Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

D. Hamilton Jackson Day – November 1, 2024

D. Hamilton Jackson Day is celebrated on November 1 every year in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This day commemorates the publication of the first Jackson newspaper called ‘The Herald’ in St. Croix. Also known as ‘Liberty Day,’ this holiday stands for free press and freedom of speech. Today, we remember the enduring legacy and influential life of Jackson who fought for truth and everyone’s right to be informed. In an era of fake news and misinformation, this holiday is important more than ever as we highlight the importance of verification of news and visibility of facts. Learn more about the ways you can celebrate D. Hamilton Jackson Day today!

History of D. Hamilton Jackson Day

David Hamilton Jackson was born on September 28, 1884, in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (then called Danish West Indies). At a very young age, Jackson displayed strong assertions and passion in standing up for certain issues which manifested when he was at East Hill School. His mother was a teacher and his father was the principal, which showed how influential his family was in honing his education. He, later on, followed in his parent’s footsteps in 1911 when he signed up as a teacher. However, due to his outspokenness, he was often misunderstood, resulting in his dismissal from the post.

Following his career as a teacher, he became an activist and a lecturer on the island of St. Croix around 1914 and 1915. He became a champion to the working class by instructing them to demand better living conditions and higher compensation. However, it wasn’t until 1915 that Jackon’s true legacy happened — the foundation of “The Herald” newspaper. He sent out the first copies of the newspaper on October 30, 1915. He also instructed the leaders to go to Christiansted the next day to celebrate the birth of the newspaper instead of going to work. This was the start of the revolution of the free press.

“The Herald” became the voice of the working class and the critic of the corrupt government. The newspaper also painted the real situation of the poor as well as exposed the abuse of the people in power.

D. Hamilton Jackson Day timeline

September 28,1884
Jackson’s Birth

David Hamilton Jackson is born in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

1914
Career As An Activist

He begins his career as an activist and lecturer in St. Croix.

1915
The Birth of “The Herald”

The first issue of “The Herald” is published.

1981
The First D. Hamilton Jackson Day

The 14th VI Legislature passes D. Hamilton Jackson Day as a holiday.

D. Hamilton Jackson Day FAQs

When did D. Hamilton Jackson die?

D. Hamilton Jackson died on May 30, 1946, at the age of 61.

Where did D. Hamilton Jackson die?

He died in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, in the same city where he was born.

What is Bull and Bread Day?

Bull and Bread Day refers to the annual tradition of celebrating D. Hamilton Jackson Day in St. Croix where roast beef, stuffing, and bread are served.

How to Observe D. Hamilton Jackson Day

  1. Subscribe to the Jackson Herald

    “The Jackson Herald” exists in both printed and electronic versions. Subscribe to either of these options for a daily dose of news and feature articles.

  2. Report fake news pages

    “The Herald” stands for free press and truth. To honor its legacy, start by verifying news that’s circulating on social media to exercise everyone’s right to the truth. Report any fake news pages or articles that may come your way.

  3. Read the “Liberty and Freedom Poem”

    “David Hamilton Jackson: Liberty and Freedom Poem” is a collection of poems and articles about wages rights and civil rights. It’s now available on Amazon for you to order.

5 Facts About David Hamilton Jackson

  1. The paper for the people

    Jackson proclaimed that “The Herald” belongs to the masses and not to anyone in power.

  2. The St. Croix Labor Union

    Jackson took part in the labor union movement in St. Croix with Theobald Brow, Charles Reubel, and Ralph de Chabert.

  3. He was considered a “troublemaker”

    Known as a critic of the government, Jackson was considered by government officials and the business sector as a “troublemaker.”

  4. He focused on the Black community

    His main priority was the Black working-class community in St. Croix.

  5. He participated in strikes

    As a passionate activist for better wages, he participated in strikes for wage reform.

Why D. Hamilton Jackson Day is Important

  1. He honors the truth

    We love a legacy that stands for truth and freedom of speech. This is something the world needs right now, and celebrating this holiday means carrying that legacy for the next generation.

  2. We love the press

    The press holds an important role in society as they keep everyone informed. Celebrating D. Hamilton Jackson Day means celebrating those people who are responsible for verified news and transparency to the masses.

  3. We stand for better wages

    Wage equality amongst classes is something that still needs work and continuous attention. This day is a reminder that everyone should continue to fight for fairness and justice for compensation and wage rights.

D. Hamilton Jackson Day dates

YearDateDay
2024November 1Friday
2025November 1Saturday
2026November 1Sunday
2027November 1Monday
2028November 1Wednesday
National Fig Week
National Medical Cannabis Week
World Communication Week
All Saints Day
All Saints Day (Spain)
Anniversary of the Revolution
Antigua Independence Day
Calan Gaeaf
Coronation Day of His Majesty the King
D. Hamilton Jackson Day
Deck the Everything Day
Extra Mile Day
Fountain Pen Day
Fountain Pen Day
Haryana Day
Haryana Day
International Pet Groomer Appreciation Day
Kannada Rajyothsava
Karnataka Rajyotsava Day
Kut
Lakshmi Puja
Laxmi Puja
Love Your Lawyer Day
Love Your Lawyer Day
National Author's Day
National Biologic Coordinators Day
National Brush Day
​National Calzone Day
National Cinnamon Day
National Cinnamon Day
National Cook For Your Pets Day
National Deep Fried Clams Day
National Deep Fried Clams Day
National Family Literacy Day
National Jayden Day
National-Jersey-Friday
National Jersey Day
National Mia Day
National Pâté Day
National Vinegar Day
Prime Meridian Day
Puducherry Liberation Day
Scented Candle Day
World Vegan Day
National Adopt A Senior Pet Month
Adopt A Senior Pet Month
Adopt a Turkey Month
Aviation History Month
Aviation History Month
Banana Pudding Lovers Month
Bladder Health Month
COPD Awareness Month
Diabetic Eye Disease Month
Epilepsy Awareness Month
Erectile Dysfunction Awareness Month
Family Stories Month
Family Stories Month
Filipino Values Month
Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month
Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month
Library and Information Services Month
Long-term Care Awareness Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Manatee Awareness Month
Manatee Awareness Month
Military Family Month
Military Family Month
National Adoption Month
National Adoption Month
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
National Children’s Month
National Consciousness Month for Punctuality and Civility
National Diabetes Month
National Entrepreneurship Month
National Entrepreneurship Month
National Family Caregivers Month
National Family Literacy Month
National Fun with Fondue Month
National Gratitude Month
National Healthy Skin Month
National Home Care and Hospice Month
National Inspirational Role Models Month
National Life Writing Month
National Marrow Awareness Month
National Native American Heritage Month
National Novel Writing Month
National Pepper Month
National Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Month
National Pomegranate Month
National Prevent a Litter Month
National Raisin Bread Month
National Repair Done Right Month
National Rice Awareness Month
National Roasting Month
National Roasting Month
National Scholarship Month
No-Shave November
Peanut Butter Lovers Month
Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Pet Diabetes Month
Philippine Book Development Month
PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month
Stomach Cancer Awareness Month
Traditional and Alternative Health Care Month
Worldwide Bereaved Siblings Month

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.