Thelma Johnson, president of the Martha’s Vineyard chapter of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, reminds all that the national organization, along with Howard University’s Social Justice Consortium, is sponsoring a free five-part virtual Workshop Wednesdays series on social justice. The discussions will be led by scholar-activist Dr. Lisa Brock. The dates are Sept. 15, 22, 29 and Oct. 6 and 13. They will be held at 6 p.m. EST. All are welcome!

Ann Smith at Featherstone has a marvelous exhibit called From Caldecott to Coretta Scott: Award Winning Black Illustrators that has been very popular this summer and has been extended through Sept. 26. The art pieces will be joined by additional work chosen by guest curator Rich Michelson. Mr. Michelson is a Camp Meeting summer resident and Ann is delighted that he is part of the show. Please come out to support this local curator.

Darryl Settles hosted a small champagne toast to his wife Lisa on her birthday last weekend. It was also a tribute to her staying strong as she suffered through most of the summer while mending from Achilles heel surgery. David and Terry Wilkins, now of Sarasota, Fla. were among those attending the fete.

Roxbury, Howard University and Hampton University “old school“ converged on the deck at the Seymours this past Sunday. Charlena hosted her sister Vera and brother Abdur-Rahim and invited Hampton classmates Debbie and Duane Jackson and Kendall Flowers and wife Laverne.

The fascinating revelation for some is that Kendall also attended Howard and was on the swim team with Harry Seymour. Harry was teased because, as a diver, he was spared the practice of pool laps that Kendall and others had to endure. The names, faces, jokes and memories were reminiscent of the 1988 movie School Daze, directed by our own Spike Lee and starring Larry Fishburne and Giancarlo Esposito.

But it gets better! Kathy Taylor discovered that Charlena and family grew up on Crawford street in Roxbury, just a few blocks from her family on Schuyler street in Grove Hall. That led to a round of tales about The Brothers Eight, a social club that Abdur belonged to back in the day.

One generation later at Spelman College, two bright young ladies from Massachusetts became the best of friends and roommates. Years later, they would serve as bridesmaids in each other’s weddings. Shayna Seymour and Caroline Taylor had no idea that their mother’s families shared Roxbury roots!

Renee Nolan and family invite friends to celebrate the life of longtime Oak Bluffs resident Barbara Nolan on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the PA Club. Join them to share memories and stories. Barbara died on Oct. 25, 2020 at age 71.

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