On July 3, 1848, enslaved Africans from all over St. Croix marched to Frederiksted and demanded their freedom. Faced with the insistent crowd that outnumbered his troops, Gov. Peter von Scholten was forced to agree, and Frederiksted earned a second name – Freedom City.
To mark the anniversary of that day of courage, several hundred St. Croix residents gathered Wednesday afternoon in Buddhoe Park to hear the history of West Indian ancestors and see that history brought to life by drumming, singing, and dancing.
The Echo Drummers from St. John, sang “Oh what a feeling our ancestors are everywhere, Does anyone else feel ancestors here?” They sang “Feel it!” and that got people up and swaying and clapping hands to the music.
A conch shell was blown to recall the signal of the beginning of the historical march from LaGrange to Frederiksted.
In the playing of a recording of the cariso "Clear The Road," a story song that passes down important lore for the community, the audience gathered around heard the song of the people who marched that day 165 years ago in their own words, composed by people who had been there.
Mary Moorehead, chairwoman of the Emancipation Commemoration committee of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow said the committee is grounded in history and education.
“Education is our priority,” Mary Moorehead said in her introduction. She said hopes the younger generation has learned a lot from the committee’s efforts and that the next generation will spread the knowledge and keep history alive.
Mario Moorehead, local historian, gave a historical talk on the events leading up to the revolt and the history of sugar cane.
Lavrene Robeles, an educator and entrepreneur, said children don’t know the history and culture of the islands.
“Events like this reinforce our pride and appreciation of our culture,” Robeles said. “It perpetuates the cultural and social aspect of our history. It promotes self worth and high self esteem.”
Rudolf and Rose Prescott, visiting from Florida, said the event moved them.
Rudolf Prescott, a native Crucian, said he felt good.
”I feel connected with what is happening here today,” Rudolf said. He said he moved from St. Croix when he was young, but he spent every summer on St. Croix.
Rose Prescott, a native Jamaican, said she was enjoying the music.
“The music and the drums sets a good feeling in my spirit,” Rose Prescott said. “It speaks to me.”
People sat on the steps surrounding the clock tower or on one of the many park benches in the shade of mahogany trees at Buddhoe Park. People also brought folding canvas chairs. The members of the alumni association of St. Patrick’s school were selling food and beverages.
On July 3, 1848 the men and women who marched to Frederiksted led by Moses "General Buddhoe" Gottleib outnumbered the gendarmes. And the gendarmes’ gunpowder, normally stored in Fort Frederik, was missing. There wasn’t any choice but to agree to give the slaves their freedom.
“From this day forward all unfree in the Danish West Indies shall be free,” Gov. Peter von Scholten said.
The History, Culture and Tradition Foundation Inc. and the Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Emancipation Commemoration Committee hosted the commemoration