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Fall into fitness and community spirit at the 23rd Annual NAACP George V. Tankard Jr. Memorial 5K Road Race/Walk, taking place on Saturday, 9/20/2025 (with a rain date of Sunday, 9/21/2025). Whether you’re ready to hit the ground running or prefer a leisurely walk, this beloved Vineyard tradition is a perfect way to enjoy the crisp autumn air while supporting a meaningful cause.

The day kicks off at 9:00 a.m. with a 1-mile Fun Run for kids 12 and under. At 9:30 a.m., the 5K Run/Walk begins in scenic Ocean Park guiding participants through a beautiful, USATF-certified course. All 5K participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt and race number. Race registration is live now at runsignup.com.

This special event supports the Martha’s Vineyard chapter of the NAACP, founded in 1963 — the Island’s oldest civil rights organization. Proceeds go directly to the NAACP Scholarship Fund, awarded to Martha’s Vineyard high school seniors who embody the spirit of civil rights, leadership, and good citizenship.

Whether you’re racing for the finish line, walking with friends, or cheering from the sidelines, this event is a celebration of community, resilience, and giving back. Come be a part of the tradition!

NAACP of Martha’s Vineyard… Envisioning Equality for Everyone.



The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the oldest, largest, and strongest civil rights organization in the United States.

Your Martha’s Vineyard Branch is one of the most diverse racially and ethnically anywhere. Our active programs show everyone how effective a branch can be.

All of our members are dedicated to the cause of civil rights. Individual reasons for joining are as diverse as the membership itself.

  • Successfully negotiates several employment and housing discrimination cases before they become legal cases.
  • Collaborates with Vineyard organizations e.g. the MV Hebrew Center, the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) and local police departments and banks on health, education and disparate treatment initiatives.
  • Awards scholarships every year to Martha’s Vineyard high school students who exemplify the ideals of civil rights and good citizenship.
  • Serves on Martha’s Vineyard School’s teacher and principal search committees
  • Works to increase the voter registration and turn out for local and national elections.
  • Provides charitable donations to organizations in need.

Mission

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded more than 100 years ago by a group of progressive thinkers committed to racial equality. It remains the largest, oldest, and most effective civil rights organization in the country. The original purpose of the NAACP was to secure for blacks their rights as citizens, justice in the courts, and equal opportunity in every economic, political and social endeavor in the United States.

The mission of the MVNAACP is to promote an inclusive environment that embraces, respects, and values the diversity in the island community. Today, we have adapted our agenda to address the civil rights issues of our time for all people: unequal education; economic and political empowerment; criminal justice reform; health-care access and quality of treatment; civic engagement and voting rights. Despite significant gains over the past 103 years, the NAACP is needed now more than ever to address the continuing and deliberate disparities.