Embassy of Liberia, Washington, DC
(For Immediate Release)
Embassy of the Republic of Liberia Unveils Official Calendar of Events for Liberia's 179th Independence Anniversary Celebration and Maiden Independence Day Lecture to Launch Weeks of Commemorative Activities Across the United States
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 16, 2026 — The Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in Washington, D.C., is pleased to announce its official calendar of events commemorating the 179th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Liberia, under the theme: "Honoring Centuries of Shared History, Celebrating 179 Years of Liberia's Independence."
The multi-week observance will bring together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the Liberian Diaspora, faith communities, scholars, development partners, and friends of Liberia in celebrating the nation's rich history, democratic heritage, cultural diversity, and enduring partnership with the United States.
The celebrations will officially commence on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with the maiden edition of the Embassy's Special Independence Day Lecture, to be held in the Conference Room of the Embassy of Liberia, 5201 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
The inaugural lecture will feature Mr. Joel Maybury, former Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy in Liberia, as Guest Lecturer.
Mr. Maybury will present an engaging historical lecture examining the remarkable life and legacy of Jane Rose Roberts, Liberia's First Lady and wife of the nation's first President, Joseph Jenkins Roberts. The lecture will also explore President Roberts' formative years in Virginia, his journey to Liberia, the founding of the Republic, and the significant role played by the United States in commemorating Liberia's Centennial Celebration.
The Embassy has established the Independence Day Lecture as an annual intellectual forum dedicated to historical reflection, scholarly discourse, and informed dialogue on personalities, institutions, and events that have shaped the longstanding and unique relationship between Liberia and the United States.
Announcing the program, His Excellency Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Liberia to the United States, stated:
"Launching this lecture is a fitting way to begin our Independence Anniversary observance. As Liberia celebrates 179 years of nationhood, it is important that we reflect on our shared history, reaffirm the enduring friendship between Liberia and the United States, and inspire future generations to build upon this remarkable legacy of partnership, democracy, and mutual respect."
As part of the official commemorative activities, His Excellency Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh will host an official Diplomatic Independence Reception on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in the Ballroom of Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2815 36th Street NW, Washington, D.C on July 22nd.
The reception will bring together senior officials of the United States Government, Members of Congress, members of the Diplomatic Corps, international development partners, business leaders, members of the Liberian Diaspora, and distinguished friends of Liberia. Attendance is strictly by invitation.
Recognizing the central role of faith in Liberia's national life, this year's celebrations will also include ecumenical and interfaith observances dedicated to offering prayers for peace, unity, reconciliation, prosperity, and continued national progress.
The Association of Liberian Christian Ministries will host a National Christian Thanksgiving and Intercessory Service on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., at Harvest Intercontinental Church, 16227 Batchellors Forest Road, Olney, Maryland.
The service will bring together clergy, church leaders, members of the Liberian Diaspora, public officials, and friends of Liberia in thanksgiving and prayer for the continued peace, stability, and development of the Republic.
Similarly, Liberian Muslim communities from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware will host a National Thanksgiving and Intercessory Prayer Service on Friday, July 24, 2026, beginning at 3:30 p.m., at the Philadelphia Masjid, 4700 Wyalusing Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104.
The gathering will unite members of the Muslim community in offering special prayers for Liberia's peace, prosperity, national unity, and continued democratic advancement.
Ambassador Conteh and members of the Embassy staff will participate in both the Christian and Muslim observances, reaffirming Liberia's longstanding tradition of religious harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among people of all faiths.
The centerpiece of the Independence Anniversary celebrations will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, when the Embassy hosts its Official Independence Day Celebration at the Embassy Chancery, 5201 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
The official ceremony will commence at 2:00 p.m. and will be followed by a Grand Cultural and Musical Extravaganza celebrating the richness, diversity, and creativity of Liberia's cultural heritage.
The event is expected to attract members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior officials of the United States Government, Members of Congress, representatives of international organizations, business leaders, members of the Liberian-American community, and distinguished guests.
During the official ceremony, Ambassador Conteh will deliver the Independence Day Address and recognize a number of outstanding individuals and institutions whose friendship and support have significantly contributed to strengthening Liberia's development and its bilateral relationship with the United States.
The cultural celebration will feature performances by renowned Liberian recording artists, spoken-word poets, traditional cultural ensembles, and dance troupes representing Liberia's diverse ethnic heritage.
Guests will enjoy authentic Liberian and African cuisine while vendors showcase traditional arts and crafts, textiles, jewelry, cultural artifacts, and other products that celebrate African creativity, entrepreneurship, tourism, and commercial engagement.
Serving as Masters of Ceremonies will be one of Liberia's leading entertainers and social media influencers, Ms. Nae Pennoh, together with the Embassy's Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Al-Jerome Anastas Chede, Sr.
In further celebration of Liberia's Independence Anniversary, Liberian community organizations and youth leaders in the Washington Metropolitan Area will host a Unity Sports Festival on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Northwestern High School, 7000 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The festival, designed to promote unity, healthy recreation, youth engagement, and community cohesion, will feature football matches between two of Liberia's legendary football clubs, Invincible Eleven (IE) and Mighty Barrolle.
Ambassador Conteh will officially declare the tournament open by performing the ceremonial kickoff.
The Independence Anniversary celebrations will culminate with the Grand Honoring Ball on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Saint Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Hall, 15100 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20905.
Organized by Liberian community leaders in the Washington Metropolitan Area, the Gala will recognize and honor outstanding individuals, organizations, and friends of Liberia whose distinguished service has strengthened Liberia and supported the Liberian Diaspora.
Commending the organizing committee and community partners, Ambassador Conteh praised their commitment to organizing a broad and inclusive program of activities that reflects the spirit of national unity and shared purpose.
"Liberia's Independence Day is far more than a celebration of our sovereignty," Ambassador Conteh said. "It is a time to honor our forebears, celebrate our achievements, renew our commitment to national unity and development, strengthen the bonds among Liberians everywhere, and share the richness of our history, culture, and aspirations with our friends around the world.
As we celebrate 179 years of independence, we also reaffirm our commitment to deepening the historic partnership between Liberia and the United States while advancing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.'s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development through stronger partnerships in trade, investment, education, innovation, economic diplomacy, and people-to-people exchanges."
The Embassy warmly invites Liberians and friends of Liberia throughout the United States to participate in these commemorative activities and join in celebrating 179 years of Liberian independence, while honoring the extraordinary and enduring friendship between the Republic of Liberia and the United States of America.
Founded on July 26, 1847, the Republic of Liberia is Africa's oldest independent republic and continues to serve as a steadfast partner of the United States, united by nearly two centuries of shared history, democratic values, and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Media Contact
Al-Jerome Anastas Chede, Sr.
Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs
Embassy of the Republic of Liberia
5201 16th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20011
Telephone: (202) 723-0437
Website: www.liberianembassyus.org
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