SCECHS Students Reimagine History in the “I Am David Hamilton Jackson” Art Exhibition

The fifth annual “I Am David Hamilton Jackson” exhibition at Fort Frederik Museum powerfully demonstrated how art connects historical narratives with contemporary experiences. As an art educator, I observed my Basic Art students immerse themselves in Jackson’s world, then return to their own with a deeper understanding of leadership, courage, and identity.

This project forms part of an annual educational initiative launched in 2021 by the Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums (DLAM), which honors the life and legacy of David Hamilton Jackson—a teacher, lawyer, editor, and activist whose work transformed civil rights in the Virgin Islands. This year marked the program's fifth anniversary, and our students responded with thoughtful and impactful work.

Learning From a Freedom Fighter

Over the course of three weeks, my students engaged deeply with Jackson’s story. They examined how he used his voice and intellect to advocate for freedom of the press, higher wages, improved working conditions, voting rights, and dignity for the working class. They also learned about his founding of The Herald, the first free newspaper in the Danish West Indies, which provided ordinary people with access to news and a means to challenge injustice.

We also examined Jackson’s role in organizing the St. Croix Labor Union and leading one of the earliest and most significant labor movements in the Caribbean, which helped secure shorter workdays and fairer wages. For many students, this was the first time they encountered a Virgin Islander as a central figure in the broader narrative of labor and civil rights. Ms. Monica Morin, DLAM's chief curator, provided valuable assistance in the classroom.

Time Traveling Through Art and AI

After establishing this historical foundation, we began the creative process. I encouraged students to envision themselves as time travelers, stepping into the early 1900s to accompany David Hamilton Jackson during a pivotal moment in Virgin Islands history. Returning to the present, they gained new perspectives on leadership and social change.

Through photography, affirmation writing, and AI tools, students produced digital collages depicting themselves in Jackson’s era, immersed in the momentum of social change. They used historical textures, symbolic imagery, and contemporary elements to show the continued relevance of Jackson’s legacy to current struggles and aspirations.

In addition to these digital works, students created identity-based self-portraits, poems, and prose. They reflected on leadership qualities such as bravery, honesty, vision, fairness, intelligence, and creativity, selecting traits that resonated with their experiences. Their images and writings reveal engagement with fundamental questions: Who am I? What do I stand for? Which injustices am I compelled to address?

Contributions from Ms. Cleone Lynch’s students further enriched the exhibition, offering poetry, essays, and digital art that interpreted Jackson’s legacy from a contemporary perspective.

“I Am David Hamilton Jackson”: Claiming Leadership

A meaningful aspect of the project was the affirmation activity. Each student composed a positive “I am” statement beginning with “I am David Hamilton Jackson.” Some students initially hesitated, as identifying with a historic figure can feel daunting. Through discussions of Jackson’s courage, integrity, and commitment to justice, students recognized that the exercise focused on acknowledging shared qualities and aspirations for personal growth.

Affirmations such as “I am charismatic,” “I am courageous,” “I am clever,” and “I am calm” became powerful declarations when paired with “I am David Hamilton Jackson.” Displayed with each AI portrait, these statements turned the gallery wall into a collective expression of emerging leadership.

A Powerful Evening at Fort Frederik

The exhibit opened at Fort Frederik Museum with a special evening reception as part of the fifth annual DPNR–DLAM “I Am David Hamilton Jackson” art exhibition. Families, educators, community members, and students filled the space, moving from piece to piece, reading affirmations aloud, and reflecting on poetry and personal statements.

My students presented their artist statements and discussed the lessons they learned from both Jackson and their own experiences throughout the project. Their reflections were candid and sincere; some addressed standing up against bullying, others spoke about advocating for social issues, and several highlighted education as a means of empowerment.

We were honored to welcome Mr. Percival Edwards of Farmers in Action as a featured presenter. He shared his knowledge of Jackson’s legacy and emphasized the ongoing significance of labor organizing in the Virgin Islands. His remarks anchored the exhibit in community history and showed students that their creative work contributes to a continuing tradition of activism. We are also thankful for the financial support of Mrs. Amy Parker De Sorbo, DLAM’s Territorial Director.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Reflecting on this year’s “I Am David Hamilton Jackson” project, I am grateful for my students’ willingness to reflect, for the support of collaborators and fellow educators, and for the community members who attended and offered encouragement. Although the exhibit has concluded, the affirmations continue to resonate with students.

When a young person states, “I am David Hamilton Jackson. I am courageous,” they are not merely describing a portrait on the wall; they are articulating a possibility within themselves. This, in my view, represents the true success of the project: students connecting their lived experiences to the broader narrative of civil rights in the Virgin Islands and recognizing their potential to influence the future.

