Monrovia— Rev. Torli H. Krua, founder of the Free Liberia Movement and pastor of Ziah Mission Baptist Church in Massachusetts, has announced a nationwide tour of Liberia aimed at promoting what he describes as a long-overdue message of freedom, reconciliation, and renewed ties between Liberia and the United States.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
Campaign Seeks Reconciliation, Historical Recognition, and Renewed U.S.-Liberia Dialogue
The announcement, made during Juneteenth commemorations in the United States, comes as America marks the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence. Krua says the campaign represents “Juneteenth crossing the Atlantic,” arguing that the historical truths surrounding Liberia’s founding and its relationship with the United States have remained largely unaddressed for generations.
The initiative also follows two recent developments in Massachusetts: the death of former State Representative Benjamin Swan, a prominent civil rights advocate, and the Massachusetts Senate’s approval of legislation establishing August 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day.
“President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, but many enslaved people in Texas did not learn of their freedom until more than two years later,” Krua said. “Our message is that the truth about Liberia and its relationship to the United States has also been delayed for generations. The time has come for that truth to be heard.”
Krua traces the movement’s historical roots to Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman, whose successful court case in Massachusetts helped establish that slavery was inconsistent with the state’s constitution. He argues that subsequent federal policies, including the Naturalization Act of 1790 and colonization efforts involving free Black Americans, created historical contradictions that continue to influence relations between Liberia and the United States.
The movement highlights key milestones in Liberia’s history, including the 1821 land acquisition negotiated by U.S. naval officer Robert F. Stockton, the establishment of the Liberian colony in 1822, early settler demands for political rights, and Liberia’s declaration of independence on July 26, 1847.
Krua also paid tribute to the late former Massachusetts Representative Benjamin Swan, who had advocated for greater recognition of the historical relationship between Liberia and the United States and called for discussions surrounding citizenship, reciprocity, and justice.
“Representative Swan helped bring attention to a chapter of history that has been largely forgotten,” Krua said. “His voice challenged both Americans and Liberians to confront the past honestly and to build a future based on equality and reconciliation.”
According to organizers, the nationwide Liberia tour will feature public forums, church gatherings, educational presentations, and meetings with community leaders across the country. The discussions are expected to focus on Liberia’s founding, democratic participation, citizenship, and the future of U.S.-Liberia relations.
Upon returning to the United States, Krua plans to continue advocating for what supporters describe as the “America 250 Unity and Reconciliation Initiative,” a legislative effort intended to promote historical education, national healing, and dialogue on citizenship and equality.
The campaign also raises concerns about immigration and travel barriers facing Liberians seeking entry to the United States, despite the long historical relationship between the two nations.
“As America celebrates 250 years of freedom, we believe it is time to revisit unfinished questions of equality, citizenship, and justice,” Krua said. “Truth is the foundation of reconciliation. Reconciliation is the foundation of unity. And unity is the foundation of a stronger future for both nations.”
Supporters of the initiative point to the establishment of Elizabeth Freeman Day as a symbolic step toward confronting historical injustices.
“Elizabeth Freeman proved that one courageous person armed with truth can change history,” Krua said. “Her victory exposed the contradiction between slavery and liberty. Today we seek to expose the contradictions that still divide us and to complete the work she began.”
