Boston University spent this past week hosting alumni, friends and guests with a reception at Knowhere Gallery on Circuit avenue, which is owned by BU graduate Ralph Groce and his wife Valerie Francis. They presented an interactive Charles Ogletree Forum on Actors and Activism, which included Adeline leads such as Peter Fernandez, co-head of Columbia School of Acting.

But the highlight of the activities was a reception held in East Chop to host Dr. Melissa Gilliam, the new president of the university. On hand to bring special greetings was Dr. Lou Sullivan a 1958 graduate of Boston University Medical School, Dr. Larry Morse Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Howard University, President Deborah Jackson formerly of Cambridge College, Donald Reeves past president of Winston Salem State University and Jackie Jenkins Scott from Wheelock and Roxbury Community College.

Boston Medical Center has significantly increased its presence on the Vineyard demonstrating why they are the national leader in health equity. This summer they showcased the owners of Nubian Markets in Boston where the hospital invested $1.2 million dollars to support a 7,000-square foot food market, restaurant and a halal butcher in one of the major food deserts in Boston. The hospital’s health equity model is led by the talented team of Dr. Thea James and Petrina Cherry.

A Finding Your Roots event was recently hosted by Island favorite and 2024 winner of the Spingarn Medal, Prof. Henry Louis Gates. The event featured actor and producer Lavar Burton.

Using DNA tools, archives and historic records, Mr. Gates stunned Mr. Burton with his findings. Discovering that he has grandparents on one side of the family that were school principals and a Confederate soldier who was in the Civil War on the other side of the family was overwhelming and breathtaking for Mr. Burton. Also in attendance were Jim and Susan Swartz, supporters of the Inkwell Society, a group of some 60 members who financially support Mr. Gates’ work.

At Farm Neck this week, Julieanna Richardson, founder and president of The History Makers, unveiled a 156-page booklet with thousands of names of graduates of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU’s) that her team has interviewed. The program focused on the significance of making HBCU archives part of her digital platform. Congrats to Toyota car dealers as the title sponsor of the Vineyard two-day program.

The Boston Celtics championship trophy was brought to West Tisbury by Esta and Bob Epstein so that Celtics and basketball enthusiasts could take photos for posterity. Oak Bluffs attendees included Miniard Culpepper, Bernie and Carol Fulp as well as Eric and Jennifer Turner Smith.

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

Rest in Peace, Randall Edward Taylor.