Virgin Islanders Mark 176th Emancipation Day with Celebrations and Critique

From poetry readings, quelbe performances, conch shell blowing, and the annual “Fort to Fort Walk to Freedom”, the St. Croix community gathered at various events on Wednesday to celebrate the territory’s 176th Emancipation Day anniversary— honoring the day’s history while reflecting on the current conditions of Virgin Islanders.‌ “I want to say happy emancipation to everyone, but the question is: are we emancipated?” asked Karen Dickenson, a local community activist, of the residents gathered at the United Caribbean Association (UCA) “Lionnes/Wombmen Rise” Emancipation event. UCA’s activity, held annually at Buddhoe Park in Frederiskted, also featured storytelling, youth presentations, and community dances, with many of the performers echoing Ms. Dickenson's sentiment. As one poetry performer suggested to the crowd, “176 years and still we can’t see change.”‌ Many community members said that their frustration with what they believe to be a lack of progress in the mobilization of Virg...