Illumination Night is a historic tradition that is full of fun and community sharing. My friends, BK Boyle and Tamara Roy, and neighbors Moddie and Melanca Turay from Montgomery Square, hosted friends, family and strangers as people from near and far shared great food, strawberry shortcake and an assortment of beverages as the lanterns, trinkets, decorations adorned their cottages in the Camp Ground. Porches saw Keith and Angela Motley, Richard and Angela Harris, Chris Edley 3rd and so many more watch the magic of our own Land of Oz.
The Charles Ogletree Public Forum Series concluded its 2026 season with a blockbuster forum featuring outstanding Black women journalists sharing thoughts about their new entrepreneurial media careers, the impact of attacks by President Trump and the truncating of First Amendment rights. April Ryan, Errin Haines, Joy Reid and Chrissy Greer pulled no punches while answering questions from moderator Rehema Ellis, formerly of NBC News. The crowd of over 300 was riveted by the candor and the courage of these outspoken professional journalists.
Last Saturday the Martha’s Vineyard branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History hosted their 10th annual Black and White brunch at the newly renovated historic Cottagers Corner. Prof. Evelyn Higgenbotham of Harvard, past national president of the association introduced colleague Prof. Deborah Willis of New York University. Prof. Willis is a recipient of an NAACP Image award and prolific author of photography books. She shared a masterful presentation on the significance of imagery representation. I received the Distinguished Achiever award and expressed my deep appreciation for the recognition. This column and my books on African American history on the Vineyard were highlighted. Attendees not only enjoyed a scrumptious meal of chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and fresh fruit by Deon’s, but many wrote checks that combined to total nearly $15,000 for this wonderful organization. A special tribute was given to Dr. Thelma Johnson for her long time service as president.
Please turn out to support the celebration of life for Carol Jean Washington to be held at noon on August 29 at Oak Grove Cemetery across from the Oak Bluffs Library. Carol and her late husband Richard were Oak Bluffs royalty. She was a devoted mother and taught her children to marvel at life’s simple wonders. With her piercing blue eyes she greeted the world with a smile that held both innocence and wisdom. Carol and Richie were famous for having their family and friends dress up in white linens and join them at their sprawling property in West Tisbury for great food and curated libations. Hot Chocolate was the name of their boat that sailed the Caribbean and the waters around the Vineyard. She will be remembered fondly by many. Daughters Kym Washington-Longino and Lisa Walker invite all to the PA Club for the repast.
Kathleen McGhee-Anderson continues her Twin Garden reading series from local Island authors. On August 28 at 2 p.m. at 7 First avenue in Oak Bluffs, several authors including Jennifer Smith-Turner, Deborah Pratt and Carol Hobson will join Island favorite Harry Seymour who will be reading from his new children’s book, Defiance Alliance: A Children’s Book. Tickets are required.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. assembled at the 85th Grand Conclave in Cincinnati, under the leadership of then Grand Basileus Ricky Lewis and First District Representative Ray Bailey, ushered in the approval for establishing the Rho Xi Nu Chapter of the fraternity on Martha’s Vineyard. Omega’s presence on the Vineyard stands on the shoulders of legendary Omegas like Dr. Cornelius Garland, Judge Herbie Tucker, Bishop John Burgess and political, legal and business giant Vernon Jordan.
Religious and spiritual icon, the late Rev. Calvin Butts, Sr. of Abyssinian Baptist Church of Harlem was a beloved presence at Union Chapel over the years. His successor Rev. Dr. Kevin Johnson received a warm welcome at Union a few weeks ago. As in prior years, scores of New York parishioners came to the Vineyard to support their new minister on his maiden trip to the Island in his new role.
Speaking of Harlem, congratulations to Lewis Long of Long Gallery Harlem for a creative and timely exhibition on Wing Road in Oak Bluffs from August 1- 23. Entitled A House is Not a Home, a group exhibition that received some 2,000 visitors during their stay. The exhibition traced several decades of America’s 250-year history and featured artist and co-curator Taylor Thomas presenting some 25 artists within the context of a residence rather than a gallery. This conveyed a more intimate space asserting home and identity inspired by family and personal lineage. Congrats and looking forward to 2027!
Claudette Crouse visited the Island from Charlotte , N.C., retracing her many steps from years ago when she and late husband Henry summered on the Vineyard. Friends Kathy Taylor and Donna Wilmarth hosted a luncheon at Farm Neck and were joined by many to catch up on her life in Charlotte and reminisce about the old days.
Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting. Rest in Peace Randall Edward Taylor.