Season 2 Finale The Journey Towards Self-Determination: US Virgin Islands' Perspective
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In the final episode of season two, the host shares about her father's side of the family from the US Virgin Islands, also discussing self-determination initiatives happening there. Dr. Sekou, a well-known professor and activist from the Islands, is interviewed providing historical context about political evolution and self-determination struggles in the region. They discuss the cultural overlap between the US Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, and the mainland US, the influences on political beliefs in the Islands, and the vision for the island to stand autonomous yet productive within or outside the US system in the future. Reference is made to two grants received by Dr. Sekou to elevate public political consciousness, with ongoing efforts despite natural disasters. A new business venture selling handmade jewelry from Latin America and the Caribbean is also introduced.
"So our quest has been trying to get, we must try to get our people to see this constitution as an important step towards decolonization in a small way. It is not the same as a big step towards independence or stakeholder-free association, but it's a, it's a small step towards greater self-governance." Dr. Malik Sekou
To Learn More About Dr. Sekou's work check out this article
Self-Determination Initiatives in the US Virgin Islands
Episode Resources for the Fireburn Uprising in St. Croix in 1978
Episode Breakdown
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:12 Exploring Cultural Background and Heritage
00:39 Conversation with Dr. Sekou: Activism and Self-Determination
03:38 Historical Context: Migration and Community Building
06:31 Dr. Sekou's Personal Journey and Ideology
08:34 Political Involvement and Career in Academia
18:51 The Struggle for Self-Determination: Historical Perspective
23:28 Political Status and Self-Determination in Modern Times
27:40 Comparing Political Conversations: US Virgin Islands vs Puerto Rico
29:46 The Future of Self-Determination in the US Virgin Islands
32:02 Closing Remarks and Farewell
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Special Thanks to the Podcast Edits episodes 1-5 from Bear Beat Productions
https://www.bearbeatproductions.com/