20 Years of Solid Democratic Legacy -LP Celebrates Anniversary, Honors Fallen Architect

MONROVIA – Arguably, despite noises, threats and merely-hyped brags that are characteristic of opposition political parties’ deportments, no party is more methodical, scholarly and scientific in its approaches to ruling parties than the Liberty Party, at least as was seen during its heydays under veteran lawyer Charles Walker Brumskine. That was when opposition critiques on governing policies, actions, and official statements, did not merely come from emotions and impulses, but were a result of well-researched, verifiable and pointed studies that showed the flipside of the governance mosaic. Though the LP, in its latter years, has been a bit lukewarm, shedding its studious traits and lending itself to noises in the Liberian political marketplace, it recently has become getting soberer, reconsolidating and recalibrating to return to its “first love” for Liberia and for national politics. Now 20, and celebrating largely the ‘solid democratic legacy’ of the period, it is not lost on the party to appreciate the need to invoke and honor the persona of its founding father whose portrait was unveiled at the colorful anniversary ceremonies. THE ANALYST’S ANTHONY JIFFAN reports.
The Liberty Party has officially kicked off celebrations marking its 20th anniversary with a solemn and symbolic tribute to its founding father, the late Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine.
The event, marked by the dedication of a hall in his honor and the unveiling of his portrait, brought together party leaders, members, and dignitaries from across the country to reflect on two decades of political impact and legacy.
Defecting from Charles G. Taylor’s government, the first immediate postwar administration, Charles Walker Brumskine who was threatened with impeachment as President Pro Tempore in government began the lone political figure to challenge the regime publicly. He started mobilizing like-minds, especially grassroots Liberians including university and secondary students.
His Friends of Brumskine (FOB) quickly became a national sensation, widely projected as the potential contender to face Mr. Taylor in 2003 general and presidential elections, while many Liberian politicians were cowering in exile.
Then there was a disruption, owing to the invasion of the country by rebel forces in the northwest– an uprising that did not cease until 2003.
Founded on May 19, 2005, the Liberty Party emerged as a beacon of hope for a new generation of Liberians eager for good governance, rule of law, and democratic inclusion.
At the heart of this movement was Cllr. Charles Brumskine, a man whose vision and leadership helped shape the party’s core philosophy and structure.
Under the theme “Liberty Party: 20 Years of Democratic Legacy to Cherish,” the anniversary celebration served as a moment of deep reflection and rededication, as party stalwarts gathered at the newly named Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine Hall, where a vibrant portrait of the late statesman was unveiled.
The image, adorned with rich and symbolic colors, was described as a representation of Brumskine’s love, dedication, and commitment not just to the party but to the nation at large.
The current political leader of LP, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence said in a statement: “We have dedicated a Hall in Cllr. Brumskine’s honor and unveiled his picture with many colors symbolizing the love, dedication, commitment, and all of the great things that he did to bring the Liberty Party to where it is now—and as a reflection of our future.”
In her address, Senator Karnga-Lawrence paid glowing tribute to Brumskine, describing him as a mentor whose legacy continues to guide the party’s values and actions.
“We, the members and leadership of the Liberty Party, have gathered today to express how grateful we are to the late Cllr. Brumskine for helping to bring out the best version of ourselves and setting a better stage for us. We will not forget that,” she said.
Senator Karnga-Lawrence highlighted the sacrifices and resilience of the party’s early leaders, noting that their unwavering dedication laid a foundation for a compassionate political philosophy—one that advocates for equal opportunities for all Liberians.
The LP Political Leader and Senate Pro Tempore said further: “Since its formation, the Party has played a key role in shaping Liberia’s multiparty democracy, advocating for transparency, anti-corruption measures, and policies designed to improve the lives of everyday citizens.”
Despite challenges, including internal crises over the years, the Senator affirmed that the party remains strong and united—largely because of the foundational mentorship provided by Brumskine.
“Many of us were mentored by the founding father of Liberty Party. That’s why our party still remains strong even in the midst of crisis,” she added. “I know that Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine is very happy wherever he is because we are united as a political party.”
In addition to dedicating the new Charles Walker Brumskine Hall, the party also inaugurated the Eugene Fallah Kpaka Conference Hall in memory of another loyal and committed partisan.
Karnga-Lawrence recalled a deeply emotional moment when the late Cllr. Brumskine gave a right-hand salute to Kpaka’s remains upon arrival at Roberts International Airport an act she described as one of the highest honors a leader can give a fallen comrade.
“That salute was not just a gesture, it was a declaration of respect, loyalty, and love,” she said.
The ceremony was graced by top Liberty Party officials including Chairperson Representative Rugie Barry, Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, Secretary General Martin Saye Kollah, and several other senior members and supporters.
As the Liberty Party marks this significant milestone, its leadership has vowed to continue building on the democratic legacy of its founding father.
The celebration served not only as a remembrance of past achievements but also as a recommitment to the values of integrity, transparency, unity, and justice that the party upholds.
Speaking earlier when he was unveiling the portrait of the Cllr. Brumskine with many colors, one of Liberty Party’s founding members and former Secretary General Jacob Smith indicated that the party was celebrating its founding father and vision bearer, the late Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine whose death he terms as unfortunate for the LP.
“The man, in who honor we are here today, was a visionary, and it is unfortunate that God has to take away at the he wanted,” Smith added.
“For those of us who were opportune to leave behind, it is upon our shoulders to foster the objectives for which he established the Liberty Party,” he stressed. “So, as we assemble here to dedicate this Hall in his honor, we must all exhibit the spirit of unity at all times.”
For her part, Liberty Party National Chairperson, Representative Rugie Barry said celebrating the party’s 20th anniversary was not just a milestone but one of deep reflection on “where we have come and where we are headed as a political party.”
With a strong foundation and clear vision, the Liberty Party says it remains a critical player in Liberia’s evolving political narrative, just as Cllr. Brumskine envisioned two decades ago.