–Seeks Colleagues Support To Dispatch Former Slave Owner James Monroe From Liberia
By Fiona Benson Kollie
Montserrado County Electoral District #6 Representative, Rev. Samuel R. Enders is worried about what he calls lingering effects of colonialism, slavery, and psychological oppression pushing him to draft and begin rallying support among fellow lawmakers for a proposed legislation seeking to rename Liberia’s capital city from Monrovia to Christopolis.
In a communication to members of the 55th Legislature, Rep. Enders described the proposed legislation as a historic effort intended to reconnect Liberia with what he considers its original identity and historical roots.
The proposed measure, titled: “An Act to Re-Instate Christopolis as the Capitol City of the Republic of Liberia in Lieu of Monrovia, 2026,” seeks to replace the current name of the capital city with Christopolis, which he argues was the settlement’s earlier name before becoming Monrovia.
Monrovia was named after James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States, a man Enders said historically owned slaves.
The lawmaker argued that naming the capital city of Africa’s first independent republic after an individual associated with slavery does not reflect the values and aspirations of a nation founded on freedom.
The lawmaker maintained that Liberia, established as a homeland for freed slaves and recognized as Africa’s first independent Black republic, should embrace symbols and identities that fully represent African dignity and liberation.
Rep. Enders emphasized that the proposed change would represent what he called “freedom from mental and emotional slavery” and would serve as a step toward strengthening national identity and historical consciousness.
The proposed legislation is expected to undergo the legislative process, including review and debate among members of the House of Representatives and other stakeholders before any final action is taken.
