BRADLEY SQUARE APPEAL LETTER Dear Friends: Over 100 years ago, Reverend Oscar K. Denniston renamed a small missionary in the heart of Oak Bluffs in honor of its founder, Susan Bradley, and started the first African American church on Martha’s Vineyard. For over half-century, the Bradley Memorial Church was an integral part of the Island community and is considered an invaluable anchor in the vibrant history of Portuguese, Cape Verdean, Wampanoag and African-American life on Martha’s Vineyard. The non-denominational church also served the social, cultural and economic need of the community. On Friday, August 29, 2009, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick led a strong cast of dignitaries that appeared in Oak Bluffs at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bradley Square affordable housing project. “I want to acknowledge . . . all of those who partnered in making this wonderful occasion happen,” said Governor Patrick. “And by this occasion I don’t just mean the glorious gathering of talent and well-wishers. I mean the occasion of having built this community to rebuild this facility and to expand the opportunity for affordable housing here on the Island. So many in the community worked really hard, and bumped up against each other in order to make this project come to life . . . There is a reason for that discomfort sometimes, and the stepping out of your comfort zone, and the change, because it makes a new opportunity for someone else. And that is what was done in order for us to be here.” In 2007, Island Affordable Housing Fund purchased the property for $900,000. The growing need for housing affordable to working island families and individuals earning below and above the area median has been well documented. The Bradley Square project has been permitted for 8 residential units, 2 live/work studios, a commercial space, a multi-purpose room and an office space located within two new buildings and the renovated Denniston building. In economic times as restrictive as those facing our community, it is imperative upon us as leaders to identify, develop and seize the very best opportunities to succeed, grow and partner together to enhance the livability of the town and the Island. Please help us preserve history and strengthen our community by helping the MV/NAACP retire the mortgage on Bradley Square. Your financial support will bolster the economic foundation of our community, keep and promote diversity, preserve this historic property, create a permanent home for the MV/NAACP and provide affordable housing are some of the real, tangible community benefits that will be gained from this good and proper use of public funds for the public good. It is our sincere belief that to preserve the kind of diverse community for which Martha’s Vineyard is known and which constitutes one of its major attractions, organizational and citizen involvement is required. To donate, call 508-696-5785 or make checks payable to the MV/NAACP, P.O. Box 1513, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 (www.mvnaacp.org). Your gift in any amount now will enable the project to move forward. In the struggle, Laurie Perry-Henry President Bradley Square, press release: read Get involved with your community. We are always looking for volunteers. > more Support our programs and services... donate money, goods, or services. > more Join our organization and help improve life on the Island. > more Join our mailing list and stay connected to what is happening on the Island. > more

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