The V.I. Department of Education’s Division of Cultural Education has announced the launch of a monthly calendar of Virgin Islands cultural and historical personalities and events. The official launch is scheduled for September, however, the division wishes to use the months April through August to share its monthly information with the public as well.. Through this process, it hopes to continue to glean additional information and input from the community in preparation for the official launch.
Cultural Education Director Glenn “Kwabena” Davis said, “Since August of last year, the division staff has used numerous reference and other sources, including “Profiles of Outstanding Virgin Islanders,” “From These Shores,” newspapers, obituaries, family contributions, history books and texts, select papers, interviews, magazine articles as well as other published and unpublished materials. The results of this effort rendered over 50 events and birthdates of personalities of great significance to the Virgin Islands and its people. However, only the earliest years will be shared and the remaining information used for future dissemination.”
Davis continued, “As a work in progress, we are asking that persons be aware that there are some dates with no information, some with as much as four items and events without confirmed dates. It is hoped that by sharing this information with the schools and the public, others will be inspired to come forward with their event or personality contributions for this and any month in the year. This is another great opportunity for others to become engaged in the process.” Davis further mentioned a similar project in circulation by Laurene Robles, a third grade teacher at the Alfredo Andrews School on St. Croix. “We view these types of initiatives as complementary to what we do and ask the community to support this fundraising effort that serves to benefit our students and the community,” Davis said.
Before it was dismantled in the late 1980s, the division performed this service through the printed and broadcast media. In this period, plans are to utilize a multi-media approach in order to reach the widest number of people of all ages. Additionally, starting in September, the division will feature a major personality each month, and students will be asked to perform additional research and submit an essay about the featured individual. These essays will be judged for a special prize.
For additional information or to add your contribution to V.I. history, please contact the division at 772-3645 on St. Croix or at 774-0100, ext. 2808 or 2809, on St. Thomas.
