Liberian connection to the US in the news
Smithsonian Magazine published an article in 2003 discussing the connections between Liberia, then undergoing political turmoil, and the United States. Few know that the West African country was founded by Americans and settled by African-Americans who sought to start a new life free from slavery and setting up a society structured much like the United States: with a wealthy ruling class supported by servants. The legacy of the founding of Liberia has haunted the nation in the form of political strife between the ruling leaders, once second class citizens in the US, and the indigenous people of the region. Read the article for yourself at Smithsonian Magazine.
Quilts, Liberia and You
We had an interesting visit today in the NSU history department. A gentleman arrived with a suitcase full of quilts and ideas.
He brought the above quilt and one other, and described the collective of Liberian women who worked together to hand quilt these gorgeous pieces of art to help support their families and express their creativity. We immediately invited him and his organization, the Corporation for Economic Opportunity, to bring the quilts for display and possible sale at the upcoming conference.
He also asked how we could use these quilts to build community between the United States and Liberia and incorporate them into our efforts to explore the African Diaspora. We had a few ideas, but we could use some more. How do you think these pieces of art which represent the struggle of women to build their own communities and support themselves while expressing their artistic talent and creativity can help bring us together across the ocean and around the world?
Like the quilts? You can follow the group on Facebook.
Conference Videos Available
Three of the videos taken at the 2012 conference are now available on YouTube. You can follow our video stream or watch the blog for new videos.
Rendering of American Indian Images
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Novelists, Griots, Travel Writers, and Keepers of Sacred Stories
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The Creolization of America: Beyond Red, White, and Black
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