In collaboration with Fireburn Heritage, Inc. and the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts (CMCA).
In 2025, the Virgin Islands ABCs Initiative culminated in a series of joyful celebrations at Alfredo Andrews, Claude O. Markoe, and Ricardo Richards—three public elementary schools located on St. Croix. These events marked the completion of a vibrant educational project that began in 2024, designed to cultivate cultural literacy and pride in local youth through storytelling, art, and immersive cultural experiences.
Led by Angela Golden Bryan, CMCA’s Fall 2024 Resident Artist, the initiative was created and directed to highlight the rich heritage of the U.S. Virgin Islands while empowering students to contribute their own voices and creativity. Angela authored the original rhymes featured in the book, while the children completed the artwork—making this a true collaboration between community and classroom.
Each participating third grader received their own copy of the finished ABC book, Island Alphabet: Discovering the Virgin Islands Letter by Letter, along with branded T-shirts, water bottles, and bookmarks to commemorate their role in the project. Celebrations at each school included a pizza party and opportunities for students to share their favorite memories. Many expressed a desire to go on more cultural hikes with naturalist Olasee Davis, while others were equally enthusiastic about painting again with watercolors—a creative experience that clearly left a lasting impression. Teachers, principals, and the Director of Cultural Education for the Virgin Islands Department of Education joined in honoring the students’ accomplishments, praising the project’s value in preserving culture and integrating arts into education in a meaningful and accessible way.
This final phase builds on the foundation laid in October 2024, when students participated in classroom storytelling sessions, art workshops, and culturally enriching hikes. Danica David served as Art Director, guiding the creative process to ensure the book’s visuals reflected the vibrant spirit of the Virgin Islands. Erin Shae Bryan, a board member of Fireburn Heritage, offered on-the-ground support during class sessions and field excursions. Jessica Parker White, Education Coordinator at CMCA, played an instrumental role—organizing school logistics and leading engaging lessons in drawing and watercolor painting that empowered each student to express their cultural identity through art.
The project was made possible thanks to generous support from the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI), with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and a grant from the Resist Foundation. To ensure broad access to this culturally rich resource, 25 copies of the ABC book will be distributed to every public elementary school in the Virgin Islands, and 15 copies will be donated to Little Free Libraries throughout the territory. This initiative stands as a shining example of how arts, culture, and community engagement can come together to inspire the next generation to honor, preserve, and celebrate their heritage.
Want to explore the book?
Island Alphabet: Discovering the Virgin Islands Letter by Letter is available for purchase. Visit our products page to learn more
