USVI 2021 African Liberation Day Activities

It is widely known that the genealogy of the Virgin Islands is rooted in West Africa. As the only Caribbean location to do so, this fact is an annual law, commemorated by the Government and cultural community in a number of ways including official celebrations, community gatherings, radio programs and more.

“African Liberation Day is officially celebrated around the world annually on May 25. It became a territorial observance in 1989, when legislation was enacted proclaiming the third Week in May, African Heritage Week. Act. No. 5473 calls for the Legislature to hold appropriate ceremonies including the raising of the African Liberation flag in recognition that a majority of the territory’s population descends from African ancestors, whose culture and heritage has significantly shaped the Virgin Islands.”
~VI LEGISLATURE

African Liberation Day (ALD) was founded in 1958 when Kwame Nkrumah convened the First Conference of Independent States held in Accra, Ghana and attended by eight independent African states. The 15th of April was declared “Africa Freedom Day,” to mark each year the onward progress of the liberation movement, and to symbolize the determination of the people of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation. For more details visit www.africanliberationday.net.

Image from: https://guyanachronicle.com/2019/02/10/know-your-history-craft-your-future/

In accordance with VI law Act. 5473, the Pan African Support Group will host its first Virtual African Liberation Day commemoration program on Friday May 21, 2021 from 7 PM—9:30 PM.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Kimani Nehusi; Guyanese born author and Associate Professor of Afrikology and African American Studies at Temple University.

Brief presentations, solidarity messages and updates will be made by Pan African organizations and individuals from Africa, the Caribbean, Canada and the US along with several dynamic cultural expressions, and a special program for the youth. To join and view the program, interested persons need to access the meetings via the link below. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – May 2021
1. May 21st: 7-9:30pm online (ATTEND LIVE on Zoom/Online) – PASG & Caribbean Groups
For info Zoom Link FOR ALD – May 21 at 7 pm :
https://vsu.zoom.us/j/89064327337?pwd=UTRqdTAvNklZUzU2RlNuUDM3ZndHdz09
For info for the Youth (14 and under) ALD that begins at 7:30 pm, visit:
https://vsu.zoom.us/j/85285013724?pwd=azZmRVEyejY0YnJDRjZVbHVFTXpsZz09
To access the Zoom links, press control & click, or copy the address and paste it into your internet browser.

See Zoom links above flyer.

2. Saturday, 22nd, Monday, 24th and Tuesday, 25th- 7pm until at the Nyahbinghi Center, AyAy St. Croix
St. Croix ALD Nyahbinghi Ises hosted by The Theocracy Reign of the Ancient Divine Order of the Nyahbinghi

3. Saturday, May 22nd: 2-4pm ”On Air University” ALD Special Radio Program on WSTA 1340 AM (LISTEN LIVE on www.wsta.com)

4. Monday, May 24th: 7-pm Pan African Support Group ALD Radio Program on WSTA 1340 AM (LISTEN LIVE on www.wsta.com)

5. Tuesday, May 25th: 10am in the Capitol Building, St. Thomas (WATCH LIVE: https://www.facebook.com/daramonifah/videos/10225954521514095)

6. Sunday, May 30th: 10am at the Bordeaux Farmers’ Market (ATTEND in person on St. Thomas) WGFI, PASG, Home School collective & the Rastafarian collective
Program Agenda:
11 – Tofu Presentation/Demonstration
12 – Mario Moorehead
1 – Musical Interlude
2 – Opening Ises, Opening Remarks, Pan African Support Group, Empress Karisma, Home School Presentation
Word Sound Open Mic
Nyabingi Ises

Photo source: https://stjohnsource.com/2012/07/04/sacrifices-remembered-emancipation-celebration/

CLICK HERE to watch the VIDEO of Elder Mario Moorehead (St. Croix, VI) spoke at the African Liberation Day celebration at the Bordeaux Farmers Market.
***July 3rd: Emancipation Day Celebration at the Emancipation Garden, St. Thomas

UnitedVirginIslands #ALDUSVI

2019 US Virgin Islands Code
Title 1 – General Provisions
Chapter 11 – Holidays
§ 192. Virgin Islands African Heritage Week and African Liberation Day

Universal Citation: V.I. Code tit. 1, § 192 (2019)

• • (a) The third week in May shall be observed as “Virgin Islands African Heritage Week” and the 25th day of May shall be observed as “African Liberation Day”.

• • (b) At least fifteen (15) days prior to Virgin Islands African Heritage Week, the Governor shall issue a proclamation calling on all residents to join together in appropriate ceremonies to reflect upon our African heritage.

• • (c) The Governor shall appoint a committee each year to coordinate with the Afrikaan Appraisal Workshop and other interested community groups and develop appropriate plans, programs and ceremonies for the celebration of African Heritage Week in the Virgin Islands.

• • (d) The Legislature on African Liberation Day shall hold appropriate ceremonies on the grounds of the Capitol Building, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Such ceremonies shall include the raising of the African liberation flag.

Text ALD to DaraMonifah® at 6785067779 for updates & direct streaming links on these activities

Previous ALD Posts:
USVI AFRICAN LIBERATION DAY 2018
African Liberation Day USVI Activities

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