In less than two years, the 15 Percent Pledge, a movement sparked by Aurora James, has redirected nearly $10 billion in revenue to Black-owned businesses. Indeed that’s a joyous feat that certainly deserves to be celebrated, and it was done so last night underneath the elliptical dome of The Celeste Bartos Forum at the New York Public Library in grand fashion.
After walking down the steps on the north side of the library, guests were greeted by a symphony of saxophones and trumpets playing classic songs by Sam Cooke and The Isley Brothers. The gala, which honored Stacey Abrams and Iman, was a heartwarming celebration of Black excellence, from the dress code (it called for Black tie and Black designer) to the glasses of red and white McBride Sisters wine poured throughout the night.
While dressed in a wildly beautiful Sergio Hudson gown anchored with opera gloves, Iman told Vogue,”There isn’t a more important person in America today than Stacey Abrams. But, of course, the person who brought us all in here tonight is Aurora.” Like many of us, Iman gushed about always being a fan of James and her Brother Vellies designs, but it’s her simple yet revolutionary idea that’s brought us to this moment. “Aurora is a constant reminder that there is no success without access,” Iman adds.
The 15 Percent Pledge is especially near and dear to actor Nicole Ari Parker’s heart, especially after starting her own small business, Gymwrap, seven years ago. “To have someone advocating for us and making sure we strive is extraordinary,” Parker told Vogue while wearing a fiery LaQuan Smith dress. “As a people, we are the reason why big businesses are big businesses. For all the companies that are committed to the 15 Percent Pledge, we’re at least 30% of their customer base. And they know that, and I love that they are acknowledging that as well as making space on their shelves for us.”
On the red carpet, James gave sound advice to Black small business owners. “They should sign up to our business equity community,” James, who looked regal in a periwinkle and pink Christopher John Rogers gown, told Vogue. “All of our pledge makers have access to our business equity community and are combing through there all the time looking for new businesses to come on board.” During the ceremony, James also sent a much-needed reminder that $10 billion in revenue that has been shifted to Black business could easily surpass $1 trillion if companies like Walmart, Amazon, Kroger, and Whole Foods would step up and take the pledge.
In a virtual speech, Abrams reminded us that we all have the ability to be change agents and work towards finding solutions, no matter how large the task at hand may be. “My parents wanted us to understand that simply because challenges seemed insurmountable, that did not mean that they were not worth tackling,” Abrams said in a video while virtually accepting the Inspiration award. “In our family, having nothing was not an excuse for doing nothing.”
In addition to the honorees and host, there were iconic presenters, from legendary designer Dapper Dan to Emmy award-winning journalist Tamron Hall to business mogul Emma Grede. And the evening culminated with an uplifting performance of “Oh Happy Day” by The Late Show’s gospel choir.
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