Island Icons Honors Names Brandon Blackwood Among 100 Nominees

Brandon Blackwood, a New York-based fashion designer of Jamaican descent, is set to receive the Icon Vanguard Award at the third annual Island Icons Honors. The ceremony, organized by Carib Biz Network, will be held at Industry City in Brooklyn on November 10. More than 100 individuals are nominated across 12 categories this year.

Dr. Nicole Grimes, the founder of Carib Biz Network, created the honor to identify leaders who build opportunities and preserve cultural heritage. The event runs under the theme “Salt + Gold: One Sea. Every Shore. Where Icons Bloom.” Categories cover business, fashion, hospitality, media, music, the arts, and community development.

Sabrina Boissiere, founder of Natural Partners in Crime, will accept the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. Since 2013, her organization has produced over 50 events that connect the natural hair community with brands and professionals in the United States, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom. Boissiere also works in sales education and events for PATTERN Beauty.

Vinay Harrichan, founder of The Cutlass Magazine, is recognized for his platform dedicated to the Indo-Caribbean community. His work uses digital storytelling, a podcast, and a virtual museum to explore the history of the descendants of Indian indentureship. Sharifa Murdock, chief impact officer at Kith, is also on the list. She co-founded Liberty Fairs and launched PROJECT, making her the first Black woman to own a fashion trade show.

Other nominees 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, are also among those recognized. The Armstrong-Commissiong family will receive an award for contributions to entrepreneurship and education. DJ Puffy, a Barbados-born artist who won the 2016 Red Bull Thre3style World Championship, is also on the roster.

The event schedule includes a red carpet, welcome cocktails, and an awards ceremony. Guests will eat at Caribbean Eats of NYC, a group of Caribbean restaurants and brands. The public can vote in two categories: Best Caribbean Digital Comedy Creative of the Year in the United States and Best Caribbean Podcast of the Year.

Carib Biz Network says the event aims to create space for Caribbean professionals to connect. The organization states the goal is to celebrate current achievements and inspire the next generation of leaders.