Liberia does not have an effective lobbying group in the US Congress. The stigma of slavery of our own people and constant mistreatment of our people by us are all reasons why the friendship between Africa and the blacks in America remains lukewarm. The debate continues:


When all things are spoken and placed in their right perspective, it is believed that most African Americans would prefer associating themselves with South Africa or Kenya or Ghana rather than being associated with Liberia. On page 296 of Ellen's Book, This child Will Be Great, she writes:

"Moreover, I believe there is a segment of black Americans who want to distance themselves from the settlers of Liberia, because of what the settlers did in forming this land. They left the land of bondage and oppression and came here to impose another form of colonialism on the people already here. Who wants to be associated with that? The whole stigma of slavery and oppression that Liberia represents...that Africa represents...to many black Americans is precisely what they want to distance themselves from."

As we can see, African Americans may not have copiously checked many of the misconceptions and falsehoods about Africa. They have, however, seen and continue to witness the atrocities Africans have committed against their own people. Things will never be as rosy for them in America. Yet, they have no other alternative; they have nowhere to run to. Germans and French can move to America with ease. Africa is a whole different story for black people around the world!

In a nutshell, Africans have been mean to themselves. And as far as we are concerned, we continue to shoot ourselves in the foot.

Cooper Kweme
5/12/09
12:00 AM