‘Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard’ stars all-Black cast vacationing on the island
Bravo is welcoming a new reality series that’s taking viewers to The Vineyard.
“Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard,” a spinoff of “Summer House,” stars an all-Black cast of friends vacationing in Martha’s Vineyard, an island south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. According to Deadline, the show – which premieres May 7 – is centered around newlyweds Jasmine and Silas Cooper who have invited new and old friends “to vacation with them in Martha’s Vineyard and are now trying to figure things out in a house full of hot, successful urban professionals.”
The show also stars Nicholas “Nick” Arrington, Jordan Emanuel, Bria Fleming, Shanice Henderson, Amir Lancaster, Jason Lyke, Preston Mitchum, Summer Marie Thomas and Alex Tyree.
Martha’s Vineyard – known for its beautiful and calming scenery, beaches, and colorful gingerbread cottages – is a known summertime escape for the rich and famous. The location has a particularly unique tie-in to African American history.
According to Vox, during the 20th-century segregationists around America would, quite literally, draw lines in the sands of beaches to delineate which areas Black folks could occupy. They were further turned away from public beaches and amusement parks, sanctioning summertime fun only to those of lighter complexions. When Victor H. Green’s “The Negro Motorist Green Book” was written and published, a Black-owned inn called Shearer Cottage in Oak Bluffs was noted as a safe place for African Americans to visit while at Martha’s Vineyard.
In 1783, Massachusetts became the first state to abolish slavery. African Americans who had the means to do so, were already making a living in the state by building businesses, which contributed to their livelihoods.
“Martha’s Vineyard was part of the underground railroad, so it was known as a safe and welcoming community for African Americans,” said Nancy Gardella, executive director of Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, to Vox. “They didn’t feel entirely welcome in other beach enclaves.”
As more Black people made their way to Oak Bluffs in the 1800s, they began to build the gingerbread cottages Martha’s Vineyard is known for. The thriving population of African Americans prompted families from Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Hartford, Connecticut; New York; and Boston to make their way to the island.
Today, Martha’s Vineyard is still a popular destination for Black families during vacationing seasons. The African-American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard, which has been active for 25 years, details the important history of African Americans on the island by way of educational tours. Once you’ve gotten a comprehensive history of the island, support these Black-owned businesses while exploring the island.
Martha’s Vineyard Island Life Studio
Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. When she’s not working on a story, Roshae enjoys cooking, watching and analyzing reality TV, and spending time with family and friends.
This story was originally published April 6, 2023 at 12:13 PM with the headline "‘Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard’ stars all-Black cast vacationing on the island."