The Black Beauty Roster (BBR), an organization founded by Maude Okrah Hunter in 2020, continues to make waves in the beauty industry by promoting diversity and connecting Black beauty professionals with opportunities in entertainment.
At their annual luncheon, BBR celebrated the achievements of Black beauty innovators, content creators, and leaders who are pushing boundaries and redefining standards within the industry.
This year, Grammy Award-winning singer Ciara was honored with the prestigious Beauty Icon Award. She stunned at the event, rocking a chic short hairstyle with soft curls, a light foundation, and a nude lip.
“We are honored to present our Beauty Icon Award to Ciara,” Hunter told ESSENCE. “She has consistently pushed boundaries, setting new standards of excellence. Her commitment to diversity and empowerment resonates deeply with the BBR mission, making her a true icon and an inspiration to the industry.”
In addition to Ciara’s award, other honorees included notable figures such as Zabrina Matiru, recipient of the Department Head Award, and James Vincent, recognized with the Allyship Award.
Naeemah Lafond took home the Trailblazer Award, Patricia Bright received the Creator Award, and Monique Rodriguez was celebrated with the Pioneer Award.
Attendees of the luncheon brought their A-game in the beauty department, sporting bold eyeshadow in hues of purple, pink, and blue, as well as glossy red lips and heavily lined pouts.
Among the standout appearances were celebrity hairstylists Vernon Francois, who flaunted a sheer top and toned physique, and Jawara, both known for their cutting-edge work in the industry.
Beauty influencer Blake Newby also led an inspiring panel discussion featuring Flaviana Matata and Cari Champion, where they celebrated Black girl magic and shared insights on beauty, empowerment, and industry representation.
As the event concluded, Maude Okrah Hunter expressed her gratitude, saying, “We want to thank our NYFW partners, WME, Salon Centric, Tarte, Oribe, and Ulta for their continued support and championing diversity at the forefront of the industry.”
The Black Beauty Roster luncheon continues to serve as a platform for celebrating and uplifting trailblazers in beauty while pushing the conversation on inclusion forward.
