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34th LEGISLATURE CELEBRATES AFRICAN LIBERATION DAY - Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Close About Us History Functions and Structure FY 2026 Budget Honor Roll Rules of the 36th Legislative Youth Advisory Council Application Careers Archives Legislative Archives Tours × St. Thomas Senators  St. John Senators  St.Croix Senators  Districts All Senators St. Croix St. Thomas - St. John Senator at Large × Committees Committee of the Whole Budget, Appropriation and Finance Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning Economic Development and Agriculture Education and Workforce Development Government Operations, Veteran Affairs and Consumer Protection Health, Hospitals and Human Services Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications Rules and Judiciary Session Folder × No event found! Calendars Bi-Weekly Senate Calendar Session Agenda × Dialog window Dialog window General Senators Committees Media Calendars Contact News | Press Releases 34th LEGISLATURE CELEBRATES AFRICAN LIBERATION DAY Published: May 25, 2021 Search for: ST. THOMAS— Under the theme of “Forward Ever to World-Wide Pan-African Unity,” Members of the 34th Legislature celebrated African Liberation Day on the Capitol Building grounds. Enacted through Act No. 5473, Virgin Islands African Heritage Week and African Liberation Day are commemorated annually during the third week of May and on May 25th, respectively. Virgin Islands African Heritage Week annually commemorates, observes, memorializes, and celebrates that African Liberation Day is rooted in the First Conference of Independent African States convened by eight African nations in 1958 during African Freedom Day (April 15th) and led by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of the independent Republic of Ghana – an African nation with which many Virgin Islands Caribbean people have ancestral family lineage, the proclamation states. Cultural Tradition Artist Jason Meade gave the Call to Order, signaled by the Conch Shell Horn. Empress of Ceremonies SNTDR. Chenzira Davis Kahina led the Program, followed by raising the Flag, singing of the National African Anthem by Nkosi Sikelel ‘Iafrika, and recitation of VI Code Title 1, Chapter 11, Section 192, and Proclamation by UVI Student, Majestik Freedom Estrada-Petersen. Senator Milton E. Potter spoke on behalf of Senate President Frett-Gregory and referenced “Africa Unite” by Bob Marley and the Wailers, reiterating the song’s appeal for unity among Africans on the continent as well as the Africans throughout the diaspora. “This theme is about holding on to our identity as African people,” stated by Senator Carla J. Joseph. After Libation offered by Felicia Blake of the Yoruba Community, the event included an Ancestral Tribute by Queens of the Earth, a Heritage presentation from Clarence Lumumba Leonard of the Pan African Support Group, and the Keynote Presentation by Nswnebkara Asar R. Herishetapaheru, Per Ankh M Smai Tawi. “Today we reflect on the fact that we have not obtained our freedom and thus, this isn’t easy because our freedom has not been fully realized. But we use this day to reaffirm our commitment to pan Africanism celebrating the victories against capitalism via colonialism, racism and zionism” said Senator Genevieve Whitaker. ### Find More Search for: Categories News Observances Press Releases Special Events Related Content COMMITTEE REVIEWS FY 2027 EXECUTIVE BUDGET REQUESTS FOR GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, AND BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES July 23, 2026 ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Members of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., met in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room to receive testimony on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budgets for... Read More COMMITTEE RECEIVES UPDATES FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT CONCERNING SEWAGE HEALTH RISKS, CANCER CARE IN THE TERRITORY                                   July 22, 2026 ST. THOMAS, VI – The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, led by Senator Ray Fonseca, met at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall.  Lawmakers received testimony concerning the potential and observed public... Read More SENATORS CONSIDER PROPOSED HORSE RACE LEGISLATION IN SPECIAL SESSION  July 22, 2026 Members of the 36th Legislature, led by Senate President Milton E. Potter, convened at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers met in special session by request of the governor to consider Bill No. 36-0313, an act approving lease and franchise agreements for the development and operation of the Randall “Doc”... Read More Quick Links Home Senators Committees Media News Contact Important Links Revised Organic Act of 1954 (PDF) 36th Oath of Office Booklet 100 Day Report Rules of the 36th Public Information or Archives Request Search for: Follow Follow Follow Follow