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 fol-
lowing resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and 
Accountability 
RESOLUTION 
Encouraging Americans to recognize the historical signifi-
cance 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 bru-
tality and suffering; 
Whereas the emancipation of enslaved Africans on these is-
lands 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 is-
lands is a testament to the strength and resilience of the 
human spirit; 
Whereas the emancipation of enslaved Africans on these is-
lands is part of the history of abolitionism and emanci-
pation 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 ob-
servance of the emancipation of enslaved Africans in the 
Virgin Islands of the United States provides an oppor-
tunity 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 unwav-
ering commitment to preserve, protect, and defend free-
dom: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That— 
(1) the House of Representatives— 
(A) encourages Americans to recognize the 
historical significance of Emancipation Day to 
the Virgin Islands of the United States and the 
Nation; and 
(B) supports the continued celebration of 
Emancipation Day for the American people 
to— 
(i) learn more about the past; 
(ii) better understand the experiences 
that have shaped the Nation; and 
(iii) maintain their unwavering com-
mitment to preserve, protect, and defend 
human rights and freedom; and 
(2) it is the sense of the House of Representa-
tives that the celebration of the end of slavery is an 
important and enriching part of the history and her-
itage of the United States. 
Æ 
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