend, especially with the Block Party, really highlights designers and entrepreneurs who might not otherwise get that visibility.”
If the gala demonstrated anything, it was that momentum around Black entrepreneurship continues, even amid shifting corporate priorities. The Fifteen Percent Pledge remains focused on expanding opportunity, building infrastructure, and making sure visibility translates into lasting economic growth.
Photo by: Hunter Abrams1/29Meghan Markle
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images2/29Chloe Bailey, Tina Knowles, Mickalene Thomas, Aurora James and Benjamin Bronfman
