Martha's Vineyard in Oak Bluffs in Dukes County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The Powell House
African American Heritage Trail of Martha's Vineyard
The Powell House
"Keep the faith, baby"
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.
1908 - 1972
This, the summer home of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. from 1937 to 1944, and of Isabel Washington Powell from 1937 to the present, has been a popular landmark.
Adam Clayton Powell represented the Harlem community of New York City in the U.S. Congress from 1945-70. He was the first African American elected to Congress from the east since Reconstruction. As Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, he was a major force behind the passage of civil rights legislation during the Kennedy and Johnson presidencies. He often cited his legislative record ending with: “I love America.” The “Powell Amendments” brought great measures of social justice to American life. He was also known as Reverend Powell, pastoring the legendary 3,000 member Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem from, 1937-71. He was instrumental in bringing many of his church members to the island.
Isabel Powell was an actress and singer appearing in three Broadway shows during the late 1920's and early 1930's. She was a lead dancer at the famed Cotton Club in Harlem. She later served as a special education teacher in the New York public schools for over thirty years.
Since 1945, Isabel Powell, has spent every summer here with her neighbors, family and friends, entertaining them with her "bloody marys” and social nourishment. The African American explorer and co-discoverer of the North Pole in 1909, Matthew Henson, was a guest of the Powells.
Adam Clayton Powell loved Martha's Vineyard. He was an avid fisherman, and was respected for his civic and community building skills on the island.
The Heritage Trail honors and, remembers Congressman Powell for his work in transforming social justice in America, and Isabel Powell for her contributions to the culture of New York City and Martha's Vineyard.
August 24, 2003
Erected 2003 by African-American Heritage Trail of Martha's Vineyard. (Marker Number 12.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is August 24, 2003.
Location. 41° 27.601′ N, 70° 33.993′ W. Marker is in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, in Dukes County. It is on Martha's Vineyard. Marker is at the intersection of Dorothy West Avenue and Myrtle Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Dorothy West Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oak Bluffs MA 02557, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dorothy West (within shouting distance of this marker); Coleman Corners (within shouting distance of this marker); Carrie Camillo Tankard and George Van Buren Tankard Jr. (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shearer Cottage (about 600 feet away); The Bishop Gilbert Haven Cottage (approx. half a mile away); Wesleyan Grove (approx. half a mile away); The Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association Tabernacle (approx. half a mile away); The Lawton Cottage (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oak Bluffs.
Also see . . .
1. The Powell House at the MV African American Heritage Trail Site. (Submitted on July 23, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.)
2. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. at Wikipedia. (Submitted on July 23, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.)
3. Isabel Washington Powell at Wikipedia. (Submitted on July 23, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 473 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 23, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.