LIBERIA’S AFRICAN DIASPORA HOMECOMING PROJECT 2021/2022 CONCEPT NOTE
Prepared By: Dr. Clarice Ford-Kulah
LIBERIA’S AFRICAN DIASPORA HOMECOMING PROJECT 2021/2022
In the early 1800s, opposers of slavery were planning ways to abandon the institution. As time drew closer to the abolishment of slavery, Southerners were adamant that freed slaves could not share the same privileges as their white counterparts. There were major controversies over the fact that the African slaves and whites would be fighting for the same jobs, opportunities, accommodations, etc. Some believed that the African would never truly be freed in America. Thus, was the premise for the emigration of blacks to Africa. Birthed as the brainchild of Rev. Robert Finley in 1816, the American Colonization Society was established for the resettlement of ex-slaves. Paul Cuffe, a notable African American abolitionist held the belief that freed blacks could in fact establish a colony in West Africa that would be prosperous.
Fast forward, 200 years later, Project 2021/2022, known as the bi-centennial celebration of Liberia, to commemorate the historical journey and settlement of a people, next year, Providence Baptist Church leads the charge in February of 2021. After 40 years of a slow-down, Liberia is excited to welcome Africans in the Diaspora home again. Situated on prime real estate along 360 miles of unbroken coastline and the largest remaining portion of the upper Guinea rainforest, Liberia will host the Bi-Centennial Celebration of Resettlement by inviting Africans in the Diaspora to the greatest reunion ever as we introduce Liberia as a tourist destination. This is also an invitation to join in the rebuilding of the only nation in Africa founded as a safe-haven for freed blacks from all around the world
In an effort to prepare for this remarkable celebration, Providence Preservation Foundation is starting by showcasing one county every other month. This means that everyone will have an opportunity to show love and support for their county by donating when their county comes up. Of course, anyone can donate to any county they desire. Beginning with the beautiful county of Bassa and the sophisticated, but yet serene city of Edina, one of Liberia’s oldest settlements, we will be raising funds to restore the old Cheeseman House as a museum, clean and maintain both Bob Gray and Pres. Cheeseman’s monuments, capture the essence of the traditional southern style homes that categorizes Edina as a little taste of the United States; a quaint, serene, and small Southern American town in the heart of one of Africa’s oldest republics, the Republic of Liberia. COME ON EDINA CITY, SHOW YOUR LOVE BY CLICKING ON THE DONATION BUTTON BELOW!