Sept. 20, 2008 – The deadline for the Sing and Speak About Emancipation Contest, sponsored by the V.I. Department of Education through its Division of Cultural Education, has been extended, according to Glenn “Kwabena” Davis, division director. The new deadline is now 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31.
The contest is geared toward encouraging students of all ages to read, write and create compositions that not only celebrate but place significant emphasis on the struggle and determination of our ancestors leading up to the Emancipation.
“The pre-Emancipation history is the foundation upon which we can build a better community and world for future generations of Virgin Islands and Caribbean people,” said Davis.
Students across the territory are encouraged to participate in this creative arts project and submit an original song or poem that focuses on Emancipation or a related theme.
Participating students are allowed to utilize any of the local, regional or national creative art forms to express their artistic talent. To remain in contention, an even playing field is established with specific guidelines. These rules include:
1. Submission of a signed application confirming that the applicant agrees to adhere to the rules and judging criteria;
2. The theme of the work must be related to or associated with Emancipation;
3. Registered students are allowed to submit only one work containing no more than two accompanying instrumental sounds
4. Both pieces (application and recording) must be submitted simultaneously
5. The submission deadline for the taped recording and application signed by both the student and a parent is 4 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 31. All submissions will be stamped upon receipt. Any received after the indicated time will be held until the selection is made and returned to the student. Submissions are to be delivered to the Cultural Education Division, V.I. Department of Education, 1834 Kongens Gade, St. Thomas, V.I. 00802; or No. 2133 Hospital Street, Christiansted, St. Croix, V.I. 00820.
Applications and information can be immediately obtained at either of the division's offices. For more information, contact Glenn “Kwabena” Davis at 774-0100, ext. 8049 or 8050; and on St. Croix, Edgar O. Lake at 773-1095, ext. 7038.
