Black excellence and community was the theme of the night at the annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala with some of the biggest stars turning out to support Black-owned businesses and honor Tina Knowles.
The businesswoman, designer and mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles was celebrated for her continued advocacy alongside Black creators and entrepreneurs at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala on Feb. 7 at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.
Founded in 2020 by fashion designer, activist and entrepreneur Aurora James, the annual gala is a star-studded gathering dedicated to advancing economic equity and amplifying Black-owned businesses. The nonprofit initiative urges major retailers to dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands.
“I was thinking about what does it mean for major corporations to actually support the Black community while doing good business at the same time,” James said. “And I thought Black people are over 15% of the population. Major retailers should commit 15% of their jobs to Black-owned businesses.”
Tina Knowles poses on Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala carpet Feb. 7
Naturally, the attire of the night was black tie and Black designer.
Meghan Markle, Kelly Rowland, Kimora Lee Simmons, more attend Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala
The gala was full of Black excellence including the likes of Meghan Markle, Kelly Rowland, “Love Island” breakout star Olandria Carthen, Chloe Bailey, renowned stylist Law Roach, Kimora Lee Simmons, MC Lyte, Fifteen Percent Pledge chairwoman Emma Grede and more.
Tina Knowles attends Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala in Los Angeles Feb. 7, 2026.
Rowland presented the award to Knowles, singing her praises from her early days as a hair salon owner to her current achievements as a designer, entrepreneur and cultural icon.
“I attended the Fifteen Percent Gala last year for the first time, and I have the distinct pleasure of sitting next to Aurora James, who blew me away with her story of getting stores to dedicate 15% of their shelves to Black brands,” Knowles said while accepting the honor.
Knowles spoke about her own journey and the importance of the honor.
Meghan Markle attends Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala in Los Angeles Feb. 7
“Having been in the clothing business, I know firsthand that that is no small feat,” Knowles said. “But what struck me the most was the fact that she was even thinking about other Black entrepreneurs and trying to pull them up. Unfortunately, that is not an everyday occurrence.”
Knowles reflects on her journey while accepting Fifteen Percent Pledge honor
She reflected on what made the gala truly special, turning her attention to the sense of community and celebration that filled the room.
“I appreciate this great honor of acknowledging me, but the real joy for me at this event comes from seeing all of us cheering each other on and supporting, networking, sharing resources and looking fabulous as we do so,” she said.
In 2025 alone, the organization awarded nearly $1 million in grants, empowering more than 10,000 founders nationwide.
Tina Knowles, who serves as vice chairwoman for daughter Beyoncé’s haircare brand Cécred, speaks at a launch event for the Protection Collection at LUME Studios in New York City on Aug. 22, 2025.
During the evening, Maed Beauty founder Denise Vasi received an unrestricted $100,000 Sephora Beauty Grant.
‘We’ve shifted billions of dollars of capital to Black entrepreneurs’
“I think that part of resistance is joy in the face of difficult times,” James said. “We’ve put over a thousand Black-owned brands onto the shelves of major retailers. We’ve shifted billions of dollars of capital to Black entrepreneurs across this country.”
Ahead of the gala, chairwoman Grede said, “Tina is a legend, and what I love so much about her is she’s been doing this her entire career, uplifting Black brands, Black people, Black women specifically.”
The night was also accompanied by a two-day block party, held at Paramount studios, on Feb. 7 and 8, showcasing Black-owned brands and creators.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tina Knowles honored at Fifteen Percent Pledge gala
