CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and self-styled “#ThePeoplesCEO”, Fawn Weaver, kicked off the weekend in style by joining the viral Nicki Minaj Stiletto Challenge, pairing her towering heels with a bottle and glass of her award-winning whiskey.
The spirited moment set the tone for what would become one of the season’s most exclusive gatherings on Martha’s Vineyard: the 3rd Annual Gospel Brunch at Uncle Nearest House on the Vineyard.
Hosted by Weaver alongside Eden Bridgeman and Ebony magazine, this year’s brunch paid tribute to the late businessman and philanthropist Junior Bridgeman.
Weaver described the invitation-only tradition as an “IYKYK moment for the culture,” likening it to the legendary gatherings once hosted by her father and LaDoris McClaney in Beverly Hills, and by Junior Bridgeman himself during the Kentucky Derby.
Attendance was as glittering as the occasion, with some of the nation’s most prominent African Americans arriving via shuttle for the Sunday celebration.
The guest list included figures from media, academia, and the arts — all treated to a menu by Boston chef Nia Grace and performances by gospel powerhouse Israel Houghton, with a surprise set from Grammy-winning singer Naomi Raine.
Weaver noted that her phone had been “blowing up” with requests for invites, underscoring the brunch’s status as one of the most coveted events of the summer season.
“We’ve been at capacity since this year’s invitations went out,” she shared on Instagram.
The vibrant atmosphere and high-profile attendance underscore the brunch’s growing influence as a cultural touchstone; a gathering that blends tradition, music, faith, and Black excellence in one unforgettable afternoon.
