Keya Neal (Provided)
The International African American Museum (IAAM) is announcing new details for its upcoming Jubilee Soiree, its signature annual fundraising event and the museum’s second anniversary celebration, taking place on Saturday, June 21. This year's Jubilee Soiree, themed "Celebrating a Century of Black Beauty," will be an unforgettable evening dedicated to honoring the diverse and enduring expressions of Black beauty from 1925 to 2025.
During this year’s Jubilee Soiree, IAAM will present their annual IAAM Culture Awards to individuals who have significantly contributed to the narrative of Black beauty across various domains. These prestigious awards will be presented this year in distinct categories: Crown, Essence, and Spirit (Icon).
IAAM is honored to announce the first two distinguished recipients of the 2025 IAAM Culture Awards:
IAAM Culture Award Honoree for “Crown:” Keya Neal. The award will be presented to Keya Neal for her contributions in reflecting the artistry of hair. Neal is a visionary educator, speaker, and equity, justice, and liberation consultant who is actively dismantling textural and racial barriers within the professional hair industry. A seasoned beauty industry professional with over 30 years of experience, Neal has transitioned her expertise into a multifaceted consultancy role specializing in leadership training, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, campaign activations, and engaging fireside chats with internal groups.
Drawing upon her extensive background in the beauty industry, including her experience as a business operator, and team leader, Neal is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge to empower people nationwide in fostering safer and more inclusive environments. As the founder of Kolour Kulture and Texture VS Race, Neal is dedicated to teaching stylists how to identify and work with all hair textures, fostering an inclusive and knowledgeable industry. Her REPAIRations program further extends equitable education to underserved stylists. In essence, Neal is not just revolutionizing the hair industry but also shaping the landscape of authentic leadership, communication, and inclusion.
Shelby Ivey Christie (Provided)
IAAM Culture Award Honoree for “Essence:” Shelby Ivey Christie. The award will be bestowed upon Shelby Ivey Christie for her contributions in cultural expression within the fashion industry as an esteemed American fashion and costume historian. With over a decade of experience examining fashion through the lens of race, class, and culture, Christie has held influential roles at global brands such as Vogue, Amazon, and L'Oréal, where she shaped marketing and brand strategies while ensuring that Black and multicultural consumers were addressed in meaningful and impactful ways. From her start as a fashion merchandizing major at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Shelby is now working to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Central Saint Martins in London, deepening her understanding of fashion's socio-economic and business landscapes.
Her expertise in amplifying Black contributions to the industry has earned her accolades, such as Forbes 30 Under 30 and Vogue Business 100. Christie is passionate about democratizing fashion education and telling untold stories, which led her to found Haute Heritage Publishing. Through this company, she creates innovative educational resources that celebrate fashion history's diverse and often overlooked figures. Her dedication to advocacy and cultural storytelling has also landed her features in numerous publications and partnerships with top industry leaders.
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This year’s Jubilee Soiree theme will immerse guests in a vibrant celebration of "Crown, Essence, and Spirit" – focused on reflecting the artistry of hair, the elegance of cultural expression, the harmony of self-care and artistry, and the unshakable force of confidence and resilience that defines Black beauty. Attendees will enjoy stunning performances, iconic fashion showcases, and timeless beauty in all its forms. The event will feature delectable Lowcountry flavors and offer exclusive opportunities to support IAAM's vital mission.
Proceeds from the Jubilee Soiree will directly support IAAM's ongoing and future exhibitions, educational programs, community outreach efforts, and the overall mission of telling the untold stories of African Americans. The proceeds are crucial to the museum's commitment to fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and inspiring reflection on the African Diaspora, all while continuing to serve as a vital resource for generations to come.
Event Details:
- What: The 2025 Jubilee Soiree: "Celebrating a Century of Black Beauty"
- When: Saturday, June 21, 2025
- Where: International African American Museum, 14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401
- Theme: Celebrating a Century of Black Beauty (1925-2025)
- 2025 Culture Awards Categories: Crown, Essence, Spirit (Icon)
LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR IAAM’S 2025 JUBILEE SOIREE:
General public tickets for our 2025 Jubilee Soiree are still available for purchase until June 6! General questions regarding tickets can reach out to media@iaamuseum.org.