For Black History Month, independent scholar Don Papson presents, "Untold Story of the Reverend Robert Brown: A Life After the Underground Railroad,” from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28,
Liberia Observes First President, Joseph Jenkins Roberts’ 212th Birthday Today Liberia Observes First President, Joseph Jenkins Roberts’ 212th Birthday Today
th of February, 1876.
he was the first man of African descent to govern the country, serving previously as governor from 1841 to 1848. Born free in Norfolk, Virginia, Roberts emigrated as a young man with his mother, siblings, wife, and child to the young West African colony. He opened a trading firm in Monrovia and later engaged in politics.
After Liberia became independent on July 26, 1847, Roberts was elected as the nation’s first president, serving until 1856. In 1872, he was elected again to serve as Liberia’s seventh president.