Liberia is today celebrating the birthday of its first President Joseph Jenkins Roberts. the day is being celebrated as a national holiday in line with a Presidential proclamation, and an act of 42nd legislature.The day was set aside to recognize the many invaluable services and sacrifices of the late President. The first president of Liberia, was born in Petersburg, Virginia, USA on march 15 1809, Of mixed black and white heritage, he emigrated to Liberia with his widowed mother and three brothers in 1829. He became a successful merchant and caught the eye of Liberia's white governor, who appointed Roberts as his successor. The first African-American governor of Liberia, he went on to become the first president of the new country in 1847, serving six terms in all. His major accomplishments include gaining the recognition of Liberia from most European nations, and halting the slave trade on Liberia's borders.
A monument dedicated to the late President on Ducor hill in Monrovia
The current President of Liberia, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in her Proclamation ordered that all Government offices, public and business houses be close from 6 am to 6 pm as a sign of respect for the late former president.
Posts
