As a young lady growing up in the Virgin Islands, Ama witnessed and appreciated that women in this community are symbols of strength and independence. This image of Ama’s Mother’s hands cupping sugar cane in the shape of a heart represents the leadership of the Three Queens, Mary, Mathilda, and Agnes who took matters into their own hands and burned down over 50 sugar plantations and half of the town of Frederiksted, St. Croix, demanding better treatment and pay for their work. The rebellious nature of The Queens from the 1878 ‘Fireburn’ is interwoven in women of the Virgin Islands, instilling confidence in generations of women, that they do not have to follow a mold, rather make their own path in life.
As a young lady growing up in the Virgin Islands, Ama witnessed and appreciated that women in this community are symbols of strength and independence. This image of Ama’s Mother’s hands cupping sugar cane in the shape of a heart represents the leadership of the Three Queens, Mary, Mathilda, and Agnes who took matters into their own hands and burned down over 50 sugar plantations and half of the town of Frederiksted, St. Croix, demanding better treatment and pay for their work. The rebellious nature of The Queens from the 1878 ‘Fireburn’ is interwoven in women of the Virgin Islands, instilling confidence in generations of women, that they do not have to follow a mold, rather make their own path in life.