Michelle Francine Ngonmo explains the Black Carpet Awards

Milan witnessed the Black Carpet Awards this past weekend in an impressive soirée and ceremony inside the city’s famed Teatro Manzoni. 

The event is designed to celebrate change leaders committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the fields of fashion, design, art, cuisine, music, technology, business, sports, and cinema. There are five featured award categories, with a total of 10 winners divided into two groups: five chosen by the jury and five by the public. 
 
A new addition this year was the introduction of the Virgil Abloh Award, a special recognition dedicated to young POC (People of Color) making their mark in the creative industry. 
 
So, we caught up with the Black Carpet Awards founder Michelle Francine Ngonmo to learn more about these exciting new honors.

 
FashionNetwork.com: Why did you decide to create the Black Carpet Awards?

Michelle Francine Ngonmo: MFThe Black Carpet Awards were born out of a desire to celebrate and honor changemakers who are often underrepresented in traditional fashion spaces. It’s a platform to recognize individuals and organizations committed to making a tangible impact in their communities, particularly those advancing diversity, inclusion, and equity. The aim is to shine a spotlight on those who are reshaping the landscape of fashion, culture, and entrepreneurship, but whose work might otherwise go unnoticed.

FashionNetwork.com: What are the key goals of this prize?

MFN: The key goals of the Black Carpet Awards are to celebrate excellence in diversity, creativity, and social impact; amplify the voices and work of leaders driving change in fashion and beyond; foster collaboration and solidarity among different sectors to push the boundaries of inclusion and innovation; serve as a symbol of hope and progress in a time when global conversations around equity are more crucial than ever.
 
FashionNetwork.com: Why did you want to stage the event in Milan?
 
MFN: Milan is a global fashion capital, and while it is known for its rich history in luxury and design, it is also a city where we can challenge the status quo. Hosting the Black Carpet Awards in Milan allows us to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion within a traditionally exclusive space. It’s an opportunity to spark conversations and inspire change at the very heart of the fashion industry.

FashionNetwork.com: How receptive has the Italian fashion industry and Italian authorities been to your project?

MFN: The Italian fashion industry it starting to show growing awareness of the need for greater diversity and inclusion, but there is still much work to be done and it’s still a long way to go. I have found support from key individuals and institutions who understand the importance of this initiative. However, as with any effort to drive change, there are challenges. What has been encouraging is the dialogue we are able to open, and the willingness of some industry leaders and authorities to engage in these critical conversations.
 
FashionNetwork.com: The whole concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion is currently under attack by conservative forces in many countries, notably in the American presidential elections. What role do you see the Black Carpet Awards playing in helping DEI?

MFN: In times of political and social pushback, initiatives like the Black Carpet Awards are more important than ever. The awards serve as a platform to not only recognize those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion but also to reinforce the value and necessity of these principles in all sectors. We are providing a space where leaders in fashion and beyond can celebrate progress, share their stories, and inspire action. The Black Carpet Awards are a reminder that DEI is not just a trend—it’s a fundamental part of building a just and equitable society. And all this thank to an incredible team that I have behind my back: Edward Buchanan, Tamu McPherson, Jordan Anderson, Macs Iotti, Maria Gloria Cappelletti, Walter D’aprile , Nana Brenu,  Stella Jean, Francesca Ragazzi. 

For the leader of change culture prize the jury winner of choice was Danielle Madame. The people’s choice award for this category went to Cinzia Adanna Ebonine. 
 
For the leader of change creativity prize Alberto Malanchino was selected by the jury, whereas the public voted for Le Sorelle Toledo. 

For the leader of change community prize, the winners were Johanne Affricot for the jury and DEI Futuro Antirazzista for the public choice award. In the leader of change entrepreneurship category the jury chose Ada Ugo Abara and the public Afroricci. While Miyuki Yajima won the public’s vote in the leader of change legacy category and Justin Randolph Thompson was the jury winner. 

Last but not least the Virgil Abloh prize was awarded to Romy Calzado