Every August, Martha’s Vineyard becomes a vibrant epicenter of Black community, culture, and excellence. For the fifth year in a row, Boston Medical Center Health System invites you to join us for a special two-day event featuring powerful panel discussions that dive into issues of health, wealth, and wellness. Held during the renowned African American Film Festival week, this gathering offers a unique opportunity to connect with thought leaders, changemakers, and cultural influencers in an environment rooted in legacy and belonging. 

This year's luncheon has sold out, but you can still join us for authentic dialogue, bold ideas, and lasting impact by registering for our forum: Own Your Future: Empowering Health, Wealth, and Community

A Candid Conversation on Women’s Health: Getting Real About Health, Happiness, and Hot Flashes



Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 
Location: Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts 
Start time: Noon 

 

This event has sold out.

This intimate, intergenerational conversation brings together Black women panelists for raw, candid discussions about health across every stage of life. From parenting, perimenopause, and menopause to mental health and other topics that often remain unspoken, everyone can learn something from the experiences, wisdom, and truths shared during this comfortable luncheon. Join us for a powerful dialogue that uplifts, informs, and strengthens community around women and their health and well-being.

Panelists

Petrina Martin Cherry

(Moderator)

VP, Community Engagement and External Affairs, BMCHS

Tabitha Brown

Emmy-winning actress, author, entrepreneur

AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan at AARP headquarters in Washington, DC, on December 19, 2024.
Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA

Chief Executive Officer, AARP

Sharon Malone, MD

Author; Chief Medical Officer, Alloy Women's Health

Christine M Crawford, MD, MPH

Psychiatrist, BMC; Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine; Associate Medical Director, NAMI

Own Your Future: Empowering Health, Wealth, and Community



Date: Wednesday, August 6th, 2025

Location: Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Time: 2:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Join us at historic Union Chapel in the heart of Oak Bluffs for an essential conversation about thriving to achieve the retirement you want. This powerful panel weaves together financial preparedness, health management, and the often-overlooked pillar of social well-being—exploring how strong community connections directly contribute to longevity and quality of life. Our distinguished speakers will share insights on building and preserving generational wealth while navigating life's transitions with purpose and vitality and offer practical wisdom to help you create a blueprint for your most fulfilling future. Every day in the U.S., 10,000 people reach the age of 65. People are living longer, healthier lives. This is projected to continue until 2040. By the year 2035 there will be more people over 65 than under the age of 18.

Panelists

Blair Underwood

(Moderator)

Award-winning actor, director, and producer

AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan at AARP headquarters in Washington, DC, on December 19, 2024.
Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA

Chief Executive Officer, AARP

René Jones

Chief Executive Officer, M&T Bank

Alastair Bell, MD, MBA

President & Chief Executive Officer, BMCHS

Demond Martin

Chief Executive Officer, WellWithAll

Become a Sponsor

Sponsorship opportunities are available to companies, organizations, and individuals who are passionate about BMC Health System’s mission and want to have an impact on the special events we are hosting on Martha’s Vineyard. If you are interested in learning more about sponsorship or product placement opportunities, please reach out.

Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Gift Bag Sponsors

Community Sponsor

In Kind Donation

Generous Donors