Young Black professionals take over Martha’s Vineyard on Bravo reality show

Martha’s Vineyard has been a favored getaway for Black families since the 1800s. Located off the coast of Cape Cod, Maya Angelou once described the small town of Oak Bluff as “a safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”

Over the years, Martha’s Vineyard has become the playground of the rich and famous, with residents such as the Obamas, Oprah Winfrey, and more keeping summer residences in the area.

Oak Bluff was home to some of the region’s successful Black-owned businesses, including the historic Shearer’s Inn, one of the island’s first Black-owned bed & breakfasts.

Tourism to the area has seen a revitalization within the last couple of years with the influx of Black travel groups and curated events. The thought that Martha’s Vineyard was for your grandparents is long gone.

Younger generations have flocked to Martha’s Vineyard to experience the slower luxury that it provides.

Bravo’s new reality series, Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard, follows a group of young Black professionals finding the beauty in the island and life.

Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard introduces viewers to a group of 12 friends as they enjoy their island getaway. These young, Black professionals are excited to indulge in cultural experiences and exclusive island activities while learning to overcome their personal obstacles.

Detour spoke with some of the cast members to learn about their journeys to the Vineyard and how their perception of it changed once they got there.

Each show’s cast members have an individual relationship with the summer hotspot.

Fashion entrepreneur Bria Flemming and her friend, Playboy Model/DJ Jordan Emmanuel, had visited the island once before but had yet to immerse themselves fully.

Real estate professional Amir Lancaster had never ventured to Martha’s Vineyard but was able to connect with his Black heritage through the area’s culture.

Social butterfly and attorney Preston Mitchum has been a frequent visitor of the island but was able to experience it differently with a new group of friends.

The friends traveled from some of the nation’s largest melting pots, including New York City, Atlanta, and Chicago but were very surprised by the diversity they saw on the island.

“It was more diverse than I anticipated,” said Emmanuel. “I had been used to going to the Hamptons. It’s just closer to the city. So getting to Martha’s Vineyard and seeing all the Black-owned businesses, I would see all the Greek stuff in the windows, Omega stuff here, and AKA stuff here. I was like, OOOH! It was like a mini-DC, I was like ‘where am I at,’ and it was a bit of a culture shock in a great way.”

Emmanual was also shocked by how much it took to get to the island, “it takes a train, plane, and automobile to get there, - and a lot of walking.”

Mitchum jokingly agreed, “yes, it’s definitely somewhere you have to want to be.”

The series follows the 12 professionals as they venture into the city and learn about the area.

Flemming was familiar with Martha’s Vineyard but unaware of the area’s rich history with Black people.

“I remember people will come to me asking, ‘Have you ever been to Martha’s Vineyard? You know, the history,’ and I’m like, ‘No, I’ was thinking it’s another winery, and I’m like, oh wow!’

Flemming’s added one tidbit she learned came from her mother, who works in the film industry.

“She said, ‘Oh, no, that’s black that’s the African American Film Festival. That’s where the Black elite travel to.’”

The thriving community is home to the Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival and welcomes some of the biggest names in Hollywood annually. This year the festival will be making its 22nd appearance on the island.

Mitchum was excited that the show will act as a “love letter” to Martha’s Vineyard and showcase the area’s rich history. “It’s such an important history here for Black people, the elected officials that live here, the well-known people that live here and the generational wealth and history that is here. This was a space for writers during the Harlem Renaissance to get their creative juices going and all that is a part of us. I think we had a responsibility to show that.”

The Vineyard was an eye-opening experience for Lancaster. He had a chance to explore more of his African-American heritage after growing up with primarily a Lebanese influence.

The cast members agreed one of the major pluses of the island was the food. They would frequent Caribbean restaurants, seafood spots, and the most beloved - soul food.

“They had so much soul food.” She mentioned Deon’s Kitchen as a favorite. Flemmings stated the hospitality of the Vineyard was reminiscent of what she felt when in the South.

The four cast members are no strangers to domestic and international travel. While the two former Playboy employees prefer structure and a detailed itinerary, Mitchum and Lancaster are okay with “vibes and a passport.”

All have charted around the U.S., frolicked in the Caribbean, and trekked around Europe, but they all agree Martha’s Vineyard is a special place.

The diversity of the locals, the integration of old and new and the celebration of Black culture make this a memorable vacation destination for Juneteenth and days far beyond.

Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard currently airs on Bravo on Sundays at 9/8c. Episodes will be available to stream on Peacock the next day.

Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her favorite things to cover include “person of interest” pieces, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything about Beyoncé. Her bylines can be found in Blavity, Black Excellence, Signature Bride, Black Wall Street Times, and HipHop Weekly. Martie can be reached via email at martiebowser@detourxp.com.

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This story was originally published June 21, 2023 at 5:38 PM.