Grove Place community celebrates Jackson's legacy on Liberty Day
Published: November 2, 2012
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ST. CROIX - Hundreds of residents turned out at the Grove Place community Thursday to be a part of the celebrations named to celebrate the life and legacy of David Hamilton Jackson.
The Grove Place Action Committee hosted its annual Liberty Day celebrations to commemorate Jackson as a banker, journalist, educator, attorney, community activist, labor leader and man of distinction
The ceremony in the park named in his honor began with fourth-generation Grovian Denis Lynch acknowledging the significance of the day and what it should mean to the residents of the community.
"D. Hamilton Jackson was a man that defended a number of things, including freedom of the press, union rights and land acquisition," he said.
Lynch urged those who attended to go out and exercise their right to vote, reminding them that Jackson and others fought long and hard to secure and preserve that right.
"This election and every election we should be running to the polls," he said. "We need to ensure that we exercise the rights that they fought so hard for and not take it for granted."
Raymond Williams, chairman of the Action Committee, said he continues to be proud of the history of Grove Place and continues to call it "the mecca of the Virgin Islands."
"There is so much history here, and great things continue to come out of Grove Place," he said. "We need to acknowledge our leaders who fight with our best interests at heart."
Introducing the keynote speaker, Williams said Denise Hinds-Roach grew up in Estate Grove Place and has kept the community close to her heart.
Hinds-Roach is a nominee for Family Court judge on St. Croix, to replace Judge Patricia Steel, who is retiring.
In her address, Hinds-Roach gave a historical recap of Jackson's life and praised him for the vision he had to protect children and to enlist the entire community in raising each child. She said the community was built in a way that everyone could be watchful of the children while they play and protect them as their own.
Hinds-Roach said Jackson's most inspirational tool was that of the free press, because even today the press inspires people and the community was empowered by his work. Residents today should follow Jackson's example and remain vigilant in educating each other and moving the community forward.
Following the ceremony, residents lined up to take part in the traditional feast of more than 300 pounds of beef, which was roasted into the early morning hours Thursday and was served with the traditional sweet potato stuffing, gravy and bread, along with the traditional citrus taddy drink.
- Contact reporter Fiona Stokes at 714-9149 or email fstokes@dailynews.vi.
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