ST. CROIX, U.S.V.I., November 1, 2024 – St. Croix Foundation for Community Development (SCF), in partnership with Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT), the Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition (VIGFC), Crucian Educators, and Culture Bearers, is pleased to invite the St. Croix Community to join them for an unforgettable afternoon of learning and exploring our Virgin Islands history through “Our Living History: An Afternoon with Mario Moorhead,” to be hosted on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the Old Bethlehem Sugar Factor from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
A Community Classroom of Reflection and Learning, this event is open to the public in celebration of Elder Mario Moorhead’s scholarly work. The event will foster an intergenerational learning exchange where Young and Old Virgin Islanders along with educators and community members will create a space for Elder Moorhead to share his extensive knowledge of Virgin Islands History.
The convening will open with the ceremonial blowing of the Conch Shell and will feature live drumming by Walla and Feather, leading into Elder Moorhead’s presentation, which will be moderated by Zuma Nisbett, Richard Muhammed, and Akeem McIntosh, followed by a moderated question-and-answer session designed for respectful engagement and learning.
“Our Living History: An Afternoon with Mario Moorhead” was conceptualized by a small community working group in recognition of the critical role that elders serve in ensuring that vital knowledge around VI History and humanities is shared and transferred. Mario Moorhead’s contributions to our understanding of Virgin Islands History are woven deeply into the cultural fabric of our community. This event reflects the Sankofa spirit of learning from our past to better understand our present and shape our future.
The event is also intentionally timed to coincide with Elder Moorhead’s 85th birthday and honors him as a native Crucian Son, Scholar, and Culture Bearer. The event will be recorded and produced as a learning resource for academic and cultural purposes.
Event Registration and Seating
This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Registration is required in advance via https://stxfoundation.info/OralHistoryMarioMoorhead or by calling St. Croix Foundation at 340-773-9898. To ensure comfort, early registrants and invitees will be provided seats, and others are welcome to bring their own seating or stand if needed. All attendees must register in advance of the day, Friday, November 15, 2024, as space is limited.
We strongly encourage parents and guardians of teens and young adults to bring their youth to participate in this unique opportunity to engage directly with Virgin Islands history and heritage. This event promises to foster meaningful intergenerational learning and reflection, offering young people a chance to connect deeply with their cultural roots.
St. Croix Foundation wishes to extend its sincerest appreciation to Mario Moorhead and Mary Moorhead, event discussants Akeem McIntosh, Zuma Nisbett, and Richard Muhammed, as well as the Community Working Group, which includes Ariela Hayes, Chalana Brown, Dr. Chenzira Davis Kahina, Chermaine Hobson, Frandelle Gerard, Sayeeda Carter, Sommer Sibily-Brown and SCF AmeriCorps VISTA Members Kevin Moolenaar and Chevon Miles.
For more information about how to support these special funds, please visit the Foundation online at www.stxfoundation.org or call 340-773-9898.