The inaugural Bronner Bros. Beauty Icon Awards was a powerful celebration of the past, present and future of Black beauty.
Hosted by Segun Oduolowu and Shamea Mortonwith red carpet coverage by Big Sexy, the evening paid tribute to the legends, innovators, and new trailblazers shaping the culture of beauty such as Da Brat, her wife Jesseca Dupart, and Danessa Myricks.
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Atlanta shines in style and spirit
Presented by Bronner Bros., in collaboration with Vivace and Red by KISS, the event was both a reflection and reminder of how deeply the Black community continues to influence global beauty and style.
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The red carpet was alive with color, creativity and confidence.
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Guests showcased sculpted hairstyles, couture gowns, and expressive looks that spoke to the artistry of Black beauty.
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Attendees included Chaka Khan, Marlo Hampton, Derek J, Shay Johnson, Kelli Ferrell, Nzingha Imani, Ambyr Michelle, DeDe McGuire, J. Brown, Merrell Hollis, Yandy Smith and Alonzo Arnold.
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Atlanta's energy could be felt at any moment. Being surrounded by so much Black excellence was inspiring.
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It was more than glamour; it was a stamp of identity and heritage. The night honored every shape, form and texture of beauty, and served as a reminder that being black, bold and authentic is something worth applauding.
The Evolution of Beauty: From Roots to Revolution
The program, directed by Grammy Award-winning hairdresser Terence Davidson, was divided into four acts: The Becoming, The Revolution, Amplified, and Seen. Each segment reflected a different chapter in the story of Black beauty. From ancestral roots to futuristic innovation, the shows showed that beauty is not only aesthetic, but also emotional and spiritual.
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I grew up in Atlanta and always knew that the Bronner Bros. Hair Show was a big part of the culture of the city. Seeing that legacy continue on such a cinematic scale felt surreal. The art installations and live performances gave overdue recognition to natural textures and creative expression.
As a woman with natural 4C hair, seeing my texture so boldly celebrated meant something personal. Our hair tells our story, and this event made that story visible and proud.
The honorees of the night were:
Chaka Khan, Legend of Style & Soul Award
Danessa Myricks, Beauty Innovator Award
Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart, Beauty Mogul Award
Terence Davidson, Creative Visionary Award
George E. Johnson, Titan of Beauty & Business Award
Derek J. Fearless Award
Allen Cooley, Master's Lens Award
Nastacia “Nas” Brady, Braiding Excellence Award presented by Vivace
Shaina Rainford, Culture Shifter Award
Cliff Vmir, Rising Beauty Mogul Award
Sly Huncho, Master of the Chair Award
Jasmine 'Razor Chic' Collins, Precision Artistry Award
Kevin Kirk, Legacy Award or Excellence Award
A love letter to beauty and self-expression
Executive ProduceKelly Keith said the night was about more than performances.
“I'm just overwhelmed in a good way,” she said. “I can't believe the turnout, all the friendly faces, celebrities, influencers, beauty founders. I'm touched by the people who came out to see the story we're about to tell. Celebrating decades of beauty and culture going back to Africa through the future.”
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Keith described the awards as “our Academy Awards” for beauty.
“It's important that beauty isn't just how you look, it's how you feel about yourself,” she said. “I want every black woman and man to leave here feeling seen and reminded of how beautiful they are.”
Her words reflected exactly what the night embodied. The room was filled with trust, connection and cultural pride that reached far beyond hair or fashion.
Icons, innovators, and industry leaders
The night recognized some of the biggest names in beauty. Cliff Vmirwho received the Rising Beauty Mogul Award expressed his excitement and gratitude.
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“Everyone's been telling me congratulations; I feel like I've had a baby,” he laughed. “I see a lot of OGs here, and it's a blessing to be honored in this room full of black excellence. Hair has taken us further than we ever imagined.”
Terrell Carterstar of Tyler Perry's Beauty in Black, delivered a powerful performance in tribute to Teddy Pendergrass.
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“Look at all these beautiful black people together,” Carter said. “We're built on our hair, and I'm proud to be a part of something that celebrates that.”
James Brother, President and CEO of Bronner Bros., introduced Chaka Khan, recipient of the Legend of Style & Soul Award, with a heartfelt speech.
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“They don't chase trends, they set them,” he said. “Her voice gave power to our confidence, her lyrics gave language to our freedom, and her style reminded us that beauty is not perfection. It is presence, authenticity and power.”
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When Khan took the stage, she set her inspiration and added in her signature wit.
“The Bronner Brothers, that's who honored me tonight,” Khan said. “I didn't know the Bronner Brothers until yesterday, but I heard about their stories, how meticulous they were and how important excellence was to them. Excellence is important to me.”
Her unfiltered words drew laughter and applause, a moment that absolutely established her legacy: uninhibited, original and still unforgettable.
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A legacy that lives beyond the chair
As the evening drew to a close, one message resonated: Black beauty is limitless. It's not just about looks, but about how we appear, how we move, and how we treat each other. Seeing artists and innovators receive their flowers while here was emotional and affirming.
The Bronner Bros. Beauty Icon Awards were a cultural moment. They reminded everyone that Black beauty has always been art, power and identity.
