The inaugural Bronner Bros. Beauty Icon Awards illuminated Atlanta with a breathtaking celebration of Black beauty—its history, innovation, and boundless influence on global culture. Held at the Bronner Center of Performing Arts (Riverside EpiCenter), the star-studded evening honored the pioneers, creatives, and visionaries who have shaped generations through artistry, entrepreneurship, and style.
Hosted by journalist and media personality Segun Oduolowu and Shamea Morton of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, the event was a true fusion of heritage and glamour. Presented by Bronner Bros., in partnership with Vivace and Red by KISS, the evening paid tribute to the icons who built the foundation of the beauty industry while spotlighting emerging talent redefining its future.
The red carpet shimmered with flair and creativity under the vibrant energy of social personality Big Sexy, who hosted arrivals. Attendees, including Da Brat, Marlo Hampton, Keith D. Robinson, Nzingha Imani, Ambyr Michelle, DeDe McGuire, J. Brown, Merrell Hollis, Yandy Smith, and Alonzo Arnold, showcased the night’s theme—timeless beauty meets modern innovation—in bold, artistic looks that celebrated individuality and self-expression.
The show’s four-act program—The Becoming, The Revolution, Amplified, and Seen—was a journey through time, tracing the evolution of Black beauty as both art and activism. Conceptualized and creatively directed by Grammy Award–winning hairstylist Terence Davidson, the cinematic production honored ancestral roots, cultural revolution, and the creativity that continues to drive the industry forward.
A standout moment came with Terrell Carter’s soulful tribute to Teddy Pendergrass, bringing the audience to its feet in collective joy and remembrance. The highlight of the night was the induction of the Bronner Bros. Hall of Fame, which honored the inaugural class of industry trailblazers:
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 of Excellence
Executive Producer Kelly Keith described the event as “a love letter to beauty.” She reflected, “We wanted to create something that felt like our own Academy Awards for beauty—honoring those behind the chair, on set, and in boardrooms who’ve shaped culture. Seeing it come to life was emotional. Black beauty has always been more than style; it’s our contribution to culture and to the world.”
As the evening drew to a close, one thing was undeniable: The Bronner Bros. Beauty Icon Awards were more than an event—they were a cultural milestone, affirming that Black beauty is legacy, artistry, and power. The night marked not just an award ceremony, but the birth of a new tradition that will echo through the halls of history for generations to come.
