Photo credit: Nia Long
Nia Long received a major honor during New York Fashion Week as the Black Beauty Roster celebrated Black excellence, beauty and community.
The actress received the Icon Award at the organization’s 2026 NYFW Black Beauty Excellence Luncheon. The event, presented by ULTA Beauty, brought together influential figures from fashion, beauty and entertainment.
Held Friday at The Virgin Hotel, the luncheon created a space for guests to celebrate Black talent while recognizing professionals who continue to shape the beauty industry.
Black Beauty Roster celebrates Black excellence
The event began with guests gathering for rooftop photo opportunities at The Virgin Hotel.
Soon after, attendees moved inside for lunch and an awards ceremony hosted by Gia Peppers. The atmosphere centered on celebration, connection and appreciation.
Maude Okrah Hunter, founder of the Black Beauty Roster, encouraged guests to recognize their achievements and continue supporting one another.
The luncheon also highlighted the importance of creating spaces where Black professionals can celebrate their work and influence.
Nia Long receives the Icon Award
The most emotional moment came when Mikki Taylor presented Nia Long with the Icon Award.
Long has built a career spanning more than three decades. During that time, she has become one of the most recognizable Black actresses in Hollywood.
Taylor highlighted Long’s lasting impact during her presentation. She praised the actress for bringing beauty, emotional depth and a memorable presence to her roles.
When Long accepted the award, she reflected on the importance of slowing down and enjoying meaningful moments with her community.
The actress also expressed her appreciation for being surrounded by accomplished and supportive Black people.
Alton Mason and other stars receive honors
Nia Long was not the only honoree at the luncheon.
Model Alton Mason received the Fashion Visionary Award. The honor also marked his 10th year working in the modeling industry.
Meanwhile, celebrity hairstylist Jawara Wauchope received the AJ Crimson Trailblazer Award. Wauchope is also the founder of Echelon Noir.
Other honorees included makeup artist Mali Boykin, model Melinda Berry and the Lipstick Lesbians.
Shunika Terry-Jennings received the Depart Head Award. Danessa Myricks presented the Inclusion Impact Award to the Lipstick Lesbians.
Together, the honorees represented different parts of the beauty and fashion industries.
Nia Long shares a powerful message
Long’s acceptance speech also became one of the most memorable parts of the event.
The actress reflected on the pressure that can come with being photographed and viewed by the public. However, she emphasized that true confidence comes from accepting yourself.
She encouraged Black women to embrace their faces, bodies and individual journeys.
Her message also centered on self-love and confidence. Rather than seeking permission from others, Long urged women to recognize their own value.
That message matched the spirit of the luncheon.
The Black Beauty Roster created the event to celebrate achievement. However, the gathering also reminded attendees that community and encouragement remain important.
Black beauty takes center stage at NYFW
The 2026 Black Beauty Excellence Luncheon offered more than another NYFW event.
It created a space where Black creatives, beauty professionals, entertainers and industry leaders could celebrate their contributions.
From Nia Long’s Icon Award to Alton Mason’s Fashion Visionary Award, the honorees represented different generations and areas of influence.
As New York Fashion Week continues, the luncheon stands out as another example of Black talent shaping fashion and beauty culture.
For Nia Long, the recognition also marked a meaningful career moment.
After more than three decades in entertainment, the Icon Award celebrated not only her work but also the lasting impression she has made on audiences.
Source: ESSENCE
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