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    The River Runway 2026 Icons of Influence awards, an extraordinary celebration of achievement, creativity, leadership, service, and culture, will honor a group of nationals on Sept. 12 during a lavish evening reception at 80 58th Street, Brooklyn Army Terminal.

    The tribute of excellence will honor nationals in four categories.

    The Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals whose extraordinary accomplishments, enduring leadership, and lifelong contributions have left an indelible mark on society, will be presented to Carol Addison-Lewis, acclaimed world-class vocalist, celebrated cultural ambassador and the voice of a nation; Dr. Stephon Alexander, world-renowned theoretical physicist, acclaimed author and jazz musician; Alvin Clayton Fernandes, legendary model, acclaimed artist, restaurateur, distinguished entrepreneur and visionary business leader; Clem LueYat, hairstylist to the stars, beauty innovator and historic pioneer in Black hair; Austin “Superblue” Lyons, legendary soca artist, cultural icon and music visionary; Richard Young, legendary fashion visionary, creative director and cultural tastemaker.

    The Masters of Movement Award, which honors artists whose creativity, performance, and artistic leadership have inspired audiences, advanced the performing arts, and expanded the possibilities of creative expression, will be presented to Michael Manswell, an acclaimed dancer, singer, choreographer, and cultural ambassador; Michael Salickram, a legendary dancer, choreographer, and founder of the Shiv Shakti Dance Company who has transformed Caribbean dance through innovation, cultural leadership, and artistic excellence; and Solange Sandy, who carried her artistry from the disciplined halls of Juilliard to Broadway and the internationally celebrated stage of Alvin Ailey.

    [caption id="attachment_85131" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Natasha Wilson Jean, a dynamic soca artist and cultural ambassador, will be honored at the Trinidad & Tobago River Runway 2026 Icons of influence awards. Natasha Wilson Jean, a dynamic soca artist and cultural ambassador, will be honored at the Trinidad & Tobago River Runway 2026 Icons of influence awards.Renee Cummings[/caption]

    The Imagination of Style Award, which recognizes creative visionaries who redefine beauty, fashion, and personal expression while shaping style and influencing audiences on national and international stages, will be presented to Jaleesa Jaikaran, a Ste. Madeleine-native and globally acclaimed celebrity makeup artist, beauty educator and industry innovator whose artistry has helped shape international beauty trends; Larry Rampersad, creative director of The House Of Jacqui; Zalina Wälchli, a Trinidad-born beauty innovator, wellness advocate, and entrepreneur based in Switzerland; Kimberly Jones, founder and CEO of LOC FEST®, the official festival celebrating locs, culture and community; Marsha Massiah, the founder and executive director of the Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival; and Angela P. Sealey, one of the most respected champions of Caribbean culture and heritage in the United States.

    The Curators of Culture Music Award, which honors leaders who preserve, elevate, and share the richness of our heritage through music, festivals, performance, and artistic expression, will go to Neil “Iwer” George, a legendary soca artist and one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most electrifying performers; legendary DJ Teddy Mohammed, a pioneering cultural icon and household name whose extraordinary career spans decades; Joshua Regrello, professionally known as De Pan Man, an award-winning steel pannist from Trinidad and Tobago; Yvette Rennie, a distinguished cultural leader and President of J’Ouvert City International; and Natasha Wilson Jean, a dynamic soca artist and cultural ambassador from Trinidad and Tobago.

    Renee Cummings, honorary chair of the Met Gala-style celebration, told Caribbean life that the River Runway: Icons of Influence celebrates remarkable people while their work is still unfolding, recognizing excellence in real time and honoring those whose influence continues to inspire others, strengthen communities, shape culture, and create a lasting legacy.

    “We believe there are far too few opportunities to honor the brilliance that exists in the world. That is why we say thank you now. We celebrate these extraordinary individuals while they are still creating, contributing, leading, and inspiring,” said Renée Cummings.

    To learn more, and purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.

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