Liberia National Unification Day
May 14
This annual observance draws attention to one of the most pressing issues facing
Liberians throughout their history: the animosity between the Americo-Liberian elite and
the indigenous majority.

Under the leadership of President William V. S. Tubman, who led from 1944 to 1971, the
divide between these two groups was diminished.

In his inaugural address, Tubman introduced his National Unification Policy, which
featured among other things an extension of the vote to women and to the country's
indigenous people.

The official anniversary, sometimes referred to as Unification and Integration Day,
emerged as a means to draw support for the policy.

The day reminds Liberians to remember what they hold in common and not to dwell on
how they diverge.

While the friction between Americo-Liberians and indigenous has abated throughout
history, a general focus on national unity is still an urgent current issue for this oft-
divided country, devastated by two consecutive civil wars between 1989 and 2003.

Full story: https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Liberia+National+Unification+Day

Mike Dippel
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