In commemoration of the University of the Virgin Islands’(UVI) 56th Anniversary of its charter on March 16, 1962, this year’s Charter Day program will feature a keynote address by Professor Emerita, Dr. Marilyn Krigger, author of “Race Relations in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
Dr. Krigger’s book explores the evolution of race relations in the U.S. Virgin Islands and UVI’s role and unique history in this regard. Dr. Krigger is passionate about the importance of UVI in Virgin Island’s history and is delighted to share more about her new book with the audience at Friday’s event.
An official Charter Day program followed by a book signing, featuring Dr. Krigger, will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 16. On St. Thomas, the event will take place in the Administration and Conference Center Building, first-floor conference room, and on St. Croix in the Great Hall on the Albert A. Sheen Campus.
“UVI, is one of the greatest institutions in the Virgin Islands,” said Dr. Krigger. “The creation of UVI was one of the greatest events in VI History as it allowed poor blacks to get access to higher education.”
According to Dr. Krigger, without UVI, many virgin islanders would not have been able to pay for a college education.
“UVI enabled the blacks to stay in the Virgin Islands and receive access to quality higher education, that they would not have otherwise been able to afford,” said Dr. Krigger.
Though slavery has ended, Dr. Krigger believes that there are still remnants of that period that affect blacks up until today.
“Race Relations is a very important part of Virgin Islands development,” said Krigger. “Up until today, blacks are still being priced out of real estate, by private developers. It is very hard for blacks to access good housing at affordable rates.”
Dr. Krigger taught at UVI for 33 years and instructed courses in U.S., Caribbean, and Virgin Islands history.
Charter Day is an annual celebration that commemorates the signing in 1962 of legislation establishing the College, now known as the University of the Virgin Islands.
Other Charter Day Activities
On March 17, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Music Department will sponsor a Charter Day Concert at Prior Jollek Hall from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Antilles School.
The 17th Annual Queen Mary Highway 5K Walk/Run is an honored tradition held in honor of UVI's Charter. The event will commence at Sunshine Mall at 6 a.m. on March 23, and culminate at the UVI Welcome Center at 8 a.m. on the Sheen Campus.