The "Cultivating Our Culture, Conserving Our Land" challenge is an initiative tailored …
The "Cultivating Our Culture, Conserving Our Land" challenge is an initiative tailored for classrooms throughout the Virgin Islands, encouraging them to engage in environmental stewardship activities interwoven with the cultural heritage and history of the territory. This challenge aims to inspire classrooms to develop and execute projects addressing local environmental issues while highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the Virgin Islands. It also fosters a deeper understanding among students of their role as stewards of both their natural and cultural heritage. By encouraging collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking in solving environmental challenges with a cultural perspective, the challenge provides a unique platform for holistic learning and community engagement.Challenge submissions due on April 19th, 2024Submittal form here
The Digital Storytelling and Oral History Project is a student-centered initiative designed …
The Digital Storytelling and Oral History Project is a student-centered initiative designed to connect young learners with the heritage stories of their community's past through the art of storytelling and the practice of oral history collection. This project encourages students to become active participants in the preservation of their cultural heritage by engaging with elders, community leaders, and family members to document stories, legends, personal histories, and the lived experiences of their community.
In episode 1 of Crucian Cultural Cuisine, Division of Virgin Islands Cultural …
In episode 1 of Crucian Cultural Cuisine, Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education Director Stephanie Brown learns how to make Guava Jelly & Green Gage ...
Motives to Colonization Before dealing with the Danish colonization of St. John, it …
Motives to Colonization Before dealing with the Danish colonization of St. John, it must be asked why Denmark ventured into the tropics after 1650 when there was risk of conflict with stronger European nations, and when she had problems enough in the Baltic. When considering the establishment of trans-Atlantic colonies attention must also be drawn to nationalistic motivations. Sweden, Denmark's Baltic rival, had begun to take an interest in West Indian and African colonies (2). From a political point of view Denmark was being outdistanced by the Swedes by 1650, and because of competition and prestige she could not sit back and watch calmly as they got ahead in the race for the riches from foreign parts of the world. Still, from either a materialistic or a political point of view, there is no disputing that the desire for economic gain provided the primary incentive behind Danish expansion into the Caribbean, and for the colonization of St. John.
"David Hamilton Jackson and All Ahwe: Creative Expression for Cultivating Awareness and …
"David Hamilton Jackson and All Ahwe: Creative Expression for Cultivating Awareness and Social Change" is a project intended to stimulate our students' exploration of the dynamic relationship between art and community activism utilizing the tools of rights, respect, and responsibility. Through this initiative, students will have the opportunity to craft artistic pieces that capture the essence of David Hamilton Jackson's contributions to labor rights, press freedom, and civil liberties in the Virgin Islands of the United States. These creative works may manifest in various forms, including visual art, written compositions, music, and STEAM projects.
In this enlightening lecture, Dr. Ayana Omilade Flewellen, a distinguished professor at …
In this enlightening lecture, Dr. Ayana Omilade Flewellen, a distinguished professor at Stanford University, explores the intersections of black feminism, archaeology, and storytelling. She advocates for the centrality of black women's experiences in historical narratives and discusses the multifaceted role of archaeology in public history and cultural preservation. The talk features her work with the Society of Black Archaeologists and Diving With a Purpose, emphasizing the need for diversity in the field and the significance of underwater archaeology in heritage conservation. Dr. Flewellen also presents the Estate Little Princess project in St. Croix, a groundbreaking initiative combining terrestrial and underwater archaeology to uncover and preserve Afro-Crucian history. The lecture is a compelling call to recognize and engage with the rich, often untold, histories that shape our world, making it a valuable resource for students, educators, and anyone interested in the dynamic fields of archaeology and cultural heritage.
Edward Wilmot Blyden (3 August 1832 – 7 February 1912) was a …
Edward Wilmot Blyden (3 August 1832 – 7 February 1912) was a Liberian educator, author, diplomat, and politician who worked mostly in Liberia. He also spent five years teaching in Sierra Leone, and his writings had an impact in both countries.Blyden was born on 3 August 1832 in St Thomas, Danish West Indies (now known as the United States Virgin Islands) to Free Black parents from the Igbo tribe of modern-day Nigeria.Blyden edited the Liberia Herald from 1855 to 1856 and penned the editorial "A Voice From Bleeding Africa."He also spent time in other British colonies in West Africa, most notably Nigeria and Sierra Leone, where he wrote for both colonies' early newspapers.Additionally, he worked as an editor at The Negro and The African World. He maintained contacts with the American Colonization Society and contributed articles to their journals, African Depository and Colonial Journal.Blyden served as Liberia's ambassador to the United Kingdom and France as a diplomat. Blyden was named Liberia's Secretary of State as a young man (1862–64). He then served as Minister of the Interior from 1880 until 1882. Blyden is often considered the "founder of Pan-Africanism" as a writer. His magnum opus, Christianity, Islam, and the Negro Race (1887), argued that Islam was a more unifying and meaningful religion for Africans than Christianity.
In this comprehensive lecture, Dr. George Tyson, a renowned historian and leading …
In this comprehensive lecture, Dr. George Tyson, a renowned historian and leading scholar on the history of the Virgin Islands, provides an in-depth analysis of the 1848 Emancipation Revolt in the Virgin Islands. Celebrating the 175th anniversary of this pivotal event, Dr. Tyson's talk is part of Virgin Island's History Month, focusing on the theme "Emancipation Now: Understanding History, Living the Legacy, and Creating a Just Future for All."Dr. Tyson, with his extensive background in teaching and historical preservation, emphasizes the collective action of thousands of enslaved persons achieving emancipation, challenging the traditional narrative that credits the event to a few individuals. He meticulously recounts the events leading up to and following the July 3rd uprising, highlighting the peaceful nature of the revolt compared to other emancipation movements in the Caribbean. The lecture delves into the historical context, including the influence of royal decrees and the spirit of protest among the enslaved population.Dr. Tyson argues for the importance of understanding emancipation as part of a broader democratic movement against royalism and social injustice, linking it to the American, French, and Haitian revolutions. A significant portion of the talk is dedicated to identifying key emancipation sites on St. Croix, advocating for their preservation as educational tools and historical monuments.
1. To introduce students to the Caribbean influence in hip-hop music, focusing …
1. To introduce students to the Caribbean influence in hip-hop music, focusing on the pioneering group Salt-N-Pepa and the contemporary success of R. City.2. To explore how artists from the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean have contributed to the popularity and expansion of hip-hop music.3. To encourage students to appreciate and celebrate their cultural heritage while embracing diverse narratives in the world of music.
These lesson plans delve deep into the pivotal event of the 1878 …
These lesson plans delve deep into the pivotal event of the 1878 Fireburn, a significant labor uprising in the Virgin Islands. Rooted in the struggles for human rights, freedom from serfdom variants, and improved labor conditions, the Fireburn stands as a testament to the resilience and courage of estate laborers like Mary Thomas, Axeline Salomon, Mathilde McBean, and Susanna Abramson. Through a series of interactive activities, multimedia resources, and critical discussions, students will journey through the socio-political landscape of the former Danish West Indies, understanding the factors leading up to the uprising and its profound aftermath. The module aims to not only educate but also instill a sense of pride and recognition of the sacrifices made by those who stood up against oppression, shaping the fabric of our heritage and the equity we cherish today in the Virgin Islands of the United States.
This insightful lecture delves into the historical significance of Maroon Country in …
This insightful lecture delves into the historical significance of Maroon Country in the Virgin Islands, an area steeped in rich and complex history. Maroon Country, known for its role as a refuge for escaped enslaved Africans, stands as a testament to the resilience and struggle for freedom that marked the era of slavery in the Caribbean. The video examines the geographical, cultural, and historical aspects of Maroon Country, highlighting its importance as a symbol of resistance and liberation. It sheds light on the lives of the Maroons, their survival strategies, and their impact on the socio-political landscape of the Virgin Islands. The narrative intertwines the struggles and triumphs of the Maroons with the broader context of Caribbean history, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal chapter in the Virgin Islands' past. Ideal for students, educators, and history enthusiasts, this video provides a compelling look at a crucial aspect of Caribbean heritage, encouraging a deeper appreciation and understanding of the territory's complex history.
This short educational film highlights the work of Senator Theovald Moorehead in …
This short educational film highlights the work of Senator Theovald Moorehead in the US Virgin Islands and his activism to promote a happy island for all, not just for tourists. The film cautions against the gentrification and tourism-dominated space on St. John, which has resulted in the loss of deep culture. The documentary is structured to educate and engage the community. It features Virgin Islanders discussing Senator Moorehead's life and work, analyzing his vision for St. John, and inspiring their fellow Virgin Islanders to dream and create a better future for their island.
The lesson plan "Exploring Emancipation: A Digital Walking Tour of Frederiksted" offers …
The lesson plan "Exploring Emancipation: A Digital Walking Tour of Frederiksted" offers a unique and engaging educational experience that delves into the historical significance of Frederiksted, a place where the 1848 emancipation of all enslaved individuals in the then Danish West Indies was achieved through the resolute efforts of the enslaved themselves. Collaboratively developed by the Crucian Nature and Tourism Organization and the Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education, this lesson plan aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Frederiksted as an emancipatory stronghold, with a focus on the layered post-1848 emancipation evolution. The lesson is thoughtfully designed to align with the 175th commemoration of the 1848 Emancipation Act, and it fosters peer-to-peer learning while incorporating integrated activities centered around locally significant themes.
Melvin Herbert Evans is the Virgin Islands' first elected governor. Evans graduated …
Melvin Herbert Evans is the Virgin Islands' first elected governor. Evans graduated from Howard University with a B.S. in 1940 and from the Howard College of Medicine with an M.D. four years later, following graduation from high school on St. Thomas. He then worked in a variety of medical and public health positions for the United States and the Virgin Islands.
Mini Mathilda is a digital project that was created by Alexis Matarangas-King. …
Mini Mathilda is a digital project that was created by Alexis Matarangas-King. It shares activities from the Crucian Christmas Festival, such as the Coquito Festival, Boat Parade, Jump Up, and Christmas Spoken Here. Additionally, the subject of madras, as well as Virgin Islands foodways and characters like the moko jumbie, are explored.
This Open Educational Resources & Practices Starter Kit is designed to support …
This Open Educational Resources & Practices Starter Kit is designed to support educators and librarians begin their OER journey of identifying, evaluating, curating, and authoring/remixing.
In Episode 2 of Crucian Cultural Cuisine, the Virgin Islands Good Food …
In Episode 2 of Crucian Cultural Cuisine, the Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition Director Sommer Sibilly-Brown learns how to make Benye with Norma Pemberton-Llanos
The "Guardians of Our Heritage" challenge is a special initiative designed exclusively …
The "Guardians of Our Heritage" challenge is a special initiative designed exclusively for teachers in the Virgin Islands, celebrating their role as stewards of the territory's rich cultural and historical legacy. This challenge invites teachers from both public and private schools across the districts of St. Croix and St. Thomas-St. John to creatively decorate their classroom doors or a designated space within their schools. The decorations should reflect the theme "We Are All Stewards of Our Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage," emphasizing the importance of preserving and honoring the unique traditions, stories, and natural beauty of the Virgin Islands.
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