USVI FOUNDATION FUNDS WEST AFRICAN CULTURAL PROGRAM ON ST. CROIX

The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands has committed $25,000 to support AfriConnect West Africa and the V.I. Cultural Exchange Experience, an initiative aimed at strengthening ties between West Africa and the African diaspora in the territory.

Kennan Cooley, a media professional and cultural advocate, is spearheading the effort. He characterised AfriConnect as "a bridge" between the two communities, emphasising its scope beyond a single event.

The program will gather West African cultural participants alongside Virgin Islands residents on St. Croix for a celebration rooted in shared heritage and modern culture. Participants will engage with fashion displays, cooking demonstrations, live performances, dance, and workshops that explore connections across the Atlantic.

Beyond the main gathering, the initiative intends to document and share media about the event, its history, and the communities involved. The foundation's statement outlined plans for artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and residents to identify partnership opportunities, with particular attention to cultural tourism and deepening relationships between West Africa and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Cooley highlighted the territory's African ancestry, stating that "The Virgin Islands has deep African roots, and this experience gives us an opportunity to reconnect those roots with contemporary West African culture while creating new relationships, new conversations, and new opportunities for the future."

The program aims to welcome families, residents, visitors, artists, young people, entrepreneurs, and others interested in exploring Africa's connection to the Virgin Islands. Details are available through the CFVI website.