The article discusses the establishment of Liberia, initiated by the American Colonization Society to resettle freed Black Americans, along with William D. Coleman’s story reflecting the shared legacy of his family. It highlights Liberia’s formation, adaptation of American customs, and the ongoing efforts of the Coleman descendants to support their ancestral homeland.
The establishment of Liberia arose from the efforts of the American Colonization Society (ACS), founded in 1816 to aid in the resettlement of free Black Americans to Africa. Historically, numerous formerly enslaved individuals had resided in the U.S., and many white religious factions believed integrating free Black individuals into a segregated society was futile. C. Patrick Burrowes, a Liberian historian, noted that supporters of the ACS aimed to form a colony in Africa, seeing it as vital for stability in America, fearing that free Black Americans could incite rebellion among enslaved individuals.
The ACS successfully acquired land in Africa and named it Liberia, meaning “the land of the free,” establishing its capital, Monrovia, in honor of President James Monroe. An estimated 15,000 freed Black Americans migrated, using their skills to cultivate a new society despite facing challenges from local inhabitants. Among them was William D. Coleman, who departed from the Wardlaw Plantation in Kentucky, following the stipulations of his owner’s will, which aimed to facilitate his and his family’s emigration.
Upon arrival in Liberia, as Burrowes highlighted, life proved challenging but significantly preferable to plantation existence. The newcomers drew from their experiences in the U.S. to build structures and create a familiar environment. During a visit to what has been referred to as “Kentucky in Africa,” descendants of the Colemans reminisced about their ancestors, noting their adaptations of American customs.
In 1847, the Liberians collectively adopted a Declaration of Independence at a Baptist church, an event that marked a significant milestone. William D. Coleman ascended to become Liberia’s 13th president, symbolizing the shift from enslavement to leadership. However, the family’s pursuit of freedom encountered more obstacles during the Liberian Civil War, leading some members to seek refuge in America.
James Coleman remarked on their unplanned return to the U.S., emphasizing the strong ties maintained between Liberia and America. The Coleman family convenes an annual reunion, which has grown from a modest gathering in 1998 to an extensive celebration with around 300 family members spanning both Liberia and the United States. Genevieve Coleman-Garnett expressed the importance of preserving their family legacy.
The descendants actively engage in efforts to assist Liberia through a foundation dedicated to rebuilding their ancestral homeland. James Coleman emphasized the advantages of life in America while also noting the importance of contribution to Liberia: “We got to continue to work, though. And remember, we know who we are, why we came where we came from, and do what we can to help the situation over there.”
The resettlement of formerly enslaved Black Americans significantly shaped Liberia’s formation, with the ACS facilitating this migratory movement. This endeavor provided these individuals an opportunity to establish a new society based on their American experiences. As descendants like the Colemans continue to honor their history and support Liberia, they embody a unique legacy that intertwines both nations.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
