There's More to Martha's Vineyard

The 45-minute ferry ride from the southern edge of Massachusetts to Martha’s Vineyard is full of excitement.

The Wi-Fi is spotty, so people are talking and the atmosphere is buzzing. There’s anticipation for the events you will attend, the old friends you will see, and the new connections you will make. 

“The atmosphere feels almost like Christmas—charged with a palpable sense of excitement,” says Imani Moody ’17, a consultant based in Washington, D.C. and a long-time visitor to Martha’s Vineyard.

The journey to the island sparks excitement and nostalgia, however, Martha’s Vineyard is more than its pop culture surface- Moody says it’s a multifaceted place with great historical significance. A legacy of Black history was built in Oak Bluffs, a neighborhood that served as a reprieve from discrimination for African Americans in the 20th century. Inkwell Beach, located in Oak Bluffs, is similarly significant, being a place of community and tradition that remains to this day. 

When Duke collaborated with Duke Black Alumni (DBA) on the idea of hosting an annual event, Martha’s Vineyard was the obvious choice. Intentionally holding the events in Oak Bluffs, this decision continues to celebrate a space for connections and history, Moody says.

“The event is like a home base,” she says. “We’re all back together.” 

With various universities, Greek life organizations and professional industries celebrating Illumination in Martha’s Vineyard during August, Duke’s first event was held jointly with Syracuse University to be part of the festivities. Moody notes how the event directly resonated with many attendees, including Moody’s mother and fellow Blue Devil, Fatimah Muhammad-Moody M.B.A.’97 (also a Syracuse alum).

“The event was so special,” Moody says. “There were others who had similar connections, it was like a reunion.” 

The multiday event was a success, leading Duke to explore the university’s presence in 2024, highlighting Black history, hosting panels and incorporating Duke faculty from the African and African American Studies department, such as Dr. Mark Anthony Neal and Ninth Wonder, as speakers. The event quickly became a highly sought-after Duke alumni experience. 

A member of Duke Next G.E.N., an alumni leadership council for graduates from the last 15 years, and DBA, Moody looks forward to new ways the event can connect young and diverse alums with their extended Duke communities. 

Duke and DBA plan to continue the tradition in 2025, much to new and established attendees’ delight. Open to exploring partnerships with other universities and continuing to encourage the intergenerational aspect of the event, Duke’s collaboration with alumni remains dedicated to creating a sense of belonging. As Duke explores new avenues to celebrate community and the history of Martha’s Vineyard, Moody has marked her calendar.

“It’s a reunion about coming back to our roots, to our connection to Duke’s values, in a place that’s historically significant to our community.” 

August 2024 Event: 

Duke and DBA partnered with AAAS, an academic department committed to the discourse around social justice and the awareness of intersections between how race, gender, sexuality and class operate in the lives of people from the African Diaspora.