The First family is once again headed to Martha’s Vineyard. Except for the re-election summer two years ago, they’ve come every year since the president has been in the White House. And I think I know why. But first, when it was announced they would return, an islander named Robert took to the pages of the Martha’s Vineyard Times practically shouting a common question.

“Is this REALLY the only place?" he wrote. Robert goes on to suggest other possible Obama vacation spots. “Montana is gorgeous this time of year, Seattle is beautiful … Kiawah Island magnificent … Travel route 66, please.”

For Robert and a consistent, vocal group, the president’s visits to Martha’s Vineyard are anything but good news. Many dread the disruptions caused by the presidential entourage. Others who don’t like his politics would rather not see him on “their island,” and still others complain about taxpayers’ money wasted funding his vacation. Of course, there are plenty who welcome the President’s return. "BillyB" speaks for the enthusiasts, writing, “Why not be grateful that our island can offer something for everyone?”

Martha’s Vineyard is beautiful and unique — from the quaint gingerbread houses of Oak Bluffs, the lush greenery, and winding bike paths, to Aquinnah’s lovely beach. But the president is from Hawaii, home of some of the world’s best beaches and its own stunning natural terrain. Which begs the question — why this place?

I should note that I don’t know the president (though I did meet him once — yep, on the Vineyard). However, here’s my admittedly anecdotal answer to the question. Two words — history and community. The 22 sites of the African-American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard document the stories of enslaved Africans bought and sold on the island, of William Martin, the first African-American whaling captain and Shearer Cottage, the African-American owned bed and breakfast opened in 1903. The Rev. Martin Luther King brought his family to the oceanfront mansion known as the Summer White House of the civil rights movement. Nobody would have predicted, then, that this would be the real summer White House for the nation’s first African-American president.

Today’s strong community of native islanders and seasonal visitors is linked to the island’s rich history. Here, African-American elite from California to the Carolinas, accustomed to being the “only ones” — the only African-Americans in the room — are drawn to a community where they can socialize with people like themselves. No assumptions. No explanations. On any given day at the historic Inkwell beach, you can see political and academic luminaries who are African-American, as well as wealthy black corporate titans and entrepreneurs. It’s a social safe haven for the world’s most powerful "only one."

Couple that with the island’s reputation for racial harmony, and is it any wonder why this president, especially, finds Martha’s Vineyard a welcoming place for him and his family? So Robert, I wouldn’t count on President Obama’s going someplace else for summer vacation.

Before he was President, Barack Obama described Martha’s Vineyard as a “magical place.” And you just can’t find magic everywhere.

Callie Crossley is the host of Under the Radar.