NOBLE Presents: Afrofuturism & the Future of Black Beauty

Since 2020, as a community we have seen the evolution of Black voices, Black achievements, and the undeniable influence of these contributions on culture and society at large. From Amanda Gorman making history as the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history to blockbuster films depicting a futuristic African nation, we are left full to the brim with optimism and possibility, confident in our belief that we ARE impactful and powerful beyond measure.

While the legacy of systemic oppression and inequity continues to impact the Black community and experience today, the many contributions and achievements of the Black community are the personification of possibility—the concept that sits at the core of Afrofuturism and NOBLE’s theme for Black History Month 2023: “The Future of Black…”

This year, the NOBLE Employee Resource Group, led by Global Chair Tiffani Davis, in partnership with ELC, is taking a futuristic voyage into Black history through an exploration of Afrofuturism, which explores how African-American lives are enhanced through technology.

Afrofuturism is the counternarrative to centuries of untruths that the cultural nuances of the Black experience are not valuable, unless they are reframed or adapted. It is an optimistic future meant to inspire pride and be the launching pad for ideas and innovations that have real-world impact.

To celebrate this optimism, NOBLE will honor Black History Month with an exploration of what’s next for the Black community and where the “Future of Black...” will lead, focusing not on Black pain but instead on Black excellence, Black representation, Black evolution, and Black innovation. 

Through thought-provoking programming for employees that delves into the richness of the Black experience, NOBLE will examine key moments and accomplishments of Black leaders in the beauty industry. Our featured events will include:

• The Future of Love Drag Show: A showcase event hosted by NOBLE Travel Retail and wELCome, ELC’s LGBTQIA+ ERG, at The Stonewall Inn featuring creative expressions of the Future of Love through the themes of love beyond boundaries, love without preconceptions and judgments, love without outdated myths, and love that can be experienced

• The Future of Supplier Diversity: A fireside chat featuring Corey Reese, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Bumble and bumble, and senior leaders in ELC’s procurement organization on the company’s commitment to supplier diversity and how minority-owned businesses can gain access to opportunities within ELC

• The Future of Black Beauty: This capstone event is an immersive experience that will include the opportunity to #BuyBlack from emerging Black creatives in fashion and art through a marketplace sponsored by M·A·C. There will also be engaging panel discussions, demonstrations, and masterclasses with industry leaders on advocacy for Black consumers, the advancement of technology that drives Black storytelling, and the increasing representation throughout creative processes:

  • The Future of Black Beauty presented by Estée Lauder: An interactive panel discussion that features conversations that explore the future of Black beauty, media, storytelling, and representation throughout the industry

  • The Future of Makeup Artistry presented by M·A·C: A demonstration and discussion on the future of makeup artistry trends through the lens of Afrofuturism 

  • The Future of Black Hair presented by Bumble and bumble: A live hair show and discussion featuring the brand’s artists speaking to the evolution of Black hair concerns and daily care both every day and backstage at fashion shows

Afrofuturism is about expanding the borders of possibilities for the Black community. The movement has stretched beyond technology into every aspect of daily life, enabling the community to access information, explore the world, connect with ancestors, and advance in solidarity. 

This year’s Black History Month programming celebrates Afrofuturism and The Future of Black beauty, wellness, storytelling, and more. NOBLE hopes to inspire conversations about culture, experiences, and aspirations that answer the burning question: How can we re-imagine our world through the limitless lens of possibility—and move toward a future built on resilience?

Signed,

ELC’s Network of Black Leaders and Executives (NOBLE) Employee Resource Group