Black Beauty Roster Show Highlights Growing Momentum for Black-Owned Brands
New York’s Black Beauty Roster (BBR) hosted its inaugural consumer and industry event in West Chelsea last Tuesday, drawing over 1,100 attendees including content creators, industry professionals, and Beauty enthusiasts. The sold-out show featured brand activations, panels, and demonstrations, showcasing a diverse range of Black-owned Beauty brands like Fenty Beauty, Nars, and Armani Beauty.
Expanding Access and Opportunity
Launched in 2020 amidst heightened awareness of racial injustice, BBR has evolved into an inclusive platform dedicated to championing diversity and equity within the beauty industry. With a roster of over 10,000 vetted beauty professionals, the organization aims to increase visibility and opportunities for talent often overlooked due to systemic barriers.
Bridging the Gap with a New Show
The BBR Beauty Show was created to address a gap in the market – a single destination for education, discovery, networking, culture, and commerce. Attendees gained firsthand insights into the needs and desires of a key demographic, allowing brands like Oribe to reinforce their commitment to inclusive beauty as a fundamental necessity.
Founder’s Vision
“In 2020, the industry was responding to an important cultural moment, but it lacked intentionality,” explains BBR founder Maude Okrah Hunter. “For BBR, it’s about building systems that create lasting opportunities and deliver better outcomes. We help brands and organizations build the knowledge, standards, and pathways that make inclusion sustainable, not performative.”
Industry Collaboration
The event fostered connections between brands, creators, and professionals, highlighting the importance of collaboration in driving real change. Vernon François, a hair stylist and educator, delivered a live demonstration, showcasing the brand’s commitment to education and access. Photo: Courtesy of BBR