Martha’s vineyard Becomes Hub for Black Entrepreneurship and Cultural Party This August
Martha’s Vineyard is once again poised to be a meaningful destination for Black professionals and entrepreneurs this august, drawing influential figures and fostering business connections.The island, known for hosting luminaries such as Michelle and Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Spike Lee, is set to be a vibrant backdrop for a series of events highlighting Black achievement and commerce.
Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, CEO of EBONY magazine, is organizing an event with the founders of Uncle Nearest, a Black-owned spirit brand. Sklenar views the Vineyard as a crucial platform to showcase both the ancient meaning and the forward-looking trajectory of EBONY Magazine to its core audience.
“For EBONY, being present on the Vineyard in August is both strategic and personal,” Sklenar stated. “It’s an prospect to connect with a powerful cross-section of our community, deepen meaningful relationships, and position the brand not just as a cultural icon, but as a modern business driving impact, visibility, and growth.”
Donae Burston, founder of La Fรชte du Rosรฉ, also recognizes the cultural resonance of Martha’s Vineyard as a natural avenue for expanding sales among a consumer base that aligns with his luxury brand’s marketing.
“For us it would mean so much to have the acceptance of people in Martha’s Vineyard,” Burston commented. “Being able to go to Martha’s Vineyard and focus on [high-net-worth] individuals from all over the world who appreciate wine – It’s visibility, it’s helping them become evangelists to go back home and spread the gospel.”
Erin Goldson, whose family has summered on Martha’s Vineyard for four generations, is launching the “Vineyard Icon Awards” this year. The event,sponsored by Diageo and Estee Lauder,will honor business and political leaders who are instrumental in shaping August on the island into a nexus of culture and commerce.
“Over the last five or so years, a lot of companies are realizing that there is a wealth of successful, accomplished, driven Black professionals, who decide to come to the Vineyard in august,” Goldson observed.
She added, “You can come to the vineyard for rest and relaxation. But every year here there is also a growing legacy,where Black ambition and aspiration are celebrated in a very unique way.”
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