Black Girls Code and Atlanta-based haircare brand, The Doux, have joined forces to launch the Black Beauty AI Challenge, an innovative competition empowering Black girls and young women to take control of the narrative around Black beauty through artificial intelligence.
The contest, which invites participants aged 13 to 25 to create AI-generated videos showcasing their unique interpretations of beauty, style, and culture, aims to increase representation in tech and help shape how AI learns from and depicts Black identity.
“If Black creators don’t guide what AI learns from us, we risk being overlooked—or worse, misrepresented by others,” said Maya Smith, CEO and creative director of The Doux. “The Black Beauty AI Challenge is about taking control of that narrative by challenging girls to run the code.”
Participants will compete in two age groups—Youth Track (13–17) and Young Adult Track (18–25)—by submitting 60–90 second videos created using free AI tools such as Kaiber.ai, Runway ML, Luma Labs, Pika, CapCut, or Canva. A panel of judges, including top beauty journalists and executives from both partner organizations, will select the winners.
Cash prizes total over $4,000 and include:
- $1,500 People’s Choice Award
- $1,000 First Place
- $750 Second Place
- $500 Third Place
- $150 Doux Gift Card for Fourth Place
- $100 Doux Gift Cards for Honorary Mentions
No prior coding experience is required, and all participants must identify as female and reside in the continental United States. Winning entries will be showcased on social media platforms and at a special NYC pop-up gallery on MLK Day 2026.
“At Black Girls Code, we show girls and young women that technology is theirs to shape and to connect to their lived experiences because the future of AI is being written right now,” said Cristina Mancini, CEO of Black Girls Code.
About Black Girls Code
Founded in 2011, Black Girls Code (BGC) is a nonprofit dedicated to closing the racial and gender gaps in STEM by offering culturally relevant tech education to girls aged 7–18 and career advancement opportunities for young adults.
The organization is widely recognized for its efforts to build a more inclusive and representative tech industry.
About The Doux
Founded by Maya Smith, The Doux is a bold haircare brand inspired by ’90s hip-hop culture and tailored to the needs of textured hair.
Known for its fun, effective products like Mousse Def and Big Poppa, The Doux is available at major retailers including Walmart, CVS, and Sally Beauty.
By merging technology and culture, the Black Beauty AI Challenge not only uplifts underrepresented voices—it also challenges the tech industry to recognize that the future of AI must be inclusive, informed, and undeniably Black.
For more information, visit: blackgirlscode.com | thedoux.com
