MARTHA’S VINEYARD BUSINESS
BIPOC EVENTS
FOUNDER'S
LETTER
Dear Friends and Supporters,
2025 Marks the launch of our Stronger Together issue—because in this evolving political climate, unity and mutual support are more vital than ever. Now is the time to lift one another up, to amplify our collective voices, and to stand in unwavering solidarity.
Where others see challenges, I choose to see opportunities. Our small businesses are already feeling the pressure—from international tariffs affecting inventory and supplies, to shifting dynamics in global tourism that are reshaping how the world sees our country, and in turn, how it sees Martha’s Vineyard.
2024 Was a difficult year for many Island businesses. A notable dip in mid-summer tourism left many of us navigating uncharted waters. That’s why, moving into this season, we hope our visitors will shop, dine, and spend with intention—knowing their dollars can be powerful acts of support. With purpose in our steps and alignment in our hearts, we can continue to nurture the vibrant BIPOC business community that helps define the magic of “The Vineyard.”
Let’s be clear: They can’t erase us. We’ve been here before. We’re still here. And we’re not going anywhere.
2025 Will require resilience, reinvention, and community. It’s a year of pivoting—toward both survival and success. We got this. But more than ever, we need YOU to stand with us —champion us, invest in us, and help us keep going and growing.
In solidarity and strength,
India Rose
Creator of the Martha's Vineyard Black-Owned Business Directory indiajrose.com
businesses.
BlackLight® is a browser plug-in that turns a simple search on your Mac, PC or laptop into an opportunity to find and shop from Black-Owned Businesses, nearby and across the country. With BlackLight® installed, Black-Owned businesses that match your search will appear at the top of your page, ahead of other results.
Sideline Presents:
BOOK SIGNING, CHAT, MEET & GREET
CAPTAIN CAROLE HOPSON
PILOT · AUTHOR · SPEAKER · PHILANTHROPIST
Captain Carole Hopson is one of the few African American women flying for United Airlines, an acclaimed author, and the founder of the Jet Black Foundation, committed to sending 100 African American women to flight school by 2035.
Her debut novel, A Pair of Wings, tells the inspirational story of Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn an International Civilian Pilot's License.
FRIDAY AUGUST 8TH 12PM-2PM
49 MAIN STREET, VINEYARD HAVEN
IT’S OUR 18TH ANNIVERSARY!
Come join the Howard Alumni and friends on the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard to network and show Bison Love.
AUGUST 18TH-24TH 2025
Excellence, Leadership, Service & Truth are principles we live by.
4,000 of 80,000 Alumni from across the country have attended Bison on the Vineyard in the past to spread“Bison Love.”Activities in the past have included seminars,book signings,art exhibitions,movie screenings and beach parties. Our signature annual events are our“Chicken n Waffles”Sunday Brunch and our“Blue and White Party”.
For more info:
bisononthevineyard24@gmail.com
UNIVERSITY Alumni on The Vineyard
HOWARD
Morethanavacation—it'samovement. LegacyWeekontheVineyardwascreatedtoengage,empower,and highlightthebondandvalueofHistoricallyBlackCollegesand Universities.Thiswillbeanidealopportunitytorelax,connectwith fellowHBCUalumniandtheirfamilies,andparticipateineventsboth funandimpactful.Wewillpartywithapurpose,buildnewbonds,and getstrategicinsustainingthelegaciesofourgreatschools.
FIND YOUR PLACE ON MARTHA’S VINEYARD
Discover your dream home on Martha's Vineyard with Jennifer B. DaSilva, a top-performing real estate professional with over $48 million in sales in 2023.
With deep family roots on the island since 1958, Jennifer combines her extensive local knowledge with a background in international corporate law to provide unparalleled service. Whether you're buying or selling, trust Jennifer's passion, professionalism, and dedication to guide you through every step of the process.
Reclaim Your Energy & Inner Calm with Tai Chi
‘Discovering The Healer Within’
Learn how to ease stress, lose weight, and have more energy through gentle movements, meditation, and simple breathing techniques.
