Anita Davis-Sedlak Photo Credit: FACEBOOK
The grief that followed the untimely passing of Anita Davis-Sedlak — a well-known figure in St. Thomas lauded by those she guided as an indelible part of their life story — could be felt on social media Monday, representing a palpable reminder of her impact.
From video production powerhouse and Virgin Islander John Wheatley, who has worked with major studios in the U.S. including Tyler Perry Studios, to local communications mainstay Jean P. Greaux, who served 8 years during the John P. de Jongh administration as communications director, and currently serves as chief of communications for the V.I. Water and Power Authority.
Others still on radio, such as Terence A. Thomas, recalled her influence on their lives and how opportunities that she encouraged at radio station WSTA helped inform their own life story.
Ms. Davis-Sedlak, originally from Brooklyn, New York, died on Monday of ovarian cancer. She moved to the territory in the 1980s and spent much of her time at WSTA, where she not only hosted radio shows, but led its programming and curated and maintained the station's library of music. She also left a legacy of helping others.
"Anita Davis-Sedlak was one of my biggest supporters in the Virgin Islands," stated Mr. Wheatley, the media production professional who crisscrosses the U.S. working with some of the biggest names in the business. "She was always telling me how proud of me she was. She supported every event that I produced. Every concert, comedy show, TV project, or event I touched she was right there to cheer and support me... One of the kindest and beautiful people to ever walk the planet and I’m honored to have known her. Rest well my friend. Love, John!"
Mr. Thomas wrote an emotional tribute to Ms. Davis-Sedlak, crediting her for launching his radio career. Addressing Ms. Davis-Sedlak affectionally by her fist name, Mr. Thomas concluded, "Anita has been a mentor to me. She was like a big sister. She gave me my radio name – Terry T. She would call me “Terry T., my mellow!” She loved our local culture. She loved animals. Her all-time favorite pets were two dogs – Floyd and Side Pocket. She loved to eat local foods (unlike some other yankees). Ras Regg nicknamed her “Deh Mighty Rab’n”. She used that name when she sang calypso. She gave unknown local artists a platform. She played Luis Ible’s music when others did not. She believed in the junior calypsonians, often interviewing them on-air. There is so much I can say about Anita! But the tears won’t let me. RIP Anita!" The full tribute deserves a read.
Mr. Greaux spoke to the kind heart of Ms. Davis-Sedlak, who he described as representing some of the best human traits. He too referred to Ms. Davis-Sedlak by her first name, exemplifying the bonds she built over the years.
"Anita was in short a wonderful soul, a person who simply saw the best in everyone. On and off the air, she had an uncanny ability to share messages of optimism and hope for a better tomorrow," he said.
He added, "Her most redeeming quality is by far the depth to which she embraced the Virgin Islands, its culture and its people. On radio, she was the consummate professional, she knew the broadcasting business inside and out.
"Aside from hosting her own programs, she held positions of both music and program director first at WSTA and later at Knight Quality Stations. She was a natural, a great communicator and assisted some many over the years in both getting their feet wet in broadcasting and later honing their skills.
"She left radio but continued her legacy of helping others. She was a fervent supporter of My Brother's Workshop and gained employment through viNGN as a technical assistant/consultant at the Public Computer Centers — helping the not so computer savvy members of our community in navigating technology."
Correction: Tues. Oct. 26, 2021
A previous version of this story misstated the name of Terrence A. Thomas. We've updated the story to reflect the correct information.
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