New Orleans Takes Martha’s Vineyard

Angela L. Young ALY Media Relations

This August, the rich culture and vibrant spirit of New Orleans made its mark on Martha’s Vineyard, as a wave of New Orleanians joined the island’s annual gathering. Known for its long-standing, cherished summer tradition as a vacation destination for Black travelers, Martha’s Vineyard welcomed visitors from the Crescent City, who brought their unique blend of music, cuisine, and joie de vivre to the festivities.

Oak Bluffs, located on the island of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, has a rich history connected to African American culture and community. Here are some key points about this history:

Origins and Development
Oak Bluffs as a Resort Destination: In the late 19th Century, Oak Bluffs developed as a popular summer resort destination. Originally, it was part of Edgartown but became a separate town in 1880.

African American Involvement: African Americans began visiting Oak Bluffs in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. The area became a favorite summer destination for middle and upper-class African Americans, many of whom were excluded from other resorts due to segregation and racism.

The “Cottage City”
Architecture: (BOLD) Oak Bluffs is known for its “gingerbread cottages,” which are part of the Martha’s Vineyard Campground. This area initially attracted a predominantly White Methodist Community in the mid-19th Century. Over time, African Americans began purchasing and renting these cottages, creating a tight-knit community.

Cultural Significance: (BOLD) These cottages and the surrounding area became a symbol of African American success and a safe haven where African Americans could enjoy leisure and community without the overt racism found in other parts of the country.

Preservation of African American History
Organizations: (BOLD) The African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard is an organization that preserves and educates the public about the African American History of the island, including Oak Bluffs.

Events: (BOLD) The town hosts various cultural events, including the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, which celebrates African American contributions to film and culture. Oak Bluffs remains an enduring symbol of African American community, resilience, and culture, continuing to attract visitors and residents who appreciate its unique history and significance.

In recent decades, Martha’s Vineyard (and more specifically, Oak Bluffs) has also become known as a preferred getaway for African Americans, with many prominent members of the community—from the late Maya Angelou and Oprah to Spike Lee and the Obamas—vacationing or buying homes there. Hollywood celebs attend the Annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival.

Throughout the month, New Orleans natives participated in a variety of events, celebrating the shared heritage and community that binds the island’s visitors. And New Orleanians added an extra layer of warmth and vibrancy to the Vineyard’s summer scene.

As the month draws to a close, the lasting Impact of New Orleans on Martha’s Vineyard is evident, with memories of this year’s celebration sure to linger in the minds of all who experienced it.