THE
GATHERING
Vineyard Ease
Martha’s Vineyard | July 18–24, 2027
Rooted in community. Centered in rest.
Join the Charter Interest ListA new Vineyard tradition is taking shape.
Why We Gather
A tradition worth
expanding.
For generations, Black travelers have gathered on Martha’s Vineyard for more than a vacation. We come because there is something powerful about being surrounded by our community.
We come to reconnect with people we know, meet people we don’t, share space, celebrate culture, build relationships, and experience the Vineyard together.
That sense of belonging is one of the reasons August has become such a meaningful tradition for so many of us. And for years, many of us have talked about the need to create new experiences outside of August.
To gather at different times. To build new traditions. To create more opportunities for us to experience the Vineyard together.
Now, we’re doing something about it.
Meet Your Host
Dr. Shinair K. Francis
I’m so glad you’re here.
The Gathering: Vineyard Ease was created from a simple belief—there is power in community and magic in gathering with intention.
I’ve spent my career bringing people together, building spaces where they can learn, grow, connect, and feel seen. Now, I’m bringing that same heart to Martha’s Vineyard.
I can’t wait to welcome you.
Introducing
The Gathering
The Gathering: Vineyard Ease is a curated week centered on:
Community
Connection
Culture
Intentional Rest
This is not about recreating August.
It is about expanding the tradition.
The Experience
What the week may feel like
Examples of the kinds of experiences being considered — not a final schedule.
Welcome Gathering
A curated welcome experience with bites, sips, and a welcome bag
Inkwell Beach meetups
Afternoons by the water
Yoga and wellness
Slow, restorative mornings
Heritage Trail experiences
African American history of the island
Group nature walks
Trails, ponds, and quiet company
Curated conversations
Guest speakers and small circles
Shared meals
Long tables, no rush
Menemsha sunsets
The island's oldest ritual
Some moments will be planned. Others will simply give us space to be together.
Because the heart of this experience is not a schedule. It is community.
Rest is part of
the experience.
The Gathering is intentionally designed to leave room in the week.
- Room to sit by the water.
- Room to explore the Vineyard.
- Room to reconnect with old friends.
- Room to meet someone new.
- Room to enjoy a slow morning.
- Room to do absolutely nothing.
We are creating a week that allows community and rest to exist together.
Travel & Lodging
Plan Your Vineyard Ease
Getting here is part of the experience.
Whether this is your first trip to Martha’s Vineyard or you’ve been coming for years, we’ve gathered a few things to help you plan your week with ease.
The Gathering: Vineyard Ease at Martha’s Vineyard | July 18–24, 2027
We’ll handle the Gathering.
You handle the getaway.
Book your stay, make your travel plans, and leave some room to simply enjoy the Vineyard.
Join the Charter Interest ListSponsors & Vendors
Partner with The Gathering
Support. Connect. Be Part of Something Meaningful.
The Gathering: Vineyard Ease is a curated Martha’s Vineyard experience centered on community, connection, culture, and intentional rest.
For our inaugural 2027 experience, we are inviting a select group of businesses, organizations, and brands to join us as sponsors, vendors, and community partners.
Sponsors
Become an Inaugural Partner
Align your organization with thoughtfully curated experiences designed to bring people together, build meaningful connections, support community, and celebrate culture.
We are seeking partners interested in supporting experiences throughout The Gathering, with particular opportunities connected to our Community Day and professional networking experience.
Partnership opportunities may include
- Event sponsorship
- Food & hospitality sponsorship
- Community partnerships
- Experience sponsorship
- In-kind products or services
- Professional networking partnerships
Sponsor benefits may include
- Brand visibility
- Website recognition
- Social media recognition
- Event signage
- On-site presence
- Community engagement
- Networking opportunities
- Recognition as an inaugural partner
Vendors
Bring Your Business to the Vineyard
Our Community Day will create an opportunity for businesses, entrepreneurs, makers, and organizations to connect directly with Gathering attendees and the broader community.
We are currently building our vendor community and invite interested businesses to express interest in participating.
Vendor categories may include
- Food
- Retail
- Art & culture
- Beauty & wellness
- Lifestyle
- Professional services
- Community organizations
- Black-owned businesses
- Vineyard-based businesses
Partnership Interest Form
Tell us how you’d like to partner.
The Gathering: Vineyard Ease
July 18–24, 2027 | Martha’s Vineyard
Rooted in community. Centered in rest.
Produced by Educator Empowerment Center, LLC.
Charter Interest List
Be part of the
first Gathering.
2027 will be the inaugural year of The Gathering: Vineyard Ease.
We are beginning by building a Charter community of people interested in helping establish a new Martha’s Vineyard tradition.
Joining the Charter Interest List means you will be among the first to receive updates as the experience takes shape.
We have talked about creating new spaces for us to gather.
Now it’s time to build one.
The Gathering
Vineyard Ease
Martha’s Vineyard | July 18–24, 2027
Rooted in community. Centered in rest.