Monrovia, Liberia – A renowned Liberian human rights lawyer, and political leader of the Liberian People’s Party, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has launched and begin the Albert Porte Street Lecture Series, at the famous Center for the Exchange of Intellectual Opinion (CEIO), in Monrovia.
The launching ceremony brought together intellectuals, academia, youth and students’ activist and movement as well pedestrians at which time Cllr. Gongloe delves deeper into Liberian history, politics and law.
Providing an introduction overview of the Albert Porte Street Lecture Series, Cllr. Gongloe said that he had observed over the years that young Liberians are thirsty for vital information about Liberia’s history, basic laws and Politics-past and present.
He stated that in order to address this gap, he has chosen to begin with the Center for Intellectual Exchange on Carey Street (CIEO) in order to reduce the degree of ignorance among the youth.
Commenting briefly on the settlement History, Cllr. Gongloe reflected that on December 15–19, 1821, the first group of African American settlers sponsored by the American Colonization Society (ACS) arrived off the coast of present-day Liberia aboard the ship Elizabeth.
He further indicated in the historical context that they (Settlers) first anchored at Sherbro Island (today in Sierra Leone, just northwest of the Liberian coast).
“That location turned out to be unhealthy many settlers and ACS agents died of malaria and other diseases. In 1822, surviving settlers moved southward and established a settlement at Cape Mesurado, which became Monrovia (named after U.S. President James Monroe). So, December 19, 1821 marks the date of arrival of the Elizabeth with the first organized group of settlers, though the permanent settlement on Liberian soil began in 1822 at Cape Mesurado,” he stated.
Also, Cllr. Gongloe narrated that on the date of “December 19, 1821″, adding that sources agree there was activity in December 1821, land purchase, agents arriving, and that the Elizabeth and Nautilus ships were involved in the early years.
But, he argued that none of the reliable sources he found so far confirm that exact date, December 19, 1821, as the arrival of the first settlers on the coast of Liberia, arguing that it may be a date given in some narratives, possibly in less-authoritative accounts or family histories, but it’s not confirmed in the sources he reviewed.
Providing bridge information as to who the Settlers Met With / negotiated Land, he pointed out that the American Colonization Society (ACS) sent Dr. Eli Ayers (agent of the ACS) together with Lieutenant Robert F. Stockton of the U.S. Navy, to negotiate acquiring land for a settlement at Cape Mesurado.
“They negotiated with local leaders (“chiefs” or “kings”) of indigenous groups in the Cape Mesurado area, including the Dei, Bassa, Kru, and others. One prominent local ruler was Zolu Duma, also called “King Peter.” Other chiefs mentioned include “Jimmy,” “Long Peter,” “George,” and “Zoda,” among others. The written agreement / deed was signed by Ayers and Stockton, and by those local leaders.
What Land Was Purchased and Its Area the land purchased was at Cape Mesurado, including the coastal headland and adjacent portions, and also Dozoa Island (also called “Perseverance” / “Providence” Island) in the bay,” the LPP leader stated.
Cllr. Gongloe shared that the payment for the land was made in trade products, supplies, rum, firearms, gunpowder, tobacco, trinkets, and other items rather than cash, as is typically the case. Many sources estimate the value of the commodities (such as supplies, firearms, and rum) to be around $300 USD.
He clarified, saying, “There are some stories about paying with guns, rum, tobacco, clothing, souvenirs, etc. According to some accounts, the area along the coast was 150 acres and forty miles in size.“
Reported by: Prince Saah
