 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 13, 2010 Contact: Ewell Hopkins, 508-696-0943 BRADLEY SQUARE MOVING FORWARD VINEYARD HAVEN and OAK BLUFFS – The NAACP and the Island Affordable Housing Fund (IAHF) are working together to fundraise for Bradley Square. Purchased by the IAHF in 2007, the NAACP has been involved with the project since its inception. The historical significance of the Bradley Memorial Church to the Island community was an important factor in purchasing the property in addition to the development of a number of affordable housing units. The first African-American church on the Island, the Bradley Memorial Church, opened its doors over 100 years ago. Rev. Oscar E.Denniston named the church in honor of Susan Bradley, whom he worked with at the same location then known as the Oakland Mission, helping recent immigrants, like himself, to the Island. For over a half-century, the church was an integral part of the Island community and is considered an invaluable anchor in the vibrant history of African-American life on Martha’s Vineyard. However, it has been closed for two generations and is in a state of disrepair. The NAACP of Martha’s Vineyard will have its offices in what was once the Bradley Memorial Church and is now referred to as the Denniston Building, named after the Reverend Oscar E. Denniston. “To have our office in location with such a rich African American history is an honor. Rev. Denniston’s mission was so similar to that of our own. In a sense, we are continuing his work”, said Laurie Perry-Henry, the president of the NAACP of Martha’s Vineyard. The IAHF is planning to restore the grand building, which include the offices of the NAACP of Martha’s Vineyard downstairs, while designing an affordable residential unit in the Denniston family quarters above. The site and the approved design plan also allows for additional buildings that will house affordable residences, work/live spaces for Island residents, and a commercial space. A courtyard, ample off-street parking, and open space will surround this community of pedestrian-friendly home sites. Finally, the land underneath the affordable housing will be put into the Island Housing Trust guaranteeing that the homes stay affordable forever Working together, the NAACP and the IAHF will raise the funds needed to help make Bradley Square a reality. “After several years of permitting, it is time to move forward. The NAACP is excited about their office, and there are Island residents hoping to make a home for at Bradley Square,” said Ewell Hopkins, executive director of the IAHF. Bradley Appeal letter: read |
|
home : contact : about : what we do : history : Bradley Square : calendar : editorials : community ©2010 NAACP of Martha’s Vineyard |