pINKWELL - Oak Bluffs, MA
The pINKWELL™ is a virtual and in-person beach party with a cause held on Inkwell Beach on the third Thursday in August where members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, family & friends come from all over the country to fellowship and enjoy a summer celebration. This party with a purpose allows members of sorority and their family and friends to relax, dance, and fellowship with one another while also helping contribute to the organizations committed to bettering the community they serve on Martha’s Vineyard.
Each year we host a fundraiser to support our community programming efforts of the Psi Omega Chapter on the Vineyard and in the Greater Boston Area. The proceeds of the fundraiser have benefited local organizations on the Vineyard including to the Niantic Park Youth Basketball Program, the MV Council on Aging, Edgartown Highschool Backpack Drive, and HBCU for Life Care pAKAges.
Oak Bluffs, a town in Martha's Vineyard, became a tourist destination for African-Americans during the mid-20th century when Jim Crow laws and segregation meant that black vacationers were often turned away from mainstream beaches and hotels. Oak Bluffs was the only town of the now six on Martha’s Vineyard where African-Americans were permitted to find lodging.
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African-American identity is ingrained in the community, with luminaries such as Maya Angelou, Martin Luther King Jr. and Harry Belafonte having vacationed there. One of Oak Bluffs’ most popular hangouts, Inkwell Beach, pays homage to this history, its name a reference to beachgoers’ black skin, which was said to glisten like ink in the hot sun. The name is also a nod to the town’s rich literary history.
Where?
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Inkwell Beach, in the town of Oak Bluffs on Martha Vineyard.
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When?​
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pINKWELL™ is always on the 3rd Thursday in August. This year, we will be celebrating on August 18, 2022. However, many people stay 3-7 days.
Can't make this year? Join us virtually or we will see you next year on August 17, 2023.
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We will also have a "Sorors at Sunset" event on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 6:30pm. See the flyer below. You can purchase your lantern here.
FAQs
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How do you get to the Island?
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By Ferry - There are many ways to get to Martha's Vineyard, but the most common way from Boston, MA includes driving to Woods Hole, MA and taking a 45 min ferry to arrive at either Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven. The ferry is approximately $10 per person each way. Other ferry locations include Hyannis, MA, New Bedford, MA, North Kingston, RI, and New York, NY.
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By Air - Fly into Martha's Vineyard or MVY
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Do you all provide accommodations for the weekend? Where are people staying?
No, we do not provide accomodations. Most people find their own accommodations through AirBnb or other hospitality related websites. We recommend booking as soon as possible, lodging goes fast!
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If I do not want to travel to MV, can I still participate in pINKWELL™ activities?
Yes! We will be hosting a virtual program! Stay tuned for more details.
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Will you all save spots on the beach for people who want to attend?
Unfortunately, no! But its a nice size beach. Plenty of space to rest and relax.