Wilfred Komoh Winn

My Great Uncle, Gbayee Wliah, was the first to clear the undergrowth at the location of Puiken, then known as Portogbe, a foothill. He oddly prolonged cutting the trees at the site, a farming necessity, which prompted his immediate family members to be concerned. The delay triggered a battery of questions for Wliah. “If it takes me ten years, I will cut the trees,” he told the curious folks. But the delay continued and passed tolerance level, so Welley Chea, Wliah's cousin, w… Continue

“To say that the town of Jarkaken was truly battered by the Taylor war would be an understatement.”

Wilfred Komoh Winn

When the war intensified in 1990, I was a ninth grader at Robert Baker Richardson Baptist High School in the provincial town of Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, Liberia. In June of that year, my guardians decided that safety outweighed the pursuit of education. So, we packed up and abandoned our Kudah Bye Pass home for lower Grand Gedeh [now River Gee County], where we assumed safe… Continue

We often hear that Liberia, “founded” in 1822 by free slaves from the USA was built or founded on Christian principles. Many Liberians say that every now and then either in group discussions or on the Internet. I said that a number of time as well until I stopped one day to think about what exactly that phrase “founded on Christian principles” meant. Could it mean that the laws of the country are in sync with Biblical teachings? I can’t say yes because even the constitution of 1847 did not give… Continue

A Pastime in River Gee County, Liberia
By Wilfred K. Winn

In many parts of Chedepo District, River Gee County, there are no bars or dance clubs. But the people, especially the youth population, are not left idle. There are traditional dances to fill where clubs and bars are absent. One such youth pastime is Konbo, but this term and the dance itself are banned in some parts of the district. While some youth in the district do not know why the term (Konbo) is a taboo, they will insist and… Continue

So I should be ashamed for sounding like a pure Liberian living in the United States, right? So you think. You thought I would be embarrassed when you noticed me from the crowd of different nationalities and could tell by how I look that I am a Liberian.
Instead, I was elated to be identified among many colors and you were shocked by my response.

Your intent was to put me down because there should be shame associated with looking Liberian. So you thought; but you were wrong. I am a Liberian and… Continue