The inaugural Vineyard Icon Awards featured six trailblazers with distinct Island roots.

The honorees included music executive Troy Carter, African American Film Festival founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance, McKinsey & Company senior partner Shelley Stewart III, former mayor of Atlanta Keisha Lance Bottoms and filmmaker Dawn Porter.

The event was founded by Erin Goldson who said she was inspired to create the award after attending many events throughout the years and wanting to give back to the community.

Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Hailey McLaughlin

Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Hailey McLaughlin

“My ambition and goal is to create something that is giving back to the next generation, preserving legacy, telling our stories,” she said.

Sen. Cory Booker was a presenter and CNBC anchor Frank Holland emceed the ceremony at Farm Neck Golf Club Saturday afternoon.

Mr. Booker presented Mr. Carter with the cultural innovation award.

“[Troy] is a true visionary who sees in others things that they don’t even realize in themselves, who sees possibilities, who sees this expansive, eternally infused truth,” Mr. Booker said.

Shelley Stewart III and Erin Goldson.

Hailey McLaughlin

Shelley Stewart III and Erin Goldson.

Hailey McLaughlin

Mr. Carter has managed musical artists Lady Gaga, John Legend and Meghan Trainor, among many others. He moved to the Island full-time with his family four years ago.

“I just want to thank everybody for building this community, this beautiful legacy, letting us be a part of it, and really just welcoming us in with open arms and hopefully we can do everybody proud,” he said.

Stephanie and Floyd Rance hosted their 23rd Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival this summer and were honored for their service to the Island’s film scene.

“Every year it’s a labor of love and I love what I do,” Mr. Rance said.

Troy Carter.

Hailey McLaughlin

Troy Carter.

Hailey McLaughlin

Ms. Porter is known for directing documentaries about prominent figures, including John Lewis, Robert F. Kennedy and Luther Vandross. She received the legacy in storytelling award.

“We didn’t know that [the Island] would become a central part of our lives. But of course, you all know how that goes,” Ms. Porter said. “You come here and then you just know. My children have the privilege of being here every summer of their lives. I hope that their children will be here every summer of their lives. This place is about the people.”

Mr. Stewart, who received the business and impact award, said it was meaningful to be a part of the inaugural event in a place that brings him many fond memories.

“I’ve celebrated nearly every birthday on this Island,” he said. “Your life is made of a bunch of moments that become memory, and most of those moments for me are tied to this place.”

Crowd shows their appreciation.

Hailey McLaughlin

Crowd shows their appreciation.

Hailey McLaughlin

Receiving the public service award, Ms. Bottoms emphasized the importance of celebrating community.

“For so many of us on this Island, this is our reminder, especially in this season where we are questioning where we belong in this country, and what this country now means to us as a people, that we still get to come to this special place [where] we feel loved and we are embraced by one another.” she said. “No matter what the rest of the world is showing us, and no matter how uncertain we are about this thing we call democracy, this place is still ours.”