BLACK CARPET AWARDS 2025: Third Edition Presented at Palazzo Marino.

The press conference for the third edition of the Black Carpet Awards took place at the Sala Brigida in Palazzo Marino, with the presence of Michelle Francine Ngonmo, Founder and CEO of Afro Fashion Association, and Alessia Cappello, Councillor for Economic Development and Labour Policies of the City of Milan.

Article by Marco Lorè

During the conference, R&B artist and first Black Carpet Awards winner David Blank moved the audience with a live performance. He was followed by Luciana and Adriana Toledo, known as “Le Sorelle Toledo”, winners of the previous edition of the Black Carpet Awards, who shared how being named Leaders of Change and receiving the award marked a turning point in their careers.

Founder & CEO of Afro Fashion Association Michelle Francine Ngonmo and Alessia Cappello, Councilor for Economic Development of the Municipality of Milan.

R&B Artist David Blank during his a cappella performance.

Toledo Sisters during their speech.

A key moment of the event was the “BCA Alliance” session, where Tamu McPherson, Francesca Ragazzi, and Maria Gloria Cappelletti spoke about how participating in the project has enriched their perspectives, creating a significant impact both personally and professionally.

Tamu McPherson, Francesca Ragazzi e Maria Gloria Cappelletti during their speeches.

The 2025 edition of the event will be held on September 24th, 2025, at Teatro Manzoni, during Milano Fashion Week Women’s, and will feature the legendary Naomi Campbell, global fashion icon and long-time activist for representation and equity, as Godmother.

THE JURY 

The winners will be chosen by a distinguished jury, chaired for the third year by founder Michelle Francine Ngonmo, and composed of prominent professionals from fashion, media, culture, entertainment, activism, and the nonprofit sector, including:

Adama Sanneh, Afef Jnifen, Alessia Glaviano, Anna Paola Vergani, Andi Nganso, Boringnotcom, Carlo Capasa, Carlos Nazario, Carolina Aldrovandi, Celia Sears, Cristina Baruzzi, Del Titus Bawuah, Diana Marian Murek, Edward Buchanan, Francesca Ragazzi, Fulvia Bacchi, Gabriella Crafa, Gabriella Nobile, Gloria Maria Cappelletti, Honey Dijon, IB Kamara, Isabelle Harvie-Watt, Jordan Anderson, Laetitia Loffredo, Macs Iotti, Marco Bizzarri, Marilena Umuhoza Delli, Marta Sachy, Melisenda Murphy-Solari, Nana Brenu, Nicolas Martin Garcia, Piero Piazzi, Sabina Belli, Sara Sozzani Maino, Silvia Negri, Simon Whitehouse, Simonetta Gianfelici, Stefano Fadda, Stefano Roncato, Stella Jean, Tamu McPherson, Tokyo James, Tyler Mitchell, Valentina Tagliamacco, Victoria Adaeze Ejiogu, Walter D’Aprile, Winta Ghebre e Zaya Guarani.

ONE-TIME AWARDS 2025: KOYO KOUOH TRIBUTE

The ONE-TIME AWARDS 2025 category is dedicated to Koyo Kouoh: a unique recognition dedicated to an artist who has contributed significantly to shaping African and diasporic art in Italy.

Inspired by the legacy and visionary work of curator Koyo Kouoh, the award - which will be awarded to only one of the five finalists in the category - celebrates creators who challenge dominant narratives, expand the boundaries of artistic expression and contribute to give visibility and centrality to Afro-descendant culture at a global level.

Curator Koyo Kouoh portrayed from the lens of Trevor Stuurman.

The 2025 edition will feature five award categories, with a total of 22 finalists.Of these, ten winners will be selected—five by the jury and five by the public.Voting by the community will be open from July 1 to 31 on the Afro Fashion Association.

The categories are:

• Leader of Change: Culture – awarded to those leading the discourse on inclusion in their field. This year’s nominees are: Nogaye Ndiaye, Mariam Battistelli, Meraf Villani, Modou Gueye, Simão Amista.

• Leader of Change: Creativity – awarded to those with global creative vision and impact. This year’s nominees are: Augusta Carter, Jem Perucchini, Rediet Longo, Shannice Alogaga, Williams Obrou Zouzouo (aka Gaudì2000).

• Leader of Change: Community – awarded to those transforming their local communities. This year’s nominees are: Aya Mohamed, Deepika Salhan, Kwanza Musi Dos Santos, Laura Berrie Amponsah, Ronke Oluwadare.

• Leader of Change: Entrepreneurship – awarded to those innovating inclusive business models. This year’s nominees: Antonio Dikele Distefano, Caterina Monda & Debrina Aliyah, Ibrahim Songne, Issa Yerima, Reuben K. Sam.

• Leader of Change: Legacy – awarded to those building and passing on an inclusive, lasting cultural heritage. This year’s Nominees: Igiaba Scego, Leandra Medeiros Cerezo.

THE NEW WAVE

During the event, a video presentation will also showcase “The New Wave”: a selection of the ten most innovative creative talents from around the world.

Discover more at AFROFASHION.ORG