The Martha’s Vineyard Diversity Coalition, in partnership with the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, will kick off its annual Truth & Joy Celebration on Thursday, July 18th at 5 PM, with a one-hour concert featuring the fabulous voice of guest star: Theresa Thomason and special guest Henrique Eisenmann. Theresa is well known for her superb performances internationally and will bring us together with the feeling of “Joy” to celebrate our diversity. We are thrilled to have her on our Island! Tickets are $40, and will benefit the MV Museum.

Click here to purchase tickets.

The evening will begin at 5PM when we will be “Honoring the People of Noepe” with a film that was developed by our MVDC Education Committee in tribute to the Island’s Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribal family, and we will be introducing the audience to our Elder History Project and music video “CHANGE”. The evening will also feature a Silent Auction featuring works by island artists including Allen Whiting, Brooke Adams, Washington Ledesma, Sandy Pimentel & Traeger DiPietro, who will feature a piece created in partnership with the children at Sense of Wonder Camp in Vineyard Haven. Wine and light bites will be served. Download the event flyer here.

On Saturday, July 20th from 12 Noon to 5 PM, we invite everyone to join us at the MVCMA Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs for our annual MVDC Cultural Diversity Fair & Celebration. Make it a picnic afternoon with lunch from a variety of food vendors, or stop in and enjoy music from the following: 2:00pm, local pianist Molly Sturges; 3:00 pm, local musician Sean McMahon; 4:00 pm, Allie & Paryss, a very talented Oak Bluffs musician couple. The event flyer is available here.

Folks will also have the opportunity to browse our FREE cultural diversity fair to shop Island merchandise, appreciate local art and artisans, and visit tables with representatives from various Island organizations who are dedicated to equity, inclusion, and diversity.

Donations to MVDC are welcomed at all events, and the MVDC’s mission remains to “lay the groundwork to eradicate racism.” Through our committees, we focus on health disparities, criminal justice, and education. With our community partners, we are building a community that embraces Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our work includes workshops, consultations, and projects that promote understanding, collaboration, unity, trust, and respect for all people.