The Good Soles

Naina Lassiter Williams Wednesday, November 25 2020 - 2:24pm

During this past summer, a small group of lifelong friends began to ride bikes together in an effort to get exercise and enjoy one another’s company.

During this past summer, a small group of lifelong friends began to ride bikes together in an effort to get exercise and enjoy one another’s company. We happened to all be women, over 50 years old and Black. Our group was small and fluctuated in size depending on who was around to join us. In the midst of a pandemic, racial discord, political tensions and so much more strife in the world, our bike excursions on this very special Island provided some solace.

In early October, a small blurb appeared in the Gazette calendar titled Saturday Morning Hikes sponsored by the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation and the Vineyard Conservation Society. One of the women in our biking group mentioned this and we thought it would be a nice alternative.

The first hike listed was for Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary and a group of about 10 of us participated. For those who have hiked Cedar Tree Neck, you know how breathtakingly beautiful this trail is. All of us who walked that day were both wowed and hooked.

After our walk, while congregating in the parking lot and reflecting on the magnificence of our day, we decided to do a walk a week. Since our first outing, we have done just that.

With suggestions from William Flender’s wonderful guidebook Walking Trails of Martha’s Vineyard we chose Menemsha Hills Reservation for our second hike. During that walk, we were discussing our sneakers and someone commented that she had really good soles. We dubbed our group The Good Soles. Since that time, the size of our group has ebbed and flowed. We have had as few as three hikers, and as many as 18 — all socially distanced. Our explorations have included: Caroline Tuthill, Blackwater Pond, Mytoi Japanese Gardens, Waskosim’s Rock, Manaquayak Preserve, West Chop Woods, Quansoo Preserve, Fulling Mill Brook Preserve, and, most recently, Great Rock Bight Preserve.

At Great Rock Bight Preserve, amidst the dreariness of a gray day with brown leaves strewn along the path, we came across what appeared to be an altar with deliberately placed stones, a walking stick, feathers and brightly colored beads. What initially looked like a gravesite marking proved to be a plaque from the African-American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard which read: “Rebecca, Woman of Africa . . . Born in Africa and enslaved in Chilmark, she married Elisha Amos, a Wampanoag Man, was the mother of Nancy Michael, and died a free woman in this place in 1800.”

It was impactful to have happened upon this spot, particularly as a group of Black women whose good soles and good souls were walking freely on the shoulders of Rebecca and countless others.

We have enjoyed the gift of freedom, friendship, sisterhood (with an occasional male joining us) and the joys of socialization all while being cautious to comply with guidelines to be safe during these terribly, stressful times. Without a doubt, 2020 has been laden with challenges, worries, uncertainties, fears and, at times, gloom. But amidst the chaos and turmoil, there have been joyful moments. Martha’s Vineyard has many incredible vistas and we are fortunate to have organizations like Sheriff’s Meadow, the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank, Vineyard Conservation Society, the African-American Heritage Trail and others offering us the opportunity to explore and learn about the vast terrain and history of this amazing Island.

With the recent uptick in Covid-19 cases and the urge to not gather indoors, we have been able to continue our weekend walks, which have provided much-needed spiritual nourishment and fellowship. As we approach the season celebrated for giving gratitude, we are mindful of our abundance of gifts. We are so blessed to be on this magical and beautiful Island of Martha’s Vineyard with old and new friends and are grateful for all of the Island’s keepers.

Naina Lassiter Williams lives in Oak Bluffs.

Comments

Thank you! This beautifully

Vickee Adams Washington, DC

Thank you! This beautifully written article is tthe most fantastic story to read on Thanksgiving weekend. I salute the women, friends and sisters of Good Souls, I can’t wait to join you!

Thanks for sharing this

Marcene Mitchell

Thanks for sharing this wonderful story. The beautiful hiking trails of MV are one of the lesser known gems of the Island. A silver lining of this pandemic has been the opportunity to re-discover this natural beauty and deepen friendships along the way. Proud to be part of the Good Soles.

What a wonderful tribute to

Stephanie Daniel Philadelphia

What a wonderful tribute to friendship, resilience, and hidden gems of our special place.
And Happy Birthday!!

Beautifully written. I so

Darryl Williams

Beautifully written. I so enjoyed our hikes, the soothing balm of nature and the uplifting power of women. Thanks, Naina!

Thank you for a beautifully

Kendall Reid Oak Bluffs

Thank you for a beautifully written article Naina! I'm blessed to be a part of The Good Soles. As the group size ebbs and flows, I am enjoying making new friends each week, hiking these amazing trails, and learning more of the history of Martha's Vineyard.

