Historical Ties Between USA & Liberia

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

— African Proverb

Birth of Liberia

Liberia’s story is deeply entwined with that of the United States. In 1822, the American Colonization Society began repatriating free Black Americans to West Africa, founding what would become Liberia—the first African republic, officially gaining independence in 1847. For over a century, Liberia stood as a symbol of Black self-governance and resilience. 

The End of Peace

But in 1980, a violent coup ended 133 years of peace, ushering in decades of civil war, political instability, and economic collapse. The toll was staggering: over 200,000 lives lost, a million displaced, and a nation left fractured.

Aftermath of War

Even after the war ended in 2003, Liberia faced new trials—most notably the devastating Ebola outbreak. Today, the country grapples with an 80% unemployment rate, and two-thirds of school-aged children lack access to education. Over 60% of the population is under 25, yet most have no pathway to vocational training or sustainable employment. The dreams of a generation are at risk.

Return After 33 Years

In 2022, after a 33-year absence from my birthplace, I returned to Liberia, just after establishing a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Heart In Heaven (HIH). Despite being aware of the dire economic circumstances, nothing could have prepared me for the devastation I saw. The widespread poverty and deplorable living conditions were overwhelming.

A Broken Heart

•  Seeing children peddling goods on the streets or playing soccer instead of attending school was heart-wrenching.
• Even more disheartening was the grim reality that so many of Liberia’s children are deprived of education.
• My heart broke for the young people who had no hope for the future. 

Upon returning to the US, I was impassioned to create avenues for Liberians to forge a brighter future.

The Urgent Need

While the optimal time to intervene and prepare Liberia’s next generation was twenty years ago, that opportunity was missed. However, in a time where entrenched poverty has dashed dreams and extinguished hope, the second-best time to act is NOW!

Heart In Heaven was born in part from this reality—the urgent need for change. Launch Liberia, one of HIH’s core initiatives, is a direct response to this crisis. It seeks not only to rebuild but to reimagine Liberia’s future—starting with its youth.

Education Is Vital

Educating the rising generation of Libberians is critical. Through Level Up!, our education initiative, we deploy the revolutionary SmartBox—a portable digital lab and wireless classroom that overcomes Liberia’s most pressing educational challenges. With tens of thousands of offline learning resources, the SmartBox empowers students in reading, writing, math, science, and history, even in areas without access to electricity or the internet. It’s more than a tool—it’s a lifeline.

 
A Bridge

But Launch Liberia is also a bridge. In Virginia, USA, HIH works to foster cultural awareness among African Americans, illuminating Liberia’s shared history with the United States. Through educational campaigns, events, and partnerships, we reconnect diaspora communities to their ancestral homeland. We believe that understanding where you come from is essential to knowing where you’re going.

Rediscovery of Roots

Liberia is not just a distant land—it is a living legacy of Black resilience, aspiration, and unity. Launch Liberia invites African Americans and the broader Diaspora to rediscover their roots and invest in the fruit of a brighter future. Together, we can transform lives, restore hope, and honor the enduring bond between Liberia and the United States.

Will you join us?