By JOSEPH TUMBEY

Monrovia: The Liberian Business Association (LBA) Thursday, March 11, launched the National Business Festival, titled “YEBLEE”, with the induction into the Liberian Culture, five African-American students. The ceremony was held at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism.

The Yeblee Festival is intended to encourage Africans in the diaspora to understand the importance of their ancestors’ heritage. It is also intended to encourage foreign nationals, especially Negroes, of African ancestors, to look back on the continent and invest in the beautiful African culture.

During the launch, the five African-American students were traditionally welcomed with kola nut and white rice in a calabash.

Following this aspect of the program, the five students were gowned with traditional Liberian attires and given native Liberian names from some of the 16 ethnic groups.

Tashinah was named Leemu, a Kpelleh name from Bong County. Leemu means someone of something close to my heart. Phibee was given a Lorma name from Lofa County. She was called Korpo, meaning “Woman who leads the fight.” Eyzaynay was given a Vai name from Grand Cape Mount County. She was called Maima. It means “A woman who is beautiful in and out. While Telia was given a Grebo name from Maryland County, she was named Decontee, which means “everything has time.” Finally Paul Johnson, a Liberian by birth who left the country over 25 years ago, was given a Bassa name. He was called Garmoryou, meaning, “A mile child.”

Right after, the naming ceremony, the students joined the Liberia Culture Troop dancers, who were to perform.

Beside Paul Johnson, the rest said it was their first time visiting Africa and were thrilled to visit Liberia.

Matthew Wolokai, the leader of the African-American tourist group, who visited Liberia for his first time in 2017 said, “Liberia has a great story that has not been told.” Wolokai added that his team will encourage more African-American tourists to visit Liberia and that when they come and invest, that will help to serve as job opportunities for more Liberians.

Mathew and his Co-chair Isaac Wleemongar are both Liberians by birth. They fled the country over 30 years ago, during the era of the civil uprising. They both promised to work together with the government of Liberia to promote the Liberian culture and create jobs for Liberians, in the process.