We come together once again on this occasion of Liberty Day to celebrate the life and legacy of David Hamilton Jackson, an extraordinary Virgin Islander. Mr. Jackson was an educator, publisher, attorney, judge, politician, and labor rights advocate. He was known as “the Black Moses” because he led the efforts to liberate Virgin Islands laborers from an environment of oppression and unfair treatment under Danish colonial rule.
As a local union leader, David Hamilton Jackson, led plantation workers on St. Croix in a strike to protest working conditions and wages. As a result of his advocacy and leadership, plantation owners were forced to respond by reducing the work hours and increasing wages. This action also ignited a strike by the laborers in St. Thomas who were able to achieve improved working conditions and wages as well. On Nov. 1, 1915, David Hamilton Jackson published his first newspaper, The Herald, a four-page publication which he wrote and edited. Now annually on this day, we celebrate Liberty Day to observe this historic and significant accomplishment, including the repeal of the prohibition of independent newspapers which followed his travels to Denmark and advocacy there.
David Hamilton Jackson is regarded as our local Virgin Islands hero because he stood as the voice of the people. He utilized his newspaper to boldly protest against the social and economic conditions that were affecting the people of the Virgin Islands. His actions have inspired many Virgin Islanders over the years to advocate for the betterment of laborers and to take a stance against injustice.
Each year I look forward to attending the Bull & Bread festivities in Estate Grove Place in celebration of the many contributions of David Hamilton Jackson. His life and legacy will continue to be an integral part of our Virgin Islands history for many years to come.
— Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach
