Anthropologists representing the University of California, Berkeley invite the St. Croix community to a special evening of lively and intellectual discussion at Levels St. Croix on Thursday, May 29, from 6:00 to 8 p.m. This community event will share the results of a year-long ethnographic study focused on the ancestral and cultural significance of the island’s national parks.
The research team is made up of both visiting and local scholars, including: Principal Investigator Dr. William White III (University of California, Berkeley), Research Supervisors Dr. Ayana Flewellen (Stanford University) and Dr. Pardis Zahedi (Aarhus University), Archival Researchers Jasmine Michell (UC Berkeley) and Amina Childs (North Carolina A&M), Ethnographers Eva Middleton (Stanford University) and Jillian Lyles (Stanford University), and Technical Advisors Dr. Chenzira Davis-Kahina (University of the Virgin Islands) and Frandelle Gerard (CHANT). This project was conducted in collaboration with the National Park Service (NPS) to create an Ethnographic Overview and Assessment of three key sites:
●Christiansted National Historic Site
●Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve
●Buck Island Reef National Monument
The research team engaged in interviews, site visits, and archival research to better understand the deep cultural ties Virgin Islanders have to these lands and waters. This event is an opportunity for the public to learn about the findings, view the report, and share their thoughts in an informal setting that encourages open dialogue. The evening will foster a collaborative exchange of knowledge between the researchers and the broader St. Croix community, honoring local voices and traditions.
By bringing people together around shared heritage, the team hopes this work will support ongoing efforts to interpret, manage, and protect these treasured places in ways that reflect the values of the community and preserve them for future generations.
This event is free and open to the public.
Venue: Levels St. Croix, Christiansted, St. Croix
Date: Thursday, May 29, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Organizers: William White III and Pardis Zahedi
For more information about this event or to view the draft report, please contact Dr. Pardis Zahedi at pardis.zahedi@gmail.com
