Americo-Liberian in Liberia

Americo-Liberian
Photo Source:  Anonymous 
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People Name: Americo-Liberian
Country: Liberia
10/40 Window: No
Population: 145,000
World Population: 145,000
Primary Language: Liberian English
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 93.00 %
Evangelicals: 26.00 %
Scripture: Portions
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Sub-Saharan African, other
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Americo-Liberians are a mix of African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and liberated Africans. Their ancestors were liberated slaves from the American South who settled in West Africa in an attempt to start new lives. Their language is Liberian English, a creolized version of English that blends the languages of Blacks from the American South and Caribbeans from English-speaking countries.

They established American-style institutions and dressed like Westerners. Americo-Liberians did not intermingle with the West Africans at first; there was no intermarriage. From the 1800s until 1980, Americo-Liberians dominated the government and institutions of Liberia. The last Americo-Liberian president, William Tolbert, was killed in a military takeover. Then there were two civil wars. Many Americo-Liberians left Liberia, so there is now a lower population of them than there was 50 years ago. Liberia became like most African nations from then on.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Americo-Liberians have a higher educational level than others in Africa. Their food mirrors what African-Americans ate, and they added baking to the menu. They also eat popular dishes from West Africa like Liberian rice and foo foo dishes. They might dress Western or like any other West African. In simplistic terms, they straddle two cultures.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Americo-Liberians are usually Christian, either Methodist or Baptist. There are elements of traditional African religion blended with their Christianity.

What Are Their Needs?

Americo-Liberians need revival fire in their families and churches. They need to focus on Jesus Christ and his word.

Prayer Points

Pray for a nationwide revival in Liberia that will turn their hearts to the Lord of lords.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give Americo-Liberians a desire to serve the Lord with all their hearts, souls, and minds.
Pray for their churches to produce loving and dedicated disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project