This week while visiting with my four gran-girls, my 9 year old grand-daughter Britni ran up to me with excitement saying “ Nana I have a Black History Project to do on Rosa Parks, and I know you would love to help.” I must admit she hit the right button and I was all willing.
After reassuring her of my assistance, I told her, “I have a picture of your sister with Rosa Parks when we visited New York City.” Britni was bewildered and puzzled she wanted to know this and that. You see, her sister Breanna is only 11 years old. To her surprise I uploaded the below picture of Breanna and Rosa Parks. It was only a matter of time before we both had a good chuckle.
Breanna Ward at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, New York City, 2006.
By shelley dewese
With over 40 years in the Virgin Islands, I am a New Yorker with deep roots in the Danish West Indies, researching surnames Bough, Beaudhuy, and Gasper. Uncovering my history has revealed unknown aspects of my ancestry, shaping my present identity. I find joy in sharing stories and connecting with others.
As a transcriptionist researcher, I compiled the digitized St. Croix Population Database, drawing from Danish, American, and Virgin Islands archives. I am a proud member of organizations like the Society of Virgin Islands Historian, Friends of Denmark and Ujima Genealogy Research Group.
My dream of exploring Danish West Indies ancestors became a reality through the St. Croix Population Database and access to collections at the St. Croix Landmarks Society. I recently launched the VI Headline Rewinds podcast, delving into vintage Virgin Islands newspapers.
I appreciate the support of collaborators and followers. For assistance with Danish West Indies genealogy, feel free to reach out via email. its.sheldew@gmail.com
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Very nice pic!. It was nice that you had that. Britney will be a big hit when she makes her presentation! So important we help them know of the heroes in their family past as well…now that’s where I’d like to see a class project !
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We had a wonderful time, took many pictures, but who would have thought that picture taken 6 years ago would be useful today. I would love to see a class project go in that direction as well; it would be so wholesome and might spark an interest in children to discover their genealogy. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
shelley
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I had a good chuckle myself–not expecting to see what I saw! Great Picture!
Breanna resembles Lisa Bough (Glenwood’s daughter), so much that one would think that they were sisters, if in fact not twins, had it not been for the vast age difference between them.
Shirley
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Shirley,
Laughter is the best medicine. You’re right about the resemblance, I have to send Lisa the pic. Thank you for visiting.
shelley
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I wish black history projects would become more local as well. Involve family memories of important events and events that happened in the local the students are living in. Unfortunately many of those planning the events seem to be stuck in a rut.
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The month of March is set aside for Virgin Islands history month. That’s when the accomplishments of the native people are honored.
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