US VIRGIN ISLANDS –Today, I join all Virgin Islanders in solemn reflection and deep reverence as we commemorate Emancipation Day — a defining moment in our history and a cornerstone of our identity as a people.
Emancipation in the Virgin Islands began with the ringing of bells and the blowing of conch shells across the island of St. Croix on July 3, 1848. It was the culmination of a revolutionary mindset that had long been stirring among our ancestors — enslaved men and women who took to the streets, armed not just with weapons of every kind, but with the unshakable conviction that freedom was their birthright.
Led by the courageous Moses “Buddhoe” Gottlieb, their rallying cry for liberation could not be silenced. In response to the resolute and fiery demonstrations that spread across the island, Danish Governor Peter von Scholten declared slavery abolished on that historic day.
Every July 3rd, we remember the strength and bravery of those who broke their chains and demanded a future free from bondage. For 114 long years, our ancestors endured suffering, but when the time came, they rose and took their destiny into their own hands. Their actions changed the course of history — not just for themselves, but for generations to come.
As Virgin Islanders, we proudly honor their courage, their commitment, and their fierce determination. Inspired by Buddhoe’s spirit, we continue to carry forward their legacy, sharing our rich cultural heritage with the world and standing tall in our ongoing journey toward self-determination.
May we, like our forebears, never shy away from the pursuit of justice and freedom. And may we always remember that the strength of our past fuels the promise of our future.
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