The 15% Pledge Gala Returned With a Black Tie, Black Designer Dress Code

To say that there was so much to celebrate on Saturday evening would be an understatement. “In a little over two years together, the brands and retailers that have taken the 15% pledge have created over $12 billion in pipeline opportunities for Black-owned businesses,” Emma Grede explained in her welcoming remarks during the second annual gala.

A single Instagram post shared by Aurora James in the summer of 2020 sparked a wildfire of long-lasting change that’s only just begun. To celebrate the achievements of Black entrepreneurs, the 15% Pledge awarded three founders with grants on Saturday night. The third runner-up, Puzzles of Color, received $20,000, the second runner-up, Sergio Hudson, received $35,000, and the first-place winner, 54 Thrones, received the first-ever Achievement Award, a $200,000 grant presented by Shop with Google. 

And there was more; attendees (Lori Harvey, Ryan Destiny, Ashley Graham, and more), decked out in the evening’s dress code of black tie, Black designer, were given a chance to cast their ballots to select an additional founder to receive $20,000. The winner Desiree Verdejo of Hyper Skin, ended up tallying up the most votes. In a twist of events, Brandon Blackwood surprised everyone by graciously bestowing the second runner-up, Busayo Olupono of the fashion brand Busayo, with an additional $20,000. 

The night culminated with a heart-filled speech from the legendary model and activist Bethann Hardison. After watching a snippet of her new documentary, Invisible Beauty, the room erupted with applause and admiration as she took to the stage. Even the coolest of guests—like Karlie Kloss couldn’t help but fangirl and video record the special moment. “I was pretty gangster back then,” Hardison reminisced on scenes from the documentary. “I still am a gangster, but it’s a little bit more of a mature gangster now.”

Every single detail of the night honored Black creatives, from the food (by culinary creative director Sophia Roe) and the wine (by the McBride Sisters) to the Harlem 125 candles and the Buttah body hand soap in the restrooms. Along with the grants, each winner received hand-crafted sculptures created by jewel purveyor Khiry. See all of the joyous details in the photos ahead.