Friends,

This month is Caribbean Heritage Month, and as the Congresswoman from the U.S. Virgin Islands, I want to share a bit about our history and why I’m so proud to represent a territory with such a vibrant heritage and culture. 

The U.S. Virgin Islands were originally colonized as the Danish West Indies before the islands were sold to the United States for $25 million in 1917. 

But our history goes back well before that. In 1848, more than 9,000 slaves rebelled against the Danish colonizers and rang the bells of freedom, ending slavery here in the Virgin Islands. We will be celebrating our 175th Emancipation Day this July. 

Our Caribbean heritage is a part of our story, and we are proud of it. 

But we also recognize that we’re at a disadvantage. Because of our territorial status, we still don’t have full voting rights and the same access to federal resources as citizens who live in the 50 states. 

Statehood is an issue of equal rights and racial justice. So if you support statehood for D.C. and our territories, will you please add your name to my petition today?

During this Caribbean Heritage Month, I urge you not only to celebrate our rich culture but also join me in advocating for the rights of all Americans. 

Together, we can work towards ensuring that everyone has the representation they deserve. 

Thank you,

Stacey Plaskett