Bryan signs order creating committee for 175th anniversary of Emancipation Proclamation

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed an executive order on July 1, 2022, establishing a nine-member committee to plan Virgin Islands events marking the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 2023.

Government House said Bryan set aside $1 million for the committee's work. He named former Sen. Carol Burke as chair.

The administration said the commemoration would include plaques and busts across the territory recognizing local culture-bearers and others tied to Virgin Islands emancipation history.

At the July 1 press conference on St. Croix, Burke identified committee members present as Teri Helenese, Maureen Burke-Ventura, Khnuma Simmonds, Akeem McIntosh and Sen. Carla Joseph. Members not present were former Sen. Myron Jackson, Jamila Russell and Jelani Ritter.

Burke said the committee planned to highlight Frederiksted, Christiansted, Charlotte Amalie, Water Island and Cruz Bay, and to begin with a reception honoring people designated as "keepers of the flame" posthumously.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-signs-order-establishing-committee-to-plan-175th-anniversary-celebrations-of-emancipation-proclamation/