Polar Bears Of Martha’s Vineyard Uphold Legacy With Tradition

This morning at 7:30am, 164 people gathered at the shore of Martha’s Vineyard historically Black, Inkwell Beach in Oak Bluffs. The group, mostly consisting of Black travelers who visit the historical beach often, ranged in age from 18 all the way to 70+. Together, at the direction of the group leader Ms. Caroline Hunter (who has been taking the plunge for nearly 30 years), they all took the walk into the chilly waters— going in at least shoulder deep first. They then spent nearly an hour in the water doing water aerobics, and mostly just taking in the historical moment through fellowship.

This “polar bear plunge” isn’t new. In fact, it has been happening every day— between Memorial Day and Labor Day— since 1947. This one, however, set the record for the most people in attendance. The last record-breaking dip brought about 120 people, including comedian Cedric The Entertainer.