Multi-Media Project

The History of Liberia

Liberia has seen many hard times, but it has still managed to remain a nation true unto itself. One event in the history of Liberia that caused many hardships to this nation was the Civil War that occurred in two parts which was 1989-1996 and from 1997-2003.[1] In spite of this hardship, the people of Liberia held up their values and loyalties to one another. From it's natural resources to it's various forms of religion, and languages, Liberia shows that they are willing to adapt and embrace to change. Liberia is a nation in Africa that is richly filled with diversity and culture. All throughout it's history, Liberia is a nation like many other nations in that it will leave a lasting imprint on the world that will be discussed for some time to come.

Picture Source: "Liberia Coat of Arms" date accessed: August 26, 2016, https://www.thetalkingpot.wordpress.com

The earliest beginning of Liberia can be traced back to the early 1800's. Although many people will make assertions that people from various tribes lived on the land that would later be came to be called Liberia, no real evidence can be give to these assertions. Many free slaves wanted to establish their freedom and rights in the United States of America. In order to control the free slaves, a group of white Americans named the American Colonization Society or the (ACS) decided it was best to relocate the freed slaves to Africa.[2] As the freed slaves moved and settled in Africa, this nation would then begin to have a desire to want to be governed and ruled by their own hand. In 1847 these people were successful in being named an independent Republic and thus they named themselves Liberia.[3]

Picture Source: Liberian Peace Corps Photo by: Curtis Mekemson

There are more than 25 ethic groups that live on the soils of Liberia. Some of the groups of people that live in Liberia are the Kru, Gio, Bassa, Americo-Liberians and the Kpelle.[4]  TheAmerico-Liberian is the name of the people who were the freed slaves from the United States and they settled and stayed on the nation of Liberia. The Americo-Liberians able to build their own form of government in Liberia in their early days. The Kpelle people were different from the Americo-Liberians. Out of all the ethnic groups in Liberia, the Kpelle people are by far the largest group in this area.[5]  The Kpelle people came from the savannas of Guinea which is just to the north of Liberia. [6].  The Kpelle people are skillful and very good at farming. When the Kpelle people came to Liberia they were able to show other people how to plant rice and they made the rice a great resource for Liberia. Many Kpelle people remain in Liberia to this day continuing to farm and help improve the value of the land.

Picture Source: http://kwekudee-tripdownmemorylane.blogspot.com/2013/07/kpelle-guerze-people-liberias-largest.html.  Picture was taken and copyrights are owned by: Jacques Jargoux.  The picture is of Kpelle women harvesting rice in the field.

The people groups of Liberia are just on aspect of the vast amount of diversity and culture in this one nation. Language is also an important part of the culture and diversity of Liberia. One form of language spoken in Liberia is Liberian Pidgin English. The Liberian Pidginat Language also recognized as Liberian Kreyol is dated back at far as the 19^th century.[7] Liberian Kreyol is a unique language that began with the Americo-Liberian people who came from the United States that settled in Liberia. Another form of language spoken that is spoken in Liberia is English. Although Liberian Kreyol is a blend of English, standard English is another popular form of language spoken in Liberia.

Another area of diversity and culture in Liberia is the topic of religion. For many years Islam was a religion that many in Liberia and Africa practiced of many years. After some time missionaries from the Christian began to come to Africa assisting the people of the land that were unable to take care of themselves. In Liberia in this present day, Christianity is the most practiced religion in the area. The relevance of Christanity in Liberia can be seen in the history of the capital of Liberia which is Monrovia. Before the capital of Liberia was Monrovia it's original name was Christopolis. The name Christopolis is stated as meaning, “the city of Christ”.

[8] The name Christopolis was eventually changed to Monrovia to give honor to James Monroe, but the name Christopolis has forever linked Liberia to the Christian faith.

Photo source:http://www.pahte.com/image

Many natural resources produced by Liberia encourage people from other nations to interact and trade with Liberia. One natural resource that is produced and manufactured in Liberia is rubber. Rubber is an important resource used in the production of car tires. Liberia has been the rubber business for many, many years. The production of the rubber is started initially when latex is extracted from the trees in the land.[9]  The latex is mixed with a variety of chemicals to bring about an end result which is rubber. The rubber is used to produce tires that will be distributed all across the world. Another notable natural resource that is produced in Liberia is iron ore. “Liberia is one of the largest producers of Iron ore”.[10] Iron is a product is used by many companies in Liberia and all throughout the world. Liberia has managed to become one of the leading producers of iron and they have done so for over forty years.

