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The 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala: A Night of Impact, Style, and Community

The 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala took place on February 7 at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, bringing together leaders from fashion, entertainment, media, and business in support of economic equity for Black-owned businesses. Founded by Aurora James in 2020, the Fifteen Percent Pledge began as a call for major retailers to commit at least fifteen percent of their shelf space to Black-owned brands. Since then, the organization has expanded its work to include funding initiatives, mentorship programs, and direct access to retail partnerships, all aimed at building long-term support for Black entrepreneurs.

The evening was hosted by CNN anchor Abby Phillip, who guided the program with a focus on purpose and progress. Tina Knowles was honored with an award recognizing her commitment to supporting Black creatives and entrepreneurs. As a fashion entrepreneur and business leader, Knowles has consistently worked to create opportunities for others while building her own legacy in fashion and culture. Her recognition acknowledged both her professional achievements and her ongoing advocacy for ownership, mentorship, and access. The award was presented by Kelly Rowland, whose words reflected deep respect and appreciation for Knowles’ influence.

Additional guests included Chlöe Bailey, Law Roach, Winnie Harlow, Emma Grede, Kimora Lee Simmons, and Sloane Stephens, each representing different areas of fashion, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. Their presence reflected the growing reach of the Fifteen Percent Pledge and its ability to bring together individuals committed to supporting Black-owned businesses through meaningful action. The evening also highlighted the organization’s impact. Denise Vasi, founder of Maed Beauty, received a $100,000 Sephora Beauty Grant, reinforcing the organization’s focus on providing direct financial support to Black founders. The evening also kicked off a weekend of programming, including the Fifteen Percent Pledge Block Party, which invited the public to shop Black-owned brands, attend conversations with founders, and engage with the community outside the gala setting. As the Fifteen Percent Pledge continues to expand its work, the 2026 gala served as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work ahead.

See all the looks below:

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Tina Knowles attends Annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Ms. Tina Knowles at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Kimora Lee Simmons attends Annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Ms. Tina Knowles at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: (L-R) Emma Grede and Aurora James attend Annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Ms. Tina Knowles at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Sloane Stephens attends Annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Ms. Tina Knowles at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)
Jeannie Mai at the 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala held at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Quenlin Blackwell attends Annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Ms. Tina Knowles at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends Annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Ms. Tina Knowles at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Ryan Destiny attends Annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Ms. Tina Knowles at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Olandria Carthen attends Annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Ms. Tina Knowles at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Jackie Asamoah attends Annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Ms. Tina Knowles at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Marvella Akiojano attends Annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Ms. Tina Knowles at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Taylor Hale attends Annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Ms. Tina Knowles at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Ayra Starr attends Annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Ms. Tina Knowles at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)
Winnie Harlow at the 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala held at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Shalom Blac attends Annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Ms. Tina Knowles at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Karen Pittman attends Annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Ms. Tina Knowles at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)
Chloe Bailey at the 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala held at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Denise Vasi at the 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala held at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)