Bryan, Roach Reflect on Legacy of Freedom in Emancipation Day Messages

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach marked the 177th anniversary of the Emancipation of enslaved Africans in the U.S. Virgin Islands with heartfelt messages honoring the legacy of resistance, unity, and determination that brought freedom to the territory. In his statement, Governor Bryan noted the importance of Emancipation Day as a time to reflect on the courage and strength of Virgin Islands ancestors, calling it “a sacred reminder that freedom, justice, and dignity are not freely given — they are claimed.” He described July 3, 1848, as a day when “our ancestors rose up, not as victims, but as victors, refusing to wait for permission to live as free men and women.” He urged residents to reflect not only on history but on the present moment, noting that “the fight for justice and equality is far from over.” Governor Bryan drew a powerful link between the past and the present, urging Virgin Islanders to protect and expand the freedoms won on that historic...