TAI CHI IS AN EXCELLENT WAY TO:
Reduced pain and stiffness
• Improved concentration and memory
• Better balance and coordination
• Stronger muscles and greater stamina
• Increased circulation, heart, and lung function
Massage • Meditation • Movement
NYA CLARKE
Owner/ Principal Broker of MV Island-Wide Realty, Inc . Nya is a 5th generation islander with over 20 years of experience providing real estate services, construction consulting and interior staging for buyers & sellers of Martha’s Vineyard investments. Nya is also the owner of Island Life Studio at 61 Circuit Ave, Oak Bluffs.A seasonal boutique and artist collaboration.
MV SOULFUL SHOWCASE
JUNE 19 - SEPTEMBER 1
An art exhibit and a gathering of local student artists
Soulful Showcase is a student art exhibit celebrating the creativity of BIPOC students and recent alumni from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. Along with supporting cultural enrichment and college/career prep initiatives, the showcase features a vibrant mix of mediums. This year, the exhibit expands to multiple locations around Martha’s Vineyard.
THEARTOFFREEDOM-DanHenry
BEDTIMESTITCHES-SalleyMavor
THEARTOFTORNPAPER-BeverlyNunesRamsay
ARTISTINRESIDENCE-HarrySeymour
Visit Mariposa Museum in Oak Bluffs—a welcoming space that celebrates African American and diaspora history through the creativity of diverse artists, storytellers, and scholars. Located on Circuit Avenue, Mariposa’s exhibits and programs bring powerful stories to life, right in the heart of our community.
Exhibits • Programs • Kids Art-Making Space • Gift Shop • Gallery
JUNE7–JULY20 ,2025TH
THE ART OF TORN PAPER
Featuring Beverly Nunes Ramsay, exploring art created through the techniqueoftornpaper.
BEDTIME STITCHES
Handcrafted by Salley Mavor, a showcase of intricate, storybook-like textileart
JULY23RD–SEPTEMBER7TH
A WAY THROUGH
Presented by Dan Henry, a powerful new art installation focusing on resilienceandtransformation.
Monday: closed
Tuesday: 11 am - 5 pm
Wednesday: 11 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 11 am - 5 pm
Friday: 11 am - 5 pm
Saturday: 11 am - 5 pm
Sunday: : 11 am - 5 pm
Openingdaysvarybyseason;please checkourwebsite.
Circuit Avenue Oak Bluffs | www.mariposamuseum.org
A chef-driven menu highlighting seasonal ingredients in simple, handcrafted dishes served straight from our kitchen.
Breakfast served until 3 pm!
Black Joy Kitchen
We engage our guests in a mouth-watering experience of the cuisines of the Black Diaspora. We explore how the diasporic journey influenced what our our ancestors put in our mouths to feed our bodies and our spirits.
Chef Deon is a full service caterer, chef, and restauranteur on the island of MV and has published his first cookbook featuring one of the island's traditional shellfish (the channel whelk - also known as “conch").
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
FOR ALL OF YOUR VINEYARD CELEBRATIONS
Allie & Paryss are a dynamic, versatile husband-and-wife musical duo, delivering a captivating blend of soul, passion, and musicianship in every performance.
With Allie’s powerhouse vocals bringing deep, soulful melodies and Paryss’s remarkable ability to play any genre—masterfully showcased on both lead and acoustic guitar— they create an unforgettable musical experience.
Available for Weddings/Vow Renewals • Receptions • Corporate • Activations • Milestone Celebrations •Worship ServicesGospel & Classical Hymns • Wine tastings
www.allieandparyss.com allieandparyss@gmail.com (508) 963-6651
"Savor the Perfect Pairing, Experience Unforgettable Elegance"
Wedding + Event Floral Design
We continue to craft floral designs that evoke beauty, emotion, and meaning. Whether you're planning a wedding, social gathering, or intimate celebration on the Island, we’re here to bring your vision to life.
Curating beautiful moments that evoke authentic emotions. Our Boston-based studio also hosts creative, communitydriven workshops. Stop by if you’re ever in the area! www.bostonflowerco.com
Sterling Window Designs offers full-service window treatments on Martha's Vineyard, featuring Hunter Douglas products.Ourwindowcoveringscomplementyourinterior decor beautifully, and as a local year-round business, we arecommittedtoyourcompletesatisfaction!
