A Long Talk About The Uncomfortable Truth hosted the annual
“Community of Change Black Party” on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

If you’ve never heard of or attended a Black Party before, join the crowd. We made it up.
Now we recognize that you may have some questions…

Why is it called a “Black” party?

The naming of The Black Party comes from a play on words of the more traditional “block party” concept, combined with the ironic tradition of Black people on MV throwing “white parties”. While white parties refer to dress code, for us, the Black Party refers to partying with a purpose. Our purpose is to come together in a celebration of Black culture. We will fill Waban Park, across from the iconic Inkwell Beach, with the sights and sounds of Black joy and pride.

Is EVERYONE invited, or just Black people?

Of course, everyone is invited to celebrate with us. We are community builders.

What does “partying with a purpose” mean?

At A Long Talk, we are known for having uncomfortable conversations about racism and asking questions that help all of us gain a deeper understanding of its impact. Admittedly our mission and purpose carry a lot of weight and while we work 24/7/365 to eradicate racism and dismantle white supremacy in America, we also love to turn up, chill out, and party down when we get the chance!

We have worked diligently over the past year with Martha’s Vineyard organizations and businesses to further our anti-racism education that leads into our Pillars of Change network. Our flagship Community of Change partnership with Martha’s Vineyard has been rewarding and successful, with over 600 people, ages 5 to 94, on the island participating in our activation experience. The Black Party is a culminating celebration of those partnerships at work.

Why should I attend the Black Party?

There are many reasons to attend and bring your family. Overall, this is a community event that will feature and highlight our partners. Learn more about the work the boots-on-the-ground partners have been doing here on the island. We are also happy to announce a new activation for 2023 - National Math + Science Initiative is hosting a weekend of STEM to the Stars featuring former and current Black Astronauts, a STEM tent from Blue Origin, and their nonprofit Club for the Future for youth to participate in exciting activities, AND tours of the Blue Origin Space Capsule. Join us for a full day of exciting fun!

Highlights of the event include:

• Music - there is no Black Party without music and we have Brooklyn’s own, Kyotorog spinning all day

• Community vendors - no sales, just information, and good conversations

• Spades & Dominoes - opportunities to learn how to play or just pull up to a table and jump into a game

• Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Allies & Love