*Tina Knowles, renowned businesswoman and parent to musicians Beyoncé and Solange, was feted at this year’s Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala. The February 7 ceremony at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles recognized her ongoing commitment to Black entrepreneurship and creative talent.
As USA Today reports, Aurora James established the nonprofit to pressure major retail corporations into committing 15% of their inventory space to products from Black-owned companies, proportionate to the Black population’s demographic presence in America.
“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,” said James, adding, “And I thought Black people are over 15% of the population. Major retailers should commit 15% of their jobs to Black-owned businesses.”
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The gathering attracted numerous high-profile guests including Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Kelly Rowland, “Love Island” star Olandria Carthen, Chloe Bailey, celebrity stylist Law Roach, Kimora Lee Simmons, MC Lyte, and chairwoman Emma Grede. During her acceptance remarks, Knowles shared her introduction to the organization’s objectives at the prior year’s ceremony.
“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.
She spoke about understanding the difficulty of James’ objective based on her own apparel industry background.
“Having been in the clothing business, I know firsthand that that is no small feat,” Knowles said, adding, “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 emphasized the evening’s true significance lay in witnessing mutual support among attendees.
“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.
Throughout 2025, the initiative granted close to $1 million in financial support, reaching more than 10,000 business owners nationwide.
Grede spoke about Knowles’ sustained advocacy, noting, “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.”
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