African American History

Charlayne Hunter-Gault Continues the Conversation About Race

Three years ago, with a grant from the Ford Foundation, Charlayne Hunter-Gault began speaking with experts around the country who could shed light on the problem of racism in America. Race Matters, a new PBS NewsHour series that grew out of her efforts since 2012, premiered last Tuesday.

Hutchins Forum Looks to Next Generation: Are Black Millennials Ready to Rule?

Panelists participating in the annual Hutchins Forum last week at the Old Whaling Church took on the broad-ranging topic of whether black millennials are ready to carry the mantle for civil rights.

Civil Rights Activist Julian Bond Remembered

A remembrance gathering will be held in Oak Bluffs this weekend for Julian Bond, the well-known civil rights leader and former chairman of the NAACP who died August 15 at the age of 75. Mr. Bond was a longtime Vineyard visitor.

Heritage Trail Honors for Emma Maitland

A group of residents and visitors gathered on Dukes County Avenue Sunday to commemorate the life and legacy of Emma Chambers Maitland, a woman of many talents, by marking her home as the 26th site on the African American Heritage Trail.

Honoring Lois Mailou Jones, an Artist and a Trailblazer

When Lois Mailou Jones began painting in the 1920s, she did so in near anonymity, a sign of the endemic racism and sexism of the time. But 92 years after her first exhibition, Ms. Jones is now the focus of a new exhibit at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, running from June 12 to August 23 this summer. Nearly 17 years after she died, Ms. Jones is once again on display in the Vineyard.

Civil Rights Story Set in St. Augustine

Passage at St. Augustine spotlights civil rights campaigns in the historic Florida city. Vineyarder Esther Burgess is featured in the film, which will be screened this weekend in West Tisbury.

Vineyard Remembers Sen. Edward W. Brooke

Senator Brooke was remembered this week as the Island’s own — a man whose summers were spent at his home on Nashawena Park with family and friends, a skilled tennis player and a community steward and role model.

Celebrating History, Sense of Community in Oak Bluffs

Olive Tomlinson remembered the cottages and the shared car rides, the simplicity of summer life. With just a few phrases, Jessica Harris evoked memories of front porches and morning swims.

Smithsonian Recognizes African American Legacy in Oak Bluffs

In the years when much of America was racially segregated, Oak Bluffs was a place of refuge for African Americans. The town will be included an in upcoming permanent Smithsonian exhibit in Washington, D.C. An event will be held Thursday at the Union Chapel.

For Friendship and to Pay It Forward

On Wednesday, elder members and former presidents of the Cottagers gathered around tables and took turns sharing memories.

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