Virgin Islands Liberty Day

Today in the Virgin Islands we celebrate Liberty Day, otherwise known as Bull and Bread Day in honor of David Hamilton Jackon, a labor leader, a civil rights activist and a friend to his people.

David Hamilton Jackson was born in the then Danish West Indies on the island of St. Croix on September 28, 1884.  He was raised by his parents who were both teachers.  He earned his law degree and was also a teacher and bookkeeper.  He used his talents to defend the conditions under which the people of the Virgin Islands lived.  Known as the "Black Moses" by locals, he advocated for them throughout his life.  Some of his most salient accomplishments were:

• Organized the first labor union on St. Croix with the help of Ralph Bough,
• Traveled to Denmark to petition for the Freedom of the Press and as a result published The Herald, the first free press publication of the Danish West Indies,
• Supported the transfer of the islands from Danish Colonial rule to the United States,
• Advocated for citizenship for locals in the US Capitol,
• Served in the Colonial Council of St. Croix from 1923-1926,
• Assisted with the 1936 Organic Act which gave the territory some modicum of self government, 
• Served in the Municipal Council of St. Croix in 1941 and 1946,
• Served as Judge of the Municipal Court from 1931-1941,
• First Chairman of the St. Croix School Board.

The list of his accomplishments are endless.  Ultimately he fought tirelessly for the rights of the people of these territories both under Danish Colonial rule and as a territory of the United States.

Annually Virgin Islanders celebrate this great man who died on May 30, 1946. This year, a major celebration was held in Grove Place St. Croix where the traditional Bull and Bread, roast beef and pumpernickel bread, were served.  
Virgin Islander continue to remember him as a local hero and maintain that November 1st is an official VI Government holiday.