Black Carpet Awards 2025: Celebrating Leaders of Change in Fashion and Culture
Reshaping Narratives: Honoring the Architects of Tomorrow
The Black Carpet Awards: A Platform for Progress
The Teatro Manzoni provided a vibrant setting for the third annual Black Carpet Awards, an event that transcends a typical ceremony to become a powerful affirmation of progress. Under the banner of "Leaders of Change," the awards celebrated individuals who are actively redefining the landscape of fashion and culture. Presented by the Afro Fashion Association, with key support from the City of Milan and the National Chamber of Italian Fashion, the evening resonated with a collective desire for greater inclusion, enhanced opportunities, and lasting societal influence.
A Decade of Vision: Michelle Francine Ngonmo's Call to Action
Marking the Afro Fashion Association's tenth anniversary, founder Michelle Francine Ngonmo delivered an impassioned address, urging attendees to embrace audacious dreams and, more importantly, to forge the practical conditions necessary for their realization. Her core message underscored the vital role of community—not merely as a concept, but as a dynamic, daily commitment. The evening's host, Tamu McPherson, maintained a dynamic pace, while Naomi Campbell offered a video tribute, celebrating genuine inclusivity, authentic representation, courageous leadership, and creativity imbued with purpose.
Unity as a Catalyst for Transformation
Throughout the evening, a central theme emerged: unity serves as the ultimate antidote to division. The ceremony powerfully demonstrated the capacity of a strong, connected community to revolutionize not only the creative sectors but also the broader societal and cultural foundations they inhabit. The awards recognized a diverse array of winners, each embodying the spirit of transformative leadership.
Recognizing Cultural Trailblazers
Nogaye Ndia was honored for her significant contributions as an educator and anti-racism advocate. She is instrumental in integrating decolonial educational frameworks into Italian classrooms and community initiatives, effectively bridging theory with practical application. Mariam Battistelli, a celebrated lyric soprano, received the audience award, acknowledging her profound impact in broadening visibility and vocal presence for diverse talents within the opera world.
Innovators in Creativity and Global Impact
Rediet Longo was celebrated for her unique artistic vision, which melds Ethiopian and Italian heritage. She transforms urban spaces into vibrant public forums through murals, forging a civic artistic language that fosters dialogue and connection. Augusta Carter earned recognition for her work in leveraging cultural platforms to highlight barriers to creative education and for opening new avenues for emerging talent from diverse backgrounds.
Champions of Community Building
Aya Mohamed was recognized for her dedication to establishing spaces that cultivate mutual understanding and support, actively advancing inclusive civic engagement even in challenging environments. Ronke Oluwadare received an award for her practical approach to community, emphasizing active engagement, sharing vital networks, amplifying marginalized voices, and providing sustained care.
Pioneers in Business and Innovation
Antonio Dikele Distefano was honored for transforming his personal experiences into impactful projects that expand access and create new opportunities for many. Caterina Monda and Debrina Aliyah were recognized for their innovative design of ideas and delivery systems, ensuring that culture remains accessible and understandable to a wider, more diverse audience.
Guardians of Legacy and Narrative
Igiaba Scego was celebrated for her work in weaving together Somali and Italian histories through her novels and essays. Her contributions significantly enrich Italy's literary landscape and its collective memory, fostering a more inclusive historical understanding. Leandra Medeiros Cerezo received an award for her unwavering commitment to ensuring visible public representation for trans, Black, and and Indigenous communities within and beyond the fashion industry.
Special Recognition: One-Time Award 2025
Janine Gaëlle Dieudji was honored with the One-Time Award 2025, dedicated to Koyo Kouoh. Her work emphasizes community-centric culture, spanning from Florence's "The Recovery Plan" to international curatorial projects, consistently prioritizing people over material possessions.
Emerging Talent: New Waves 2025
The "New Waves 2025" segment celebrated ten burgeoning talents: Abbia Maswi, Donald Ngamene, Fambaye Diouf, Immaculate Ruému, Lamine Diop, Lina Simons, Murphy Tomadin, Shivin Singh, Terry Aidoo, and Thoé. These individuals were spotlighted as the next generation of creative leaders, poised to shape the future of their respective fields.
