Another United Virgin Islands opportunity. A week from today is the 175th anniversary of V.I. Emancipation Day on Monday, July 3, 2023. People on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John celebrate Emancipation Day with different public events, as we all should in the VI. Click here to follow the 175th Emancipation Commemoration Committee Facebook page or their website for information and updates about the events happening on St. Croix.
“The 2023 commemoration of Emancipation Day will mark the 175th anniversary of the liberation of African people in the Danish West Indies.” Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach from this VI Source article.
For those who are not yet aware, the event schedule that includes information on all islands will be posted here this evening by 7:00 p.m. It will be shared with the media as well for whoever decides to publish it. Whatever island you are on in the VI, I’m asking you to let your people know by whatever means possible. Share it, text it, tell it… tweet it if you do that.
United Virgin Islands. That’s not an error.
From 1733 on St. John, to 1878 on St. Croix to 1892 on St. Thomas… we are one. Even before then we were ONE.
United.
Virgin.
Islands.
Let us never forget.
“This milestone event provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the bold and brave actions taken by our ancestors, who not only fought for their freedom but demanded that it occur under their terms. With the formidable leadership of General Buddhoe, they rejected the introduction of a 12-year plan for the gradual abolition of slavery, forged a massive rebellion on July 3, 1848, and took their freedom at once.
Lt. Gov Roach, V.I. Source article July 1st, 2023
This significant moment in history should never be overlooked, forgotten or diminished. It should be always a reminder of the journey that those who came before us have traveled as they took an active stance against injustice. Their pursuit of freedom required unwavering resilience and formidable perseverance. Following the footprints of our ancestors, today we must remain unified in the fight for civil liberties, human rights and equality.”
July 3rd 2023 | 175th Emancipation Day Celebration
Virgin Islands of the United States of America
ST. THOMAS EVENTS (READ NEWS ARTICLE HERE)
Emancipation Garden (location for all on St. Thomas)
8:00 a.m. | Drumming Circle
10:00 a.m. | Live Streaming of Opening Ceremony on St. Croix
12:00 p.m. | Conch Shell Blowing and Drumming
1:00 p.m. | Rock City Emancipation Program Ceremony
1:30 p.m. | Cultural Presentations
3:00 p.m. | Music Concert, Open Mic, Family Activities
6:00 p.m. | Candle Light Vigil
10am to 6 pm. | Bounce House and other youth activities
Emancipation Day Coalition Committee: Pan-African Support Group (PASG), Ascension Livity, Inc. We Grow Food, Inc., Conch Shell Media, LLC, Emancipation of Africans in Latitude 18° Islands
St. Thomas Event Sponsor: VI 175th Emancipation Commemoration Committee
ST. JOHN EVENTS (READ NEWS ARTICLE HERE)
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Quelbe Resurrection | Bandstand, Franklin Powell Park
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | St. John Drama Club | Slim Man’s Parking Lot
Presenting: Who Was Anna Heegaard
St. John Event Sponsors: Transportation Services, Starfish Market and Deli, Caneel Bay Resort, VI Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, Slim Man’s Parking Lot, VI Division of Festivals, Nazareth Lutheran Church, VI 175th Emancipation Commemoration Committee
ST. CROIX EVENTS (READ NEWS ARTICLE HERE)
(PLEASE NOTE: Visit https://vi175.com/usvi-freedom-week/ and https://www.facebook.com/usviemancipation175 for official info – the following details and updates were submitted by community members)
5:00 a.m. | Fort to Fort Freedom Walk | Fort Christiansvaern to Fort Frederik
10:00 a.m. | Official Emancipation Parade & Ceremony | Buddhoe Park, Freedom City
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Before the Fireburn Exhibit | CHANT Cultural Arts Center, F’sted
12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Afrika House After School Club OPEN HOUSE | F’sted
1:00 p.m. | Luncheon on the Pier | Ann E. Abramson Pier, Freedom City
5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. | “Freedom now, or else” Program | Buddhoe Park
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Clear De Road Art Show Opening | Fort Frederik Museum (“Original date was June 30th”)
Sunset | 175th Emancipation Music Festival | Buddhoe Park, Freedom City
6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. | Quelbe Tramp/Quadrille Dance Under the Stars | Verne Richards Veterans Park
St. Croix Event Sponsor: VI 175th Emancipation Commemoration Committee
OTHER EVENTS ON ST. CROIX FOR V.I. FREEDOM WEEK
PAST EMANCIPATION DAY EVENTS
The image below is an example of the #UnitedVirginIslands efforts done annually by those of us who believe in the importance of unification. Not believe; KNOW. There are too many reasons to create more division amongst us, which makes us all collectively weaker and more vulnerable to those who are STILL trying to conquer us all in different ways
Past Emancipation Day and related United Virgin Islands events covered on this site can be found here: https://www.daramonifah.com/?s=emancipation+day
