D. Hamilton Jackson Day

D. Hamilton Jackson Day: Celebrating a Virgin Islands Hero

D. Hamilton Jackson Day, also known as Liberty Day, is a public holiday in the U.S. Virgin Islands that commemorates the life and achievements of David Hamilton Jackson, a prominent civil rights activist, labor leader, and advocate for free press in the early 20th century.

Quick Facts

When is it?: November 1st
Tagged as: Public holiday, Civil rights commemoration
What’s the hashtag?: #DHamiltonJacksonDay
When was it founded?: Officially recognized in 1981
Who founded it?: 14th Legislature of the Virgin Islands

History of D. Hamilton Jackson Day

D. Hamilton Jackson Day traces its roots to 1915 when Jackson himself declared November 1st a public holiday to celebrate the first publication of “The Herald,” the first free press newspaper in St. Croix. Jackson’s efforts to establish this newspaper played a pivotal role in fighting against oppressive labor conditions and promoting civil rights on the islands.

Timeline

1915: Jackson publishes the first issue of “The Herald” and declares November 1st as Liberty Day
1916: First general strike led by Jackson, resulting in improved working conditions
1981: D. Hamilton Jackson Day officially recognized as a public holiday
2015: November designated as David Hamilton Jackson Month

D. Hamilton Jackson Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	November 1	Saturday
2026	November 1	Sunday
2027	November 1	Monday
2028	November 1	Wednesday
2029	November 1	Thursday
2030	November 1	Friday

Observed D. Hamilton Jackson Day

D. Hamilton Jackson Day is celebrated throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands with various events and activities. Many communities organize parades, cultural performances, and educational programs to honor Jackson’s legacy. Schools and government offices are closed, allowing residents to participate in the festivities.

The day often features traditional “Bull and Bread” celebrations, where roast beef and fresh bread are served to commemorate the historic gatherings organized by Jackson. These events provide an opportunity for people to come together, share meals, and reflect on the importance of civil rights and free press.

Local organizations and historical societies may also host lectures, exhibitions, or workshops focusing on Jackson’s life and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the Virgin Islands.

Fun Facts About D. Hamilton Jackson

Jackson was born on September 28, 1884, in St. Croix.
He worked as a teacher before becoming a labor activist and advocate for free press.
Jackson’s newspaper, “The Herald,” was instrumental in giving voice to the working class.
He played a key role in the transfer of the Virgin Islands from Danish to American control.
Jackson served as a judge and legislator later in his life.

Quiz

When is D. Hamilton Jackson Day celebrated?
What was the name of the newspaper founded by Jackson?
What is another name for D. Hamilton Jackson Day?
In which year was D. Hamilton Jackson Day officially recognized as a public holiday?
What traditional celebration is associated with this holiday?

(Answers: 1. November 1st, 2. The Herald, 3. Liberty Day, 4. 1981, 5. Bull and Bread)

FAQs

Q: Who was D. Hamilton Jackson?
A: D. Hamilton Jackson was a prominent civil rights activist, labor leader, and advocate for free press in the U.S. Virgin Islands during the early 20th century.

Q: Why is D. Hamilton Jackson Day important?
A: It commemorates Jackson’s contributions to civil rights, labor rights, and free press in the Virgin Islands, and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.

Q: How do people celebrate D. Hamilton Jackson Day?
A: Celebrations include parades, cultural performances, educational programs, and traditional “Bull and Bread” gatherings.

Q: Is D. Hamilton Jackson Day a public holiday?
A: Yes, it is a public holiday in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with schools and government offices closed.

Q: What is the significance of “The Herald” newspaper?
A: “The Herald” was the first free press newspaper in St. Croix, founded by Jackson to give voice to the working class and address social injustices.

Importance of D. Hamilton Jackson Day

D. Hamilton Jackson Day serves as a powerful reminder of the struggle for civil rights, labor rights, and freedom of expression in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It honors the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to improving the conditions of the working class and promoting social justice.

The holiday encourages reflection on the progress made in terms of civil liberties and workers’ rights, while also highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting these hard-won freedoms. It provides an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate their shared history, and recommit to the ideals of equality and justice that Jackson championed.

Moreover, D. Hamilton Jackson Day emphasizes the crucial role of a free press in maintaining a fair and informed society, a message that remains relevant in today’s world of rapidly changing media landscapes and challenges to journalistic integrity.