This commentary represents Excerpts reprinted with permission from Per Ankh, Inc. of from “Queens of the Virgins” © 2006- a culturally historic ethno-documentary production and forthcoming film on the 18th and 19th century freedom queens and women of the former Danish West Indies and contemporary Virgin Islands.
To support and promote this effort please email perankh@gmail.com .
Great Queens of Afraka, like Nefertari, Hatshepsut, Makeda, the Candaces, Nzingha, Al-Kahina, Yaa Asantewa and many others set examples, paths and shoulders of strength as matriarchs of both patrilineal and matrilineal lineage structures for generations to come for women and men of the Virgin Islands that continue to have global impact. The work, contributions and actions for social change initiated by our Queens of the Virgin Islands as embodied by Queen Breffu, Queen Mary and Queen Coziah are a powerful and multi-dimensional extension of these ancestral forces and sources of strength, power, freedom and determination.
The Queens of this VI Chautauqua 2006 includes presentations of and by:
Queen Breffu, who has been recognized for her hidden leadership role in the revolt of enslaved Afrakans of St. John November 23rd, 1733 - May 1734;
Queen Mary who has been recognized for her activism and social upheaval during the Great Fireburn of October 1st, 1878 on St. Croix; and
Queen Coziah who has been recognized as a forerunner of the non-violence movement for her short-lived yet powerful leadership in the Coal Worker’s Strike of September 12th, 1892 on St. Thomas.
It is important to note that the biased versions of “documentation” provided by most 18th -21st scholars has been cautiously integrated to insure that the integrity of the historical accuracy of these women may be maintained while more intensive research is still being uncovered to present a more truthful and balanced portrayal of these Queens of the Virgin Islands.
Queen Breffu, Queen Mary and Queen Coziah represent the ancestral, traditional, customary and contemporary essence that lies dormant amongst many women in our society and is often shunned or ostracized in our women who reflect these great women’s pioneering and championship causes for life, inspiration, freedom and education—LIFE.
A Chautauqua is a community presentation that highlights the collaboration and integration of art, culture, language, tradition, spirituality and education in a manner that enhances understanding and humanitarian comraderie amongst all members of our communities. So, get ready to share and participate in our historic opening of our 1st VI Chautauqua!
While contemporary historians and scholars identify at least six (6) women as historical Queens of the VI, it is important to note that there were many more women who earned the title as “queens” in various aspects of pre and post-colonial Virgin Islands’ society. From ancestral times, Afrakan culture and the nations of long-standing strength, were and are matrilineal and in limited instances matriarchal in societal hierarchy. So, it is common for women to be recognized as “queens”. It is customary and part of the cultural traditions of people of Afrakan ancestry to honor women as “queens” based on their leadership, service to the people of their respective community, spiritual & healing gifts, and for their enduring strength as the mothers, nurturers, warriors, healers and caretakers of our communities in Afraka and abroad that have benefited as well as challenged humanity.
The Queens of the Virgin Islands that are being brought to life in tonight’s Chautauqua represent and embody the principles of leadership, compassion, aggressive force, firm nurturing, political indifference, tribalism and ethnic prejudice along with spiritual transformation. These principled qualities are uniquely integrated into the personality, character traits and actions for change exemplified by each of these women of the 18th and 19th centuries respectively. It is important to note that these Queens of the Virgin Islands endured tremendous hardships that were imposed upon them and in some instances imposed by them at the detriment of the human principles of liberty, self-determination, justice and freedom in many circumstances. Despite many extended obstacles within their paths by societal institutions that were inhumane, our VI, national and international communities have immortalized and in some instances negatively romanticized these Queens of the Virgin Islands into the 21st century.
Our Queens of these Beloved Virgin Islands represent women of strength, anger, displaced rage, ethnic imbalance, leadership, arrogance, aggression, compassion, intolerance, non-violence, endurance, humility and a plethora of other human qualities, principles and characteristics. At least for some, these women who we honor and acknowledge as queens reflect and exemplify a spirited emancipation that has permeated a liberating vibration that existed in ancient times, through pre-colonial America, throughout the transition from feudalism to mercantilism to industrialism and capitalism, throughout the enslavement experience & still is present in the 21st century.
To support and promote this ethnographic film documentary initiative and project, please email perankh@gmail.com or drchenzira@gmail.com
Reprinted with permission from Per Ankh, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Copyright © 2006
In Maat, please cite the sources if any aspect of this information is used in any electronic, printed, digital or other format. Dua em Asante Sana!
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