Development, (Dual) Citizenship and Its Discontents in Africa is an account of the Liberian story that brings a fresh analysis to the question of who decides development policy. This book is essential reading for development policy makers and practitioners on how the voices of the diaspora should not be privileged over [...]

January 25th, 2024, is the deadline for abstracts of individual papers, panels, and roundtables on the conference theme:  The Evolution of the Liberian State:  Transitions and Transformation for the Future.  All abstracts should be sent to samwaijohnson@gmail.com and  jsb25@cornell.edu The 55th annual LSA conference will be held April 18-20, 2024 at Cornell [...]

A new mayonnaise made in Monrovia will reduce imports, boosting Liberia’s gross domestic product and employment. First Lady Clar Marie Weah suggested that the company on Bushrod Island adopt the name of the Blue Lake in Bomi County to promote brand allegiance with Liberians.

All over the world Christmas has incorporated local, pre-Christian beliefs.  In Monrovia, the dancing devil called Old Man Bayka, or “Old Man Beggar”, is a holiday fixture. Unlike Santa Claus, who gives presents, Old Man Bayka goes from house to house asking for money and gifts.  Instead of shiny [...]

Now led by our former vice president, Rebecca Martinez, our 2022 board includes a new member as treasurer, John Morlu. Read More!

Liberia's community health workers offer a compelling solution to the threat of another epidemic. With thousands of health workers on constant lookout for infectious disease outbreaks in remote communities, they are part of a radical scheme that has provided disease surveillance and healthcare to rural populations since 2016.

The story of what happened to Emmanuel Tuloe has the quality of a modern fable. Now, the one-time primary school dropout is very happy.

View the February 9, 2022, webinar "Repatriates, Recaptives and African Abolitionists: The Untold Story of Liberia’s Founding in 1822", led by C. Patrick Burrowes. Dr. Burrowes uncovered in August 2021 a handwritten document, missing since 1835, that sheds light on the 1821 purchase of land that became Monrovia, the capital [...]

We wish you a festive holiday season and a peaceful New Year in the spirit of unity.

Some Liberians see Thanksgiving as a holiday imposed by 19th century settlers from the U.S.  And they question why they should celebrate an imported holiday. Brenda Moore, the founder of KEEP, has Americo-Liberian ancestors who brought American cultural traditions across the Atlantic Ocean with them.  This Thanksgiving, she [...]

Almost all Liberian cocoa is now sold on the bulk market for use in the cosmetics industry.  Yet Liberian cocoa possesses many characteristics that appeal to specialty buyers, setting it apart from its neighboring global giants, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.  The old genetic tree varieties found in Liberia offer unique flavors [...]

Presentations on creating structures and favorable conditions that lead to a functional state can now be viewed on the LSA website.