{"id":79069,"date":"2025-08-01T18:09:55","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T18:09:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/liberia\/all-news\/u-s-cleric-honors-liberia-heritage-on-independence-day"},"modified":"2025-08-01T18:33:41","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T18:33:41","slug":"u-s-cleric-honors-liberia-heritage-on-independence-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/liberia\/all-news\/u-s-cleric-honors-liberia-heritage-on-independence-day","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Cleric Honors Liberia Heritage on Independence Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Liberia. <\/strong><\/span>A Liberian-born minister based in Minnesota, the United States, Rev. Alexander B. Collins, has honored Liberia as a nation forged by divine providence and preserved by grace with greatness in its DNA.<\/p>\n

Rev. Collins expressed the belief that Liberia\u2019s great future is hindered by its founding foundation and is calling for Liberia to critically reevaluate its national symbols and historical narratives during celebrations marking the country\u2019s 178th Independence Day and the 50th Anniversary of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM), United States of America.<\/p>\n

Speaking on Saturday, July 26, 2025 as the orator of the Independence Day Celebrations in Minnesota, Rev. Collins emphasized the need for reforms that recognize and honor Indigenous contributions, which he argued have long been overshadowed by settler history.<\/p>\n

In his address with the title: \u201cA Nation Preserved by Grace,\u201d was delivered under the sub-theme: \u201cDiaspora Rising: For the Liberia We Love, for the Transformational Legacy We Need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rev. Collins suggested revision of Liberia\u2019s current symbols, including the flag and national anthem, asserting they reflect a settler-centric narrative. \u201cWe fly a flag that tells of arrival, but not of welcome,\u201d he stated. \u201cWe sing of liberty, but not of those who bled before its promise was penned.\u201d<\/p>\n

He proposed establishing a National Unity Commission tasked with reviewing and revising national symbols and holidays to better reflect Indigenous history, including figures such as King Zolu Duma.<\/p>\n

Beginning his speech with reflections rooted in faith, Rev. Collins attributed his calm demeanor to divine grace. \u201cIf I appear calm and composed,\u201d he quipped, \u201cplease don\u2019t be fooled. It\u2019s not me. It\u2019s grace\u2014protecting its own reputation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reframing Liberia\u2019s Historical Narrative<\/p>\n

Rev. Collins called for a nuanced reinterpretation of Liberia\u2019s history through three perspectives, including the Nationalist Strain, highlighting Indigenous resistance and cultural preservation; the Colonialist Strain, shaped by freed Black settlers from America; and the Pragmatic Strain, representing contemporary reformers and bridge-builders.<\/p>\n

\u201cNationhood is not only declared\u2014it is defended by those who have always belonged,\u201d he emphasized, pointing out the often-overlooked Indigenous contributions that form the foundation of Liberia\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n

Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek political thought, Rev. Collins challenged the Liberian diaspora to reflect on their civic roles.<\/p>\n

He categorized community members into three groups; idiots, tribesmen, and citizens, stating, \u201cWhile idiots disengage from public affairs, tribesmen prioritize loyalty to their group over the nation, and citizens serve the common good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA person who is considered an idiot can become a citizen through education, and a tribesman can become a citizen through exposure,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He called for the collaboration of those who fit the citizens\u2019 category within the diaspora to foster active civic engagement and to strengthen development at home.<\/p>\n

Strengthening the Diaspora and Political Representation<\/b><\/p>\n

Rev. Collins praised the evolution of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota from a student-led group to a civic institution involved in workforce training, youth programs, and elder care. \u201cFrom community hall, to prayer hall, to City Hall\u2014and yes, one day to the State Capitol\u2014let our voices be heard,\u201d he urged, advocating for collective empowerment beyond individual success.<\/p>\n

He also emphasized the importance of increased political representation for Liberians in Minnesota, citing the biblical story of Nehemiah as an example of leadership through civic engagement. \u201cWe cannot expect our children to inherit a stronger Liberia or diaspora community if we are absent from the rooms where decisions are made,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n

Rev. Collins strongly encouraged Liberians in Minnesota to stop entertaining meetings with corrupt Liberian officials visiting the U.S., especially those whose names are in audit reports and have been found guilty by the courts. He stated, \u201cMy time is for those who want to build Liberia, not those committed to stealing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Call to Action<\/b><\/p>\n

Rev. Collins, at the same time, pledged $1,000 toward organizing a 2026 All-Liberians-in-Minnesota Conference aimed at fostering collaboration across ethnic, religious, generational, and political lines. \u201cOwnership begins with investment,\u201d he declared, inviting others to support the initiative.<\/p>\n

Continuing, Rev. Collins urged, \u201cTo the Minnesota Liberian community, to our brothers and sisters at home, and to Liberians the world over\u2014we owe it to our children to pass on the torch of hope, not the burden of old grudges. What they inherit should be our dreams, not our divisions.\u201d<\/p>\n

His words: \u201cThough our past may carry scars, our future must carry light. We must hand down hope, not hatred\u2014unity, not the unfinished wars of the heart; reconciliation, not resentment. For to heal a nation, the people themselves must first be healed\u2014restored in spirit, reconnected in purpose, and renewed in love.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us be the generation that turned the corner: from grievance to governance, from trauma to triumph,\u201d he urged. \u201cA nation preserved by grace deserves a diaspora powered by vision and intentional collaboration for the country, Liberia we love, for the transformational legacy expected of us.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About Liberia<\/span> Follow Africa-Press<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Liberia. A Liberian-born minister based in Minnesota, the United States, Rev. Alexander B. Collins, has honored Liberia as a nation forged by divine providence and preserved by grace with greatness in its DNA. Rev. Collins expressed the belief that Liberia\u2019s great future is hindered by its founding foundation and is calling for Liberia […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":79068,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,3],"tags":[234],"class_list":["post-79069","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-community","tag-liberia"],"yoast_head":"\nU.S. Cleric Honors Liberia Heritage on Independence Day - Liberia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A Liberian-born minister based in Minnesota, the United States, Rev. Alexander B. 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