IV 

118TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 368 

Encouraging Americans to recognize the historical significance of 

Emancipation Day to the Virgin Islands of the United States and the Nation. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

MAY 5, 2023 

Ms. PLASKETT (for herself and Mr. RESCHENTHALER) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and 

Accountability 

RESOLUTION 

Encouraging Americans to recognize the historical significance of Emancipation Day to the Virgin Islands of 

the United States and the Nation. 

Whereas, prior to July 3, 1848, many Africans were held as 

chattel slaves on the islands of the Danish West Indies, 

now the Virgin Islands of the United States; 

Whereas, on July 3, 1848, enslaved people of African descent 

on these islands took their freedom after years of brutality and suffering; 

Whereas the emancipation of enslaved Africans on these islands was a significant moment in history that marked 

the end of centuries of oppression, and ushered in an era 

of freedom, hope, and opportunity; 


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•HRES 368 IH 

Whereas the emancipation of enslaved Africans on these islands is a testament to the strength and resilience of the 

human spirit; 

Whereas the emancipation of enslaved Africans on these islands is part of the history of abolitionism and emancipation in the United States; 

Whereas the United States abolished slavery on December 6, 

1865, upon ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to 

the Constitution; 

Whereas the United States has a rich cultural heritage that 

has been furthered by its history of abolitionism and 

emancipation; 

Whereas the Virgin Islands of the United States has made 

significant contributions to the cultural, economic, and 

social fabric of the United States, and its people have 

served the United States in every war and conflict since 

the Revolutionary War, contributed to every facet of life 

in the United States, and played an important role in 

shaping the history and identity of the Nation; 

Whereas, for 175 years, Emancipation Day celebrations have 

been held to honor the strength of African descendants 

on the islands now known as the Virgin Islands of the 

United States, who fought valiantly for their freedom; 

Whereas the recognition of July 3, 2023, as the 175th observance of the emancipation of enslaved Africans in the 

Virgin Islands of the United States provides an opportunity for all people of the United States to reflect on the 

legacy of emancipation and the struggle for justice and 

equality; and 

Whereas the courage of the heroes of emancipation in the 

Virgin Islands of the United States and the United 


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•HRES 368 IH 

States as a whole serves to connect Virgin Islanders and 

all Americans to their past, and to reinforce their unwavering commitment to preserve, protect, and defend freedom: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That— 

2 (1) the House of Representatives— 

3 (A) encourages Americans to recognize the 

4 historical significance of Emancipation Day to 

5 the Virgin Islands of the United States and the 

6 Nation; and 

7 (B) supports the continued celebration of 

8 Emancipation Day for the American people 

9 to— 

10 (i) learn more about the past; 

11 (ii) better understand the experiences 

12 that have shaped the Nation; and 

13 (iii) maintain their unwavering com14 mitment to preserve, protect, and defend 

15 human rights and freedom; and 

16 (2) it is the sense of the House of Representa17 tives that the celebration of the end of slavery is an 

18 important and enriching part of the history and her19 itage of the United States. 

Æ 


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