Sundays in August, Union Chapel is overflowing with Island visitors who come to give thanks for the blessing of being on this historic Island that is welcoming to all. In years past they have come to hear Rev. Charles Adams from Detroit, Rev. James Forbes from Riverside Church and Rev. Calvin Butts of Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church. These three giants of the gospel were leaders of flocks that number in the thousands in their respective churches preaching Black social gospel — putting the words of the Bible in context of the living conditions of every day life. Heaven on earth especially for the disinherited.
Today these “trilogy Sundays” are buoyed by Rev. Brandon Thomas Crowley of Myrtle Baptist, Rev. Otis Moss 3rd of Trinity United and Rev. Howard John Wesley from Alfred Street Baptist. These translators of the Gospel use metaphors, poetry, humor, satire and showmanship to inspire the congregation.
Accommodating the crowds is impossible but 200 chairs are ordered for the lawn around the chapel and many bring beach chairs to relax in the sun and some even share coffee and croissants while listening to the message and the music.
This past Sunday was especially riveting as the Secret Service swarmed the entrances securing the premises for Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who came to the service with her husband Dr. Patrick Jackson.
Union Chapel is an interdenominational summer place of worship but on these three Sundays it seemingly converts for just a moment to the Black church of old. There is musical and oratorical strength that provides a true sanctuary for those present. It is a protected space from the cruel outside world and at the same time an alter for thanksgiving and appreciation for the blessings of belonging and comfort on the Vineyard.
Shortly after service on Sunday, leaders of Black fraternities and sororities more popularly know as the Divine 9 Panhellenic Council convened at the Strand Theatre to discuss their collective strategy for voter outreach, voter turnout and voter protection in November. These organizations do not endorse political candidates but the prospect of electing Kamala Harris President of the United States was palpable. The excitement was historic. Zeta Phi Beta and Sigma Gamma Rho sororities hosted Vice President Harris this summer at their national conferences. Vice President Harris is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and Justice Brown attended the Delta Sigma Theta luncheon on Monday. It is quite possible that the Vineyard has connected personally with perhaps the two most powerful Black women in America.
James Hester curated one of his most exciting and informative events at the Tabernacle this past Thursday evening. Former attorney general Eric Holder introduced his wife Sharon Malone who is the author of her new book Grown Women’s Talk. Mr. Holder recently finished his duties as chair of the Vice Presidential search committee for the Kamala Harris ticket.
Ms. Malone was joined by friend and fellow author Michele Norris on stage to discuss their books. Several thousand turned out for event, which was hosted by Spike and Tonya Lee. Not too visible but very present was former First Lady Michelle Obama, a dear friend to the Holders.
Kudos to Dr. Cynthia Carter for hosting an intimate dinner party for Dr. David Thomas, the president of historic Morehouse College. Dr. Thomas was joined by trustees, A. Scott Bolden and Jim Castleberry, as well as Morehouse alum Sherman Smith. Earlier that day Henry Goodgame, senior vice president of external affairs was honored with the Lux Award by the Boston Alumni Chapter of Morehouse.
Dr. Thomas has raised more money for Morehouse than any previous president and much of the funding has been used to support student tuition. Dr. Thomas never forgot his own dilemma when confronted with two colleges that offered him admission. Morehouse did not offer him any tuition support but Yale gave him a full scholarship.
The eighth annual fundraiser for Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley from Massachusetts led by Bennie Wiley was held on the sprawling lawn of L. Duane and Debbie Jackson of Oak Bluffs. Ms. Pressley serves on the financial services committee and spoke about her audit review of banks that made investment promises in under-served communities after the death of George Floyd.
Floyd Rancin 3rd hosted his third annual C-Suite Black Men’s Luncheon at the Harbor View Hotel. Those present were treated to a panel of experts speaking on the issues of mental health and keys to an entrepreneurial and corporate success.
Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting.
Rest in Peace, Randall Edward Taylor.
