On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the Fifteen Percent Pledge hosted its annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. The evening served as both a celebration and a call to action, bringing together leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs in support of Black-owned businesses nationwide.
Founded in 2020 by Aurora James, the Fifteen Percent Pledge has grown into a national platform focused on expanding access to capital, education, and retail opportunity for Black founders. This year’s gala anchored the larger 15th Street Block Party Weekend, a two-day cultural experience spotlighting Black entrepreneurship, creativity, and joy.
The evening was hosted by journalist and CNN anchor Abby Phillip and honored Tina Knowles for her decades-long commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and uplifting Black creatives and future generations.
An Evening of Reflection, Impact, and Celebration
The gala unfolded with a seated dinner paired with remarks, video tributes, and presentations highlighting the organization’s measurable impact. Guests heard reflections from Aurora James and Fifteen Percent Pledge Chair Emma Grede, alongside the presentation of the Sephora Beauty Award and special remarks from Kelly Rowland, who introduced the tribute honoring Tina Knowles.
Attendees included a cross section of influential voices across fashion, entertainment, sports, and media such as Chloe Bailey, Chriselle Lim, Dree Hemingway, Jay Shetty, Jeannie Mai, Karen Pittman, Kimora Lee Simmons, Law Roach, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Rachel Zoe, Sloane Stephens, Winnie Harlow, and many others.
Welcoming the room, Aurora James reflected on the organization’s continued growth and its evolving initiatives.
“Since I launched the Fifteen Percent Pledge in 2020, we have helped place more than 950 Black-owned brands on the shelves of major retailers across the country,” said James. “Last year alone, we were able to distribute over $1 million in grants. I do this work because I want to support artists, designers, and dreamers. Society is nothing without them.”
Honoring Tina Knowles
Introduced by Kelly Rowland, Tina Knowles received a standing ovation as she accepted the evening’s honor. Her remarks resonated deeply with the audience, particularly fellow founders navigating the realities of entrepreneurship.
“It is a blessing to be in the company of so many smart and driven Black entrepreneurs,” said Knowles. “The real joy tonight is seeing us support one another, share resources, and celebrate each other’s success. Building a business takes tenacity, drive, and resilience. Many days you are the CEO, the delivery person, and the cleaning crew all at once. It takes a very special person to keep going.”
Emma Grede later emphasized the significance of both the gala and the broader weekend.
“Our work has helped create real access and long-term opportunity for thousands of Black founders, most of whom are women,” said Grede. “This weekend is about centering Black joy, honoring our community, and continuing the work of closing the racial wealth gap.”
15th Street Block Party Weekend Brings the Mission to Life
Held February 7 and 8 on the Paramount Studios backlot, the 15th Street Block Party Weekend transformed the organization’s mission into a vibrant, community-driven experience. The two-day celebration featured a marketplace of more than 120 Black-owned vendors, live performances from the Inner City Youth Orchestra Los Angeles and Melanated Jump Squad, and an expansive lineup of food vendors, including College Boys Cheesesteaks, Cakes by Chante, and Lettuce Feast.
Interactive activations ranged from astrology and tarot readings with LUV COLLECTIVE to makeup tutorials by Danessa Myricks and a Black dog adoption event in partnership with Los Angeles Animal Services.
Programming also included founder-led conversations such as the Black in Beauty Founders Panels featuring Denis Asamoah, Shani Darden, Hannah Diop, Kadi Lee, Maya Smith, Janell Stephens, Denise Vasi, and moderated by Brooke DeVard. Guests also attended exclusive book signings with Jordan Casteel, Aurora James, Skai Jackson, Tina Knowles, and Amy Sherald.
Participating brands throughout the weekend included Bigface by Jimmy Butler, Brandon Blackwood, Brother Vellies, Cécred x Ulta, Danessa Myricks, Sergio Hudson, The Doux, and many more.
A Growing Platform for Black Founders
During the Block Party Weekend, the Fifteen Percent Pledge highlighted upcoming initiatives focused on mentorship, funding, AI education, and expanded retail partnerships.
Since its founding, the organization has evolved from a single call to action into a leading national platform. In 2025 alone, the Fifteen Percent Pledge:
- Disbursed nearly $1 million in grants to Black-owned businesses
- Introduced more than 950 Black-owned brands to retail shelves nationwide
- Expanded its community to over 10,000 founders
- Doubled grant and education programming participation year over year
- Launched a partnership with Shea Moisture and Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, where 20 Black female founders completed a one-week Ivy League business intensive
- Designed one of the first AI education programs for Black founders alongside Hartbeat Ventures
As the gala and Block Party Weekend demonstrated, the Fifteen Percent Pledge continues to build momentum by pairing celebration with tangible opportunity, ensuring Black founders are not only seen but supported at scale.
About the Fifteen Percent Pledge
Founded by Aurora James, the Fifteen Percent Pledge is a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring that Black-owned businesses receive equitable representation and opportunity. Through strategic partnerships, grants, education, and advocacy, the organization works to advance long-term economic equity and sustainable growth for Black entrepreneurs.
For more information, visit 15percentpledge.org and follow @FifteenPercentPledge on social media.
