“There is no life that does not contribute to history.” –Dorothy West
Dorothy West was born in June 1907. She started writing in her teens, was part of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s, and became one of the few Black women to be published in major literary magazines in the 1930s and ’40s. In 1948, after moving to Martha’s Vineyard, she wrote her first novel, and she also started a weekly column about Oak Bluffs in the Vineyard Gazette. I think about Dorothy West a lot — the turbulent times she lived through, and how she so bravely and eloquently wrote about it throughout her life.
June 19 is Juneteenth, the day we commemorate the official end of slavery in the U.S. On the Juneteenth flag, there are three symbols: the star represents freedom for every black American, the burst around the star symbolizes a new beginning for all, and the arc shows a new horizon of opportunities.
The Juneteenth flag will be raised at the Tabernacle on Friday at 11 am. The Union Chapel will host a panel, “Discussing Freedom at 250,” at 3:30 pm, as well as film screenings and other events. Jubilee MV will be hosting a cultural festival all day.
Inkwell Beach will be the spot from 3 to 6 pm for gathering to enjoy music, refreshments, and fun to celebrate the day. More events can be found at mvy.com.
The Oak Bluffs library will have a special Juneteenth Storytime at 10:15 am.
Taste of Juneteenth is Sunday, June 21, at the P.A. Club from 2 to 5 pm. Culinary offerings from local Black chefs, music, drinks, and more. Get your tickets at naacopmv.org.
I am always proud to be from O.B., especially so last weekend when the town hosted the most beautiful and exuberant Pride Parade yet! Thanks to the OBA, the Pride committee, and all who worked so hard to organize and participate in a glorious celebration of love and freedom.
O.B. Harbor Fest is Saturday, June 21, from 10 am to 6 pm. This fun all-day celebration on the harbor includes vendors, food, and music. Come out and support all the artists, buy some treats, dance on the dock, and see your neighbors before the summer crowds take over!
Congratulations to all the graduates of the past few weeks, from preschool through high school! Congratulations to the MVRHS girls’ tennis team for winning the state championship!
The Animal Shelter’s Garden Party fundraiser is Monday, June 29. Don’t miss this chance to support the great work Lisa, Gordon, staff, and volunteers do for our Island animals. Tickets at animalshelterofmv.org.
Happy birthday to Rachel Araujo and Jeff Burnett on June 18 — they share the day with Paul McCartney! Pam Swan celebrates on June 20. Birthday balloons go to Teddie and Robbie Pacheco on the 21st. June 22 is the day for Paula O’Connor and Sandi Moquin. On the 23rd, we celebrate Coach Jay Schofield and Melanie deMore. Happy birthday to Mika Durrell and Taalibah Cabral on June 24!
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