DPNR-sponsored art project celebrates D. Hamilton Jackson’s legacy

Iconic Virgin Islander D. Hamilton Jackson is being celebrated this month in the form of a Department of Planning and Natural Resources-sponsored art project that aims to encourage students to make a difference.

The project marks Liberty Day, which is Nov. 1, and celebrates the legacy of Jackson, a revered labor leader and the father of the free press in the territory. DPNR’s Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums is calling on the middle, junior high and high school students to participate in the 2024 “I AM DAVID HAMILTON JACKSON” CHALLENGE, which the division describes as an “art for activism project.” The project aligns with curriculum goals in language arts, history, and art, as it integrates creative expression, critical thinking, and social awareness, according to a news release from DPNR.

“We believe that this project will inspire students to explore their own potential as advocates for change, learning from the past to shape the future,” said DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol. “We would love to see your school’s involvement and look forward to collaborating with teachers on this meaningful initiative as we empower the next generation of Virgin Islands leaders and activists,” said Amy de Sorbo, director of the Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums.