The St. Croix Educational Complex Drama Club will perform “Queen May and Dem” Oct.1, at 5:30 p.m. in the UCA parking lot in downtown Frederiksted.

This is the third year for the commemoration performed under the direction of the Complex drama teacher, Sayeeda Carter.

The script is taken from “Queen Mary and Dem,” which was written by native Virgin Islander Richard Schrader in the Crucian dialect and depicts the conversation between Queen Mary and the other Queens. It is the 1878 second struggle for freedom from slavery in the U.S. Virgin Islands in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the original Emancipation Proclamation of 1848 at Fort Frederik in Frederiksted, St. Croix, in the then Danish West Indies. Schrader is a noted Virgin Islands historian and a prolific author and poet.

“The commemoration of the Fireburn is one of the most significant events in our Virgin Islands history,” organizer Val Rawlins said. “Each year we pay homage to this date, Oct. 1, 1878, because of the labor riots that changed the working conditions in our society,” Rawlins continued.

“Two years ago, the elders passed the torch into the hands of the younger generation. Their confidence, knowledge, pride and artistic skills have kept that torch shining in the darkness. The work has been outstanding. We are extremely confident that being a united group, the annual observation of the Fireburn will always be remembered in our islands,” Rawlins said.

Organizer Shanarae Matthew spoke to the Source about the addition to the evening’s program. “We want to draw more people, especially young people to come to this event, she said. This year, we are highlighting women and girls in the community who embody or carry the spirit of the Fireburn Queens in the ‘Leadership and Service Awards 2025.’”

The awards will acknowledge girls and women who uphold all of the following virtues:

Cooperation; Integrity; Empathy; Perseverance; Helpfulness; Determination; Reliability;  Unity; Prayerfulness; Assertiveness; Accountability; Fairness; Courage; Creativity; and Respect.

One person will be selected from each group in the

Nominee Age Ranges:

8-11 years; 12-17 years; 18-30 years; 31 years and up.

Any member of the community can nominate someone from each of the age ranges.

The community is encouraged to submit their nominations by Monday, Sept.29 and email  ShanaraeMatthew@gmail.com.

Program Overview:

Conch Shell Libation: 5:30 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Mario Moorhead
Richard Schrader’s “1878 Queen Mary and Dem” play: Performance by SCEC Drama Club

Fireburn Queens Leadership and Service Awards
Fireburn March and Bantaba Community Drum Dance Circle

Matthew encourages the community to come out and support this event. “This is an excellent way for community members to connect with their ancestors. We really want the young people to be a part of this event. They are the ones who will be carrying this forward. People,come out and celebrate with us,” Matthew said.

Location: UCA Building, Custom House St., Frederiksted.

Please bring your own chairs. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

For more information:
Call: Val Rawlins: 340-514-5228
Email: ShanaraeMatthew@gmail.com