Liberia has been richly influenced by many groups of people all over this world. Many people came to Liberia seeking to find freedom or a fresh start. Liberia has had it's fair share of hardships, but it continues to make steps to improve their situation. Liberia's diversity and culture has allowed many groups of people to share with each other the uniqueness that each group has to offer. Liberia can will continue to be value resource to all of those who need it to be. Liberia has a vast amount of resources to offer the world if they are given the opportunity to do so. Liberia was a safe place for black American who were seeking shelter from slavery in their world. Liberia is continuing to rebuild from the scars the civil wars left behind, but they can and will recover in time.

Bibliography

Edwin Freeman “Liberia's Natural Rubber Industry”: A Second Look, The Perspective, July 2011, date accessed: July 29, 2016, http://www.theperspective.org/2011/0728201104.html

“Founding of Liberia,”1847, Office of the Historian, date accessed: August 24, 2016, https://history.state.gov/milestones/1830-1860/liberia

Fred Van Der Kraaij, “Iron Ore”. Liberia: Past and Present of Africa's Oldest Republic, May 5, 2016, date accessed: August 26, 2016, http://www.liberiapastandpresent.org/ODP/IronOre/IronOreC.htm

Fred Van Der Kraaij, “The Pepper Coast Before 1822. Liberia: Past and Present of Africa's Oldest Republic, May 5, 2016, date accessed: August 5, 2016, http://www.liberiapastandpresent.org/Peppercoastbefore1822.htm

“History of Liberia”, Vision Liberia 2027, 2008, date accessed: August 23, 2016, http://www.liberia2027.com/627324

John Pike, “Liberia-First Civil War-1989-1996.”Global Security.org, 2000, date accessed: August 24, 2016, http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/liberia-1989.htm

“Kpelle,” date accessed: August 24, 2016, http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/anthro/faculty/fiske/135b/kpelle.htm

“Liberian”, Accredited Language Services, date accessed August 24, 2016, https://www.alsintl.com/resources/languages/Liberian/

“Liberia-Ethnic Groups,” Encyclopedia of the Nations, 2016, date accessed: August 26, 2016, http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Africa/Liberia-ETHNIC-GROUPS.html

“Liberia's Seeds of Knowledge”, Cultural Survival, date accessed: August 19, 2016, https://www.culturalsurvival.org/ourpublications/csq/article/liberias-seeds-knowledge

[1] John Pike, “Liberia-First Civil War-1989-1996.”Global Security.org, 2000, date accessed: August 24, 2016, http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/liberia-1989.htm

[2] “Founding of Liberia,”1847, Office of the Historian, date accessed: August 24, 2016, https://history.state.gov/milestones/1830-1860/liberia

[3]Fred Van Der Kraaij, “The Pepper Coast Before 1822. Liberia: Past and Present of Africa's Oldest Republic, May 5, 2016, date accessed: August 5, 2016, 

http://www.liberiapastandpresent.org/Peppercoastbefore1822.htm

[4]Liberia-Ethnic Groups,” Encyclopedia of the Nations, 2016, date accessed: August 26, 2016, http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Africa/Liberia-ETHNIC-GROUPS.html

[5] “Kpelle,” date accessed: August 24, 2016, http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/anthro/faculty/fiske/135b/kpelle.htm

[6] “Liberia's Seeds of Knowledge”, Cultural Survival, date accessed: August 19, 2016, https://www.culturalsurvival.org/ourpublications/csq/article/liberias-seeds-knowledge

 [7]“Liberian”, Accredited Language Services, date accessed August 24, 2016, https://www.alsintl.com/resources/languages/Liberian/

 [8]“History of Liberia”, Vision Liberia 2027, 2008, date accessed: August 23, 2016, http://www.liberia2027.com/627324

[9]Edwin Freeman “Liberia's Natural Rubber Industry”: A Second Look, The Perspective, July 2011, date accessed: July 29, 2016, http://www.theperspective.org/2011/0728201104.html

[10]Fred Van Der Kraaij, “Iron Ore”. Liberia: Past and Present of Africa's Oldest Republic, May 5, 2016, date accessed: August 26, 2016, http://www.liberiapastandpresent.org/ODP/IronOre/IronOreC.htm

History Without Words

Picture Source: www.orkin.com

Picture Source: http://lawestmedia.com

Picture Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owl

Picture Source: https://www.anticeptik.wordpress.com

Liberian Borders

Liberian Borders

Liberia is a nation that is located on the coast of western African. The ocean that borders the Nation of Liberia is the Atlantic Ocean. Liberia is bordered by the following nations from various points around it: Guinea is to the North of Liberia, Sierra Leone is to the northwest of Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire is to the east of the nation of Liberia. Liberia is a large nation that measures over 100,000 square kilometers in size.[1] Out of all of the nations in Africa, Liberia what the first nation to become independent during the time of the western colonization into Africa. During this time of colonization, many formers slaves that had lived in the United States returned to Liberia to help secure it's independence. In 1829, a man by the name of Joseph Jenkins Roberts come from Petersburg, Virginia to be the governor of Liberia. Joseph Jenkins Roberts was a merchant from the capital of Monrovia which is the capital of Liberia. Roberts worked hard to make sure that Liberia was to become a very strong and effective nation. Liberia was recognized as a free and independent republic in 1847. Joseph Jenkins Roberts was rewarded for his hard work in 1848 when he was elected president of Liberia and he served in this position until 1856.[2]

Picture Source: http://www.mapsofworld.com/liberia/liberia-political-map.html.  This is a picture of Liberia and it's bordering countries and oceans.

