EAT
EXPERIENCE
SHOP
Lobster Rolls
DATE: Tuesday, July 29th
12p - 1p Storytellers Lab: Filmmaker Reflection Workshop with Taylor K. Shaw-Omachonu, Founder of BWA Studios & Head of Film at Kickstarter
Calling all College Students & / or those interested in the Film Industry!
Event Overview:
Set against the calming backdrop of the ocean, this 60-minute workshop blends, storytelling, and creative strategy.
Led by Taylor K. Shaw https://www.taylorkshaw.com/, Founder of award-winning animation studio BWA Studios and Head of Film at Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/, students will gain insights into identifying their unique story then funding their creative work through community and crowdfunding—while also reconnecting with themselves in a peaceful setting. https://variety.com/2025/film/news/kickstarter-indie-producer-taylor-k-shaw-film-outreach-1236326952/
Film & Storytelling Session
5p - 7p Opening Remarks @ The Martha's Vineyard Museum from Sheryl Wesley, Founder & Producer of Legacy Week along with ParamontTV's HBCU initiave The Storytellers Lab introducing The Power of Images: A Journey Into a World on the Edge of Change with HBCU alumnae Glenda Jones showing photos from her time in the Omo of the various people, as they go through their daily life. This will provide a broader view of the Omo valley people and the environment. Prior to the start of the presentation of the Hamer indigenous people, she will share with the audience her history and experiences attending her HBCU, Central State University.
SPEAKER: Glenda E. Jones (with guests Sheryl Wesley founder of HBCU Legacy Week and Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios Storytellers Lab Initiative Students)
DESCRIPTION: Celebrate Legacy Week on the Vineyard with an inspiring evening honoring Glenda E. Jones, a 1968 Central State University graduate and visionary photographer. Her powerful images of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley tribes capture cultures on the brink of change, bridging generations and preserving heritage.
The program opens with remarks from Sheryl Wesley, founder of HBCU Legacy Week and a passionate advocate for preserving Black history and culture. Sheryl will also introduce students from Showtime/MTV’s Storytellers Lab—rising voices continuing the mission of authentic storytelling.
For Jones, storytelling is a form of activism — a way to honor the past and shape the future. Her work inspires young creatives, especially from HBCUs, to use their voices and their lenses to capture the beauty, resilience, and truth of underrepresented communities.
Immediately following the program, enjoy an exclusive wine tasting featuring P. Harrell Wines as we reflect on the power of storytelling to honor the past and inspire the future.
Thursday, July 31st
The House That Wouldn’t Let Go
DESCRIPTION: The House That Wouldn’t Let Go
Join designer, preservationist, songwriter, storyteller, and part-time Island resident, Dawn Carroll for an unforgettable evening of music, memory, and rediscovered history, as she shares the powerful story of a house that once echoed with the footsteps of legends—and nearly vanished into silence. A story that started in Boston.
Once home to Woogie Harris, Pittsburgh’s first Black millionaire, this Hill District residence was far more than a house. Listed in the Green Book, it doubled as a speakeasy and sanctuary for icons like Joe Louis, Roberto Clemente, and Lana Turner. It also sheltered Mary Cardwell Dawson, the visionary founder of the National Negro Opera House, who broke barriers and opened stages for Black artists across the country.
Forgotten by time and nearly lost to decay, the house called out to preservationist Jonnet Solomon—and to Dawn Carroll, who was so moved by its story that she wrote 15 original songs with Grammy- nominated Jon Butcher. Dawn knew before the first song was complete, the project would evolve from an album to a stage production called “If the Walls Could Talk”. The first public reading kicked off 2025 Black History month and received standing ovations.
Songs for Mary is their journey: a mission to save a house, honor the legends who passed through it, and awaken the music that still lives within its walls.
It’s more than a performance—it’s a revival, a reckoning, and a tribute to Black brilliance that refuses to be forgotten.
Friday, August 1
Fireside Chat: Brother’s, Y'all Alright? Cigars, Cocktails & Conversations about The Power of Place
Highlighting the current state of Black Men’s health & wellness.
This is a pouring session. A chance for us to pour into each other: hope, inspiration, accolades.
RSVP A MUST
Hosted by: The Hon. Ludwig Gaines, Howard U. graduate
Facilitated by: Panelists: Gregory J. Vincent https://www.talladega.edu/uploadedFiles/File/vincent-bio.pdf served as the 21st President of Talladega College located in Talladega, Alabama / pending Dr. O'Shan Darius Gadsden* Chair, Psychology Department Chair & Associate Professor at Hampton University.
Welcoming Remarks by: Geraldine White, [ former ] Head of Diversity & Inclusion in North America for Publicis & Ti-Shea Meadows, Vice President, Operations, Channel Planning, & Culture, Paramount.
Suggested spirit [ Black Woman Owned ] New England Sweetwater
https://newenglandsweetwater.com/
o 7-8p open for a nightcap for the ladies
o Additional libations will be available
o Bring your favorite cigar / complimentary cigars will be offered while supplies last
o Location details will become available after rsvp.
