Antigua’s proud native, Dr. Dave Ray, affectionately known as “The Beauty Surgeon,” has achieved a significant milestone by being inducted into the Hall of Fame at the inaugural Beauty Icon Awards, organized by the renowned Bronner Bros Beauty Conglomerate. This prestigious event underscores a groundbreaking cultural tribute and red-carpet celebration that honors icons, legends, and innovators shaping Black beauty and culture.
Held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Riverside Epicenter in Atlanta, Georgia, the debut awards ceremony was a star-studded affair, featuring heartfelt tributes to influential figures such as Chaka Khan and Danessa Myricks. The event highlighted artistry, entrepreneurship, and cultural influence, solidifying its place as a landmark occasion in the beauty industry.
Designed to celebrate the enduring legacy of Black beauty and inspire future generations through art and innovation, the Beauty Icon Awards brought together luminaries from across the United States. Among the 15 distinguished honorees were legendary artists like Chaka Khan, a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, and makeup visionary Danessa Myricks. The ceremony aimed to serve as a living museum of beauty—showcasing the creativity, style, and trailblazing achievements of Black pioneers in the industry.
The event is slated to become an annual tradition each October in Atlanta—home to the Bronner Bros brand since the 1940s—and was co-sponsored by Kiss Collection, featuring two of their subsidiary brands: Vivacé and Red by Kiss.
The highlight of the evening was the induction of Chaka Khan, the multi-Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, author, humanitarian, activist, and actress, famously known as the “Queen of Funk.” Kelly Keith, Executive Producer of the show, described Khan as “the embodiment of a beauty icon.” She remarked, “Her music and presence have empowered generations, while her fearless style continues to redefine beauty on her own terms.”
Dr. Dave Ray, affectionately known as “The Beauty Surgeon,” expressed profound humility upon receiving this honor. “I’ve spent the last 35 years sharing my expertise in education, mentorship, consulting, and coaching—not for awards, but to pass on my knowledge and foster the legacy of Black beauty,” he stated. “I will continue to do so as long as I am able.”
With this induction, Dr. Ray’s groundbreaking work and unwavering dedication further elevate the global recognition of Black talent and innovation within the beauty industry. His legacy as a trailblazer, educator, and advocate continues to inspire new generations of beauty professionals worldwide.
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Congratulations 🎊. Well done!
CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Dave Ray! Keep shining
That jacket looks suspect?
Is that vintage?🤔
Did you pay that girl her money yet dave?
Pay her please so that you can keep your name out of people’s mouth!
I feel that people nowadays forgot what shame is! Sad!
Massive congratulations to this son of the soil 👏 👏 👏
🇦🇬 🇦🇬 🇦🇬 🇦🇬 🇦🇬 🇦🇬
Hearty congratulations 🎊 to my political adversary. You can’t beat a well educated entrepreneur.
Credit where credit is due 👏🏾
… you just need to return home and make use of your talents here in Antigua & Barbuda 🇦🇬 👍🏾
Trump’s USA doesn’t appreciate talented people of colour – unless they have right-wing sentiments.
Dave Ray: someone is called a doctor by holding a doctorate degree, most commonly a doctor of philosophy (PhD) or a professional doctorate in the field like medicine (MD). The title “doctor” is also used for those who have completed the necessary qualifications and are licensed to practice medicine. My question is, do you have a doctorate degree? Or PhD in any field? If not I suggest to stop calling yourself a doctor…. congrats on your award.
@ Brixtonian y’all need to stop with the racist Trump BS….America is the same place it’s always been…Stop making Trump the face of racism when there was President Obama who didn’t do jack shit for black people…….AMERICA IS THE SAME FLIPPING PLACE!!!!
Congratulations Dave on your award.
Really? So because we had a black president,we should have been given preferential ¹treatment? He went in there for ALL people,whether Republican or Democrat,nit the color of one’s skin.
Just a suggestion Google Obama’s achievements as president towards blacks people.See what your research pulls up.
Congratulations on your achievement. Your HARD WORK, DEDICATION and KNOWLEDGE continues to pay off.