Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, made an unexpected appearance at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala in Los Angeles on February 7, honoring businesswoman Tina Knowles. The event celebrated Black-owned businesses at the start of Black History Month. Knowles, mother of Beyoncé and Solange, was recognized for her advocacy in empowering the Black community.
The Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala took place at Paramount Studios, marking the beginning of Black History Month. Founded in 2020 by creative director and activist Aurora James, the non-profit organization aims to advance equity for Black-owned businesses by encouraging major retailers to commit 15% of their shelf space to Black brands. James noted that the pledge has helped place over a thousand Black-owned brands in major retailers and awarded more than $1 million in grants last year.
Tina Knowles, described by James as “an incredible businesswoman” and a “huge champion of Black-owned businesses,” attended the gala for the first time in 2025 and was deeply impressed. “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. She added, “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 evening was hosted by CNN news anchor Abby Phillip, who highlighted challenges like securing business loans and accessing investors for Black founders. Emma Grede, the organization’s chairwoman, emphasized, “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.”
Knowles was introduced by Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland following a slideshow of her journey, from building a hair salon in Texas to designing costumes for Destiny’s Child and Beyoncé, and authoring her 2025 New York Times bestseller, “Matriarch.” In her speech, Knowles said, “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.”
Other attendees included Chlöe Bailey, Law Roach, and Kimora Lee Simmons. During the ceremony, Dana Roberts and Dr. Monica Williams of Scarlet by RedDrop received a $200,000 grant and achievement award, calling the support “oxygen.” Maed Beauty founder Denise Vasi was awarded a $100,000 Sephora Beauty Grant. James received a standing ovation and remarked, “We know America better than they do... We built America literally, and we also know that small business is the backbone of America.”
Meghan Markle arrived dressed in a white strapless gown by Harbison Studio, featuring a sweetheart neckline with black piping and a black shawl train. She wore her hair in a chignon, black drop earrings, a large black stone ring, and strappy Stuart Weitzman heels.
The gala was part of a two-day block party at Paramount Studios on February 7 and 8, showcasing Black-owned brands and creators.