Photo Reference:

Featured Artwork by Barecia Brooks

Related Links:

“I AM DAVID HAMILTON JACKSON” 5th ANNUAL STUDENT ART EXHIBITION AT FORT FREDERIK MUSEUMD

https://dpnr.vi.gov/press_releases/i-am-david-hamilton-jackson-5th-annual-student-art-exhibition-at-fort-frederik-museum/#:~:text=Through%20this%20program%2C%20students%20explore%20Jackson's%20life,human%20rights%2C%20and%20their%20own%20roles%20asENT

VI Public Libraries, DPNR's Post

https://www.facebook.com/VIpubliclibraries/posts/-special-showcase-at-the-5th-annual-i-am-david-hamilton-jackson-student-art-

exhi/1132697125703420/ART

SCECHS Student Artwork

Zuleyka Acevedo Basic Art:

I am David Hamilton Jackson, I am Supportive Z’niyah Joseph Basic Art: SCECHS 10th Grade

Evening of the Exhibition

EXHIBITION AT FORT FREDERIK MUSEUM

I am David Hamilton Jackson, I am Independent

Barecia Brooks

Basic Art: SCECHS Grade11th

Independence is a word that perfectly describes both David Hamilton Jackson and me. Like the honorable Jackson, I often take initiative and rely on my own judgment rather than waiting for others. Jackson demonstrated true independence when he opposed Danish colonial rule and traveled to Denmark to demand change. He didn’t seek anyone’s approval nor listen to his critics. He acted on his convictions and “broke free from outside control,” the very definition of independence. Similarly, I choose not to follow others when they engage in wrongful acts. While I may not cross continents to make a difference, I refuse to simply fall in line. Jackson was not a follower; he acted on his own

I am David Hamilton Jackson, I am Observant

Lucianick Alexander

Basic Art: SCECHS Grade 12th

I am David Hamilton Jackson. I am observant. David Hamilton Jackson was observant because he paid close attention to the problems and injustices faced by the people of the Virgin Islands. By carefully observing these issues, he was able to speak up for change and take smart action to help his community. This aligns with me because I also consider myself an observant person. If I notice the sink is filled with dishes or the trash hasn’t been taken out, I take action just like David Hamilton Jackson did. Being observant means noticing the small things that others might ignore and understanding how they can make a difference.

Like David Hamilton Jackson, I try to be aware of what’s happening around me and take initiative when I can help. An example of an observant leader is like a student who notices that his classmates always come to school on Thursdays with muddy shoes. He asks why and learns that their parents work late on Wednesdays, so they walk through the bushes to get to school. The student then decides to help by picking them up every Thursday morning. This illustrates how observation can foster kindness and leadership.

I am observant because I notice small details in my household and help my mother around the house without being told. I also pay attention to what needs to be cleaned or fixed and try to take care of it before it becomes a problem. Being observant helps me become more responsible, aware, and ready to make positive changes, just like David Hamilton Jackson did for his people.

I am David Hamilton Jackson, I am outgoing, powerful, and creative.

Javieliz Melendez

Basic Art: SCECHS Grade 9^th

David Hamilton Jackson was considered outgoing because he was unafraid to speak up for others. He spoke out publicly, connected with many people, and even traveled to Denmark to advocate for change. He was powerful because he used his voice and actions to help many individuals bring change to the community. He created “The Herald," which gave people opportunities to share their own opinions. He was creative because he  found new and smart ways to fight for people’s rights. Through his writing, he was able to help lead many people by speaking the truth and allowing them to have a voice in their community as well.

I am David Hamilton Jackson, I am Supportive

Z’niyah Joseph  

Basic Art: SCECHS 10th Grade 

I am supportive because I care about others and making sure everyone is treated with fairness and respect. Like David Hamilton Jackson, I stand up for what’s right and support people when they need encouragement, advice, a shoulder to cry on, someone who’s gonna say it’s gonna be ok or we’ll get through this together, or someone who just needs my help. David Hamilton Jackson was a very supportive leader who always stood up for the people of the Virgin Islands. He believed that everyone deserved to be treated fairly or equal, so he supported workers by helping the fight for better pay and working conditions. He helped bring freedom of the press, allowing people to share their opinions without fear. His support for the education and better working conditions showed that he wanted everyone to have equal opportunities. David Hamilton Jackson’s supportive nature made him a strong leader who inspired others to stand together for change no matter what their background. One of his greatest achievements was established “The Herald” newspaper, which gave people a platform to speak freely and share their opinions. This act of support helped the community express their thoughts and stand up against injustice.

I am David Hamilton Jackson, I am Charismatic

Yomar Ortiz

Basic Art: SCECHS 9th Grade 

David Hamilton Jackson and I align through our commitment to leadership and bringing people together. For example, David Hamilton Jackson formed a labor union to fight for wage increases. He earned their trust and loyalty through hard work and his charismatic personality. This aligns with me because of my ability to bring people together and lead when needed. Although I haven’t accomplished as much as Mr. Jackson, I am still capable and willing to lead.

I am David Hamilton Jackson, I am Calm

Mahari Green

Basic Art: SCECHS Grade 12th

Calmness was one of David Hamilton Jackson's greatest strengths. He lived during a time in the late 1800s and early 1900s when people in the Danish West Indies, now called the U.S. Virgin Islands, faced unfair labor laws, censorship, and colonial control. Standing up to that system took courage and self-control. Being calm has helped me avoid losing my temper and getting into trouble. Jackson wanted to publish a newspaper so ordinary people could speak out. When officials tried to stop him, he did not respond with anger or violence. Instead, he stayed calm, used reason, and explained his case clearly. His patience and careful approach helped him win the right to start The Herald, the first free newspaper on the islands. I am David Hamilton Jackson. I am calm.