Why Black Americans should commemorate the history of Liberia

The Republic of Liberia was controversial when founded by free Black emigrants from America during the darkest days of slavery.

Today , it stands as a symbol of a successful colonial experiment by African Americans .

The country holds little sway in the U.S. public imagination today , a neglect that needs correction during Black History Month .

Black tourists seeking to connect with the African past should consider it as well.

The U.S. dragged its feet until 1862 , when President Lincoln recognized it during the Civil War .

Today , Liberia is a stable constitutional republic of 5.5 million people, one of only two African states to avoid European colonization.

Roger House : What is important for Black History Month is the appreciation of the daring shown by the early pioneers.