Benefits of Cultural Changes in Liberia

The Kpelle are a group of people that came from the savannas of Guinea which is the nation to the north of Liberia and they settled in the rain forest of Liberia well over four hundred years ago. When the Kpelle people migrated the brought with them an Asian variety of rice with them. The Kpelle people can be said to be responsible for assisting native Liberians in understanding and planting Asian rice and adding to its crops.[3] The Kpelle people helped build up the ecosystem of Liberia when they come to Liberia.

Picture Source: http://kwekudee-tripdownmemorylane.blogspot.com/2013/07/kpelle-guerze-people-liberias-largest.html.  Picture was taken and copyrights are owned by: Jacques Jargoux.  The picture is of Kpelle women harvesting rice in the field.

References

[1] Liberia-History & Background, date retrieved: August, 19, 2016. http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/846/Liberia-HISTORY-BACKGROUND.html

[2] Liberia-History & Background, date retrieved: August, 19, 2016. http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/846/Liberia-HISTORY-BACKGROUND.html

[3] Liberia's Seeds of Knowledge, date retrieved: August, 19, 2016. https://www.culturalsurvival.org/ourpublications/csq/article/liberias-seeds-knowledge

Missions of Liberia

Missions of Liberia

There are many missions from a variety all throughout Liberia. Many religious groups frequent Liberia and other nations in Africa in order to assist the people of the land. Not all of the religious groups have the same belief system but they all have the same goal and that is to help the people who are in need of great help.  

Baptist Mid-Missions

There was a couple by the name of William and Genevieve Haas. William and Genevieve Haas were like many other compassionate people in that they had a love and desire to help other people that were not as blessed as they have been. William and Genevieve Haas were completely God lead people and they answered his call to help the people of Africa. The Haas couple set out for Africa in 1912 to help the people of the God had assigned them to. William and Genevieve saw the need for more missionaries and assistance so they went back to the United States to recruit more help. William presented other people in the United State with evidence the people of Africa needed much help. William was successful in recruiting more help and the new missionaries followed William and his wife back to Africa.  From the works of William and Genevieve Haas was birthed the Baptist Mid-Missions which was originally organized October 15, 1920.[1]

Photo of Missionaries working with children

Photo Source:https://www.bmm.org

Eternal Love Winning Africa

In 1952, the West Africa Broadcasting Association partnered with was called SIM or the Sudan Interior Missions to start the first Christian radio station in Africa.[2] It took much trial and error to begin a Christian radio station because many people at that time did not see the need for this type of radio station in this area. The station was eventually named the Eternal Love Winning Africa station or ELWA and it began its broadcasting January 1954. [3] The ELWA radio is located in Paynesville, Liberia which is just a short distance from the capital of Liberia which is Monrovia.

Picture Source: http://www.elwaministries.com
Photo is of the ELWA Radio Station and Compound

[1] Baptist Mid-Missions, date retrieved: August 12, 2016, https://www.bmm.org
[2] Eternal Love Winning Africa (ELWA), date retrieved: August 12, 2016, http://www.elwaministries.com

[3] Eternal Love Winning Africa (ELWA), date retrieved: August 12, 2016, http://www.elwaministries.com

Liberia's First Contacts

Liberia's First Contacts

Initial Contacts with Liberia

In 520 B.C. Hanno the Cartaginian was believed to have land on the Western coast of Africa.  Some say that Hanno make some trades with the people who lived in western Africa.  The contact may have been limited, but it can still be noted as initial contact with West Africans.[1]

More contacts with West African began to pick up in the 14th century.  The Portuguese love to visit the Liberian coastline and make trades with the coastal tribes.  The Portuguese made constant visits to the Liberians to get gold, pepper, ivory and camwood.  Camwood was a item that many would not see as an important item but at this time the Portuguese saw it as a valuable resource.[2]

Camwood

"Camwood is one of the products that Europeans traded from Liberia. Camwood which is also known as sandalwood, is a shrubby, leguminous., hard-wooded tree from central west Africa. This wood is a very fine color and is used in woodturning for making knife handles and similar articles."[3]

