Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett Commemorates D. Hamilton Jackson Day in the Virgin Islands

U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released a statement recognizing Liberty Day, also known as D. Hamilton Jackson Day, observed annually on November 1st in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The day commemorates the life and legacy of David Hamilton Jackson, a teacher, labor leader, newspaper editor, and civil rights advocate whose courage and leadership forever changed the course of Virgin Islands history. The celebration tradition, known as "Bull and Bread Day," continues to inspire generations of Virgin Islanders to stand boldly for equality and justice.

Key Takeaways:

• The U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released a statement recognizing D. Hamilton Jackson Day, also known as Liberty Day, observed annually on November 1st.
• David Hamilton Jackson was a teacher, labor leader, newspaper editor, and civil rights advocate whose efforts secured freedom of the press, formed the first labor union in the Territory, and promoted workers' rights and civic engagement.
• The Virgin Islands Legislature designated November 1st as Liberty Day in 1981 to honor Jackson's historic achievements.
• The "Bull and Bread" celebration, traditional on St. Croix, features cultural performances, speeches, and community fellowship in remembrance of Jackson's contributions to freedom and justice in the Virgin Islands.
• Congresswoman Plaskett remains committed to carrying forward the values Jackson embodied, including the pursuit of equity, the defense of free speech, and the advancement of opportunity for all.
• The anniversary of Jackson's efforts serves as a reminder that freedom was hard-won and that it is the shared responsibility to preserve and expand it for generations to come.
• The celebration honors Jackson's contributions to a free and informed society and promotes civic engagement.

Statistics:

• 1981: The year the U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature designated November 1st as Liberty Day. (Source: U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature)
• 1884: The year David Hamilton Jackson was born on St. Croix in the Danish West Indies. (Source: The Virgin Islands Daily News)
• 1915: The year David Hamilton Jackson traveled to Denmark to advocate for the repeal of restrictive laws that prohibited independent newspapers. (Source: The Herald, St. Croix)
• 1946: The year David Hamilton Jackson passed away. (Source: The St. Croix Avis)

Sources:

• U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, statement, November 1st
• Virgin Islands Legislature, designation of November 1st as Liberty Day, 1981
• The Virgin Islands Daily News, David Hamilton Jackson biography
• The Herald, St. Croix, David Hamilton Jackson's efforts for press freedom
• The St. Croix Avis, David Hamilton Jackson's legacy