Cultural Expansion, Visiting Martha's Vineyard, MA - Arielle Kinch

 

This summer, I had the opportunity to visit Martha’s Vineyard, a tradition my family and I uphold every year. While the island is known for its scenic beauty and coastal charm, it also holds deep cultural and historical significance for Black Americans. Visiting the Vineyard each year has become more than a family getaway; it is a journey of cultural connection and reflection. Martha’s Vineyard, particularly the town of Oak Bluffs, has long been a haven for Black families, artists, and thinkers seeking community and rest in spaces that once excluded us. Walking along Inkwell Beach and exploring the shops and cottages that have been passed down for generations reminded me of the importance of preserving spaces built by and for our community. One of the most profound moments of this trip was visiting Aquinnah, home to the island’s stunning clay cliffs. Historically, this area was a hub for the whaling industry—a livelihood that once provided economic stability for both the Wampanoag people and free Black mariners. Standing there, overlooking the vast ocean, I was reminded of the resilience that has long defined our people’s survival and prosperity. Through this annual trip, I’ve come to appreciate the Vineyard as a cultural landmark that embodies Black joy, history, and legacy. It reinforces the Githii Honors Program’s mission of cultivating spaces where women of African descent can connect with their heritage while engaging intellectually and emotionally with the world around them. This experience continues to expand my cultural awareness and inspires me to honor the traditions that have sustained our communities across generations.

- By Arielle Kinch