Pharrell Williams awarded over 30 Black and Latinx business founders at least $15,000 — with the grand prize winner earning $1 million — through his non-profit initiative, Black Ambition.
On Tuesday (July 13), the Grammy award-winning artist and philanthropist announced the winners of the Black Ambition HBCU Prize and the similarly named Black Ambition Prize during a private virtual event hosted by Black Ambition CEO Felecia Hatcher.
The Black Ambition $1 million grand prize was awarded to founder Justin Turk of Livegistics for his company, which "helps replace your paper with technology that bridges the gaps between civil construction, demolition, waste management and logistics."
The HBCU grand prize of $250,000 was awarded to founder Kadidja Dosso of Dosso Beauty — "a Black-owned, pre-stretched hypoallergenic itch-free Braiding Hair servicing the globe."
Nine other teams also received prizes of more than $100,000, while all 34 finalists were given awards of no less than $15,000.
“These are the founders I dreamed would represent Black Ambition,” Pharrell said in a statement. “Today we celebrate their determination, resourcefulness, and creativity. Because of Black Ambition, the world will be much more equitable. More people of color can pursue their ventures and get what they need to thrive. There’s been too much disparity and discrimination. Black Ambition will continue to create and push for more seats at the table, so that your talent, not your color, determines your results.”