Every weekday at 7am, Bahamians all over open their phones for one question. What makes us Bahamian?
That question is the heartbeat of The Bahamian Citizenship Test, the daily digital quiz that started with a Mahatma Rice jingle and a Twitter poll and grew into something far bigger than a game. Founded by author, creative, and now principal Ashleigh Sean Rolle, the BCT covers everything from history and food to Bahamian pop culture. Part nostalgia, part Social Studies pop quiz, 100 percent good fun. It runs in the weeks leading up to Independence, and going into Year 4, the all Bahamian, all woman team is doing more than ever.
For Rolle, the mission runs deeper than trivia. “Although it started off as a fundraiser for school, I realized how it brought so many people together even if it’s just for a short period of time,” she says. “The internet can be a bit of a negative space so doing my part to cultivate a positive digital third space has been really exciting.” It is also about reclaiming the stories we missed. “There are so many things we either haven’t been taught about Bahamian History or don’t really think contribute to Bahamian culture,” she explains. “The test is a way to reframe all of those things and provide a non threatening and really fun way to learn more about us as a people.”
The proof is in the community. School houses still keep in touch long after the semester ends. A digital Tuck Shop brought back the salty and twist. The team even won a Concept Innovation Award from the Central Bank of The Bahamas.
Rolle is quick to share the credit. “None of this could get done without the amazing work of the volunteers on the team,” she says.
The semester is already live, with new questions dropping every weekday at 7am. Join in at bahamiancitizenshiptest.com. Class is in session.
