INFORMATION BELOW EXTRACTED FROM http://www.perankhu.org/

Caribbean Cultural Community Projects - 3 Queens of the VI: A Chautauqua

On June 16th, 17th & 23rd, 2006, on St. John, St. Thomas & St. Croix respectively, Per Ankh developed, produced, directed and executed a performance contract for the VI Humanities Council's presentation of the "Three Queens Chautauqua Series". A Chautauqua is a first-person historical characterization, monologue and life-like dramatic enactment based on biographies, historical information and documented oral tradition accounts. The term Chautauqua has Native Ameridian roots to the gathering of "truth & culture bearers" with ties to the practices used to share historical and intellectual information throughout the developing US in the 1800's. This was the 1st time a Chautauqua was presented in the Virgin Islands. This project was funded by the National Endowment of the Humanities (NEH) as part of the We The People Project Initiative and any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily reflect those of the NEH.



Three of the six (6) known "Queens of the Virgin Islands" were presented: Queen Breffu of the St. John Revolution (Revolt) of November 23rd, 1733; Queen Mary of the St. Croix Fiyahbun of October 1st, 1878; and Queen Coziah of the St. Thomas Coal Carriers Non-violent Strike of September 12th, 1892. The humanities scholars/actresses performing as these Queens were Jahweh David (Breffu) (l), Oceana James (Mary) (c) and DaRa Monifah Cooper (Coziah) (r).



Accompanying musicians were The performing Drummers/Percussionists Carl Neb KaRa Christopher Kherishetapheru (c), Anubi Chionesu (l) and Anuka Selah Davis-Kahina (r) of Per Ankh's Neteru Ankhsamble. The producer, writer, director and narrator for this 1st Chautauqua in the VI was Dr. ChenziRa D. Kahina. The Queens of the Virgin Islands Chautauqua presented an opportunity for our community to learn about, speak and interact with these trail-blazing freedom fighters who were instrumental to our people's Quest for Self-Governance, Self-Determination & Liberation, along with the freedom, liberty and justice that are the inalienable rights that are to be afforded to all men and women of the Virgin Islands, the Americas and the world. With guidance and advisement of University of Puerto Rico professor Dr. Nick Faraclas, a Spanish translation of selected excerpts of the script for the "Three Queens Chautauqua Series" was prepared by Pier Angeli, a doctoral student of UPR to enhance the educational outreach and practical use of this historical presentation that shares the story of women in leadership before, during and after the Afrakan chattel enslavement experience. Per Ankh extends a special thanks "muchas gracias" to Dr. Faraclas, Ms. Pier Angeli & UPR Administration for supporting such an educational outreach!!! A special thanks and accolades are extended to our costume designer & master tailor Mrs. Esther Frett of The House of Dolls of St. John for extending our historical research on the clothing worn in the 1730's, 1870's and 1890's historically correct, professionally and eloquently appropriate for our "Queens" for these productions. More elaboration and research are in progress for future community-centered educational presentations like this one!

The VIHC in collaboration with Per Ankh is organizing a special live video production presentation of the 3 Queens of the VI Chautauqua for historic archival and educational distribution purposes. We anticipate having DVDs available for distribution throughout the VI & abroad for educational institutions, community organizations, VI families and interested others on or before March 2008. Please note that your support to this project will make its completion more swift, efficient and professional for the benefit of the entire VI, our visitors and off-island supporters.

For more information on this Chautauqua Series send email to perankh@gmail.com or communicate directly with the VI Humanities Council at their website @ www.vihumanities.org

Queens of the VI & Musicians Photographs Courtesy Shamika George & Graphic Profile of Queens of the VI Courtesy DaRa Monifah Cooper © 2006

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