Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, made a surprise appearance at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday night.
Markledressed in a white strapless gown by Harbison Studio that featured a sweetheart neckline with black piping and a black shawl that extended into a long train. She wore her hair in a chignon and accessorized with black drop earrings, a large black stone ring and strappy Stuart Weitzman heels.
Kicking off the start of Black History Month, the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala took place at Paramount Studios, where attendees gathered to celebrate Black businesses and honor businesswoman, designer and mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, Tina Knowles, for her advocacy and commitment to empowering the Black community.
Founded in 2020 by creative director and activist Aurora James, the Fifteen Percent Pledge is a non-profit organization that aims to advance equity for Black-owned businesses.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Gilbert Flores
Described as “an incredible businesswoman” and a “huge champion of Black-owned businesses” by James, Knowles attended the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala for the first time in 2025 and was impressed by the work the non-profit did.
“I was just blown away that someone would do what [James] has done and fight for other businesses. She’s a hero,” Knowles told Variety. “It feels wonderful [to be recognized], especially in a place like this, with all these beautiful young entrepreneurs. I was that in my young days, and so I can really relate to what they go through and just want to support them.”
The guest list also included Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland, Chlöe Bailey, Law Roach and Kimora Lee Simmons.
Tina Knowles and Abby Phillip.
Knowles was introduced by Rowland, following a slideshow presentation of Knowles’ journey, which chronicled her years of building her hair salon in Texas, designing costumes for Destiny’s Child and later Beyoncé, and writing her New York Times bestseller, “Matriarch,” in 2025.
“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,” said Knowles in her speech.
The two-hour program was hosted by hosted by CNN news anchor Abby Phillip.
Phillip cited securing business loans, accessing investors, and purchasing real estate as often being inaccessible to Black founders, while the non-profit’s chairwoman, Emma Grede, added, “We can’t allow entrepreneurship to be a solo act. We have to support one another and create opportunities for one another to ensure we can all succeed.”
Ahead of the gala, James told Variety, “Black people are almost 15% of the population. Major retailers should commit 15% of their shelf space to Black businesses,” adding that the Fifteen Percent Pledge has helped put over a thousand Black-owned brands onto the shelves of major retailers across the country, and awarded over $1 million in grants last year.
Dana Roberts and Dr Monica Williams, Co-Founders of period-care company, Scarlet by RedDrop, won a $200,000 grant and the organization’s achievement award in 2025, and took a moment to thank James and the Pledge for their support during the ceremony, saying the investment “wasn’t just money. It was oxygen.”
Chloe Bailey, Tina Knowles, Mickalene Thomas, Aurora James and Benjamin Bronfman
Gilbert Flores
During the event, Maed Beauty founder Denise Vasi received a $100,000 Sephora Beauty Grant.
The star-studded audience rose to give James a standing ovation as she took the stage.
“We know America better than they do,” the founder said in reference to retailers pulling back from funding inclusivity work and programs supporting founders of color. “We built America literally, and we also know that small business is the backbone of America. So, what happens to her if she loses her spine?”
The gala was accompanied by a two-day block party, held at Paramount studios on Feb. 7 and 8, showcasing Black-owned brands and creators.
