A few weeks ago Black Enterprise Magazine hosted their 20th Women of Power Summit at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. This event is the company’s flagship event honoring executive women of color, fostering professional growth, leadership and community connection. This year was very special because our own Bennie Wiley was the recipient of the prestigious Legacy Award. Benaree Pratt Wiley is a long time corporate director and trustee and management consultant. She is best known for her role as president of The Partnership in Boston. This organization serves to strengthen Greater Boston’s capacity to attract, retain and develop talented professionals of color.
The Partnership hosted a summer conference on the Vineyard for many years where speakers like Ken Chennault, then of American Express, and Earl Graves, Sr. spoke to Island guests and organization participants about navigating the corporate ladder. Graves, who passed away in 2020, was the founder and publisher of Black Enterprise which he established in 1970. From the Vineyard conference days a close friendship developed between the late Flash and Bennie Wiley and Earl and Barbara Graves.
Barbara served as editorial director, circulation director and chief financial officer for this influential monthly publication over the years. She was also a long time elementary school teacher, and a mentor to several generations of Black Enterprise management executives. She was one of the architects of the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit. And so it was fitting for Bennie to receive the 2026 Barbara Graves Legacy Award.
In addition to her children Pratt and BJ, she was joined for this celebration by Vineyard residents, Deborah Jackson, who introduced the award winner, Terri Trotter, Tiffany Whittaker, Barbara Edelin and Christel Curtis.
Long time Oak Bluffs resident Denyse Bardouille was feted at the 2026 Women’s History Month celebration of the Massachusetts Trial Court. Facing nepotism, racism and sexism she persevered as the first Black female probation officer. She held positions at the court for over 30 years.
On hand to congratulate the 2026 honoree was Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) Chief Justice Kimberly Budd, SJC Suffolk Clerk Allison Cartwright and Commissioner of Probation, Pamerson O. Ifil.
The local League of Women Voters will be hosting a forum for persons on the ballot for public office in the Town of Oak Bluffs on April 1 at 6:30 p.m. The event to be held at the Oak Bluffs Library community room. Town elections are Thursday, April 16.
Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as time is fleeting.
Rest in Peace Randall Edward Taylor.
To my fellow Terrier, thank you so much for your continued chronicling of my favorite place on earth.