Enriching Culture & Preserving Legacies

CFVI awarded a grant to the Ten Sleepless Knights, Inc., with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, to support the creation of a documentary celebrating the 50-year career of the Ten Sleepless Knights band. The documentary features prominent culture bearers in the U.S. Virgin Islands territory and showcases Quelbe music, with the band scoring the music and collaborating with local musicians and artists. The project engaged both youth and elders, providing youth with a deeper understanding of their diverse history while allowing elders to reminisce about past experiences. Participants enjoyed activities such as MayPole dancing and learning Quadrille music instruments. Overall, the project generated numerous impactful stories, highlighting the joy and sense of community fostered through engaging in traditional music and dance.