Black-Owned Brands Celebrated At Fifteen Percent Pledge Benefit Gala

Photos: Fifteen Percent Pledge

The Fifteen Percent Pledge and founder Aurora James held its first benefit gala on Saturday night in New York at the famed Public Library.

Aurora James

The evening was a celebration of the organization’s progress since its founding in June 2020 in order to help boost Black brands by holding retailers accountable as they commit to dedicating 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned labels.

James, who walked the carpet in a Christopher John Rogers ensemble, told FN, “We’ve spent so much emotional capital over the past two years having these tough conversations every single day, and partnering with major corporations and also working to hold them accountable, that it’s nice to come together and celebrate the accomplishments and experience a sense of joy.”

Companies that have made the pledge include Gap Inc., Nordstrom, Kith and Macy’s, among others. Read more.