I acknowledge with thanks the contributions of many to this final product. While far many more assisted than I can mention, the following deserve to be singled out: Dr. Sakui Malakpa was the first to read my draft and offer critical comments. Thanks, Sakui, for your “succeeding generations will cherish this work and thank you for it as I do.” Dr. John Yoder was next with detailed incisive and extensive comments and commentaries on my draft. His critical remarks contributed significantly to improving my prose and adding important analytical dimensions. I owe John Yoder a debt of gratitude. Dr. Danielle Smith, a Liberian academic at Syracuse University, while offering her own comments, helped me avoid certain moral pitfalls. Dr. Brooks Mammon’s comments helped bring clarity to certain issues. I found illuminating some of the comments of anonymous peer reviewers and I thank them as well. Finally came my old Cuttington College professor, Dr. John Gay. Amidst the vagaries of old age, he eagerly took on perhaps this last favor for me. Constantly apologizing for delays in returning to me with his comments, he persevered. Accompanying his comments were these encouraging words: “I am impressed with your ability to summarize so much of the important history of Liberia during your lifetime and during your unwavering commitment to making Liberia a better country. I relived much Liberian and personal history as I read your book. I felt present, not just as an observer but also as a participant who shared in and, in a few cases, even helped to make that history. I was pleased and privileged to have provided an occasional nudge as you forged your life and your commitment to your native land. May Liberia have more sons and daughters like you as it goes forward.”
Given the personal nature of the memoir genre, I must underscore that I am alone responsible for what may pass as both the positives and the shortcomings of this book.
D. Elwood Dunn
Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
August, 2021