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Sen. Myron D. Jackson, chairman of the Legislature’s Committee on Culture, Historic Preservation, Youth and Recreation, joins the territory in celebrating Black History Month.
“During this month, we pay tribute to the rich contributions people of African descent who have made to the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean region, the nation and the world,” Jackson said. “The territory has been blessed with many prominent figures who have helped change the course of history for the better by excelling in various areas and by furthering the cause of equal rights and justice throughout time.”
Some of these heroes and heroines include Pan-African diplomat Edward Wilmot Blyden, slave revolt leader Denmark Vessey, labor leader David Hamilton Jackson, civil rights leader Roy Innis, writer Barbara Christian, musician and bandmaster Alton Adams Sr., and Ambassador Terrence Todman.
Black women in the Virgin Islands have equally played a major role in advancing equality, such as Queen Mothers of the 1733 African slave revolt on St. John, 1878 Labor Revolt leaders such as Queen Mary, Queen Agnes, & Queen Matilda on St. Croix, 1892 Coal Strike leader Queen Coziah, and noted educators such as Elena Christian, Edith Williams, and others.
“Their efforts should not be forgotten, but should help us draw strength from which to continue to build upon,” Jackson said.
Black History Month was founded by noted historian Carter Woodson, author of the seminal work, “Miss-education of the Negro,” to place focus on a part of history often neglected in schools and textbooks. His organization, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, initiated the first Negro History Week in February 1926 during a week that included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two key figures in the history of African Americans. In 1976, this celebration was expanded to include the entire month of February, and today Black History Month garners support throughout the country as people of all ethnic and social backgrounds discuss the black experience.
The theme for this year’s celebration of Black History Month is "At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington," according to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Woodson’s organization.
It marks the sesquicentennial of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, with a focus on freedom, justice and equality and the movements that have sought to achieve these goals.
"In the Virgin Islands, we too are at a crossroads as we rethink our identity and our struggle for self-determination at the approaching 100th anniversary of the 1916-1917 transfer of the Virgin Islands from Danish to American rule," Jackson said. "Black History Month provides an excellent opportunity for us to reflect on the struggles and progress of our past we have made as we march forward."
Black History Month Events:
St. Croix
Sun, February 3, at 10 a.m.
SaAnkhtified Sundays-AfRaKan History Month 2013@9a.m.EST by PerAnkhLive
This broadcast highlights our ancient mission in contemporary times of "Rehk Djesek Tepi Nefer MdwNtr” term meaning "Know Yourself for the Greatest/Highest Good." Call in to share your perspectives and creative life ideas and actions. Call in and listen at 917-932-8605.
Friday, February 15
Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted
St. Croix, Fort Frederik Beach at 6 p.m.
Sunset Jazz has played host to premier Caribbean and International jazz artists, and can boast the most beautiful “back drop” of any jazz series in the world. Every third Friday of each month, come to the Fort Frederik Beach in Frederiksted from 6pm to 8pm for great music. Mother Nature assists in providing the event with wonderful scenery, beautiful sunset and cooling a Caribbean breeze. Sunset Jazz concerts are free; bring a chair or a blanket. Please no coolers. You can buy food and drinks from the concert concession area. This is a great family event, and concert goers can enjoy the Frederiksted nightlife and restaurants after the show.
St. Croix and St. Thomas
February 4 and 5
Man Up!
A joint poetry performance by students from various schools at the Man Up Conference at UVI
February 8
All Saints School Black History Month Fair
Launching of Elementary School to 12th Grade Youth Radio Program at UVI on WUVI 1090 AM with youth interests and issues, cultural education, V.I. and Caribbean History, Local and Afro-Caribbean music.
Wednesday February 6
Arts Alive: Catherine Russell
St. Thomas, Tillett Gardens at 8 p.m.
Catherine Russell is a native New Yorker, born with an enviable musical pedigree. Her father, the late Luis Russell, was born in Panama and moved to New Orleans and then New York City, becoming a pioneering pianist/bandleader, and Louis Armstrong’s long-time musical director. Catherine Russell is a one of a kind vocalist. She has toured the world, performing and recording with Paul Simon, David Bowie, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Jackson Browne, Michael Feinstein, Levon Helm, and Rosanne Cash, among others. For more information, visit: www.tillettfoundation.org
Friday February 22 and Saturday, February 23
Cirque Zuma Zuma (Family Series)
St. Thomas, Reichhold Center 7 p.m.
More than 20 African team members come together for a fun show of gymnastics, jumping, juggling, balancing and human pyramids. This high-energy show is part dance, part Cirque du Soleil, part Harlem Globetrotters and full time family fun. Cirque Zuma Zuma recently earned a berth as a finalist on the hit NBC show “America’s Got Talent.” For more information, visit www.reichholdcenter.com
693-1559
Saturday, February 23, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Eclectic Nights at Palm Passage
hosted by Amalia Cafe
Spoken word by Heru
African dance by Marie Paul
Salsa by Learn to Dance Institute
Music of the Diaspora by Roots Embassy
$10 in advance; $15 at the door
209-7421
