In the middle of one of the most tumultuous weeks in recent American history, as we all try to comprehend the fallout from the tragedies of Charlottesville, a forum on the life and legacy of Edward W. Brooke was held at Lola’s. It was a scholarship fundraiser to be administered by his beloved fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha,Inc. This year is the 50th anniversary of Brooke arriving to the United States senate to begin serving his first term in that august body. To be certain Ed Brooke was an unapologetic Republican but his values and priorities are instructive to his Republican colleagues and others today as they struggle to find their way. Yes, Brooke endorsed Richard Nixon for president in 1968 and in 1972. But he vigorously opposed three of Nixon’s Supreme Court nominees — Clement Haynsworth, G. Harrell Carswell and William Rhenquist, fearing that they were racist. Both the Haynsworth and Carswell nominations were blocked largely because of the efforts of Brooke. In 1968 he called for the United States to stop all trade with South Africa. He was a strong advocate for the 1968 Civil Rights Act with his legislative hand having a major impact on Title 8 of this act , better known as the Fair Housing Act. The prince of Martha’s Vineyard was a man of principle and was not held hostage by his party affiliation. His track record for his two terms in the senate is a testimony to the idea that you can belong to a party but not subscribe to blind party loyalty.

At his funeral on March 10, 2015 his friend and colleague Cong. Eleanor Holmes Norton reminded all in attendance at the National Cathedral of how principled he was. She observed: “ The path Ed Brooke pioneered is well traveled and his vision has been vindicated even if the Republican party is still struggling. As he thundered into the night at the 1972 Republican National Convention in Miami his comments in 1972 are perhaps even more relevant today.” She quoted from Brooke’s speech at that gathering: “We must reject separatism from whatever source. We must reject white separatism. We must reject black separatism. We must hold true to the course on which we have embarked — the course which leads to an integrated society of magnificent pluralism.” Ed Brooke’s political and legislative career and indeed the Island in all its cultural, spiritual and personal inclusion and diversity could well serve as a model for the nation.

On Friday morning at 10 a.m. a celebration of life will be held for Al Carter at his beloved Union Chapel. Al served for eight years as president of the trustee board and was instrumental in establishing an institutional platform for the growth and expansion that the chapel is now enjoying. Union chapel was a perfect place to apply his considerable corporate, academic and civil rights experiences. He worked closely with the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust insuring the long term success of the maintenance of the church facility. Trust and chapel friend Shirley Hall worked with Al to completely replace the broken chairs in the balcony and other parts of the sanctuary. These are just two items among a litany of accomplishments under his tenure. His wife of 56 years Carolyn Carter predeceased him but his daughter Cindy and beloved grandson Zachary Alphonse Lyncee are proud and gifted bearers of his legacy. Farewell to our good and faithful servant.

Anniversaries, weddings and engagements are always a joyful part of the Vineyard throughout the summer. Curt and Ida Gear celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Saturday as festive balloons bounced on the sign posts on Thompson avenue in East Chop. This wonderful couple were toasted by family and friends from near and far. The East Chop lighthouse served as a dramatic and breathtaking setting for the wedding of Frank Fields and Yiqi Tian. Frank is the son of Dr. Helen Holte Da Costa of Ohio and longtime summer resident of the Highlands. Yiqi is from Liaoning Province of Northern China. Audrey Fields was the maid of honor and Randall Essex of West Chop was best man. Frank and Yiqi reside in West Los Angeles in the off season. We wish them every success. Ralph Dickerson of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Lisa Crutchfield of Philadelphia, longtime soulmates and friends, were engaged on Friday night when Ralph popped the question at dinner in Edgartown. Lisa accepted before opening the “little box” noting that the contents of the box were not as important as the content of Ralph’s heart. Champagne flowed!

On August 27, the missions committee of the Federated Church will sponsor its 12th annual blueberry pancake breakfast to benefit the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group. The menu includes blueberry pancakes, bacon or sausage and beverages. Adults and children are all welcome at this party with a worthy purpose.

The capital youth empowerment program that provides parenting classes and programming that address fatherhood and teen HIV/AIDS and pregnancy prevention will be honoring Dr. Gregory Vincent, Kevin Liles and Harry Seymour at their annual Gaines Summer Fundraiser. Congrats to all involved.

Gretchen Coleman of the well known Luella and Ralf Coleman family in the Highlands has been on dialysis for five grueling years and is finally at the top of the transplant list at Massachusetts General Hospital. Friends and family are hosting a Songs for a Sister fundraiser to assist with the post-operation medical expenses. Certain to be a grand time with Vivian Male, Michele Holland and Allison Frasier headlining the entertainment. Show up, shout out and sing up for a wonderful person and family that have contributed so much to the Oak Bluffs community.

Paradise on earth is the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting!

Send Oak Bluffs new to rtaylor@mvgazette.com.