The same proportion of white people as black smoke marijuana. So why are the incarceration rates for black dope smokers many times higher?

Why have incarceration rates overall in America quintupled in the past 30 years, while the nation’s crime rate has not changed substantially? And why does this country have the highest imprisonment rates in the world?

Alienated and impoverished young African Americans are being recruited to radical Islam, and could yet produce black America’s version of 9/11, a Christian Community leader has warned.

“I’m telling you, it’s a ticking bomb,” the Rev. Eugene Rivers, pastor of the Azusa Christian Community, told a conference on Race, Religion and Reason at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School on Wednesday.

The U.S. Coast Guard is still interviewing witnesses in the investigation of last month’s fire that destroyed the Menemsha boathouse, and spokesmen said Tuesday that plans for rebuilding the historic boathouse have been put on hold until all evidence has been collected and results of the investigation are released.

A Cappella

The Vineyard Sound’s two-hour Farewell to Summer final concert for the season will be Saturday at the Old Whaling Church, starting at 7:30. General admission is $15; reserved seats, $20. For tickets or details, call 1-866-VIN-SOUND.

When President Obama came to Martha’s Vineyard for a break this time last year, after just eight months in office, there were those who questioned why he was taking time off so soon. Surely, though, a year later few would doubt the man really, really needs a vacation.

By August 2009, the President’s political honeymoon was certainly over, but this time around, the polls point to an electorate contemplating divorce.

Herbal Medicine

Holly Bellebuono of Vineyard Herbs returns to the Polly Hill Arboretum for her popular salve-making workshop on Tuesday, August 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. The workshop begins with a walk to identify and collect medicinal herbs and weeds on the arboretum grounds. Next, participants make their own oil infusions and beeswax-based ointments.

With little fanfare, President Obama landed at the Martha’s Vineyard Airport yesterday afternoon to begin a 10-day Vineyard vacation as planned. Like last year, the arrival was completely closed to the public. The President traveled with the family dog, Bo, and a small group that included his close friend and senior advisor Valerie Jarrett and her daughter.

Mary Jane Carpenter will give a free public talk on the history of Edgartown’s Carnegie Library building, at the library at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25.

Prominent Afghan businesswoman Hassina Sherjan, who owns the textile company Boumi and is coauthor of Toughing It Out in Afghanistan, will be among the notable women speaking at Empowering Afghan Women, a panel presentation to be held on Monday, August 23, at the Katharine Cornell Theatre in Vineyard Haven from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Pyrotechnic Storm Hits Ocean Park

Did you know fireworks date back to seventh century China when they were used to scare away evil spirits? But that was just for the wealthy. The masses didn’t get their boom-boom on until the 14th century, thanks to the Ming dynasty’s populist embrace. Fast-forward to today and a beloved dynasty of another sort, the Oak Bluffs Fire Department, which is hosting its annual fireworks blastoff at Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs.