Event Recap

Award Moments

The Honorees

Five icons recognized for brilliance, impact, and a deep love for the Vineyard.

Troy Carter, Erin Goldson, and Senator Cory Booker at the Cultural Visionary Award presentation

Troy Carter receives the Cultural Visionary Award, presented by U.S. Senator Cory Booker, alongside founder Erin Goldson.

Photo: Patrick Camilien for Forbes

Shelley Stewart III at the podium, Business Impact Award.

Photo: Patrick Camilien for Forbes

Shelley Stewart III and founder Erin Goldson after the Business Impact Award ceremony.

Photo: Vineyard Gazette

Troy Carter, Cultural Visionary Award honoree.

Photo: Vineyard Gazette

Keisha Lance Bottoms at the Vineyard Icon Awards

Keisha Lance Bottoms, Excellence in Public Leadership Award honoree.

Photo: Vineyard Gazette

Keisha Lance Bottoms — full portrait at the Vineyard Icon Awards

Keisha Lance Bottoms at the inaugural ceremony.

Photo: Patrick Camilien for Ebony

Caroline Hunter, Stephanie Rance, Erin Goldson, and Floyd Rance — Trailblazer Couple Award. Floyd and Stephanie are the founders of the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival.

Photo: Vineyard Gazette

The Stage

A Night of Ceremony

The stage and podium at Farm Neck Golf Club, Oak Bluffs.

Stage and podium overview at the Vineyard Icon Awards

The main stage and podium during the ceremony at Farm Neck Golf Club.

Photo: Patrick Camilien for Forbes

Full room / tent overview at Farm Neck Golf Club

The tent venue at Farm Neck Golf Club filled with nearly 300 guests.

Photo: Vineyard Gazette

The Atmosphere

Elegance & Community

The design, setting, and spirit of the evening — custom hydrangea-inspired florals by Endless Flair.

Tent venue ambiance at the Vineyard Icon Awards

The tent in full atmosphere — an evening of elegance and community at Farm Neck Golf Club.

Photo: Patrick Camilien for Ebony

Guests arriving through floral arch at the Vineyard Icon Awards

Guests arrive through the custom floral arch entrance designed by Endless Flair.

Photo: Patrick Camilien for Forbes

Event candid — Vineyard Icon Awards 2025

Candid from the evening.

Photo: MV Times

Candid from the evening.

Photo: MV Times

Notable Guests & Family

Faces of the Evening

Attendees included Gayle King, Sen. Cory Booker, Elaine Welteroth, Lynn Whitfield, and Erin's family — representing five generations on the Vineyard.

Gayle King in the crowd at the Vineyard Icon Awards

Gayle King among guests at the inaugural ceremony.

Photo: Patrick Camilien for Forbes

Gayle King with founder Erin Goldson on stage. Said King: "She is not an event planner; she is a businesswoman."

Photo: Patrick Camilien for Forbes

Lynn Whitfield and daughter Grace Gibson at the Vineyard Icon Awards

Lynn Whitfield and daughter Grace Gibson at the ceremony.

Photo: Patrick Camilien for Ebony

Erin Goldson with grandmother Emily Robertson and mother Amy Goldson — five generations

Five generations of the Goldson family on the Vineyard: Erin with grandmother Emily Robertson (nearly 99) and mother Amy Goldson, Esq.

Photo: Patrick Camilien for Forbes

Erin Goldson with grandmother Emily Robertson — close portrait

Erin Goldson with her grandmother Emily Robertson — the woman who inspired it all.

Photo: Patrick Camilien for Ebony

The Honorees

A Night of Ceremony

Elegance & Community

Faces of the Evening

Photography & Press Credits