Surprisingly, neither WEB DuBois nor James Baldwin spent time on Martha’s Vineyard although both had close connections. Alexander DuBois, WEB’s grandfather, retired to New Bedford and he visited his grandfather at an early age. But he would return in a more prominent way with William Monroe Trotter and others to plot political strategies against the leadership of Booker T. Washington. This group met frequently in a house on Alfred Street in New Bedford that became known as the New Bedford Annex for Boston radicals. Baldwin had a close relationship with our own William Styron but never came to visit him on the Island. In 1960, Styron let Baldwin use his studio in his Connecticut home while he was writing Another Country and organizing his notes for The Fire Next Time.

Both of these brilliant intellectuals would be pleased at the cornucopia of events that showcase art, literature, film, drama and political dialogue that combine to yield a robust series of August standards on the Island.

The 15th annual African American Film Festival will be held at the Performing Arts Center from August 7 to 12. Longtime summer resident Sharon Lopez of New York has curated programs on race, sports and culture for this event for six years. This year she encourages us to see two screenings sponsored by Ken Shropshire the new executive director of the Global Sport Institute at Arizona State University. Little Ballers of Indiana and Rodney King will be screened on August 9 and 10 respectively. Director Spike Lee will lead the Color of Conversation after the King showing.

Featherstone Center for the Arts has an exciting new exhibit on found art which begins on August 6 and runs through August 24. Art created from found objects can cover a wide variety of creative artistic options. Sculpture perhaps from old garden tools or beach flotsam, jewelry made from buttons, puzzle pieces or beach stones are just some of the possibilities. The opening reception is August 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. The Martha’s Vineyard Camp Ground house tour is not to be missed. This year the tour will feature five cottages in the Trinity Park area, each with their own intriguing narratives and unusual architecture. A ticket to the tour will also allow free access to the Cottage Museum.

The gifted and nationally recognized Rev. Dr. Otis Moss 3rd of Chicago will be in the pulpit at the Union Chapel on Sunday August 6 at 10 a.m. Many are still talking about the dual sermon that he and his father, the Rev. Otis Moss Jr. delivered a few years ago to a record audience that exceeded 600 people.

Charlayne Hunter-Gault is the perfect speaker to headline A Summer of Inspiration and Resilience celebrating the life of PBS pioneer Gwen Ifill. Charlayne is a former foreign correspondent for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service. The late Gwen Ifill was the moderator and managing editor of Washington Week. She also co- anchored the PBS NewsHour with Judy Woodruff. Both award winning broadcast journalists, both pioneering black females in leading roles. A bow to Gwen’s life and legacy and a salute to Charlayne.

Boxing legend Muhammed Ali said that Hank Aaron was “the only man I idolize more than myself.” Yankee great Mickey Mantle said “as far as I am concerned, Aaron is the best baseball player of my era.” Hall of Famer Henry (Hank) Aaron has been invited to the Vineyard by former Ambassador Andrew Young to be celebrated at a forum at Union Chapel on August 13 at 1:30 p.m. The panel entitled “A New Social Justice Movement: Wisdom From the Past and Strategies for the Future” will precede the Aaron recognition.

Continuing with the Atlanta presence on the Island, Morehouse College has planned an exciting weekend from August 10 to 12 in Oak Bluffs, culminating with a Friday evening tribute to Prof. Charles Ogletree at the home of Morehouse luminary Dr. Lou Sullivan.

Year-round Oak Bluffs residents that want to really get involved in Island organizations should take note of the volunteer work that Charlena Seymour recently displayed in her capacity as a board member of The Yard. She hosted a reception for over 40 women to meet the staff and leadership of this dance and related artistic organization before the performance of Black Girl: Linguistic play. Who says that you can’t retire and still find meaningful opportunities to serve and volunteer. Kudos to Charlena.

The Cottagers dedicated their 45th Fashion Show to the late King Paul of Lola’s. Their Mardi Gras theme was in the spirit of Paul’s heritage and the way he enjoyed life.

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

Send Oak Bluffs news to rtaylor@mvgazette.com.