(508) 338-2645
STERLINGWINDOWDESIGNS
Bag and Shag MV picks up and delivers your luggage to your vacation rentalanywhereonMartha’sVineyardIsland
We will meet you at your ferry or flight and grab your bag so you can ‘shag on’ and start your vacation without the inconvenience of lugging yourbulkyandheavyluggagearoundwithyouuntilcheck-intime.
Our goal is to provide a seamless and convenient luggage pick-up, allowingyoutostartyourvacationassoonasyouarrive.
AKWAABA MANOR
TOWN & HARBOR
BLACK IVY COTTAGE
DIRECT OCEANFRONT ON EAST CHOP
Sleeps 12 | 6 Bedrooms | 5 1/2 Bathrooms FOR MORE INFO, OR BOOKINGS, SCAN QR CODE
53 Carol Lane
Welcome to Oak Bluffs! This classic colonial style 4-bedroom with an office, 2.5-bathroom house, promising contemporary comfort and style. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a spacious living room adorned with a cozy gas fireplace. The open layout seamlessly connects the living room to the dining area, creating an ideal space for entertaining. The spacious kitchen features modern appliances, sleek countertops, and ample storage space. An office complete with a daybed, half- bath and laundry nook complete the first floor. Upstairs, the primary bedroom suite awaits with plenty of natural light and a luxurious en-suite bathroom along with 3 additional comfortable bedrooms and a bath to share.
www.asithappens.co/53-carol-lane
The
DISCOVER THE UNTOLD STORIES OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD: AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE TRAIL TOUR
Discover the rich history and culture of African Americans on the island with 31 historic sites, each marked with a bronze plaque that tells a unique story. Learn about the island’s deep-rooted connections to the Civil Rights Movement, the Underground Railroad, and the formation of the NAACP. Visit 31 historic sites marked with bronze plaques, each sharing a unique story that weaves through centuries of resilience, community, and cultural pride.
Self-Guided Tour – Navigate the trail at your own pace with our detailed map.
Guided Tour – Join our experienced tour guides for a deeper exploration, including community context and storytelling. Learn about the NAACP's beginnings on the island, the Wampanoag's role in the Underground Railroad, and the Civil Rights connections of the Overton House.
SUPPORT OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM AND BE FASCINATED, EDUCATED, AND ENLIGHTENED.
33YearsExperience
Buyer'sagent Listingagent
If you are thinking of Buying or Selling Real Estate on the Island of Martha's Vineyard, put Roy to work for you. Roy Cutrer's, love and knowledge of the real estate business shows in everything he does, always staying a step ahead, and willing to go the extra mile for you. Roy truly believes in "The Golden Rule" always treating people the way he would have someone treat him.
UNLOCK THE REAL MAGIC OF YOUR DESTINATION
Bespoke itineraries for discerning travelers who yearn to explore authentically—without sacrificing an ounce of luxury along the way. We create unique trips which align perfectly with your individual travel style and interests, brought to life with immersive experiences, hand-picked luxury properties, and a finely detailed itinerary that unfolds seamlessly. With vetted industry contacts in over 150 countries around the world, our expertise is your key to magical travel moments you can’t find anywhere else— and travel guidance you can truly trust.
yourblueprinttravel.com ayasha@yourblueprinttravel.com instagram:yourblueprinttravel
Luxury Yachts & Cruises
Joyous celebrations
JOINUSFORSUNDAYSERVICE
BEGINNINGJUNE22ND
@genosbbqandcatering
Tilton Tents & Party Rentals has served Martha's Vineyard weddings and events for over 40 years.
We pride ourselves on our ability to assist planners and the community with their events no matter the size.
Rental Needs For EVERY Occasion LINERS&SWAGSLIGHTINGTABLE&CHAIRSTABLESETTINGSLINENSFURNITURE ARBORS&FENCINGTHEMEDEVENTSFLOORINGTOOLRENTALCATERINGRENTAL
ARCADE
DXArcade
DXArcade Boston's Premier ARCADE & EVENT DESTINATION. Where adults come to PLAY, WIN,DRINK, AND SHOP!
