Historical Notes of Schools in the Virgin Islands
- Subject:
- Arts and Humanities
- Education
- History
- Virgin Islands History
- Material Type:
- Case Study
- Lecture Notes
- Author:
- Ruth Moolenaar
- Date Added:
- 09/08/2021
Historical Notes of Schools in the Virgin Islands
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.
International Day for Monuments discussion with Former Senator Myron Jackson about the bust of King Christian the IX being removed from the Emancipation Gardens public space as a result of public outcry.
The measure appropriates $20,000 from the St. Thomas Capital Improvement Fund to cover the cost of removing and replacing the sculpture. Additionally, the program promotes new discourses, alternative and nuanced approaches to established historical narratives, and promotes inclusive and diverse points of view.
"The Great Debate" - An Educational Forum For Voters
This is a video entitled United States Buys the Virgin Islands. It is a recording of the transfer documents being signed in 1917.
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.
This lesson plan was developed by English Teacher Regina Keels in collaboration with local poet, historian, and writer Richard Schrader. In this lesson, students will learn about the 1848 Slave Rebellion that led to the emancipation of enslaved Afticans in the Danish West Indies and write and present their own expression of the events.
In the Danish West Indies, Communities of Free People of Color
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.
The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science
Vol. 22, The United States and Latin America (Jul., 1903), pp. 99-110 (12 pages)
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
Reexamination of the Insular Cases
Decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in the first decade of the 20th century, the Insular Cases are a series of decisions that established the status of the residents of territories which had recently been acquired by the United States during and immediately after the Spanish-American War. These cases remain the basis for the relationship between the territories and the rest of the United States.1 Many attorneys in the territories say the Insular Cases are the reason they went to law school. However, the Insular Cases are much less well known outside of the territories and are not included in some law school curricula.
Slavery in the Caribbean is a 2009 WebQuest developed by Jennifa Mohammed in fulfillment of technology course at the University of the Virgin Islands. Working in groups of three, students are required to research general information on slavery in three Caribbean islands chosen from a provided list. Each group is required to create a PowerPoint presentation to inform classmates on the group's findings. Presentation of the PowerPoint must be from the viewpoint of a slave in that particular island during slavery. Students will discuss comparisons between slavery in the various islands.
This is a teacher-made PowerPoint slide that can be used by the Virgin Islands History Teachers for discussing the lesson: Transfer Day. The term "Transfer Day" refers to the day that the Danish West Indies officially became a part of the United States, the US Virgin Islands. On March 31, 1917, at 4:00 p.m., the United States paid Denmark $25,000,000 for the Danish West Indies. Disclaimer: The original content, video, and image rights do not belong to me. In the references section, proper acknowledgment is provided.
From June - July 2023, the U.S. Virgin Islands commemorated 175 Years of Emancipation. This booklet, considered an instructional tool, iconic cultural bearers Ten Sleepless Knights (TSK) reflected on how far Virgin Islanders have come as a people. In the words of TSK INC, "In 2023, we are able to look back and evaluate how our lives today have been shaped by events of July 3, 1848. "As an institution, slavery was a brutal and oppressive system that controlled the day to day existence of our ancestors. The bravery and determination of many individuals who wanted a better future for themselves and their loved ones were largely responsible for bringing an end to this evil institution." The booklet is intended to be utilized as an instructional tool for educators locally and beyond.
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.
This lesson plan aims to educate students about the significance of Pan-Africanism, focusing on its relevance in the Virgin Islands and Liberia. Students will delve into the contributions of key figures like Reverend Dr. Edward Wilmot Blyden and Dr. Melvin Evans, particularly in the realms of Pan-Africanism, politics, and health administration. The curriculum will address the historical context of healthcare in the Virgin Islands, emphasizing the disparities during Dr. Melvin Evans' tenure as the first Black governor. Through various activities, students will engage in discussions, research, and creative tasks to understand health disparities and propose solutions for a more equitable society. The lesson also integrates standards related to democracy, societal change, and local Virgin Islands pride. Materials for the lesson include biographies, information on Liberia, internet resources, art supplies, and potential guest speakers.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UeAFha9L5Y&t=590s
Excavations on St. Croix fill in history’s blanksAn all-black team of archaeologists explains their approach to unearthing the day-to-day lives of enslaved A...
This 11-12th grade unit plan was designed for the 9th Annual Virgin Islands Literary Festival and Book Fair, April 2023. English Teacher Regina Keels, a member of the festival committee, developed the unit, executed the lessons as indicated, and demonstrated the Socratic Seminar with colleague Cynthia Santos along with their students during the festival. The unit can be be amended for other Virgin Islands political leaders and their speeches or for the speeches of political leaders globally.
Presentations
VI Freedom Week- St. John Fortsberg Virtual Presentation with Kurt Marsh of St. Janco