By: Austin S Fallah – A True Son of Liberia.
In the vibrant purdah of African nations, each thread of every country is woven with its unique historical narrative, embodying a distinct cultural identity.
However, often, these identities are disrupted, repurposed, or altogether replaced due to the complex interplay of colonization and the struggle for autonomy.
Liberia, a nation with deep historical roots yet branded by external influences, stands at a crossroads where a profound reevaluation of its cultural symbols, its national anthem, flag, and the very name of the nation is not just a matter of sentimental value, but an underpinning for progress and unity.
We, the people of Liberia, must rally together to reflect on the wisdom of embracing change for our collective symbols and names, drawing inspiration from the transformative power of renaming found in biblical references and contemporary international precedents.
Such a paradigm shift is not merely symbolic, but it is pivotal for rediscovering our national narrative and propelling our homeland toward a future where true meaning and purpose resonate in every citizen’s heart.
In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the transformative act of renaming is a powerful testimony to the concept of rebirth and newfound mission.
Names such as Abram, Sarai, and Jacob, our pillars of faith whose stories are etched into the collective consciousness of billions underwent a divine rechristening to Abraham, Sarah, and Israel by the Almighty, Elohim-Jehovah-I Am.
These transitions were not cosmetic adjustments but profound manifestations of destiny.
Each name change catalyzed a shift in trajectory, signifying a new covenant, altering the cores of their beings, and impacting the spiritual map of countless generations to come, and we as airbreathing human beings today.
Liberia, much like these emblematic figures, is primed for a similar covenant.
One that will redefine our ethos and align our national vision with the heritage and aspirations of our populace.
Just a few strides away from our verdant landscapes, nations such as Dahomey and Upper Volta have embraced their authentic African heritage by shedding the imposed colonial identifiers and re-emerging as Benin and Burkina Faso, respectively.
These are not merely cosmetic changes, but they are declarations of self-awareness and autonomy.
Dahomey, once entwined with the shadow of the transatlantic slave trade, chose Benin, a name resonating with its ancient kingdom and asserting its historical significance.
Upper Volta, discarding an appellation linked to its colonial past under French subjugation, adopted Burkina Faso, meaning “The land of upright people.”
These rebirths are not only about etymology, but they are cultural assertiveness, a realignment of their identities with the ethos of their people, and a reclamation of history from the annals tainted by exploitation and domination.
The situation with Liberia is analogous yet unique.
Named by American Colonization Society settlers, Liberia, meaning “land of the free”, carries with it the bittersweet legacy of freed slaves returned to Africa and the imposition of their acquired culture upon the Indigenous populations.
The Liberian flag, a mimicry of the American Star-Spangled Banner, and the national anthem echo this neo-colonial identity.
While the historical context of these symbols cannot be dismissed, it is a chapter that perhaps garners too much emphasis at the expense of the diverse ethnicity that is the true portiere of our nation.
From the Bassa to the Kpelle, from the Loma to the Kissi, from the Mano to the Gio, from the Kru to the Sarpo, Krahn to Belleh, Gola to the Vai, Gbandi to the Mendi, Mandinka to the Grebo, every ethnic group is a custodian of ancient knowledge, rich customs, and traditions that ought to be salient in our nation’s most representational imagery and nomenclature.
This need for a cultural renaissance is not an indictment on our past; rather, it is an awakening to the unequaled power of embracing a truly Indigenous and unified identity that respects and incorporates all the original traditions and customs of Liberia’s natives.
A flag ought not to be a mere cloth dyed in colors, but it must be the skin of our national spirit depicting stories, battles, peace, and the aspirations of our people.
A national anthem should not merely be an echo from across the ocean, but a chorus rising from the depths of Liberian souls sung in unison by every man, woman, and child whose roots run as deep as the Sarpo National Park’s ancient trees and the beautiful lake of Piso in Grand Cape Mount County.
Names hold power, and in changing our national symbols, we harness this power to redefine, heal, and empower.
Consider the profound message a change could send to the citizens within and beyond our borders that we are not just children of history but weavers of our destiny.
Such a transition is, undoubtedly, complex and may not be universally accepted initially.
It would require a nationwide dialogue that listens to the voices of historians, cultural leaders, the youth, and, emphatically, the nation’s elders who keep the flame of our traditions alive.
We must build consensus through understanding, respect, and negotiation, ensuring that any changes are intrinsically Liberian and representative of our collective spirit.
In the words of the brilliant Lebanese poet, Kahlil Gibran, “Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be.”
Our stride towards what will be must be unshackled from the trappings of what was.
To achieve this, we must be willing to evolve, to allow the old names and symbols to morph into new ones that echo the heartbeat of Liberia in its rawest, most beautiful form.
It is a metamorphosis where our national pride and unity are at the nexus, engendering a stronger, more cohesive society.
Let me elongate here that, while the act of changing Liberia’s national symbols and names might seem daunting, it is notable that nations often redefine elements of their identity to better reflect their journey and aspirations.
The renaming of Israel, Abraham, and Sarah serve as philosophical touchstones, representing a spiritual and societal rebirth.
As modern examples like Benin and Burkina Faso illustrate, such transformations can galvanize a sense of national pride, unity, and progression.
We, too, can follow suit. By undertaking this audacious step, Liberia can ignite a renaissance of culture and identity and ultimately empower the spirit of a people ready to break the dawn of their true purpose.
Through vibrant new symbols that resonate with all roots within our land, we can endeavor to write a new chapter in our motherland’s saga.
One where every Liberian can see themselves reflected, and every echo of our past harmonizes with the clarion call of our future.
