Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala 2025 Recap: See Photos

The Fifteen Percent Pledge held its fourth annual gala on Saturday (Feb. 1) at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. Hosted by Yvonne Orji, the organization gave out over $400,000 in grants to Black businesses and their founders— $50,000 for the Altadena Honoree Grant; $100,000 for the Sephora Beauty Grant, and $250,000 for the Achievement Award.

Fifteen Percent Pledge Founder Aurora James addressed the crowd at the top of the ceremony. “Each and every one of us. Our stories, our pasts, our cultures, and identities are part of the fabric that makes America great. More than great, spectacular. You deserve to be here. I deserve to be here. We make ‘here’ what it is. Our talent, our tenacity, our drive – that is why we got here. This country, in its best form, is a product of each of our beautiful and individual contributions. Never let another person tell you otherwise. We belong. You belong,” she expressed.

During the ceremony, Ciara presented Barbara Shay, owner of Little Red Hen Coffee Shop, with the Altadena Honoree Grant. Her business was destroyed by the recent wildfires that rampaged California town. The coffee shop was described as a “pillar of the community.” The funds will provide immediate relief—supporting employees, replacing essential items, and laying the foundation for what’s next.

Sienna Naturals co-founders Hannah Diop and Issa Rae were awarded the second annual Sephora Beauty Grant, which was created “to honor exceptional Black beauty brands and help them reach the next level of success.” The final award was presented by James and Kelly Rowland. They awarded the following businesses with respective amounts: RedDrop ($200,000), Brooklyn Tea ($35,000), and Bernard James ($15,000).

Per a provided statement, “Gala attendees voted to determine the winner of the award from a group of five finalists, which also included Be Rooted and Crease Beast.”

Other attendees included Fifteen Percent Pledge co-chair Emma Grede, Kim Kardashian, Teyana Taylor, Aaron Pierre, Keke Palmer, Jesse Williams, Janelle James, Karrueche Tran, Precious Lee, Lori Harvey, Jeannie Mai, Lee Daniels, Serena Page, Law Roach, June Ambrose, Jason Bolden, Tina Knowles, and more.