175th Emancipation Commemoration Committee Announces Upcoming Plans, Website Launch

A new commemorative license plate, donor portal, website and tributes to 175 Virgin Islanders who contributed to the official emancipation of slavery within the territory were some of the initiatives announced Tuesday as members of the 175th Emancipation Commemoration Committee revealed their framework for the next few months.

“On the morning of July 3, 1948, the low bellow of the conch shell rang out over Frederiksted, signaling the birth of hope and the call to freedom — a call we still hear today,” Committee secretary — and corporate sponsorship chair — Teri Helenese said during a press conference held at Government House.

“This July 3, 2023, the United States Virgin Islands will celebrate that freedom and lift up the hope we have in future generations and we encourage every Virgin Islander and those who love us to join us as we remember our past, celebrate our advancements and dedicate ourselves to a promising future,” she said.

Helenese said representatives of the seven countries that have had ownership of the territory — Spain, England, Holland, France, the Knights of Malta, Denmark and, finally, the United States — have been invited to participate in and even sponsor upcoming events, given the shared history. Funds received will be put toward sponsoring grants and scholarships, educational training, research, data, cultural affairs, capital projects and the design and build of public displays that will commemorate the anniversary of emancipation, she explained.