ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius – The St. Eustatius Afrikan Burial Ground Alliance will officially launch its first publication, St. Eustatius: Restoring Our Ties – The Voices of Statians Making A Difference, during a public event at the GJB Public Library on Tuesday, June 30.
Written by cultural anthropologist Dr. Artwell Cain, the book is based on research, interviews and community engagement and documents perspectives from members of St. Eustatius’ Afrikan diaspora community. According to the Alliance, the publication contributes to ongoing discussions on remembrance, recognition and historical justice.
Reburial
A central theme of the book is the continued call for the reburial of the 69 Afrikan ancestors excavated on St. Eustatius in 2021, the recognition and preservation of Afrikan burial grounds, and the importance of ensuring that community voices play a leading role in how the island’s history is remembered.
The launch will feature an interactive discussion with Dr. Cain and publisher, educator and journalist Marvin Hokstam Baapoure. Several people who participated in the interviews for the publication will also share their experiences. The evening will be hosted by Alliance President Kenneth Cuvalay and anthropologist Derrick Simmons.
Free admission
Admission is free, and copies of the book will be available for purchase at a discounted price during the event, limited to one copy per person.
The publication is the result of a project by the St. Eustatius Afrikan Burial Ground Alliance, funded by the Slavery Memorial Committee and the Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied (CCG) / DNB Call.
Emancipation day commemoration
Dr. Cain is also scheduled to speak during St. Eustatius’ Emancipation Day commemoration, which is being organized by the Alliance in collaboration with the Statia Roots Festival and other local organizations.
