A Glimpse into Liberia: The Land of the Free

Liberia, a small nation in West Africa, is a place where the familiar and the unexpected intertwine. At first glance, the yellow school buses winding through streets named Johnson and McDonald, the Masonic temple, and the flag bearing a star and stripes evoke a sense of Americana. Yet, this is not America—it is Liberia, a country with a profound and unique connection to the United States. The capital, Monrovia, pictured here in October 2023, is a bustling hub of activity, reflecting the blend of cultures that define this nation.

The Birth of Liberia and the American Connection

The story of Liberia begins in the early 19th century, before the American Civil War. At that time, many formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants lived in the United States, facing a society deeply entrenched in segregation. White religious groups and politicians believed that free Black people could never truly be free in such an environment. This belief gave rise to the American Colonization Society (ACS), formed in 1816 with the goal of expatriating free Black people to Africa. Historian C. Patrick Burrowes explains, "They aimed to form a colony in Africa and to have free Blacks who chose to go to leave and go to Liberia."

The ACS purchased land in Africa, naming it "Liberia," which means "the land of the free." The capital, Monrovia, was named after U.S. President James Monroe. Approximately 15,000 freed Black Americans resettled in Liberia, building a new life based on their knowledge and skills. Despite the challenges they faced from the local population, they laid the foundation for a nation that would one day declare its independence in 1847, signing its own Declaration of Independence at a Baptist church.

The Journey of William D. Coleman: From Enslavement to Presidency

Among the many individuals who made the journey to Liberia was William D. Coleman, a boy who grew up on the Wardlaw Plantation in Fayette County, Kentucky. James Wardlaw, the plantation owner, included a unique provision in his will: upon his death, he wanted freedom and safe passage for William, his mother Ellen, his uncle, and all enslaved people on his property, provided they emigrated to Liberia.

In 1853, William, his mother, and uncle boarded a ship in Baltimore and set sail for Liberia. Life in Liberia was not easy, but it offered a new kind of freedom. "Life was rough because you’re coming into a place that’s new," Burrowes said. "Certainly not as rough as it would have been on a plantation. And now you’re working for yourself."

William D. Coleman would go on to become a prominent figure in Liberian society, eventually serving as the nation’s 13th president. His legacy is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who sought a better life in Liberia.

The Coleman Legacy: Building a New Life in Liberia

Today, the descendants of William D. Coleman continue to honor his legacy. ABC News visited the area known as "Kentucky in Africa," where remnants of the past still stand. The Coleman family, whose ancestors arrived in Liberia nearly two centuries ago, has preserved the skills and traditions passed down through generations.

Martin Coleman, a direct descendant, shared, "From the time they came in, they started fashioning things after the U.S., the flag, everything." The structures built by the early settlers, including those on plantations owned by figures like Jefferson and Madison, were constructed by enslaved individuals who brought their skills to Liberia. These skills became the foundation of a new society.

The Return to America: Fleeing War and Rebuilding Lives

Decades later, during the brutal Liberian Civil War, some members of the Coleman family chose to flee the violence by returning to America. Among them were 93-year-old Genevieve Coleman-Garnett and her son, James. Reflecting on the decision, James said, "I don’t think anybody ever planned to come back, you know. But when the coup took place, thank God we had a place of refuge. And we can come back to, you know, and settle again and try to start all over."

The Colemans’ journey reflects the complex and often cyclical nature of their family’s history. Despite the challenges they faced, they remain deeply connected to both Liberia and America. James added, "America and Liberia always had a very close relationship; it’s a full cycle."

Preserving Legacy and Giving Back: The Coleman Family Reunion

Each year, the Coleman family comes together for a massive reunion that began in 1998 as a small gathering and has since grown to include as many as 300 descendants from across two continents and several U.S. states. The reunion is more than a celebration of their shared heritage; it is a commitment to preserving their identity and giving back to the nation that gave their ancestors liberty.

Genevieve Coleman-Garnett, now 93 years old, expressed the importance of this tradition: "We hope that they don’t get mixed up and don’t know who they are. We wanted them to know who they were and where they came from."

The family has also established a foundation aimed at rebuilding Liberia, a nation that continues to face challenges. James Coleman reflected, "You know, life is better here, you know, than it is over there. 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."

In the end, the story of the Colemans is one of resilience, identity, and the unbreakable bond between two nations. It is a reminder of the enduring power of family, legacy, and the pursuit of freedom.