Education, connection and food were on the menu during the Taste of Juneteenth Sunday afternoon. Hosted by the NAACP of Martha’s Vineyard, the annual event widened its scope this year.
Food and justice were on the menu at the third annual Taste of Juneteenth on Sunday.
Celebrations Return to Mark Juneteenth Holiday
Union Chapel congregation members make their way down to Inkwell beach in Oak Bluffs.
Union Chapel congregation members make their way down to Inkwell beach in Oak Bluffs.
Dr. Frances Gaskin getting into the water with the help of Knowhere Art Gallery owner Valerie Francis.
Dr. Frances Gaskin getting into the water with the help of Knowhere Art Gallery owner Valerie Francis.
Healing and prayer by the ocean during the march to the beach.
Healing and prayer by the ocean during the march to the beach.
Toni Kauffman speaks to the crowd at Taste of Juneteenth held at the PA Club.
Toni Kauffman speaks to the crowd at Taste of Juneteenth held at the PA Club.
Freedom Cartwright was the keynote speaker at the Taste of Juneteenth.
Freedom Cartwright was the keynote speaker at the Taste of Juneteenth.
![[l-r] Tre Smith, Quiana Higgins, and Arlene Kelly in line for the Gospel Brunch.](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/gallery/2025/06/23/re_l-r_tre_smith_quiana_higgins_arlene_kelly_062225_021_0.jpg?itok=Jl8DQ01e "[l-r] Tre Smith, Quiana Higgins, and Arlene Kelly in line for the Gospel Brunch.")
[l-r] Tre Smith, Quiana Higgins, and Arlene Kelly in line for the Gospel Brunch.
![[l-r] Tre Smith, Quiana Higgins, and Arlene Kelly in line for the Gospel Brunch.]( /sites/default/files/gallery/2025/06/23/re_l-r_tre_smith_quiana_higgins_arlene_kelly_062225_021_0.jpg "[l-r] Tre Smith, Quiana Higgins, and Arlene Kelly in line for the Gospel Brunch.")
[l-r] Tre Smith, Quiana Higgins, and Arlene Kelly in line for the Gospel Brunch.
Guests fill the buffet line at the Gospel Brunch.
Guests fill the buffet line at the Gospel Brunch.
Allie & Paryss serenade guests at the gospel brunch at the Edgartown Yacht Club.
Allie & Paryss serenade guests at the gospel brunch at the Edgartown Yacht Club.
Joan Higginbotham, right, talks about her career as an astronaut.
Joan Higginbotham, right, talks about her career as an astronaut.
Karida Brown, left, talks about her book with Shane Evans.
Karida Brown, left, talks about her book with Shane Evans.
Barbara Eastman and Amber Henry unveil the new plaque at the Dragonfly House for the African American Heritage Trail.
Barbara Eastman and Amber Henry unveil the new plaque at the Dragonfly House for the African American Heritage Trail.
Dr. Lorna Andrade speaks to the crowd at the Juneteenth flag-raising at The Tabernacle.
Dr. Lorna Andrade speaks to the crowd at the Juneteenth flag-raising at The Tabernacle.
![[l-r] Tre Smith, Quiana Higgins, and Arlene Kelly in line for the Gospel Brunch.](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_200x133_/public/gallery/2025/06/23/re_l-r_tre_smith_quiana_higgins_arlene_kelly_062225_021_0.jpg?itok=VcWaTJbp "[l-r] Tre Smith, Quiana Higgins, and Arlene Kelly in line for the Gospel Brunch.")
Martha's Vineyard celebrated Juneteenth this weekend with events all around the Island. Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in 2021 to commemorate the day slaves in Texas learned of the Emancipation Proclamation.