Bill Text: VA HR49 | 2022 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commemorating 200th anniversary of arrival of American settlers at Providence Island, Liberia.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 18-1)
Status: (Passed) 2022-02-24 - Bill text as passed House (HR49ER) [HR49 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-HR49-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, on January 7, 1822, freed slaves from the United States arrived in West Africa to establish a settlement and landed at what is now Providence Island; and
WHEREAS, the Black American settlers went ashore at Cape Mesurado and founded Christopolis, which was subsequently renamed Monrovia after United States President James Monroe; and
WHEREAS, the settlers joined with the local Kpelle, Bassa, Mano, Kru, Grebo, Krahn, Vai, Gola, Mandinka, Mende, Kissi, Gbandi, Loma, Dei, and Belleh peoples, along with other immigrants from Barbados, to form a dynamic culture and begin to build a rich heritage in the region; and
WHEREAS, in 1847, the Republic of Liberia was established with Monrovia as its capital; the Liberian Constitution of 1847 was modeled on the same principles as the Constitution of the United States, and Liberia remains one of the oldest continuous republics in the world; and
WHEREAS, the Black Americans who traveled to Providence Island in search of a new home continue to inspire communities around the world through their story of bravery and the pursuit of liberty; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the 200th anniversary of the arrival of American settlers at Providence Island, Liberia, hereby be commemorated in 2022; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to representatives of the Americo-Liberian community as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the deep historical ties between the United States and the Republic of Liberia.
