Celebrating the rich legacy of HBCUs: A spotlight on Legacy Week on the Vineyard
Central State University's legacy runs deep locally and across the nation. Today, we proudly share an insightful article by Emma Kilbride, highlighting the vibrant celebration of HBCU culture during the seventh annual Legacy Week on Martha's Vineyard. This event, running from July 29 to Aug. 3, 2024, brings together HBCU students, alumni, friends, and families from across the United States to honor the rich traditions and enduring legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Bethany Lynn Williams, a Central State University alumna and a former seasonal resident of Vineyard Haven, describes the week as a time to recapture the unique camaraderie and empowering educational experiences that HBCUs offer. The event, spearheaded by organizer Sheryl Wesley, includes a range of activities such as culinary adventures, networking opportunities, and cultural experiences, all designed to celebrate and nurture Black spaces.
“I’ve always been passionate about the HBCU experience. The camaraderie of people who looked like me, and people who were excited about education like me . . . it struck something in me.”
Bethany Lynn WilliamsCentral State University Alumna
Legacy Week is inspired by the longstanding "Bison on the Vineyard" tradition of Howard University and is supported by numerous local businesses, many featured in the Island's Black-Owned Business Directory. The event also highlights the rich artistic contributions of the Black community, with an art stroll led by Morgan State graduate Valerie A. Cooper.
For more on this inspiring celebration and to explore the full details of Legacy Week, visit the original article here. Join us in celebrating the enduring culture and community spirit of HBCUs in Ohio and across the nation.
