The DATI Tripartite Anniversary Is about Love, Peace, Preservation of Liberian Culture, Family Values & Patriotism

What Is the Tripartite Anniversary about?

The DATI Tripartite Anniversary is about love, peace, preservation of Liberian history and culture, family values and patriotism. Liberians, friends of Liberia, Americans, and citizens from various nations living in the United States will celebrate three distinct historical and cultural milestones of Rabbi Prince Joseph Tomoonh-Garlodeyh and Princess Ariminta Gbaba on December 16, 2023, at the Merion Tribute House, 526 Hazelhurst Avenue, Merion Station, PA 19066, from 6-11 PM, on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

The Tripartite Celebration includes: one, the recognition of Rabbi Gbaba's 49 years of devoted service as playwright, theatre director and custodian of Liberian culture; two, celebration of the 46th Anniversary of the founding of Dehkontee Artists Theatre, Inc. (DATI) as the oldest surviving collegiate cultural institution established at the University of Liberia, to preserve and promote Liberian history and culture through the performing and visual arts; and three, the love journey of two distinguished Liberians whose love relationship spans over four decades and signifies a true litmus test regarding if Liberians from both demographic and political divide in Liberia known as "Country and Congau People", can peacefully coexist and rebuild their native land and safe guard their shared hegemony as citizens of Africa's oldest democratic Republic.

The Tripartite Fundraiser

The members of the Organizing Committee of the Tripartite Anniversary are launching a fund drive to generate money to construct the first school of the performing and visual arts and center for peace and cultural studies in Liberia. The goal of this project is to find a lasting solution to Liberians' lack of self-determination, self-knowledge, and continued denigration of their own history and culture, as well as the adoption of western and foreign cultural values.

When successfully constructed, the school will serve as a reservoir of Liberian history and culture and will offer courses and degrees in Liberian Culture, Dance, Music, Liberian Languages (Krahn, Kru, Grebo, Bassa, Deiweion, Belleh, Kpelle, Mahn, Dahn, Kissi, Bandi, Mende, Vai, Gola, Mandingo, Sarpo, Gbee, and Congau/Creole/Liberian Patois), Conflict Resolution and Peace Education, Theatre, Culinary Arts, Home Economics, and Fashion Design. The aim is to preserve Liberian history and culture, as well as teach and promote it globally, and to foster educational and cultural research and the expanse of universal learning.

What to Expect as Guests at the Tripartite Anniversary Ball, Dinner, & Fundraiser

Pomp and pageantry and African fashion and artistry will be the badge of the DATI Tripartite Anniversary. The attire for the evening is formal western or African fashion. The protocol of the event includes a traditional Liberian welcome ceremony involving the presentation of white kola nuts, pepper, and salt to guests, pouring of libation to the spirits of our African and Liberian ancestors, the lighting of peace candles representing the political subdivisions of Liberia, and a traditional African Jewish spiritual ritual to pray for and promote peace, reconciliation, and national unity in Liberia and on the continent of Africa and throughout the globe.

We will feature Liberian cuisine with three favorite Liberian delicacies: Potato Greens, Jollof Rice, and Torbogee, baked chicken, salmon, along with African/Liberian hors d'oeuvres (Corn Bread, Rice Bread, fruits, vegetables. Drinks include Ginger Beer, Champagne, Wine, and fruit punch. The official DJ of the evening is St. Claire Avery. He will keep you dancing on your feet and immerse you in some of the most recent music.

How to Donate and Purchase Your Admission Packages

Contact Us

Phone: (267) 973-1709; (215) 715-7688; (267) 298-7249; (302) 423-5943