vernon araujo
about the work in this exhibit
BLACK LIVES MATTER USVI
In the wake of numerous killings of Black men, women, and children by various law enforcement departments nationwide, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement grew and eventually spread to our islands. Even though many were concerned about the threats of a global pandemic, crowds of people banded together to express solidarity, concern, frustration, anger, and a genuine longing for change. I was able to capture some of the energy of the BLM March that took place on St. Thomas in June 2020. It raised questions of systemic racism and the effects of colonialism on our Territory. Conversations continue to be heated on this topic worldwide. I hope that focusing on common ties will allow for real change and real healing.
about vernon
Born in Antigua, Vernon Araujo grew up in the Virgin Islands from the age of three, attending The Montessori School and graduating from Antilles High School in 2002.
His childhood and adulthood were greatly influenced by his maternal Grandmother who instilled in him at a young age the meaning of what it was to be a Virgin Islander. Under her tutelage he learned the skill of storytelling, cultural traditions, native foods and crafts. His mother Verna Araujo continues to reinforce that educational theme in his life to this day.
“I considered it a privilege to have spent my formative years on all three islands” says Vernon. “I still recall with fondness the time spent on the USVI U-13 and U-15 national soccer team, and all the inter-island travel that came with it.”
But it wasn’t until he went away to the cold confines of Boston, Massachusetts for college to study Communication and Fine Arts at Boston College, that he came to realize what a gem the Virgin Islands truly were and vowed to return to share that love with his hometown community. He graduated with a BS in Communication in 2006.
One of his fondest memories is coaching the All Saints Varsity Soccer team to its first championship in 2009. “It was a thrill to not only bring home the trophy, but in doing so I was able to compete and win against, not only my former soccer coaches, but my father Adalio Araujo’s team as well!”
Upon his immediate return home, he co-founded the Young Professionals Network under the umbrella of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member in that group for seven years before passing the torch on to new future leaders. The group was known for its numerous island-wide beach cleanups stretching from Vessup Bay to Santa Maria.
Several Opportunities presented themselves through that association, one being his involvement with the Virgin Islands Council of the Arts where he currently serves on the Board of Directors. While he serves on the Council’s board, Vernon’s main priority is the Family Resource Center. Araujo joined the team when he learned about the organization, its role in the community and what its needs were. He quickly realized it included opportunities where he could be of help and make a difference.
As Development Director, Araujo is tasked with fundraising and “friend raising,” organizing events and campaigns to raise money to keep the center operational. He has been with Family Resource Center for eight years now. His position at FRC has brought him great joy, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. He saw his role change dramatically following the two back-to-back storms of 2017 where his job included the acquisition and delivery of much needed relief supplies. His professional and social networking skills were a strong factor in the formation of off-island partnerships that coordinated containers full of much needed household items for storm effected residents.
When asked by friends and residents about why he is so driven to assist his community, he does not hesitate to site the idea of social responsibility. “Volunteering sees its members ebb and flow as far as numbers are concerned. But we must understand that in our lifetime we will all be called upon again to face similar situations to what we all experienced in 2017.” Looking to the future, he strongly believes we are much better prepared, stronger and more resilient because of what we have experienced as a community since the storms.
“Nothing is a negative about volunteering,” says Vernon. “It allows you the opportunity to learn more about yourself and your community. There is no price you can place on personal development.”
And through his numerous activities, his focus remains on the youth. In 2016 he created Island Vibes Summer Camp to help offer athletic programs, opportunities and more options that our youth greatly need. One of his dreams is to have the U.S. Virgin Islands bring home its first Olympic Gold Medal.
Mr. Araujo currently co-owns a marketing company by the name of Melee Media and has been the Development Director at Family Resource Center for the past eight years. He has received various Legislative Certificates of Recognition for his work in the community and continues to engage in community service.
In his free time, he continues to pursue his passion of photography and has had work shown throughout St. Thomas. His iconic photo of the VI flag immediately after the storms has been an inspiration and widely used to illustrate the island’s resiliency in times of hardship.
As Vernon has often said, “you may feel like you do not have enough time or money to give back, but every little bit helps. Do what you can, and do it with gusto! You’ll be surprised at the blessings that will come your way.”