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[CULTURE] · United States · 9 sources

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Inkwell Beach serves as a historic Black summer sanctuary

Inkwell Beach Martha's Vineyard Black history Oak Bluffs Polar Bears swimming group

Inkwell Beach in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, has served as a significant gathering place for Black Americans for generations. A long-standing tradition involves a group known as the ‘Polar Bears,’ which originated in 1946 when nine Black summer workers began swimming before their shifts.

Eight decades later, the ritual continues as a way for people to exercise, socialize, and connect with family. The beach has gained broader cultural recognition through various media, including the 1994 film ‘The Inkwell’ and more recent television programming that highlights the island’s Black summer traditions.

Entities

Inkwell Beach · Martha's Vineyard · Oak Bluffs · Polar bears

Sources

Before Martha's Vineyard Became A Black Summer Staple, The Inkwell Was Our Sanctuary [themorninghustle.com]
Before Martha's Vineyard Became A Black Summer Staple, The Inkwell Was Our Sanctuary [majicatl.com]
Before Martha's Vineyard Became A Black Summer Staple, The Inkwell Was Our Sanctuary [wtlcfm.com]
Before Martha's Vineyard Became A Black Summer Staple, The Inkwell Was Our Sanctuary [kissrichmond.com]
Before Martha's Vineyard Became A Black Summer Staple, The Inkwell Was Our Sanctuary [blackamericaweb.com]
Before Martha's Vineyard Became A Black Summer Staple, The Inkwell Was Our Sanctuary [mypraiseatl.com]
Before Martha's Vineyard Became A Black Summer Staple, The Inkwell Was Our Sanctuary [krnb.com]
Before Martha's Vineyard Became A Black Summer Staple, The Inkwell Was Our Sanctuary [wzakcleveland.com]
Before Martha's Vineyard Became A Black Summer Staple, The Inkwell Was Our Sanctuary [kysdc.com]