Long before the sun set July 3, on the 175th celebration of the territory’s Emancipation Day, history, entertainment, music and stories of ancestors were shared by Virgin Islanders at Buddoe Park in Frederiksted.
Activities began early with the Fort to Fort Freedom walk at 4 a.m. with former Senator Positive T.A. Nelson and a Fort to Fort Freedom race at 7 a.m.
Before a short parade at 9:30 a.m., a Libation and Calling the Names of the Ancestors Ceremony began, led by culture icons Myron Jackson, Gerard Emanuel and Denise Lenhardt. The group, along with other well-known Virgin Islanders, poured water libations on the ground as they recited the names of those who were killed, wounded or arrested during the emancipation uprising in 1848 and the spirits of others who have passed. Around 156 names collected by the Society of Historians were read during the commemoration.
“No one is dead, according to the ancestors, until there is no one to call their name,” Lenhardt said. “So keep calling their names.”
The cultural, historic entertainment included dancers from the Caribbean Dance Company and the Hiplet Ballerinas. During the performances, community leader Willard John described the 1733 St. John Revolt, the Fireburn on St. Croix in 1878 and a dance and song about “Coaling” on St. Thomas in 1823.
“We celebrate the ones who paved our paths forward,” John said.
From the U.S. Interior Department, John Brewer, director of the Office of Insular Affairs, attended the commemoration and said Virgin Islanders should remember to teach what has been learned in the past to “those not yet born.”
The keynote speaker was NAACP Chairwoman Emeritus Roslyn M. Brock, a nationally recognized civil rights, health, equity and social justice advocate. Currently, she is the chief global equity officer for Abt Associates, a social impact research and consulting firm that uses data and bold thinking to improve the economic and well-being of people around the globe.
Brock commended “Gen. Buddoe’s courage and determination” in leading 9,000 enslaved people to Fort Frederik to demand their freedom on July 3. She said people need to continue to rise above diversity and speak truth to power.
“My friends, for Americans with African descent, the concept of freedom, carries for us a very nuance – a complex meaning, because of our existence as chattel. But today is a day of celebration,” she said. “Our struggles do not define us, but they shape the way we are.”
Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett presented Gov. Bryan with a U.S. flag that flew over the Capitol on June 26 and asked that it be flown over Ft. Frederik. She wished everyone “Happy Self-Emancipation Day” and advised them to “live beyond the past.”
Other speakers included Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach, Senate President Novelle Francis and Carol Burke, chairwoman of the 175th Emancipation Committee.
“Without organized resistance, there is no freedom. Without liberation, there is no celebration. And so, it is with our past, we have demanded our freedom, we have fought for and won our liberation. Now we come together in celebration,” Bryan said.
Music was provided by the Emancipation Choir, whose members comprise several church groups and directed by composer Alvin Milligan. Cedelle Petersen-Christopher and Cariso musicians accompanied the dance groups. Leslie Highfield Carter performed the musical finale accompanied by Sai Winans and the Crucian Jazz Band. The 73rd Army Band played the National and Virgin Islands anthems.
Events through the afternoon included art shows, Quadrille dancing and a Quelbe tramp leading into the night, with music and fireworks after dark.