Great article! Even better

Erin Goldson

Great article! Even better weekly ritual and group of women. Hope the tradition stays alive for many more summers to come!

Walking with the group of old

Liz Slaughter Oak Bluffs

Walking with the group of old and new friends is the highlight of my week. It means so much to be together and be safe when we can’t b we together. The Weekly meeting for hours of walking together in the crisp fall weather, crunching leaves as we maneuver the sometimes challenging hills and rocks, stopping to take in the spectacular island sights and its history bring joy and a smile to all of us. We are refreshed and renewed as we conclude our walk looking forward to our next meeting of Good Soles!

This is a wonderful tribute

Lynne Cowan Chevy Chase, MD

This is a wonderful tribute to the power of connection to one another and the natural beauty that surrounds us! We miss you in DC!!

Thank you for sharing your

Michele Fleming Suntree Florida

Thank you for sharing your wonderful article. I actually pictured the beauty of the vegetation. I miss the beauty of turning leaves during the fall.

And Sheriff’s Meadow

Adam Moore Chilmark

And Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation is grateful to the Good Soles. Thank you.

What a lovely tribute to what

Allyson Ward

What a lovely tribute to what has been just the emotional release and connection so sorely needed. Once again the island provides what is most needed.

It's a beautiful thing that

Lenny Durant Boston

It's a beautiful thing that you ladies are doing. Continue to discover....

Wonderful to see a tradition

Adrienne Childs

Wonderful to see a tradition in the making. Can't wait to join in. Keep on truckin' ladies.

A beautifully written article

Carol Sutton Lewis

A beautifully written article, Naina! What a delight to see that these hikes I’ve been hearing about have been immortalized in print. I love that the Good Soles are finding comfort in the island’s beauty and camaraderie with one another. This lifts all of our spirits. Bravo!!

Naina, thank you for sharing

Michelle Morris Weston New Rochelle, NY

Naina, thank you for sharing your reflections about the Good Soles! Can’t wait to join you in 2021!

The Island that keeps on

Sharon Lopez New York City

The Island that keeps on giving! This is a great artcle, thank you Naina!This pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways, and allowed us to do some things that we might not have had time, or attention for in the past. And to find the plaque dedicated to Rebecca, just wonderful!

Your story was beautiful and

lisa washington Washington DC

Your story was beautiful and inspiring!
This is motivating me to visit soon and join your group and others to explore the other side of “The Vineyard”!

Naina, your article is

Wendy Mason Silver Spring, MD

Naina, your article is beautifully written. When I was invited on your hike last month, I reneged because hiking is really not my thing; however, after reading this article, you have inspired me to broaden my horizons. Next year I’ will be on that hike.

Naina, what a beautifully

Susan Webb Maryland

Naina, what a beautifully written piece. What a wonderful experience for fellowship and exploration of history in these uncertain times. Enjoy-

Simple pleasures are the best

Yolanda Jones Washington, DC

Simple pleasures are the best! Naina, thank you for sharing this heart-warming experience; it is food for the soul.

Many thanks to the awesome

Judith Thornton Viera, Florida

Many thanks to the awesome souls of The Good Soles for sharing the beauty and wonder of nature, discovery and friendship. You inspire us.......

What a great article. I felt

Kiristin Eggett Melbourne, Florida

What a great article. I felt inspired after reading that a group of exploring African American women came across the marked gravesite of a woman born into slavery and dying a free woman. We know that “freedom is not free”.
God bless you all.

I am a bit struck by the fact

Carol Oak Bluffs

I am a bit struck by the fact that there are no calls for inclusion.
If I wrote that I was part of a group that did this or that, comprised of all white women, I would be called a racist.

Carol, clearly you missed the

Naina Williams Oak Bluffs

Carol...I mentioned we are all lifelong friends who happened to be Black and the particular impact that had while walking and encountering a plaque honoring a freed enslaved woman. There was never a mentioning of excluding anyone and perhaps you misinterpreted otherwise. Our walks have included men, our children, dogs, and white people as the composite of our group fluctuates weekly. Our common thread is that we are friends or friends of friends who have sought a way to be together, walk, converse, and find some joy in the midst of a pandemic on this beautiful island...that is all.

So true. Pointing out the

BCS OAK BLUFFS

So true. Pointing out the ethnicity of this group is inherently racist. Who cares. The story is about people enjoying themselves. Why can't it just be about that.

BCS and Carol,

Louise Boston and Edgartown

BCS and Carol,

Who cares? I care.

