The stars are aligned to descend on the stunning island of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, as social impact organization Kickin It gears up to host the second annual Toast Gala. The lavish affair, scheduled for Saturday August 2nd 2025, will take place at Long Bay Beach Resort on Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Toast 2025 will take place during the territory’s highly anticipated Emancipation Festival season, highlighting innovation, artistry and cultural impact. Guided by the theme ‘Together We Bloom,’ the celebration will engage attendees in the organization’s mission to preserve culture and support the individuals essential to this endeavor: creatives.
Kickin It Honors, the centerpiece of the evening’s celebrations, shines a powerful spotlight on outstanding creative professionals whose work transcends borders and disciplines—from visual arts, music, fashion, storytelling, film and beyond. Reflecting on last year’s inaugural edition during a press conference that took place earlier today, Founder of Kickin It, Kyra James, reflected on the impact of the event’s first edition. “Kickin It Honors shines a vital spotlight on their indispensable role as culture bearers. The songs they make, fabrics they design, poems, stories, plays, photos and films all tell stories – our stories. Creatives deserve to be seen, uplifted and supported and we are excited to be back with year two of the honors with double the creatives this time.”
The 2025 Kickin It Honors recipients are:
- Issa Rae, Actress, Producer and Writer – Global Influence Award
- Skylar Marshai & Temitope ‘Temi’ Ibisanmi, Content Creators – Creative Catalyst Awards
- Tenille Clarke, Storyteller and Publicist – Cultural Impact Award
- IYAZ, Singer/Songwriter– Trailblazer Award
- Igdaliah Pickering, Fashion Designer – Rising Star Award
- Michael Winter Jr., Photographer – Rising Star Award
All 2025 honorees are formidable forces in their respective fields— global visionaries who are shaping culture through bold expression and championing community-rooted impact.
This year’s esteemed honorees, visiting creatives, local and regional changemakers, and cultural influencers will be present in the British Virgin Islands to walk the Toast green carpet, set in the backdrop of a lush, coastal setting. As the main event begins, the gala invites attendees into an elegant experience featuring a Caribbean-inspired three-course dinner, handcrafted cocktails, live performances, and the Kickin It Honors ceremony—the night’s star-studded moment of recognition for the global tastemakers shaping the creative pulse of our region and around the world. The night will culminate with an opportunity to donate to Kickin It’s cultural preservation and creative development efforts.
Seats for the highly-anticipated Toast Gala 2025 are available now:
