Today in History: Liberia
Today in history:
In 1824, former slaves of African descent established a settlement in West Africa that would eventually become the country of Liberia. Thousands of African Americans from the Carolinas, Georgia, Maryland, and across the country joined in the settlement. There were many black people from the Caribbean who also joined the settlement. It was a chance to reconnect with Mother Africa and the people. Unfortunately, Some of the black folk (placed in power) who settled there brought with them "Mastas" mentality building huge replicas of plantation homes. They maintained their American style of dress and in some of their minds they became the new "Boss." This caused division and resentment among the indigenous people and the fighting and bloodshed has continued till this day. God bless Africa.
Sources: Informationman.com and The Library of Congress Archives
Photo source: Disney's Inc., Warner Bros. and Matt Groening
Comments
Yes God BLESS Liberia!
Yes, they certainly need it.
T.Stephens-
Wow! I can't imagine, but I guess it's possible.
Thanks for always stopping by my blog, Stephen. I am looking forward to a graceful return to blogging. Take care! :)
Thx for the lesson teach!!!
Bygbaby
I'm looking forward to your return. Peace~
NML-
I like that, "Power (or perceived power) does strange things to people." It's so true. There has been something in us since the beginning of time that makes us want to rule over each other -- to play God.
Yes, it's been a while. Good to see you back. I'll have to check in with you as well.
Bygbaby-
I feel you, cuz. Moreover, I wonder if it will ever exist in the world?
alexander crummell was notorious for imposing his mastas ideas onto the indigenous populations there
every people who rise to greatness rely on their own culture as the source of their unity and power
the europeans went all over the world stealing different things from different cultures but they incorporated it into their own to serve themslves
i thiink there are many many many great things that we have from the variety of african cultures we left behind that we can use for our own empowerment
we need to get rid of the white is right mentality no matter wha we do
Yes, it's unfortunate that they took that mentality back "Home" with them. It's difficult to undo the mis-education that had taken place for over a century. Besides that, it's difficult to reconnect with somthing or someone you haven't connected with in the first place. Most black people at that time were limited in their knowledge of Africa along with the rest of the world.
Rethabile-
Amen.
J.Smith-
Yes, it is a romantic idea, but the reality is that Africa has problems of her own. Their is Tribalism among people of the same country. So, the acceptance of an outsider who doesn't even speak the language is out of the question.
Thought:
The truth is that there are just people. I love meeting people from all over the globe. As people of African descent, we can be proud of our heritage and even more proud of where we were born. America doesn't always make it easy to be proud, but I can't deny who I am. I have family members who fought in every war this country has declared (I'm not sure about the Revolutionary?). So, in the words of Langston Hughes, "...I, too, am America."
You know why I'm cheesing right??
IM LIBERIAN!
The "Mastas" mentality was fueld by hatred and the disconnect with the motherland. Imagine living as a slave and then going back to Africa to a new way of life. A life with very little rules and where you are no longer held in bondage. The freedom was overwhelming and the idea that they could now be in control was soo very tempting....
My 6th great or so grandfather was one of these men that returned. All decendants of these Amerigo slaves are referred to as the Congo People (Conga w/our accents). There was a ship that was heading around the coast from Congo and the people in Liberia captured the ship. Being that the people in the Congo were more civilized then the native Liberians, the Amerigo slaves began their relations with them and so the name exists.
I am of the Congo and Loma tribe from Liberia.
That's some interesting history that you shared. Thank you and welcome.
Cranky-
Thank you. I'm always happy when you can take something with you from MC.
Kei-
Thanks. I learned a little more just researching and writing this.
Analia-
Always a pleasure. It's good to see you. I'm glad that you could stop in. Hugzzz to you.
JB-
I know. I should have contacted you as soon as I wrote it. It's interesting to know your history and how your ancestors were connected. Very interesting. I agree. We can't really expect the former slaves to go over there completely healthy [mentally] and ready to live free. So, it's understandable under the circumstances. Thanks for sharing your history. We'll have to talk again on the subject.