This story is about much more than people enjoying themselves. I am very grateful to Naina Williams for introducing me to the inspiring fellowship of the Good Soles and for reminding me of the many restorative rambles I've taken following William Flender's guide. As we enter a season of long nights spent distanced from friends and family, she offers strength and hope to get us through.

I'm White and don't see anything exclusionary or racist in Ms. William's telling us that she and her friends are Black. (Really??) When she mentioned Great Rock Bight Preserve, I immediately wondered if the Good Soles had come upon the plaque honoring Rebecca and, if so, how it made them feel. I glad she told me. The memorial hits me in a different way. I'm reminded that my forbears in New York at that time enslaved women like Rebecca. Race and background affect the way we both see Rebecca's memorial. It is entirely relevant and important to acknowledge.

You didn't object to pointing

Anna Boston

You didn't object to pointing out that they are women and over 50. Ms. Williams is describing the demographics of her group. They are primarily women, over 50, and black. Of those 3 accurate descriptors, you only foolishly complain about "black." It is not racist to say that a person is black if said person is, indeed, black. What is racist is believing black is somehow inferior and acting on that assumption. And telling a black person not to use a word that describes herself.

Anna, that needed to be said.

Rita Edg/South Orange

Anna, that needed to be said. Thank you.

Naina, thank you so much for

Judy Bacon Washington, DC

Naina, thank you so much for a wonderful article. I have followed all of your walks from your Facebook postings. Please keep up with the pictures. I wish I was there on the island to join your group. This year my family was fortunate enough to return to the island in late September. Due to cold, wet and windy weather caused by hurricane sitting out in the sea, my daughter and I set out with our guidebook and visited many that you mentioned: Fulling Mill and Blackwater Pond. In the summer we are in such a rush to get to the beach we all forget that Martha’s Vineyard is full of so much hidden beauty. Keep up with the walks!!
This will inspire all of us to experience much more on our next M. V. visit

Such good vibes reading this

Dee Hamden

Such good vibes reading this in touch physically and mentally with nature walking and biking on island. It’s nice to see a group of women connecting to the unfancy of the normal social scene on the Vineyard ... this is awesome ! I would enjoy participating next Summer as I’m a biker and a Walker ! Awesome sauce ladies and occasional gentlemen !

9A, what a lovely piece,

DGrain Sarasota/VH

9A, what a lovely piece, thank you for sharing the story!

Such a beautifully written

Cyndi Newton Sherman Oaks CA

Such a beautifully written commentary on a beautiful island. Thank you, Naina, for including us all on your beautiful hikes.

This beautifully-written

Rita Woodard Edgartown / South Orange

This beautifully-written piece drew me in right away, and inspired me to take more hikes. There are so many treats along the paths, such as the comfort of walking in silence with a longtime friend or the reminder to pause & notice that a gust of wind can make music in the treetops. It’s also fun to chat & catch up in ways we seem to not find enough time for.

I was reminded of the hikes around the island I’ve taken with our kids since they were toddlers, and with girlfriends in our middle age+. Our daughter is now 25 and she takes her girlfriends on hikes.

Naina, stories such as this keep on giving. My neighbor read this and started a hiking group with her girlfriends (and an occasional

Louise, thank you for your reactions to the piece & your family history of owning enslaved people. I especially appreciated your comment, “Race and background affect the way we both see Rebecca's memorial. It is entirely relevant and important to acknowledge.”

FYI, information about Rebecca Amos is on this website:

https://mvafricanamericanheritagetrail.org/trail-sites/rebecca-amos/

Great story, Naina! What a

Terry Philadelphia/OB

Great story, Naina! What a great group of people and fun experiences. I hope I can join you again soon!

Naina, thank you for writing

Jennifer B DaSilva Edgartown

Naina, thank you for writing this article. Our Sunday hikes with the Good Soles as we explore the nature and beauty of the island fuel me for the week.

To be a part of the good

Karen James Oak Bluffs

To be a part of the good soles, for me has been one of the brightest of silver linings during an otherwise dark time. I treasure the sisterhood of old friends but I so appreciate the great diversity represented each week as our sole group continues to ebb & flow with new souls & children of souls. And to share this beautiful fellowship in a place that has a history so meaningful to these souls is a joy & privilege.

Such a win-win-win for us all

Shelley Christiansen Oak Bluffs

Such a win-win-win for us all. Fresh air, nature, exercise. Best of all: New friendships germinated. Old friendships deepened. This island never ceases to amaze me with new blessings.

The Good Soles

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