Monrovia – The national orator for Liberia’s 178th Independence Anniversary, Rev. Dr. Emmett Lafayette Dunn, has called on President Joseph Boakai to establish a national commission to propose a new motto for the Republic of Liberia—one that reflects unity and inclusiveness.
Liberia’s current national motto, “The Love of Liberty Brought Us Here,” symbolizes the arrival of freed slaves from the United States who founded the nation. It highlights their pursuit of freedom and a new beginning, forming the basis of Liberia’s establishment in West Africa. The motto, inscribed on the national coat of arms, has long been seen as a foundational expression of the republic’s origin.
However, critics have argued that the motto fails to acknowledge the majority indigenous population who already lived in Liberia when the settlers arrived. Dr. Dunn, speaking during his oration at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia, supported the growing calls for change.
“Mr. President, with deep respect and sincere love, I urge you to appoint a national commission tasked with the responsibility of proposing a new motto—one that is inclusive and representative of a new Liberia,” he stated.
Dr. Dunn emphasized that the current motto speaks exclusively to the settler narrative and neglects the identity and contributions of the indigenous population.
“’The Love of Liberty Brought Us Here’ speaks to the settlers who came—but it fails to speak to the vast majority, the indigenous people who were already here,” he said.
He praised President Boakai for efforts toward national healing and reconciliation, including the recent reburial of former President Samuel K. Doe and the memorial service held in honor of former President William R. Tolbert and government officials killed during the 1980 coup.
In his oration, Dr. Dunn proposed the creation of a Standing Committee on National Reconciliation, which would be responsible for initiating programs that promote unity and national cohesion.
“Mr. President, on behalf of the people of your republic, we accept your apology. I hereby propose the establishment of a standing committee on National Reconciliation, tasked with instituting programs that promote unity and cohesion.”
Rev. Dr. Emmett Lafayette Dunn is an internationally respected clergyman, philanthropist, and Presidential Special Envoy for Partnership and Philanthropy. He currently serves as the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention.
