March 01, 2021
St. Thomas, USVI - When lawmakers passed legislation more than fifteen years ago to designate March as Virgin Islands History Month, the goal was to instill a sense of pride, loyalty, and respect for the territory and its residents at home and abroad.
“While it is true that we should celebrate our strides as a people all year round, drawing focus to our accomplishments during this special time allows us to reflect deeply on our progress and the way forward for future generations,” Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory said.
The celebration is meant to draw attention to the history, culture, and achievements of the people of the Virgin Islands by commemorating great events that have shaped the territory, and to pay tribute to our past and present heroes, heroines, and other individuals who have contributed to enriching and bettering the lives of Virgin Islanders.
Virgin Islands History Month takes note of the diverse origins, backgrounds, races, ethnicities, colors, beliefs, and religions found throughout the territory. It also presents an opportunity to highlight our traditions, culture, and cuisine, among other things. The observance culminates with an acknowledgement of Transfer Day and its impacts on the people of the Virgin Islands, after the end of 250 years of slavery and colonization under Denmark, and the sale of the territory to the United States of America.
During this month, several agencies are charged with the responsibility of developing programs and ceremonies under their statutory jurisdiction, to include the Department of Education, the Virgin Islands Cultural Heritage Institute, the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts, the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office, and the Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums.
“On behalf of my colleagues of the 34th Legislature, I encourage these agencies to think creatively of ways to share our rich history in a way that can be safely accessed by the public in light of the current global pandemic,” the Senate President said. “There are also small but meaningful ways we all can honor the significance of the month, such as remembering our loved ones who have been of service to our community.”
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CONTACT:
Amber P. Lewis, PMP
Chief Policy Advisor & Brand Strategist
Office of Senate President Donna A. Frett-Gregory
alewis@legvi.org
340-693-3686
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