An Appeal from Rabbi Gbaba to All Liberians and Friends of Liberia

Dear Family and Friends:

Recently, many Liberians have asked me after the presidential election in Liberia, "Joe, what can you do to help Liberia preserve Liberian culture and create cultural awareness among survivors of the Liberian civil war at home and abroad; and are you willing to return to Liberia to help instill national consciousness within Liberians at home and abroad?"

My answer is, "Yes. I am willing to return to assist in the restoration of peace and reconciliation and to create national consciousness, but you as Liberians and friends of Liberia must play your role. Except but for the help of my family and a few conscientious Liberians, Americans, and friends and supporters from across the globe over the past 49 years, I have struggled to persistently preserve, promote, and represent Liberia on the global cultural scene during years of peace and war. Next year will make it HALF a CENTURY since I was called by God to perform this herculean task for Liberia. All I have received is, "Thanks, Joe, keep up the good work", with no penny or nickel offered to "keep up the good work."

Let Us Stop Dragging Our Feet!

If Liberians do not want a failed state and a bunch of Africans who imitate other Africans and westerners but denigrate their own culture and despise their native land, then let us stop dragging our feet. Let us use our resources wisely and spend our dollars and cents on meaningful projects that will uplift the image of Liberia internationally.

Liberians must contribute financially and in kind now to empower me to effectively perform the herculean task of educating Liberians about their history and culture and to motivate Liberians to respect and appreciate one another through the use of the performing and visual arts and literacy. As the name of our organization suggests: "Dehkontee": "There is time for everything" and now is the time for us to put negativity behind us and to take the lead as Africa's oldest democratic republic. Are you with me on this, or am I alone?

My Appeal

Next year, 2024, will mark my 50th Anniversary and Diamond Jubilee as a Liberian playwright and theatre director. I Want My Diamond Jubilee to Be Celebrated in Liberia with the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the First School of the Performing and Visual Arts and Center for Peace and Cultural Studies. It will also be the 47th Anniversary of the founding of Dehkontee Artists Theatre as the oldest surviving collegiate theatre organization in Liberia. We will need the blessings of the incoming administration to pull this through successfully.

Our Initial Self-Help Effort

Accordingly, it is said that "Heaven helps those who help themselves." To jumpstart this process proactively, Dehkontee Artists Theatre, Inc. is launching its fund drive on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 100 Sharon Avenue, Sharon Hill, PA 19079, from 6 PM-1 AM, to celebrate our 46th Anniversary and to raise funds to construct the first school of the performing and visual arts and center for peace and cultural studies in Liberia.

Estimated Cost of Project: 6 Million Dollars

The total cost of the project is estimated at 6 million dollars. The facility will include theatre and performing arts spaces, ballrooms, auditorium, sound and television studios, classrooms, recreation facilities, etc. We will offer courses and degrees in traditional Liberian languages, music, dance, performing and visual arts, arts and crafts, traditional Liberian culinary arts, etc.

Please note that the fundraiser is an ongoing process until the construction of the school of performing arts is completed. Therefore, if you are unable to attend the launch on Saturday, December 16th, you can still donate because the fundraiser is an ongoing process until the construction of the school of performing arts is completed.

Your Donation Is Tax-deductible

Dehkontee Artists Theatre is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization here in the United States and a duly registered nonprofit in Liberia. Therefore, any donation you make is tax-deductible. Please make a donation to help me return home to assist in helping to change the mindset of Liberians to love Liberia and love one another as compatriots.

How You Can Donate

1. Cashapp: $JosephGbaba, Tel. (267) 973-1709

Zelle: Joseph Gbaba, email: [email protected]; Tel. (267) 973-1709

3. Log on our website: www.dehkonteeartiststheatreinc.com and click on the "Donate" button.