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Arthur W. Hodge story to be told @ NLBC’s Emancipation Sunday

- Event in history is a moment of pride for descendants of slaves & freed blacks- says NLBC
The Arthur W. Hodge story will be told at the New Life Baptist Church’s (NLBC) Emancipation Sunday service on July 31, 2016. Photo: Provided
Arthur William Hodge. Image: Wikipedia
Arthur William Hodge. Image: Wikipedia
The New Life Baptist Church in Duffs Bottom. Photo: VINO/File
The New Life Baptist Church in Duffs Bottom. Photo: VINO/File
DUFFS BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- The Arthur W. Hodge story, one of the most pivotal events in the story of slavery within the Virgin Islands, will be a main feature on the programme of the New Life Baptist Church’s (NLBC) Emancipation Sunday service on July 31, 2016.

Born in the Virgin Islands, Arthur William Hodge (1763–1811) was a plantation farmer, member of the Executive Council and Legislative Assembly, and slave owner, who was hanged on May 8, 1811, for the murder of one of his slaves. He was the first West Indian slave owner to be executed for the murder of a slave considered his property, and perhaps the only British West Indian slave owner, or British subject, to be executed for murdering his slave.

“In a society where blacks were objects with little to no rights and even the rights of freed blacks were fluid, this story of a white man and slave owner being tried for the death of a slave, his possession, in many ways restored some hope to the slaves at that time. The case was widely observed as it set a precedence by which other countries would follow in handling owner and slave relations. For the decedents of slaves and freed blacks, it's a moment of pride for us if you consider it as a moment that restored some dignity to the slave population at that time,” said Angelle Cameron, Public Relations Manager of NLBC.

The story will be relayed by Mr Kareem-Nelson Hull, who coincidentally, just completed studying The Hanging of Arthur Hodge and “will compose a short presentation where the infamous mango that slave Prosper was killed for will be feature prominently.”

Cameron added that dance, light drama and song will all play a part in the entire service, while remaining reverent to God and maintaining a spirit of worship.

Emancipation Proclamation to be read

The Emancipation Proclamation will be read live by Damion C. Grange.

“There are several persons who have never heard the words that set them free so we are happy to be able to present the proclamation to our congregation and visitors,” Cameron added.

Church begins at 10: A.M. but NLBC is asking persons to be seated for 9:45 A.M. so that they do not miss a moment of the Emancipation edition praise and worship.

There is also an 'African Print' dress code.

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