This Saturday marks the first year in which Juneteenth will be celebrated as a state holiday.
Beginning with the arrival of the Amistad into Vineyard Haven harbor Thursday through a gospel brunch in Edgartown on Monday, the Vineyard celebrated Juneteenth with joy and reverence.
Weekend Juneteenth events continue, including tours of the Amistad, a replica of the historic vessel that was the setting of a slave revolt in 1839. The cultural festival, originally scheduled for Saturday in the Tabernacle is now at Union Chapel, beginning at 3 p.m.
When the Amistad schooner sails into Vineyard Haven harbor on June 16, it will bring with it a story of oppression and triumph, of enslavement and freedom.
The decision to install a new flagpole was made after the select board approved of a new flag policy last week, which allows the flying of non-federally recognized flags on town property.
The new policy, which was approved unanimously by the select board Tuesday, states the town can fly ceremonial flags at the town’s discretion.
The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School secured Island-wide approval for a $2 million feasibility study to renovate or replace the high school when Aquinnah approved its contribution during a special town meeting on Wednesday.
