Island Icons Honors to spotlight 100 Caribbean professionals in Brooklyn

The third annual Island Icons Honors awards ceremony will take place on Nov. 10 at Industry City in Brooklyn, where more than 100 nominees across 12 categories will be recognized for their work in the Caribbean diaspora.

Carib Biz Network (CBN) is organizing the event under the theme “Salt + Gold: One Sea. Every Shore. Where Icons Bloom.” Dr. Nicole Grimes, CBN’s founder, established the honors to spotlight individuals whose work creates opportunities, preserves cultural heritage, and helps shape the future of the Caribbean community in North America.

Brandon Blackwood, a New York-based fashion designer of Jamaican descent, is among the primary honorees. He will receive the Icon Vanguard Award for his namesake accessories brand, which he launched in 2015 and has since gained international recognition for its handbags and contemporary designs.

Sabrina Boissiere, founder of Natural Partners in Crime, will receive the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. Since 2013, she has produced more than 50 events that connect the natural hair community with brands and professionals across the United States, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom. She also serves in sales education and events for PATTERN Beauty.

The ceremony will also honor Vinay Harrichan, founder of The Cutlass Magazine, for his digital storytelling, podcast, and virtual museum dedicated to the Indo-Caribbean community. Sharifa Murdock, chief impact officer at Kith, will be recognized for co-founding Liberty Fairs and helping launch PROJECT, making her the first Black woman to own a fashion trade show.

Additional honorees include Janelle M. Hopkin, president and managing director of Grenada’s Spice Island Beach Resort; Edvin Thompson, founder of THEOPHILIO; and Steven Baboun, a Haitian multidisciplinary artist. DJ Puffy, who won the Red Bull Thre3style World Championship in 2016, will also be recognized for his influence on music and entertainment.

The evening will feature a red carpet, welcome cocktails, and an awards ceremony. Guests will sample Caribbean cuisine through Caribbean Eats of NYC, a consortium of local restaurants. The public can vote in two People’s Choice categories: Best Caribbean Digital Comedy Creative of the Year and Best Caribbean Podcast of the Year.