Sharisse Scott-Rawlins
The NAACP in the 21st century
Long before equity became a popular talking point, the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was born out of necessity. According...
The gift of craft
Martha’s Vineyard is known for many things — its beauty, its heritage, its artistry — but one of its most quietly powerful strengths is...
Vineyard Grocer’s season of gratitude
As the holiday season settles onto Martha’s Vineyard, grocery carts begin to fill with intention. Families gather ingredients for meals that mean far more...
Voices bySharisse: New Life in the heart of Oak Bluffs
On a bright Sunday morning in Oak Bluffs, voices rise in harmony from a small but spirited congregation. The rhythms of gospel and reggae...
Turning Pain into Purpose
On the evening of August 31, beneath the open sky at Vineyard Gardens, I experienced one of the most meaningful moments of my life:...
Voices by Sharisse: At the heart of every great school
At the heart of every great school are the people who guide, nurture, and inspire its students. At the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School,...
August on Martha’s Vineyard: A month of Black brilliance, legacy, and joy
August on Martha’s Vineyard has always been more than summer vacation — it’s a season of cultural homecomings. A time when the Island’s shores...
Guardians for truth
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) returned to Martha’s Vineyard for its 50th anniversary, bringing another necessary conversation to the Island. Held at...
Words that echo beyond our shores
On what could only be described as a perfect summer weekend, Martha’s Vineyard — long a sanctuary of legacy, Black excellence, and rich storytelling...
It takes an Island
When we say “it takes a village,” we don’t say it lightly.
On Martha’s Vineyard, that phrase is more than a feel-good sentiment. It’s a...
Home sewn into fabric: A reflection on Ralph Lauren’s tribute to Black Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs is more than a picturesque summer retreat — it’s a living, breathing monument to Black excellence. For generations, this town on Martha’s...
Lifting Black voices
On Saturday, August 9, 2025, the Martha’s Vineyard Black Book Festival (MVBBF) returns to the Island Inn in Oak Bluffs, bringing with it not...
The Black Iris Project comes full circle
Some performances stay with you long after the curtain closes, when movement and dance become a vessel for truth-telling. “A Mother’s Rite,” choreographed by...
Healing with purpose
When Sharon Brown speaks, you don’t just hear her story. You feel her legacy rise with every word. Her voice carries command and compassion,...
DJ Smooth B unites Martha’s Vineyard through music
On Martha’s Vineyard, when you hear music filling the room, chances are DJ Smooth B is behind the turntables. Sterling Bishop, affectionately known as...
Juneteenth: walking with our ancestors
This summer, Martha’s Vineyard is buzzing with energy as we approach the 50th anniversary of “Jaws.” But amid the Hollywood nostalgia and all the...
Catboat Coffee
Many people were first introduced to the presence of Lebanese culture on Martha’s Vineyard through Bravo’s “Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard,” where cast member Amir...
Beauty is more than skin-deep
The National Institute of Mental Health defines self-care as “taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your...
The Henrys’ dream
Black History Month was created to focus attention on the extraordinary contributions of African Americans in the U.S. In honor of this initiative, this...
The next generation, passing the torch
As the Island marches forward into 2025, a new set of challenges and unknowns follow closely behind.
Post-election emotions are still running at an all-time...