Naomi Campbell will be the Godmother of the new edition of the Black Carpet Awards

Naomi Campbell will be the guest of honor at the third edition of the Black Carpet Awards, an event scheduled for September 24, 2025, at the Teatro Manzoni in Milan, in the heart of the Milano Fashion Week Women’s. The announcement was officially made today during the press conference held in the Sala Brigida of Palazzo Marino, attended by Michelle Francine Ngonmo, Founder and CEO of Afro Fashion Association, and Alessia Cappello, Councillor for Economic Development and Labor Policies of the City of Milan. Over time, the Black Carpet Awards have established themselves as a creative and cultural benchmark that highlights and celebrates the talent of those who too often remain unseen in contemporary society. The initiative aims to annually recognize the so-called “Leaders of Change”: individuals of all origins and backgrounds who stand out for their concrete commitment to promoting Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity within the creative industry. During the press conference, R&B artist David Blank, winner of the first edition of the Black Carpet Awards, moved the audience with a live performance. Following this, Luciana and Adriana Toledo, known as “Le Sorelle Toledo” and winners of the previous edition, spoke about how the recognition they received marked a turning point in their professional journey. The “Alleanza BCA” project was also presented, with contributions from Tamu McPherson, Francesca Ragazzi, and Maria Gloria Cappelletti, who shared how the initiative has enriched their personal and professional outlook.

Michelle Francine Ngonmo emphasized the importance and deep meaning of the event, stating that with the third edition of the Black Carpet Awards comes a renewed call for collective commitment to “rewrite history together.” According to Ngonmo: “To be seen, recognized, and considered an integral part of society is a right that everyone should be able to experience,” she said. A truly inclusive society, according to the founder of Afro Fashion Association, is not only fairer but also richer from a human, cultural, and economic perspective. Changing the status quo requires courage, daily dialogue, and cross-sector collaboration, and the Black Carpet Awards aim to be the tangible space where this change takes shape—a platform from which Milan can speak to the entire world. The Councillor for Economic Development and Labor Policies of the City of Milan, Alessia Cappello, expressed her pride in hosting the event, calling it a manifestation that carries a powerful and necessary message. Cappello highlighted how fashion, design, and the creative world in general have the power to deliver incisive messages, capable of shaking consciences, breaking down barriers, and driving change toward a more inclusive and just society.

The 2025 edition of the Black Carpet Awards includes five award categories, featuring a total of 22 finalists. Of these, ten winners will be selected: five chosen by the jury and five by public vote. The community will be able to cast their votes from July 1 to 31 on the official website of Afro Fashion Association. The categories are: Leader of Change: Culture, dedicated to those who lead the conversation on inclusion in their field, with nominees such as Nogaye Ndiaye, Mariam Battistelli, Meraf Villani, Modou Gueye, and Simão Amista; Leader of Change: Creativity, for those who stand out for their vision and global creative impact, with Augusta Carter, Jem Perucchini, Rediet Longo, Shannice Alogaga, and Williams Obrou Zouzouo (aka Gaudì2000); Leader of Change: Community, honoring those who generate transformation within their communities, with Aya Mohamed, Deepika Salhan, Kwanza Musi Dos Santos, Laura Berrie Amponsah, and Ronke Oluwadare; Leader of Change: Entrepreneurship, dedicated to those innovating inclusive business models, with Antonio Dikele Distefano, Caterina Monda & Debrina Aliyah, Ibrahim Songne, Issa Yerima, and Reuben K. Sam; and finally, Leader of Change: Legacy, celebrating those who build and pass on an inclusive and enduring cultural legacy, with nominees Igiaba Scego and Leandra Medeiros Cerezo. Special attention is also given to the ONE-TIME AWARDS 2025, a unique recognition dedicated to Koyo Kouoh, an artist and curator who has significantly contributed to shaping African and diasporic art in Italy. This special award honors creators who challenge dominant narratives, expand the boundaries of artistic expression, and elevate Afro-descendant culture on a global level.

During the evening, “The New Wave” will also be presented, a video dedicated to ten of the most innovative creative talents from around the world, selected to represent the new frontiers of contemporary art and culture. The winners will be chosen by a prestigious and international jury, chaired for the third consecutive year by Michelle Francine Ngonmo. Among the members are prominent figures from the worlds of fashion, communication, culture, entertainment, activism, and the third sector, including Adama Sanneh, Afef Jnifen, Alessia Glaviano, Carlo Capasa, Honey Dijon, IB Kamara, Stella Jean, Tamu McPherson, and many others. The Black Carpet Awards are thus reaffirmed as a must-attend event in the Milano Fashion Week Women’s calendar, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate and promote an inclusive vision of society. With this third edition, Afro Fashion Association reiterates its commitment to transforming the Italian and international cultural landscape, placing people, stories, and values that are truly changing the world at the center.