Martha’s Vineyard has a rich and diverse history with people of color. During Black History month, we will be taking a look at different interesting parts of the story from today back thru island history. We begin our Black History MV series by celebrating Black History Month on Martha’s Vineyard with a look at Black-owned businesses.
Celebrating Black History Month On Martha’s Vineyard: A Look At Black-Owned Businesses – Restaurants And Dining
You can get some of the best food on the island from Black-owned restaurants and kitchens. We have a couple of our favorites here that are open year-round.
Edgartown Diner: Owned by Ralston Francis, located at 65 Main Street in Edgartown, next to the movie theater, you find delicious classic breakfast and lunch dishes and some with a Caribbean twist. My kids like to come here. Ralston has a “Funny Face” pancake that always makes them smile. Also, the staff here is incredible.
Chef Deon at the VFW: We have been loving Chef Deon’s food since the days of The Cornerway in Chilmark. No one does jerk chicken and Mac and cheese like Chef Deon! For a number of years, he has been serving up incredible food at the VFW in Oak Bluffs. Though only takeout, at the moment, this is a kitchen to add to your takeout rotation, click here to see a menu that is going to impress you.
Vineyard Caribbean Cuisine: Owned by Newton Waite and Anthony Foster, located on Circuit Avenue Extension, next to Juice By the Sea, across from the back of the Sand Bar, you will find Vineyard Caribbean Cuisine. Here you can feast on some delicious traditional Jamaican dishes. My favorite from here is definitely the rice and beans and the ox tail is really good too. It’s nice to be able to get something different!
Celebrating Black History Month On Martha’s Vineyard: A Look At Black-Owned Businesses – Retail Shops
Shopping – a favorite past time for many Islanders and visitors alike. The island is well known for a number of its shops. Shopping local is more important now than ever. Here is a selection of popular Black-owned retail shops that are a must to visit.
Sideline: For years, India Rose has had the idea of the perfect sports bag for the parent/fan cheering their player on from the sideline. During COVID, she found the time to dedicate to the design and create the bag. While in the process, she also developed a new sports-centric brand, Sideline, and even opened a store on Main Street in Vineyard Haven.
The motto of Sideline is “Ambition Fuels the Journey.” Many people want to get to the finish line, the end result. However, it is the work, the journey that gets you to your goal that makes it count. It is the drive to compete, to accomplish, to succeed in the journey. This is what the Sideline brand is about, the excitement of the work that goes into achieving your goal. For more about Sideline, check out We Love MV: Sideline – Ambition Fuels the Journey.
Lenox & Harvey: Next to CB Stark and Sideline, you will find Lenox & Harvey General Goods. Owners Mark Chung and Eric Coles have carefully curated this general goods store with some of the chicest home goods and accessories around.
During the warmer months, the door to the shop is usually open, and you’ll hear some great music playing, smell a fabulous scent from one of their candles, and usually laughter. It’s always fun to visit this shop. Though closed for the season, you can shop Lenox & Harvey 24/7 on their website.
C’est la Vie: Owned by Roger & Jennifer Schilling, a favorite shopping destination on Circuit Avenue, you will find an eclectic collection of clothing, accessories, and housewares. This is a great place to find your Oak Bluffs merchandise, zip code hats, Inkwell t-shirts, and more. You’ll usually find Roger or Jen at the shop, and both are great to spend time talking with.
These are only a few of the Black-owned businesses on Martha’s Vineyard. For a comprehensive list, visit Martha’s Vineyard Black-Owned Business Listing at Experience Martha’s Vineyard digital magazine.
Celebrating Black History Month On Martha’s Vineyard Thru Film
*The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival is celebrating Black History Month with films daily that highlight Black stories and creators. Click here to learn more and see today’s feature.
Supporting Black-owned businesses is only one way to celebrate the Island’s diversity. There are also artists to enjoy, authors to read and so much more. Thank you for reading Black History MV, a special month-long focus of We Love MV – our ongoing series capturing the spirit of Martha’s Vineyard year-round.
We hope you are staying safe during these times, and if you are not on the Island, you can still support many of the businesses you love online. Please don’t forget to “Like” Point B Realty on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Linked In, Pinterest, Youtube and Instagram.
Also, thank you to all those who voted for us for Point B Realty for Best Real Estate Company 2020 and for the Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite Best Charity Event Runner-Up 2020, click here to vote for Best of the Vineyard 2021!
