I’d never been to Martha’s Vineyard until a month ago. The reason was partly due to ignorance. The other part was deeper. Was that place, that experience, really for someone like me?

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Now that I’ve done it, it’s clear why generations of Black folks make the pilgrimage to a relatively small island in Massachusetts to drink Dirty Banana cocktails (I will work on a recipe to share on this later on), gorge on Lobster Rolls, and reunite with friends and family at places like Inkwell Beach, Edgartown and Vineyard Haven. I’m thankful to the friends who started us on this journey, and I hope this explanation will help similarly.

One member who joined us, James, had some interesting notes to share as well.

It was exciting to visit Martha’s Vineyard this year! I imagined it as a gathering of movers and shakers from different industries all in one place, enjoying a vacation away from the usual hustle of their daily lives. While there were plenty of slow moments to relax, I also appreciated the various outings, such as the MVAFF and industry parties we attended, where we had the chance to rub shoulders with Black creatives, CEOs, and prominent politicians. It was clear that MV is where out-of-work connections are made. To add to the island’s allure, the history of generations of African Americans vacationing there was very evident. It felt like a family reunion. Overall, it was a worthwhile experience, and I look forward to returning. — James O.

Here’s a detailed explanation of my time in MV. Anything I missed? Let me know your favorite things about Martha’s Vineyard, and maybe we’ll see you at Noman’s or Donovan’s next year.

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