J.J. Roberts’ Legacy Hailed -Gongloe Rallies Citizens to Imitate Good Deeds of Liberia’s First President

MONROVIA – Liberia’s noted human rights advocates and politicians, Tiawon Saye Gongloe, has exalted the extraordinary legacy of Liberia’s first president, Joseph Jekins Roberts, whose diplomacy, resilience, and faith, he said “secured Liberia’s place on the global stage”, specifically with Great Britain and France that were first to acknowledge the country independence.

Speaking at the official celebrations of holiday in honor of the country’s first head of state, March 15, 2025, Gongloe said: “Today, we gather in unity and pride to celebrate the birthday of a remarkable man who shaped the destiny of our beloved nation: Joseph Jenkins Roberts, our first President and, for many, Liberia’s greatest leader. His life’s story is not merely a chapter in our history—it is a resounding testament to the power of vision, diplomacy, leadership, and unwavering devotion to our nation’s progress.”

Born on March 15, 1809, in Norfolk, Virginia, Joseph Jekins Roberts arrived on these shores in pursuit of a promise greater than himself.

He had the courage and conviction to see that Liberia—a homeland for those once bound by oppression—could stand tall among the family of nations.

Cllr. Gongloe, who was presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, recalled that under the banner of the American Colonization Society, Roberts first served as governor, then, on July 26, 1847, when independence was declared, he stepped forward as the newly founded Republic of Liberia’s first President.

“At a moment when the eyes of the world were upon us, Joseph Jenkins Roberts dared to do the impossible,” Gongloe said. “He boldly traveled to Europe, meeting with Queen Victoria, Napoleon III, and other European heads of state. In these historic encounters, he pressed for recognition of our sovereignty.”

According the assistant professor of law at the University of Liberia, Roberts’ greatest legacy perhaps was not only in the recognition he brought to Liberia but in the generosity of his spirit and the enduring example he set for our leadership.

After serving as President and expanding the country’s borders, Gongloe further recalled, President JJ Roberts became the first President of Liberia College, which would one day evolve into the University of Liberia.

He said the ex-president took the knowledge and stature he gained in office and dedicated them to the children of this land, selflessly bequeathing his entire estate for their education.

“Moreover, he led a corruption-free government—one that served the people rather than exploited them—demonstrating that true leadership is rooted in integrity and the conviction that government exists to uplift citizens, not to enrich a select few. Imagine if every Liberian leader who followed had given even a portion of their own fortunes in support of our youth! The need for foreign aid in education might have been drastically reduced—perhaps eliminated altogether.”

Gongloe said president Roberts’ bold steps in securing independence saved Liberia from the fate of many African nations carved apart during the Berlin Conference of 1884, and his humility after high office—choosing to become a teacher—speaks to a man who believed profoundly in the transformative power of education.

“His acts of benevolence and foresight still reverberate across Liberia, channeling hope and promise into the hearts of young minds,” he said, adding: “So let us not only honor Joseph Jenkins Roberts with wreaths and tributes; let us learn from his leadership.”

The Liberian human rights lawyer noted that in these times, when challenges loom large—from economic hurdles to educational shortcomings, “we can draw inspiration from his decisive leadership, his profound diplomacy, his unyielding honesty, and his boundless compassion.”

He said Roberts’ leadership and charity remind Liberians that service to fellow citizens is the true mark of greatness.

“In Roberts’ legacy, we see a Liberian dream that must never wane—a belief in ourselves, in our capacity to shape our own destiny, and in the undeniable power of unity and shared sacrifice,” he said. “On this day—March 15, 2025—I call upon every Liberian, from the highest echelons of government to the humblest corners of our communities, to channel the spirit of Joseph Jenkins Roberts.”

Gongloe enumerated some landmark achievements of the former president, to which he wants all Liberians to commit themselves selves anew to.

JJ Roberts legacy projects, the law professor said, include investing in education, willing his resources to uplift future generations, we must do our part to ensure every Liberian child can access quality learning, and promoting decisive and visionary leadership, saying “a leader’s true worth is measured by the tangible empowerment of their people”.

He said the president will also be remembered for encouraging diplomacy and unity because “Our founder’s tireless efforts for international recognition highlight the power of dialogue, perseverance, and unity of purpose”.

Gongloe further spoke of JJ Roberts’ upholding of integrity in Governance, admonishing leaders to follow Roberts’ example by governing in putting citizens first, resisting corruption, and using power to foster development and peace.

He said the ex-president fostered generosity and compassion, be it in public office, business, or civil society and that “we each hold the power to transform lives by sharing our knowledge, our resources, and our love for Liberia”.

“As we commemorate Joseph Jenkins Roberts, may we remember him not merely as a towering historical figure but as a beacon shining a path forward for our nation,” he stressed. “His example teaches us that progress is possible when guided by integrity and selfless devotion. By celebrating his birthday, we celebrate the timeless values of independence, education, and service that he personified so well.”

He called on Liberians to observe March 15 be more than a ceremony but time to rekindle “our determination to uphold and protect the promise he envisioned: a Liberia united by purpose, enriched by knowledge, and revered among nations for our dedication to one another”.

“On this day, I want all Liberians to accept the fact that government is a place to serve, not to steal! It is only with the acceptance of this fact by the Liberian people will a better Liberia be possible,” Gongloe said. “Long Live the Spirit of Joseph Jenkins Roberts! Long LIVE!