Traveling to culturally significant locations: 6 points - Taylor Leslie

This past summer, I traveled to Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, a town that holds deep cultural and historical significance within Black American life. Oak Bluffs has long served as a gathering spot where Black families, professionals, creatives, and leaders have been able to experience leisure and community, which is often in contrast to the exclusion they have historically faced in other destinations. Visiting a town with such a legacy showed me how travel can be an act of cultural preservation and affirmation.

What made the experience especially meaningful was the strong presence of HBCU pride and Divine Nine representation throughout the community. Everywhere I turned, someone had HBCU or Greek paraphernalia on. The day I visited Inkwell beach, I met several Spelhouse alum. This showed me that Oak Bluffs continues to function as a safe haven for Black excellence, leadership, and connection.

- Taylor Leslie