How Martha’s Vineyard Is Not Only A Place Of Refuge For The Black Community But An ‘Epicenter’ For Business Opportunities
Martha’s Vineyard is a place of solitude for Black families during the summer.
The island in Dukes County, MA, was recently featured in the popular Netflix series “Forever” directed by the legendary creator of “Girlfriends,” Mara Brock Akil. In the new show, characters Keisha Clark (played by Lovie Simone) and Justin Edwards (played by Michael Cooper Jr.) reconnect in Martha’s Vineyard after a breakup. Edwards’ family resides particularly in Oak Buff each summer.
History Of Martha’s Vineyard Explained
Furthermore, the location of their reconnection was intentional, per Brock Akil, who lives part-time in Martha’s Vineyard, according to Netflix. The series is adapted from Judy Blume’s 1975 YA novel of the same name, and Episode 5 takes viewers to Martha’s Vineyard, serving as a love letter to the island.
“Understanding the essence of the island, even in the way it shaped the story, is important,” Brock Akil told Netflix. “You think you’re just arriving on the island, and you don’t realize the culture and nuance that come with that.”
The history of Martha’s Vineyard’s is significant for the Black community, particularly Oak Bluffs. Beginning in the late 19th century formerly enslaved Black people on the island and free families from the surrounding areas sought it out for safety and comfort. In the early 20th century, middle-class Black families began to spend their time in Oak Bluffs to escape segregation and discrimination, and that pattern remains today.
“It’s where you catch your breath so you can go and deal with the rest of the year,” Brock Akil mentioned, per Netflix. “You get those two weeks and really want to fill up on that gas tank of love, of friendship, of bonding, of relaxation.”
While the cost of living in the area is high, Edwards’ family is portrayed as affluent in “Forever.” His father, Eric (Wood Harris), is a successful restaurateur and chef, and his mother, Dawn (Karen Pittman), is a Northwestern University alumna and a corporate executive in finance. Beyond the show, notable figures have purchased homes in the area, including director Spike Lee and former President Barack Obama, who reportedly purchased a $12 million mansion on the island, notes Business Insider.
This further underscores the promise of the area, not just as a retreat, but as a space where individuals may find themselves in proximity to industry leaders. The island’s unique concentration of wealth, influence, and opportunity creates an environment primed for meaningful connections, networking, and potential business ventures.
“The reason why it winds up being an epicenter for also business, not just relaxation, is that rich people, wealthy people have houses here,” shared Blavity Founder and “Rewrite Your Rules” author Morgan DeBaun, who has vacationed in the area over the years, in a 2024 TikTok video. “They come here to relax, and then they also do business. So politicians come here to fundraise. Venture capitalists come here to fundraise for their funds.”
She continued, “The downstream of that is then if you got the VCs here, then the founders are gonna come because they need to share the stories of the people that they’re investing in. If you are a real estate person, then you’re gonna have people here who are investing in houses. That’s another reason people come back year after year, because of the family traditions and community that can be built coming back year over year making that investment.”
@morgandebaun Why are there so many black people coming to marthas vineyard in the summer. #marthasvineyard #blackluxury #travelnoire
AFROTECH™ House at Martha’s Vineyard
For those, particularly C-suite leaders, venture capitalists, and decision makers in finance and tech interested in unlocking opportunities in the area, you should put the AFROTECH™ House at Martha’s Vineyard on your radar.
The gathering will take place from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug 14, at 137 Main St, Edgartown, MA 02539, USA.
Featuring fireside chats from notable industry leaders, the event’s theme will center Black wealth creation, investment strategies, and entrepreneurship, as well as include guest speakers.
Buy Your Ticket Today
We invite you to make a tax-deductible donation to Blavity.org, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In return for your act of generosity, you will be provided a ticket to the event.
Donation levels are as followed:
- $1,500 – Individual (1 ticket)
- $2,500 – Community (3 tickets)
- $5,000 – Collective (5 tickets)
- $10,000 – Legacy (12 tickets)
Beyond access to this event, ticket holders will also receive an AFROTECH™ Insider+ membership for one qualified individual.
Ready to shape the future? Don’t miss your chance to be part of it. Donate and secure your spot by clicking here.
