Press Releases

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
August 8, 2026                                                   202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS PASSING OF VIRGIN ISLANDS' CULTURAL ICON BRADLEY CHRISTIAN

U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Bradley Christian, a Virgin Islands cultural icon celebrated for his mastery of the traditional head wrap and his role in shaping the territory's official madras:

"Today, the Virgin Islands lost a true keeper of our culture. Bradley Christian spent his life carrying forward traditions passed down through generations. He was known far beyond our shores for his beautifully crafted head wraps, but Bradley's gift was never just in the craft itself. It was in his deep understanding of the history, heritage, and meaning behind every head wrap, our food, storytelling, quelbe, quadrille - the many elements of our islands.  Bradley Christian reminded us to love ourselves and our history - that we are a tapestry of beautiful people.  His hand also helped shape the official madras of the Virgin Islands, a symbol our people wear with pride,” said Congresswoman Plaskett.

"Bradley was one of our territory's cultural icons, and we are forever grateful for his contributions. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and all his loved ones and friends during this difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing how deeply his legacy is felt across the Virgin Islands," Congresswoman Plaskett concluded.

###