Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson graced the grounds of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum on Saturday afternoon with a reading and extensive interview with Prof. Henry Louis Gates in front of over 400 people. The bright sun and crystal clear sky framed the beauty of the event.

The program was opened by David Grain, board chair of the museum who recognized the importance of museums hosting and sharing historic events. He also noted that given her voice and values expressed in her opinions perhaps Justice Jackson has begun a new era on the Court.

All were especially pleased to greet Pamela Ogletree and family who came from Maryland to honor her husband the late Prof. Charles Ogletree whose life and legacy is celebrated by creating this public forum and others every summer. The Charles Ogletree Public Forum Series is sponsored by the Union Chapel Educational and Cultural Institute.

Congratulations to the leadership of the Kellogg Foundation as they hosted their first public forum at Union Chapel. Media professional Trymaine Lee was on the ground reporting when Hurricane Katrina struck some decades ago and created a compassionate documentary called Hope and High Water which looks at what happened 20 years ago in New Orleans and how it has impacted the Crescent City today.

La June Montgomery Tabron, the president and CEO of the foundation, described the longterm investment that her organization is making to address trauma, nutrition, health and community development in New Orleans. Their financial investment in New Orleans is impressive. See you next year.

Boston Medical Center continues to lead the nation in designing and implementing programs addressing health equity by connecting it to developing wealth in urban markets across the country. The panel of Rene Jones, Alastair Bell, Demond Martin and Myechia Minter-Jordan was extraordinary. It was also the first time that Dr. Minter-Jordan was introduced to the public as the new CEO of AARP. She is a nationally respected physician, business leader and health care policy leader. The surprise of the event was the presence of actress, model and entertainer Nicole Ari Parker as moderator.

Morehouse trustee Jim Casselberry of Chicago introduced the Vineyard to the new Morehouse president, Dr. Fredrick DuBois Bowman who will succeed Dr. David Thomas as the leader of this venerable institution. The occasion was a dinner and program hosted by Freada Kapor Klein and Mitch Kapor, which rolled out the “Making Men of Consequence” fundraising campaign to support the expansion, growth and educational vision for Morehouse College. The campaign comes on the heels of the popular video sponsored by Ralph Lauren, which connects leisure fashion with the styles and history of the African American presence on Martha’s Vineyard. Go Tigers.

The C-Suite Men’s Luncheon, Bonds of Brotherhood, was created by Floyd Rance, co-founder of the African American Film Festival. The event saw over 150 gents coming together in unity. The program featured a conversation with basketball legend Dwayne Wade, now global ambassador for the new fragrance Intuition by Aramis. Many were moved by Floyd sharing how he and his wife, Stephanie, started the film festival on a shoe string with limited resources while at the same time the couple was starting their young family. He thanked two unnamed men who volunteered with them to expand the festival simply because they wanted to help. Both men have since died. Floyd could not have been more appreciative of the blessings he has received and encouraged all to be humble, respectful and gracious. A wonderful morning was experienced by all.

Waldo Faulkner lost his beloved Rita this past year and continued her memorial services by hosting a moving and inspiring sea tribute aboard the vessel Nantucket Sound. The boat took all from Vineyard Haven to Menemsha where Rita’s ashes were sprinkled in the water surrounded by roses thrown in by some 20 or so people in attendance. Readings by friends, music from Curtis Mayfield and Whitney Houston, and poems and praise were included in the service. At the end of the program the traditional “eight bells” end of the watch were rung and followed by a cannon shot . Capt. Brad White officiated. Rest in peace Rita.

Rev. Jamal Bryant of Atlanta gave an inspiring sermon at the Tabernacle last Sunday. A new format of praise and worship and wonderful music was featured there curated by Bishop Rodney Sampson. Many are excited about his upcoming worship services at the Tabernacle.

Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as time is fleeting.

Rest in peace , Randall Edward Taylor.