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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
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VI Lottery Celebrates Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, the Virgin Islands Lottery is dedicating two traditional lottery tickets to famous Virgin Islanders.
The ticket launching will be on Jan. 13 and the drawing on Jan. 25, features great musicians of the Virgin Islands. From Alton Augustus Adams, the author of the stately ‘Virgin Islands March’, to the unforgettable lyrics of Milo and the Kings, to the well-known St. Croix saxophonist Archie Thomas featured in the song ‘Blow Archie Blow’, the images are sure to make a tune pop into your head.
Steve Bornn’s grand uncle, Hugo Bornn, is featured on the ticket for his accomplishments as a renowned composer, instructor and professor at major music schools in the country. “These musicians could easily fade into the background unless we keep them alive for future generations. It would be an injustice for Virgin Islanders not to know about the man who wrote the “Virgin Islands March” or about those like Uncle Hugo who made such large contributions to music around the world. It is good that the lottery not only funds the Department of Education, but brings education alive in the streets with projects like this,” Bornn commented.
The next February ticket is dedicated to famous Virgin Islanders that are encountered on a daily basis. Many local schools, buildings, streets, ballparks and airports are named after famous people such as the David C. Canegata Ball Park, Joseph Sibilly School, Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center and Melvin Evans Highway. Although most recall the names of these notable people, many may not be aware of the contributions each person has made.
“Too much of our heritage is not common knowledge to many local Virgin Islanders. We see this as a great opportunity to educate people on our history and the many important people who helped shape the islands into what they are today,” said AC Burgess, special assistant to the director, VI Lottery.
For example, how many will recall the name of the first professional boxer from the U.S. Virgin Islands ever to become a world champion; or the first health care provider for over 20 years on St. John for whom a medical center was named? Would you be able to identify Rothschild Francis or Julian Jackson in a photograph?
You will be able to test your Black History Memory IQ online during Black History Month in February. Can you identify the famous Virgin Islanders on the ticket? The first to correctly identify all the Virgin Islanders will win a prize. Go to: www.winusvilottery.com
Throughout Black History Month, the VI Lottery will provide clues on their Facebook page to assist with the quiz while celebrating the accomplishments. To sign up for the Facebook hints, go to www.Facebook/lottery and click “Like.”
For more information on tickets, ticket vendors, drawing dates, winning numbers and the community benefits of the V.I. Lottery, visit www.winsuvilottery.com
For more information, contact A.C. Burgess, Virgin Islands Lottery, at 774-2502.

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