Celebrating Change: The Visionaries Redefining the Future at the Black Carpet Awards

During the vibrant Milan Fashion Week, the second edition of the Black Carpet Awards took place in the magnificent Teatro Manzoni, one of the most iconic venues in the city. As proud partners of this event, we at RED-EYE are beyond thrilled to share the remarkable talents and trailblazers recognized at the ceremony, celebrating their dedication to diversity, inclusion, and meaningful change. Our readers will have the pleasure of discovering these outstanding individuals whose creativity and commitment are reshaping the world as we know it.

The Black Carpet Awards, founded by Michelle Francine Ngonmo, have swiftly become a crucial platform for recognizing Change Leaders who champion progress across various industries—fashion, design, art, cuisine, music, technology, business, sports, and cinema. These awards go beyond mere recognition; they celebrate those who are actively pushing the boundaries of societal norms, amplifying voices that have long been underrepresented. This year, the awards featured five categories, each honoring two winners—one chosen by the jury and one by the public—highlighting both emerging talent and established figures making waves in their respective fields.

Founder Michelle Francine Ngonmo spoke passionately about the importance of the event, expressing that the Black Carpet Awards is not simply an awards ceremony but a movement: "I am filled with pride and emotion. This event is so much more than just an awards ceremony; it is a powerful platform to celebrate and uplift those who are often invisible in our society. It is a reminder of the importance of visibility, recognition, and the profound impact that diversity, equity, and inclusion have in the creative industry. By honoring these Change Leaders, we are not only celebrating their achievements but also inspiring others to continue driving meaningful progress."

The winners of the Black Carpet Awards were diverse in their achievements but united by their commitment to making a difference. Cinzia Adanna Ebonine and Danielle Madame received accolades in the Leader of Change Culture category for their exceptional contributions to promoting diversity and inclusion. In the realm of fashion creativity, Le Sorelle Toledo, celebrated by the public, and Alberto Malanchino, selected by the jury, were recognized for their global impact through their artistic work and vision.

Community-driven change was acknowledged with the awards going to D.E.I. Futuro Antirazzista and Johanne Affricot for their significant contributions to their respective communities. Both have used their platforms to push forward the fight for racial equity and social justice in meaningful, transformative ways. The Leader of Change Entrepreneurship category celebrated the innovative business models of Afroricci and Ada Ugo Abara, who have each created new pathways for growth by promoting positive, sustainable change through their enterprises.

Meanwhile, the Leader of Change Legacy awards recognized Miyuki Yajima and Justin Randolph Thompson for their long-standing commitment to inclusive and culturally diverse projects, carried out with passion and consistency over the years. These leaders have woven the values of diversity and representation into the very fabric of their careers, creating a lasting legacy that will continue to influence future generations.

The one-time Virgil Abloh Award went to Romy Calzado, a young creative recognized for her visionary work and potential to reshape the industry. Calzado’s win exemplifies the ongoing commitment of the Black Carpet Awards to highlight and support the emerging talents who will lead the next generation of creators and innovators.

Another highly anticipated aspect of the evening was the unveiling of the New Waves honorees, highlighting fresh talent who are already making their mark. These up-and-coming creatives—Sabrine ZD, Phan Dang Hoang, Lina Giselle, Imad Shkairi, Bernadette Gouba, and Kaze—are poised to become tomorrow’s leaders in the creative industry. Their work is bold, innovative, and reflective of a new generation ready to challenge norms and redefine expectations.

The international jury for this year’s awards was composed of a stellar group of professionals from diverse fields, each bringing their own expertise and passion for excellence. Chaired by Michelle Francine Ngonmo, the jury included acclaimed professionals such as Edward Buchanan, Stella Jean, Mumi Haiati, Tamu McPherson, Ib Kamara, Sara Maino, Carlo Capasa, Francesca Ragazzi, Walter D’aprile, Celia Sears, Nana Brenu, Jordan Anderson, Marta Sachy, Sabina Belli, Victoria Adaeze Ejogu, Winta Ghebre, Macs Iotti, Simonetta Gianfelici, Adama Sanneh, Jan Quammie, Mehret Tewolde, Alex Sossah, Pam Boy, Simon Whitehouse, Gloria Maria Cappelletti, Grace Wales Bonner, Shayne Oliver, David Alaba, Mike Obenson, Carolina Aldrovandi, Yasmine McDougall Sterea, Athiththan A. Selvendran, Dana Loatman, Anna Paola Vergani, Gabriella Nobile. Their role was pivotal in selecting winners who truly represent the values of the Black Carpet Awards: progress, inclusion, and cultural impact.

The evening’s host, Tamu McPherson, provided the perfect balance of elegance and energy as she guided the event. A well-respected figure in the fashion world, Tamu’s career as a creative and advocate for social justice has earned her global recognition. Her insights into the intersections of fashion, culture, and social responsibility made her the ideal ambassador for an event dedicated to celebrating positive change.

This year’s edition of the Black Carpet Awards was made possible through the support of key partners such as MACSIOTTI Studio, Capri Holdings Limited, CNMI, Condé Nast, PwC Italia, The Unseen Profiles, nss, RED-EYE, and Vogue Italia, all of whom share the vision of fostering diversity and innovation. The event was also held under the patronage of the Comune di Milano and the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, further underscoring its significance in the cultural landscape of Milan.

The second edition of the Black Carpet Awards was a resounding success, providing an inspiring evening that celebrated the power of diversity and the profound influence of creative leaders who are committed to shaping a more inclusive future. As RED-EYE, we are incredibly proud to have been part of this event and are excited to continue supporting the talents and visionaries leading the charge for meaningful change. Stay tuned as these remarkable individuals continue to pave the way for future generations, proving that the world of fashion, art, and creativity is better when it is diverse, inclusive, and representative of all voices.

For more information about the awards, visit blackcarpetawards.com .

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AI-Generated text edited by Gloria Maria Cappelletti, editor in chief, RED-EYE metazine

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