Chicago was the host of the Democratic National Convention last week and brought forth many historical markers worth underscoring. In 1968 Mayor Richard Daley quelled protesters with harsh police action. This year Mayor Brandon Johnson made space for protesters and with minimum disruption allowed peaceful symbols of discontent.

Presidential nominee Kamala Harris channeled the historical journey of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to be elected to Congress and to seek the nomination for President. And it was Chicago’s Rev. Jesse Jackson run for President in 1984 that changed the rules on delegate apportionment in democratic primaries.

Another significant nexus to the events of the week is that Chicago is the hometown of Michelle Obama, who met Barack at a law firm where they both worked, introduced him to Chicago powerhouse Valerie Jarrett and the rest is history as the Chicago “community organizer” went from state senator to United States Senator and then White House.

One of the most exciting events in Chicago outside of the evening DNC proceedings was witnessed by over 500 people at the University Club of Chicago. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi was interviewed by political consultant David Axelrod about her recent book publication, The Art of Power. Speaker Pelosi was introduced by Clinee Hedspeth, chair of the Literature and Arts Committee of the University Club and commissioner of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for Mayor Johnson.

Ms. Hedspeth has been featured at the Charles Ogletree public forum on Art and Culture, which she curated, for the past two years. After 20 minutes or so of discussion, Mr. Axelrod probed Ms. Pelosi about her conversation with President Biden after the debate debacle with former President Trump. True to her masterful control of the House chamber when she was speaker, she deftly deflected the question and noted in passing: “Perhaps that is the subject of another book.”

Massachusetts and the Vineyard were well represented at the DNC. Maya Harris of Katama, Ayanna Pressley, Spike Lee, Carol Fulp and Minyard Culpepper of Oak Bluffs were visible attendees at the convention. Signaling the power of Massachusetts in the democratic ecosystem, both Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Gov. Maura Healey spoke on Thursday night before Kamala Harris electrified all with her acceptance speech “for the people.”

East Chop Tennis Club is winding down a fun-filled tennis season led by tennis director Henner Lenhardt. The tennis fun was supplemented with events such as Lanterns and Libation, Throw Back Thursday, Youth Tie-Dye, Women’s Interclub play versus the VH Yacht Club, Porch Dinners, Dance Parties and so much more.

Speaking of tennis, Charlena Seymour, former competitor in the Mary Tucker Invitational and Oak Bluffs Tennis Club tournaments of years past, introduced me to the newly formed Black Girls Tennis Club. They serve to use tennis as a way to build confidence and encourage community. They hosted a Mindful Play clinic at Farm Neck with Content for Change and the USTA. They are looking forward to coming back next year to establish some new relationships with tennis players and tennis organizations.

The last Charles Ogletree Public Forum this summer was held on August 22 and featured a groundbreaking discussion called, A Blueprint for Belonging: Designing Cities Where Black People Can Thrive. It was organized by the very innovative and talented Sheena Collier from Boston. The audience consisted of community members, policymakers, business and public officials all searching for models to bring people together. The panel was moderated by Candace Stanciel, chief equity officer for Atlanta. Andre Perry from the Brookings Institute, and Doug Melville, and author, businessman and thought leader. Excitement is building for their second year on this topic in 2025.

Part of the meteoric growth of sponsored events on the Island in recent years has been the relationship of strong retail brands and nonprofit causes. Several weeks ago Balmain xRAISE-Fashion hosted Supporting Emerging Designers of color. Monique Rodriguez and Eula Smith hosted RAISEfashion. This 501(c)3 is dedicated to offering pro-bono advisory services, grant resources and network access to BIPOC owned brands. They also provide internships to students from 13 HBCU institutions. Congrats to Balmain for their generosity, and lets wish the best for RAISE-fashion. Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience.

Enjoy it as life is fleeting.

Rest in Peace, Randall Edward Taylor.