The American Colonization Society (ACS) was established in 1816 to promote the voluntary return of African Americans – emancipated slaves as well as free blacks – to Africa. Lott Cary, a Virginia slave born in Charles City County purchased his own freedom and eventually raised enough money to pay for his own transport to Liberia. Supported by the First Baptist Church in Richmond and the Richmond African Baptist Missionary Society (which he had helped to establish), he became the first American Baptist missionary to Africa.
He established the Providence Baptist Church in the Liberian capital, Monrovia (named for President James Monroe), and was elected vice-agent of the ACS in 1826. He became Acting Governor of the colony in 1828, but served just three months until his death in an accidental explosion.
Joseph Jenkins Roberts, another Virginian, served as the colony’s first Lieutenant Governor, its first black Governor, and the first President of Liberia serving four years immediately following its independence. He served again as President from 1871 until his death in 1875; and from 1856 until his death, he was the President of Liberia College.
NEX WEEK: What’s the Connection Between Virginia and Liberia? (Part 3)
Brought to you by Encyclopedia Virginia at the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.
This Vignette Provided By
David Bearinger, Director of Grants and Public Programs, VFH