Topics:
The panel and discussion are designed to provide a holistic experience for Black Men to impact them to their core & give them tools & strategies they can implement to better their lives and those around them. It is our duty to create a space for Black Men to build community, legacy, health, and wealth.
WORKING [ relevant ] TOPICS:
Courtney Vance brings Black men’s mental health issues to light
• https://baystatebanner.com/.../courtney-vance-brings.../
Black men are a hidden segment of caregivers. It's stressful but rewarding, too
• https://www.npr.org/.../caregiving-black-men-dementia-stress
• Relationships
• Sex
• Men's [ mental / physical ] Health
• Family Head [ family structure / Spirituality / finances ]
• Self Care / Love
• Pour Into You session - affirmation exercises
Friday, August 1st
Vineyard Haven 1st Friday's
10a-2p
We hold an artist market on Beach St Ext (the dead end where the Black Dog Tavern is) from where local artists sell their art.
5-8p Owen Park for the evening festivities:
9p - 11p
Sunday, July 27 - Saturday, August 2nd
IF you drive... ferry reservations USUALLY open in Jan/Feb FOR THE SUMMER MONTHS! Check @steamship authority https://m.steamshipauthority.com/ [MV Ferry] for updates! At some point I will be having a MV 101 "webinar" for First Time visitors!
Ferry port on the mainland is Woods Hole. There are 2 ports on the Island. [ you must say ON Martha's Vineyard...NOT in MV ] #1 Vineyard Haven and #2 Oak Bluffs.
A good start is www.weneedavacation.com for accomodations! This site strictly focuses on Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod, and Nantucket. When booking MV DO NOT Stay on the mainland..... if you see Falmouth or Mashpee, or Woods Hole... those are towns on the mainland. You want to be ONLY on Martha's Vineyard!
Use 11 Circuit Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 as a point of reference for distance as far as your accommodations. You TYPICALLY do NOT want to be more than 15 min. driving from that address.
Here are towns to consider:
Airport Code is MVY do NOT think Martha's Vineyard is Boston
Ask Carleen Cordwell <carleen168@gmail.com> for rental information as an additional resource 5083333078
Summer months reservation portal opens in Jan / Feb of 2025 https://www.steamshipauthority.com/reservations The Martha’s Vineyard reservation-only phone line is (508) 477-7447. You can still purchase an airline ticket. Airport code is MVY https://mvyairport.com/ Book your ferry [ if you can] for Sat. July 26 - Aug 2 or Sun July 27 - Aug 3, 2025
1/2
Two Funny Mamas: Sherri Shepherd & Kym Whitley Martha's Vineyard #1 w/ Sheryl Wesley | Two Funny Mamas #202
https://www.youtube.com/live/AA1agTlzX64?si=R9DSVZLCNRocY1UB
https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2024/07/25/celebrating-hbcu-legacy-island
Fireside Chat: Brother’s, Y'all Alright? Cigars, Cocktails & Conversations about The Power of Place
The panel and discussion are designed to provide a holistic experience for Black Men to impact them to their core & give them tools & strategies they can implement to better their lives and those around them. It is our duty to create a space for Black Men to build community, legacy, health, and wealth.
WORKING [ relevant ] TOPICS:
https://www.mvtimes.com/2024/08/14/comradery-in-the-community/
Details
https://events.eventnoire.com/e/2025s-mv-101-know-before-you-go-2
I don't know Everything... but I know a lot! :)
Let's Talk This Through!
July 27th - August 2nd
https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2023/07/19/oak-bluffs-town-column-july-21
What Destinations are Black Travelers Targeting in 2022? | TravelPulse
The Vineyard Vibe – Your Travel Guide to "Afro-Centric "Martha's Vineyard
Fourth Annual Legacy Week from the HBCU returns - The Martha's Vineyard Times (mvtimes.com)
Beach Excursions and Black History: Martha's Vineyard and More (sistersletter.com)
HBCU Legacy Week on the Vineyard Martha's Vineyard Times Calendar (mvtimes.com)
https://www.mvtimes.com/2018/07/24/legacy-week-hbcu/
https://divagalsdaily.com/best-month-marthas-vineyard-august-week-in-july/
https://mvol.com/events/hbcus-legacy-week-vineyard/
Legacy Week is created to engage, empower, and highlight the bond and value of the alumni and students from all Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
This will be the week that will have fun filled activities for family, friends, and fundraising. We're offering the opportunity to reconnect, relax, and recharge. See the link of our events from Summer, 2017. https://prezi.com/sicxwe_wy8b_/legacy-week-on-the-vineyard-2017/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
We develop brand enhancement strategies and appropriate messaging between corporations and HBCUs by cultivating activities and forums that promote financial, mental, and physical wellness while also creating solutions for social challenges in our communities.
Sheryl Wesley (508) 289-1803 Info@HBCUBrandPartners.com
Facebook: Legacy Week on the Vineyard
Instagram: LegacyweekonMV
Twitter: LegacyweekonMV
For More Info on Martha's Vineyard, Log onto www.mvy.com
Martha's Vineyard Black Business Directory www.ExperienceMarthasVineyard.com
2 Chainz, HBCU Graduate, Alabama State University