The Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest is in its 11th year here on the Vineyard. It has truly been an entrepreneurial effort as the founders have struggled for resources to recruit top talent, provide lodging and transportation and mount a sustained marketing campaign.
But this year the Hyatt Corporation hosted a reception at Atria to announce they they will become the lead corporate sponsor for this much- enjoyed show.
Tyronne Stoudemire, recently named global vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, took to the microphone at the announcement and shared that supporting the festival was part of a comprehensive strategy to support black and brown entrepreneurs by increasing their minority purchasing procurement, supplier diversity spend, promoting women and people of color to senior level positions in the company and delivering high quality service worldwide. Those in attendance were reminded that during the civil rights movement Hyatt was the only hotel in Atlanta that invited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his integrated equity committee to meet for lunch to move the city forward.
Congratulations to Dr. Thelma Johnson, president of the Martha’s Vineyard branch of the Study of African American Life and History on the smashing success of her luncheon last week. The theme, Black Health and Wellness, provided the backdrop for a vigorous discussion among a stellar assemblage of medical professionals including Dr. Louise Baxter, Dr. Dirk Johnson, Dr. George Branche, lll and Dr. Deans Jones . Can’t wait until next year!
Ann Smith at Featherstone has unfolded an eclectic exhibit: Celebrating Black Female Creativity with guest curator Dr. Adrienne Childs. The exhibit can be seen in the Francine Kelly Gallery until Sept. 5. It features works by Barbara Delany, Dena Porter, Daryl Alexander, Martha Mae Jones, Jennifer Smith Turner and Michaele Christian!
The residents of Massachusetts celebrate the hard work on constituent services delivered by Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley in Washington, D.C. and are excited about her visit to the Vineyard over the next week. Her campaign will be coming to West Tisbury with Flash and Bennie Wiley this Saturday. On August 17 at 4 p.m., she will headline a panel at Union Chapel that focuses on Voting Rights: The Struggle Continues. It is free and open to the public!
On Thursday, August 18, national television commentator Bakari Sellers will be moderating a panel at Union Chapel about Black Philantropy. Big causes and small impact projects that encourage civic and social uplifting will be explored.
The Boston chapter of the Girl Friends, Inc. will be holding their annual Lobsterfest Scholarship luncheon at Deon’s this coming Monday. It has been sold out every year since its inception 16 years ago.
A private memorial was held this past week for island grande dame Bettye Fletcher Comer. She was remembered by her many friends as a women of purpose and refined dignity. Former Yale chaplain Rev. Dr. Frederick Streets provided words of comfort for her husband Dr. Jim Comer and family. All were excited to see Ron and Judy Davenport in attendance. They flew in from the Hamptons for the occasion.
Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting!
