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 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 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 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 Fireburn, a very significant labor uprising in the Virgin Islands, rooted in struggles for human and labor rights. The Fireburn remains a testament in Virign Islands history of the courage of estate laborers such as Mary Thomas, Axeline Salomon, Mathilde McBean, and Susanna Abramson. The students will be taken through the socio-political landscape of the former Danish West Indies through interactive activities, multimedia resources, and critical discussions that understand the events leading up to the uprising and its profound aftermath. This module is to be designed with the purpose of educating but, at the same time, encouraging pride and recognition from those who sacrificed so much by standing up against their own oppression and daring to imagine a more equitable life,, giving way to the current freedoms that exist today in the Virgin Islands of the United States. 

This is an activity book prepared for elementary school learners by the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. There are coloring pages and puzzles designed to engage students in learning the Virgin Islands History. 

A  lesson plan on Hubert Harrison is available, with sections adapted for use with students in grades 2–5, 6–12, and beyond.An engaging and accessible introduction to Hubert Harrison is the goal of this lesson plan for children in grades 2–5, which incorporates interactive storytelling, creative exercises, and fundamental terminology. Younger students have a deeper understanding of Harrison's life and work during the Harlem Renaissance and his Caribbean / Danish West Indian heritage.The 6th–12th grade lesson plan delves deeply into Harrison's activist and scholarly endeavors. Analytical and critical thinking skills are developed through activities such as evaluating sources, giving speeches on civic responsibility, and conducting research. This section is designed to encourage older students to dig further into the complicated lives of historical figures and the contexts in which they lived, and to draw parallels between past and present issues.In addition to studying Harrison, this lesson plan provides students with a deeper understanding of how their actions can lead to societal shifts. 

A Historical Ecology of Slavery in the Danish WThis lecture by Justin Dunnavant at UC Santa Cruz focuses on the intersection of historical ecology and slavery in the Danish West Indies. He delves into various aspects, including the impact of the slave trade globally, archaeological methods for studying slave shipwrecks, and the ongoing relevance of archaeology in contemporary communities.

The key takeaway from this lecture is a deeper understanding of how the slave trade influenced global ecosystems and societies, particularly through the lens of historical ecology. Dunnavant emphasizes the critical role of archaeology in uncovering the material histories of enslaved peoples and how these insights can guide contemporary cultural and environmental preservation.

Pre-Watch Preparation
Contextual Background: Provide students with a background on the Danish West Indies, the transatlantic slave trade, and basic principles of archaeology and ecology. This could be in the form of a short reading assignment or a classroom lecture.
Key Vocabulary: Introduce key terms and concepts that will appear in the video, such as "historical ecology," "maritime archaeology," and "sustainable archaeology," to ensure students are not bogged down by unfamiliar terminology.

Justin Dunnavant begins the lecture by outlining his research focus on the historical ecology of slavery in the Danish West Indies, emphasizing the integration of archaeological methods with ecological awareness.

He introduces the significance of the transatlantic slave trade in shaping the economic and cultural landscapes of the Virgin Islands, with particular attention to the archaeological evidence from shipwrecks.

Dunnavant discusses his work at the Estate Little Princess, a former Danish plantation on St. Croix, describing the artifacts found and their cultural implications.

The lecture highlights the environmental impacts of slavery, such as deforestation and landscape modification, which were integral to the plantation economy.

The role of community involvement in archaeological practice is underscored, promoting an inclusive approach to studying and preserving history.

Dunnavant presents a case for sustainable archaeology that respects both cultural heritage and the natural environment, aiming to mitigate the impacts of archaeological activities.

The talk concludes with a discussion on the importance of continued research and education to further explore the complex legacies of slavery in the Caribbean.

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 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 "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.

 The objective of studying whether the Virgin Islands would thrive better from being heterogeneous or homogeneous is to understand the impact of diversity on a community's social, economic, and cultural development. By examining the benefits and drawbacks of both homogeneity and heterogeneity, researchers can gain insights into the factors that contribute to a community's success or failure. Understanding the dynamics of diversity in the Virgin Islands can help policymakers and community leaders make informed decisions about how to promote economic growth, social cohesion, and cultural preservation in the region. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to identify strategies that will enable the Virgin Islands to thrive and prosper in the face of global challenges and changing demographic trends.

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  

 It was determined in 1847 that future children born to enslaved laborers would be free, and that slavery would be abolished totally in 1859. Instead of agreeing to the deal, the enslaved began mobilizing, and on July 3rd, 1848, an estimated 8,000 enslaved individuals demanded their freedom 1848, an estimated 8,000 enslaved individuals demanded their freedom in Frederiksted in front of Fort Frederik