Black entrepreneurship and legacy on Martha’s Vineyard

For generations, Black homeowners on Martha’s Vineyard have utilized property ownership and entrepreneurship to build a lasting economic and cultural legacy. By turning homes into businesses and accommodations, these families made the island more accessible to Black Americans while creating sustainable livelihoods.

A notable example is Charles and Henrietta Shearer, who established Shearer Cottage in Oak Bluffs in 1912. Before opening the inn, Henrietta ran a successful laundry business. The cottage served as a vital gathering place for African American artists, intellectuals, and professionals during an era when racial discrimination limited lodging options for Black travelers.

The history of these businesses reflects a broader tradition of Black families using available resources to support their communities and establish a permanent presence on the island.