Can AI Learn What Black Beauty Really Looks Like?

Black Girls Code + The Doux announce the Black Beauty AI Challenge

ATLANTA, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Girls Code + The Doux are launching the Black Beauty AI Challenge, a first-of-its-kind opportunity for girls and young women to use AI as a tool for self-expression, creating original videos that reflect how they define beauty, style, and culture. Their voices and visions will contribute to shaping how AI sees and understands the depth and diversity of Black identity.

"If Black creators don't guide what AI learns from us, we risk being overlooked—or worse, misrepresented by others," says Maya Smith, CEO and Creative Director of The Doux. "The Black Beauty AI challenge is about taking control of that narrative by challenging these young women to run the code." 

The Black Beauty AI Challenge gives participants as young as 13 a chance to win up to $1,500 in cash prizes. Submissions from participants will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges.

"At Black Girls Code, we show girls and young women that technology is theirs to shape and to connect to their lived experiences because the future of AI is being written right now," said Cristina Mancini, CEO of Black Girls Code. "This challenge is about nurturing confidence and sparking creativity to empower women to lead in this new tech era."

How It Works: Participants will create a 60-90 second AI-generated video that expresses their unique perspective. The challenge is open to two age tracks:

• Youth Track: Ages 13–17
• Young Adult Track: Ages 18–25

To ensure a level playing field, cash prizes will be awarded only to entries created using free versions of tools such as Kaiber.ai, Runway ML, Luma Labs, Pika, CapCut, or Canva. All participants are encouraged to use whatever tools best enable them to showcase their creativity and skill set. Submissions created with paid or subscription-based platforms are enthusiastically welcomed but will be considered only for honorary recognition.

• $1,500 - People's Choice
• $1000 - 1st
• $750 - 2nd
• $500 - 3rd
• $150 Doux gift card - 4th
• $100 Doux gift card - Honorary Mentions

VIP judging committee chairs:

• Maya + Brian Smith, co founders THE DOUX
• Cristina Mancini, CEO BLACK GIRLS CODE

VIP judging committee members:

• Akili King, Senior Beauty Editor, ESSENCE
• Blake Newby, Content Creator + TV Personality
• Claire Sulmers, Founder FASHIONBOMB DAILY
• Jackie Fields, Deputy Beauty Director, PEOPLE
• Julee Wilson, Beauty Editor at Large COSMO
• Olivia Hancock, Senior Beauty Editor at Byrdie

No prior coding or tech experience is required. All participants must identify as female and reside in the continental United States.

The top entries in each age group will be featured on Instagram and TikTok. Finalists and winning videos will also be showcased at a NYC pop-up gallery on MLK Day 2026, celebrating creativity, culture, and digital storytelling. To learn how to enter, click here.

About Black Girls Code: Since 2011, Black Girls Code has been at the forefront of creating a more inclusive tech industry by inspiring, educating, and equipping young girls and women with the skills to lead and thrive in technology. Through culturally relevant programs for learners ages 7-18 and career acceleration initiatives for adults 18+, BGC is not just closing the opportunity gap—it's shaping the future of tech by championing the next generation of innovators and leaders. @blackgirlscode

About The Doux: Founded in 2018 by Maya and Brian Smith, The Doux is a Black-owned Atlanta-based independent haircare brand blending salon-quality performance with bold, hip-hop-inspired aesthetics. Available nationally at stores including Target, Walmart, Sally Beauty, and CVS, The Doux has become the fastest growing textured haircare brand in the nation. Follow along on Instagram at @ilovethedoux.

Media contact:
Jono Waks / JonoPRO - [email protected]

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SOURCE The Doux