A Liberian-born minister based mostly in Minnesota, the USA, Rev. Alexander B. Collins, has honored Liberia as a nation solid by divine windfall and preserved by grace with greatness in its DNA.
By Yawah Y. Jaivey
Rev. Collins expressed the idea that Liberia’s nice future is hindered by its founding basis and is looking for Liberia to critically reevaluate its nationwide symbols and historic narratives throughout celebrations marking the nation’s 178th Independence Day and the fiftieth Anniversary of the Group of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM), United States of America.
Talking on Saturday, July 26, 2025 because the orator of the Independence Day Celebrations in Minnesota, Rev. Collins emphasised the necessity for reforms that acknowledge and honor Indigenous contributions, which he argued have lengthy been overshadowed by settler historical past.
In his deal with with the title: “A Nation Preserved by Grace,” was delivered beneath the sub-theme: “Diaspora Rising: For the Liberia We Love, for the Transformational Legacy We Want.”
Rev. Collins recommended revision of Liberia’s present symbols, together with the flag and nationwide anthem, asserting they replicate a settler-centric narrative. “We fly a flag that tells of arrival, however not of welcome,” he acknowledged. “We sing of liberty, however not of those that bled earlier than its promise was penned.”
He proposed establishing a Nationwide Unity Fee tasked with reviewing and revising nationwide symbols and holidays to raised replicate Indigenous historical past, together with figures comparable to King Zolu Duma.
Starting his speech with reflections rooted in religion, Rev. Collins attributed his calm demeanor to divine grace. “If I seem calm and composed,” he quipped, “please don’t be fooled. It’s not me. It’s grace—defending its personal popularity.”
Reframing Liberia’s Historic Narrative
Rev. Collins referred to as for a nuanced reinterpretation of Liberia’s historical past by three views, together with the Nationalist Pressure, highlighting Indigenous resistance and cultural preservation; the Colonialist Pressure, formed by freed Black settlers from America; and the Pragmatic Pressure, representing up to date reformers and bridge-builders.
“Nationhood shouldn’t be solely declared—it’s defended by those that have all the time belonged,” he emphasised, mentioning the often-overlooked Indigenous contributions that kind the inspiration of Liberia’s id.
Drawing inspiration from historical Greek political thought, Rev. Collins challenged the Liberian diaspora to replicate on their civic roles.
He categorized neighborhood members into three teams; idiots, tribesmen, and residents, stating, “Whereas idiots disengage from public affairs, tribesmen prioritize loyalty to their group over the nation, and residents serve the frequent good.”
“An individual who is taken into account an fool can develop into a citizen by training, and a tribesman can develop into a citizen by publicity,” he stated.
He referred to as for the collaboration of those that match the residents’ class inside the diaspora to foster lively civic engagement and to strengthen growth at house.
Strengthening the Diaspora and Political Illustration
Rev. Collins praised the evolution of the Group of Liberians in Minnesota from a student-led group to a civic establishment concerned in workforce coaching, youth packages, and elder care. “From neighborhood corridor, to prayer corridor, to Metropolis Corridor—and sure, in the future to the State Capitol—let our voices be heard,” he urged, advocating for collective empowerment past particular person success.
He additionally emphasised the significance of elevated political illustration for Liberians in Minnesota, citing the biblical story of Nehemiah for example of management by civic engagement. “We can not count on our kids to inherit a stronger Liberia or diaspora neighborhood if we’re absent from the rooms the place selections are made,” he careworn.
Rev. Collins strongly inspired Liberians in Minnesota to cease entertaining conferences with corrupt Liberian officers visiting the U.S., particularly these whose names are in audit stories and have been discovered responsible by the courts. He acknowledged, “My time is for many who need to construct Liberia, not these dedicated to stealing.”
Name to Motion
Rev. Collins, on the identical time, pledged $1,000 towards organizing a 2026 All-Liberians-in-Minnesota Convention aimed toward fostering collaboration throughout ethnic, non secular, generational, and political traces. “Possession begins with funding,” he declared, inviting others to help the initiative.
Persevering with, Rev. Collins urged, “To the Minnesota Liberian neighborhood, to our brothers and sisters at house, and to Liberians the world over—we owe it to our kids to cross on the torch of hope, not the burden of previous grudges. What they inherit needs to be our goals, not our divisions.”
His phrases: “Although our previous could carry scars, our future should carry gentle. We should hand down hope, not hatred—unity, not the unfinished wars of the guts; reconciliation, not resentment. For to heal a nation, the folks themselves should first be healed—restored in spirit, reconnected in goal, and renewed in love.”
“Allow us to be the technology that turned the nook: from grievance to governance, from trauma to triumph,” he urged. “A nation preserved by grace deserves a diaspora powered by imaginative and prescient and intentional collaboration for the nation, Liberia we love, for the transformational legacy anticipated of us.’’