Picture Source: https://africa.tradeholding.com

[1] Fred van der Kraaij, The Grain Coast, Malaguetta Coast or Pepper Coast before 1822. date retrieved: August 5, 2016, http://www.liberiapastandpresent.org/Peppercoastbefore1822.htm

[2] Fred van der Kraaij, The Grain Coast, Malaguetta Coast or Pepper Coast before 1822. date retrieved: August 5, 2016, http://www.liberiapastandpresent.org/Peppercoastbefore1822.htm

[3] “Camwood” date retrieved: August 5, 2016, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baphia_nitida

Liberia's Natural Resources

Liberia's Natural Resources

Liberia is rich in natural resources such as gold, iron ore, diamonds and timber. Many people from all over the world look to Liberia for this natural resources.  Sometimes places would not do the right thing and trade fairly but they would instead try and steal these resources from Liberia instead.  Many of these resource help Liberia maintain a stable economy especially after the Civil War that occurred in Liberia [1]

Rubber

Liberia's rubber business has been a boost for this nation.  Like many of the other resources in Liberia, many other nations look to Liberia for such resources to help them produces products for there economies.   Rubber is a product that is valuable because it is used to produce tires and other items that make it possible to drive and to do other things in our society.  The United States even gets a majority of it's rubber from Liberia.[2]

Iron Ore

"The Liberia Mining Company was the first of four iron ore companies which produced and shipped such large quantities of iron ore that in the 1960s and 1970s Liberia became Africa’s largest iron ore exporter and even the third on the world list of iron ore exporters."[3]

[1] “Liberia”,EITI (accessed 29 July. 2016. https://eiti.org/Liberia).

[2] “Liberia's Natural Rubber Industry: Second Look (accessed 29 July. 2016. http://www.theperspective.org/2011/0728201104.html).

[3] “Iron Ore” (accessed 29 July. 2016 http://www.liberiapastandpresent.org/ODP/IronOre/IronOreC.htm

3. Religions and Origins of Liberia

3. Religions and Origins of Liberia

According to multiple sources, there are a vast amount of religions that have been practiced in Liberia. Christianity and Islamic religions are only a few religions that have been identified as practiced religions Liberia and other nations of Africa.

Christianity

As of today in Liberia, Christianity is the largest practiced religion in this area."  According to the 2008 National Census, 85.5% of Liberia's population practices Christianity."[1] The capital city Monrovia has some Christian connections or origin in it's content.  The capital was originally called Christopolis.  Christipolis means "the city of Christ." The name of the capital was changed to Monrovia to give honor to the 5th president which was James Monroe.[2]  

Photo taken of a church in Voinjama,Liberia

Picture Source: http://www.pahte.com/images/04.09.29_Liberia._Voinjama._Mud_Town_057.12.jpg

Islamic Religion

"Isalm is currently being practiced by 20% of the population in Liberia. The large majority of Liberian Muslims are Sunni, with only a few Shi'ites, and mostly of Lebanese origin. Muslims first came to what is now called Liberia in the 11^th century. The first Christian groups did not arrive in Liberia until 1822."[3]

Photo taken of a church in Voinjama,Liberia

Picture Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_Liberia#/media/File:Voinjamamosque.jpg

Secret Societies of Liberia

There are many secret societies in Liberia and two of which are the Poro and Sande Societies.

Poro Society

The Poro Society is a secret society that is only for males. The Poro society was part of the culture introduced by Mande people, migrants to the region as early as 1000 AD. The entire native population is governed by its code of laws. It primarily represents a type of fraternal society to which even infants are temporarily admitted. The ceremony for them consists of carrying them into the Poro bush and out again. In Liberia, the female equivalent of the Poro is the Sande society. [4]

Photo of Jasso Men of the Poro Society

Picture Source: http://www.thecoli.com/threads/poro-african-secret-society.285920/

Sande Society

The Sande Society is the female society version of the Poro Society. All Mende women when they reach puberty begin the initiation process into the Sande society. The goals of this secret society are to teach young women the responsibilities of adulthood. The girls are taught to be hard working and modest in their behavior, especially towards their elders. Sande influences every aspect of a Mende woman's life; it is present before birth and still present after death.[5]

Photo of Mende Women to be initiated to the Sande Society

Picture by Rebecca Busselle

1. “Religion in Liberia” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Liberia

2. “The Founding of Liberia and the Christian Church” http://www.liberia2027.com/627324

3. “Isalm in Liberia” http://www.muslimpopulation.com/africa/Liberia/Islam%20in%20Liberia.php

4. “Poro” http://www.thecoli.com/threads/poro-african-secret-society.285920/

5. “Sande Society: Art of the Mende People” http://academics.smcvt.edu/africanart/Sonja_Cole/Sande_Society_Temp.htm