…Emancipation Day July 3, 2013. Today marks the 165th annual commemoration of that profound day July 3, 1848 when the enslaved Africans in the Danish West Indies (St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John) gained their emancipation following a rebellion inspired and organized by local leaders of the enslaved population. On that day the Danish governor issued the proclamation that freed the enslaved Africans as a result of their successful collective action. The Danish West Indies is now known as the Virgin Islands of the United States following their transfer in 1917. “Transfer Day” occurred in March of 1917 and it is commemorated annually. The United States first showed interest in the Danish West Indies during the Civil War because of concern that the British, who had holdings in the Caribbean, might send support for the Confederacy. Later during the outbreak of WWI America was concerned that Germany would establish a military presence in the Caribbean, therefore serious negotiations were undertaken resulting in the purchase and transfer. Within weeks following the purchase (25 million in gold), the United States entered WWI… In the process of researching the history of the Virgin Islands and Caribbean Gary James uncovered his paternal family roots on the island of St. Croix. A JAMES FAMILY PATRIARCH discovered: Adam may be the founding member of a line of the James family on the “big island” of St. Croix. Adam and Helena gave birth to a son, Johannes James who was born into slavery in 1825 on Estate Hermitage and worked as a Cooper (making barrels) before gaining his freedom in 1848. According to preliminary research conducted at the WHIM Museum resource, Adam and Helena were “un-baptized” suggesting that they may have been among recent captives. James was initially overwhelmed by his research and that energy transformed into inspiration that was reduced to a compelling book. AuthorGaryJames
Posted on: Wed, 03 Jul 2013 12:12:46 +0000
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