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Get ready to celebrate the birth of a Liberian hero on March 15 – J.J. Roberts Birthday! Joseph Jenkins Roberts was the first elected president of Liberia and played a crucial role in the country's independence. On this day, we honor his legacy and contributions to the nation. But did you know that Roberts' birthday wasn't officially recognized as a holiday until the late 1900s? It's now a national holiday in Liberia, marked with parades, speeches, and festivities honoring his life and achievements. So let's take a moment to recognize and appreciate this influential figure in Liberian history!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1809</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>J.J. Roberts' Birth</div><div class='timeline-text'>Joseph Jenkins Roberts, the first President of Liberia, was born on March 15, 1809 in Norfolk, Virginia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1829</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>J.J. Roberts in Liberia</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1829, Roberts emigrated to Liberia, a settlement of the American Colonization Society meant to provide freed slaves a new home in Africa.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1848</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Liberian President</div><div class='timeline-text'>On January 3, 1848, J.J. Roberts was inaugurated as the first president of the independent nation of Liberia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1856</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of First Presidency</div><div class='timeline-text'>His first term as president ended on January 7, 1856, after which he engaged in commercial enterprises and educational work.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1872</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Second Term as President</div><div class='timeline-text'>J.J. Roberts was again elected as president in 1872 and served until 1876, making significant strides in education and foreign policy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1876</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>J.J. Roberts' Death & Legacy</div><div class='timeline-text'>Roberts died on February 24, 1876, but his legacy continues to be celebrated in Liberia, with his birthday recognized as a national holiday.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Throw a birthday party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family to celebrate J.J. Roberts' birthday with a festive party! Decorate with his favorite colors and serve his favorite foods.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a historical site</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>J.J. Roberts was the first President of Liberia, so why not honor his memory by visiting a historical site related to Liberia or African American history?</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary about J.J. Roberts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Learn more about the life and legacy of J.J. Roberts by watching a documentary about him. This is a great way to educate yourself and others about an important figure in history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a trivia night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Test your knowledge of J.J. Roberts and other historical figures with a trivia night! You can even offer prizes for the winners to make it more exciting.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer in a community service project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Honor J.J. Roberts' dedication to serving his community by volunteering in a community service project. This is a meaningful way to celebrate his birthday and give back to those in need.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrating a pioneer in Liberian history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>J.J. Roberts was the first president of Liberia and played an important role in shaping the country's early development. His birthday is a reminder of his contributions to Liberian history and a chance to honor his legacy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Continuing his vision for a united and prosperous Liberia</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>J.J. Roberts had a vision of creating a unified and prosperous nation for all Liberians. Celebrating his birthday can serve as a reminder to continue working towards this goal and honoring his legacy by fostering unity and development in Liberia.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Honoring his achievements against adversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>J.J. Roberts faced many challenges during his presidency, including economic struggles and conflict with indigenous groups. Honoring his birthday acknowledges not only his accomplishments, but also the resilience and perseverance he exhibited in the face of adversity.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-info-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>J.J. Roberts was an Educator</h3><p class='facts-content'>In addition to his political activities, Roberts established Liberia College (now the University of Liberia) in 1862 and served as its president until his death.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-info-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>He was Exposed to Entrepreneurship Early</h3><p class='facts-content'>Before entering politics, Roberts excelled in business, having been exposed to it by his stepfather who was an entrepreneur.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-info-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>He Actively Promoted Emigration to Liberia</h3><p class='facts-content'>Roberts worked passionately to encourage African-Americans to emigrate to Liberia, facilitating the journey for many in quest of a fresh start away from racial prejudices.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-info-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Roberts was the First Black Governor of Liberia</h3><p class='facts-content'>Before becoming President, Roberts served as the first black governor of the Commonwealth of Liberia from 1841 until 1848.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-info-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>He Advocated for Liberia's Sovereignty</h3><p class='facts-content'>Roberts played a pivotal role in earning recognition for Liberia's sovereignty from international powers, laying the groundwork for the country's full independence.</p></div></div>
J.J. Roberts Birthday is celebrated on March 15 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Friday.
2023
Mar 15
Wednesday
2024
Mar 15
Friday
2025
Mar 15
Saturday
2026
Mar 15
Sunday
2027
Mar 15
Monday
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