France, England, Spain, the Knights of Malta, Brandenburg, The Netherlands, England, Denmark, and The United States of America; these are all of the countries and entities that have held ownership of the Virgin Islands at one point or another. During the month of March we celebrate Virgin Islands History Month, and every year I wrestle with the dynamics of what it means to be a Virgin Islander. I am extremely proud to be a Virgin Islander but some of the things that I’m proudest of are wrapped in a history of slavery and colonialism. I’m proud to say that my family has been in the Virgin Islands for over 150 years. But with this pride comes the understanding that my identity is tied to a history of colonialism in which my family has transitioned through slavery, lived through the post-emancipation era, only to be possessions of yet another colonial power; The United States of America.
"I am extremely proud to be a Virgin Islander but some of the things that I’m proudest of are wrapped in a history of slavery and colonialism. "
I recall an experience in which I was speaking with a co-worker when I lived in the states several years ago. It was the first time I met him and I remember him asking me If I was from the Virgin Islands. I beamed with pride when I replied “yes”. I’ll never forget his follow-up question though. He asked, “the Virgin Islands is a territory, we kinda own you guys right?” I was shocked and at a loss for words. I was embarrassed. I felt angry, exposed, and vulnerable. I replied, “yeah, I guess so.” I’m fairly certain he’s never reflected on this moment in the way I have. But I’ve replayed this moment in my mind repeatedly, especially during VI History Month.
I grew up around conversations about Virgin Islands history, political status, and identity, so this wasn’t a new realization for me. It was however a conversation I’d only had among other Virgin Islanders. This truth of my identity had always felt like “family business” and now that it was out I felt uncomfortable. I strongly believe that most VI’ers are unaware of or haven’t contended with what it means to be a possession, and I often wonder what will happen when we do. What’s the psychological impact of us wrestling with our identity? Is there collective anger, sadness, or embarrassment that will arise? With technology allowing us to communicate and share ideas and opinions with large numbers of people, I’m sure we’ll find out soon.
I think there’s a need for more discussion regarding the definition of Virgin Islander and our lived experiences. And a need to examine the ways our history and culture affect who we are and how we exist today. There’s sure to be a myriad of opinions and viewpoints, but what we all have in common is that our reality as colonized people is fundamentally different from those who aren’t.
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