Teri recently attended a memorable gathering at the Botanical Gardens hosted by the St. Croix Friends of Denmark and the 175th Emancipation Commemoration Committee. This event brought together individuals passionate about understanding and celebrating the rich heritage of the Danish West Indies. Among the guest presenters, Jorgen Oxholm, a sixth-generation descendant of Peter Lotharuis Oxholm – commissioned to map the islands in 1777 – offered an enlightening presentation on his ancestor’s contributions. Teri appreciated the excellent talk and the opportunity to deepen the attendees’ knowledge of their shared history. She thoroughly enjoyed Jorgen Oxholm’s cross cultural journey through Denmark from the 1600’s to the Danish West Indies, and present-day U.S. Virgin Islands. The event was a testament to the power of cultural exchange and historical exploration. Teri invites every Virgin Islander to join the Friends of Denmark and the 175th Emancipation Commemoration Committee to increase public awareness of the Danish heritage of St. Croix through education, community outreach, and civic engagement. Denmark leads the world in energy. Education, lessons learned, and opportunity abounds for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Reflecting on the event, Teri emphasized the importance of cross-cultural friendships and a continued commitment to enriching these invaluable connections.

Standing Left to right: Jorgen Oxholm, a descendant of Peter Lotharius Oxholm and member of the Danish West Indian Society Board, Francine Lang, President, Friends of Denmark, Teri Helenese, Corporate Sponsorship Chair and Secretary, 175th Emancipation Commemoration Committee, Sani Craft, Honorary Consul of Denmark – Royal Danish Consulate