Celebrating Black History Month On Martha’s Vineyard: A Look At Black-Owned Businesses

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 continue our Black History MV series by celebrating Black History Month on Martha’s Vineyard with a look at a number of 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. Last year, Winston’s Kitchen opened its doors. Open year round, it has become one of the community’s favorite places to grab a bite for takeout.

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. Open seasonally

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 – click here to see a menu that is going to impress you. Open year-round.

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! Open year round.

There are even more fabulous restaurants to choose from including Biscuits, Flavors MV, Sarah Browns and more. 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: 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: Sideline is a motivational sportswear and streetwear brand where Ambition Fuels The Journey. Sideline is owned by India Rose, In addition to her shop, India is a business consultant and motivational speaker. Her energy and passion can be found in her brand and you can understand her motto written above. The Sideline store can be found at 49 Main Street in Vineyard Haven. Click here to learn how the Sideline journey began.

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 retail 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: Galleries and More

In addition to great shopping and food, there are a number of galleries, photographers, and artists. Whether you are looking for a photographer or to find the perfect painting for your home, here are some places to visit.

Taste Select Repeat: Oak Bluffs Summer resident, OJ Lima, is the co-founder of Taste Select Repeat, The Modern Liquor Store, which is a membership online liquor store for discerning bourbon and whiskey drinkers. OJ and his partner Pierre Auguste have traveled near and far to find distinct, hand-picked whiskeys and bourbons, and now offer them to other fans who want to experience carefully curated barrel picks.

During the Summer, you can host a private tasting party with OJ and his company Neat Rocks Cocktails. It is a memorable experience for those who enjoy craft spirits. Learn more in our On Point MV blog, Elevate Your Bourbon Experience with Neat Rocks Cocktail.

Cousen Rose Gallery: Located on Upper Circuit Avenue, Cousen Rose is Owned by Ms. Zita Cousens. This well known spot is “more than just a gallery”. Here you will find incredible works of art and often in the Summer guest speakers and performances. It’s a wonderful spot to gather. Open seasonally.

Knowhere Art & Center of Knowhere: The Center of Knowhere is located on Upper Circuit Avenue and Center of Knowhere is located in the Arts District on Dukes County Avenue. The two spaces showcase a diverse collection of art. You will also find other happenings at the galleries during the Summer and Fall.

These are just a couple locations for artist and craftsmen finds. For a comprehensive list, visit Martha’s Vineyard Black-Owned Business Listing at Experience Martha’s Vineyard digital magazine.

Supporting Black-owned businesses is only one way to celebrate the Island’s diversity. There are also freelance artists to enjoy, authors to read, music to savor and so much more.

Thanks for reading On Point MV, Black History MV. Also be sure to check out We Love MV  our ON POINT MV Blog series capturing the spirit of Martha’s Vineyard year-round. We hope you are staying safe during these times. Please don’t forget to “Like” Point B Realty on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Linked In, Pinterest, Youtube and Instagram.

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