The Outcome of The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival: What Liberians Should Expect Next!

Liberian youths, elders participating in the DATI Peace and Cultural Parade during the recently held The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival in Harper, Maryland County, Southeastern Liberia. The parade was organized by the DATI Maryland Gbenelue Chapter. It is indicative that most Liberians want peace and they want to be identified with their cultural roots!

Dehkontee Artists Theatre, Inc. (DATI) ignited a genuine cultural renaissance in post-genocide Liberia over the weekend of April 15-17, 2022. They staged The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival in Harper City, Maryland County, in Southeastern Liberia. It was awesome and those who were blessed to be a part of the events still talk about how marvelous the activities were.

Thousands of Maryland youths, traditional town chiefs, students from Tubman University and various high schools in Harper and parts adjacent, marketeers, Grebo War Dancers, the Big Town Marching Band and local artists took part in the DATI Peace Parade and marched through the principal streets of Harper. The three-day celebrations were hosted by DATI Maryland Gbenelue Chapter in observance of the 48th Anniversary of DATI's Founder, Rabbi Joe Gbaba, as Liberian playwright and cultural icon. The event also marked the 45th Celebration of the founding of DATI at the University of Liberia in 1977.

Statesman Meshach Sieh Elliott, DATI Maryland County Director

The goal of The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival is to promote peace and reconciliation and the preservation of Liberian arts and culture through the performing and visual arts and other socio-cultural activities such as sports. The festival seeks to also create cultural awareness and national consciousness among post-genocide Liberian citizens at home and abroad, and to empower Liberian youths to become forerunners of their own destiny.

Statesman Alfred J. K. Nugba, DATI Gbenelue Chapter Assistant Director for Operations and Chair, The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival Planning Committee

The DATI Festival Committee was chaired by DATI Gbenelue Assistant Director for Operations, Statesman Alfred J. K. Nugba. The latter is also a playwright apprentice and valedictorian of DATI Gbenelue Chapter Cohort I Class of 2019. Other principal planners included Stateswomen Philomena M. Arkue, Treasurer of Gbenelue Chapter, Nelly Dweh, member of the Catering Committee, Statesmen Daniel M. Seatine, Advisor to the County Director, Oliver P.K. Griffiths, Performing Arts Coordinator, Oliver Garlo, Master of Ceremonies, George Grear, member, Planning Committee, Morris Bannie Blanyon, artist, Anthony C. Kwarbo, Coordinator of transportation, and DATI's General Secretary Leroy Antonio Nimely, among many others. Special thanks to Statesman Anthony C. Kwarbo for letting DATI use his motorbike to transport chiefs and participants of the festival to and from the festival.

In addition, the festival included the traditional ritual of slaughtering a bull, The Timothy Gardiner Peace Soccer Tournament in which six schools in Harper vied for the Timothy Gardiner Trophy, a performing arts concert held at the Harper City Hall where local artists competed for The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Performing Arts Trophy, and an indoor program during which four new DATI Peace Advocates took oath and were inducted. They include Stateswoman Nelly Sieh Dweh, Statesmen David T. Hinneh, George Grear, Jr., and Oliver P.K. Griffiths. The program was highlighted by a powerful speech delivered by DATI-Liberia Board Chair, Stateswoman D. Sheba Brown. She spoke on the topic: "The Importance of Engaging Liberian Youths in Worthwhile Nation-Building Pursuits."

Stateswoman D. Sheba Brown, Chair of DATI-Liberia Board of Directors

Due to its overwhelming success in impacting the lives of thousands of Liberian youths (DATI's targeted beneficiaries), plans are in the pipeline to make The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival an annual event in Liberia. More importantly, the festival may rotate to other counties where DATI chapters are established if funding and logistical supports are obtained during the next fiscal year. Presently, DATI has only two functioning chapters in Maryland and Montserrado Counties, respectively.

Stateswoman Philomena M. Arkue, Treasurer, DATI Maryland Gbenelue Chapter and Chair of the Catering Committee of The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival 2022.

The Ritual Sacrifice of the Bull for The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival (https://fb.watch/czoQcfAWPd/)

The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival officially kicked off on Friday, April 15th with the traditional ritual of bull slaughtering. It is a traditional African ritual of sacrificing cattle (sheep, goat, cow, sometimes chicken, duck, etc.) to make a special request in prayer to Almighty God through the intercession of a priest and our African ancestral spirits. It is a traditional Liberian/African religious belief and way of connecting our corporeal beings with the Infinite Being. It is a process by which Africans appeal to Almighty Younsuah for forgiveness or to thank God for a successful harvest and/or to fervently request God to take away the inequities of the people and appease the spirits of our forefathers. The ritual is usually administered by a high priest, an elder, or a young man who is knowledgeable of the traditions of his people.

Professor Jerry Mwagbe of Tubman University and Co-Founder of DATI Maryland Gbenelue Chapter, and lecturer cuts small "gbajoko" during the sacrificial ritual!

Francis Nyemah of Pleebo conducts the ritual of the sacrificing of the bull for the feast of the cultural festival. DATI-Liberia Board Chair participates in the libation process of the ritual.

Statesman Albert T. Ninneh pouring libation during the sacrificial ritual.

DATI Gbenelue Chapter County Director Statesman Meshach Sieh Elliot in deep meditation and prayer to the heavenly father on behalf of the Liberian nation and people and Liberian youths.

The Timothy Gardiner Peace Soccer Tournament

DATI Gbenelue Chapter's Director chauffeuring Madam D. Sheba Brown to the Martha Tubman Sports Stadium in Harper for the official kickoff of The Timothy Gardiner Peace Soccer Tournament. Observe the smile on DATI-Liberia Board Chair's face. Look at her willingness to risk her life just to attend a peace and reconciliation soccer match. Everyone who participated in The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival determined to do so at their own volition and in the sake of peace and national unity. Even our donors made immense financial sacrifices to respond to our clarion call within short notice. We say a big "Thank You" to all our donors!

The Timothy Gardiner Peace Soccer Tournament was named in honor of DATI's U.S.A. Board of Directors Chair, Timothy Gardiner. He is the first African American to chair DATI's U.S.A. Board of Directors in forty-five years. The official kick off was executed by Statewoman D. Sheba Brown. She kicked the football so hard that it made KMTV anchor Victor D. Quitee asked Mrs. Brown, "Mem, you kicked the ball so hard that I wondered if you played soccer before?"

Yes, I played kickball and I am former official of LFA.." Mrs. Brown Replied. When asked what was her thought about the peace soccer tournament and the overall effect of The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival, she said, "This is a welcome idea because sports entails passion, football is passion. It brings people from all walks of life together. Dehkontee Artists has been in existence for more than forty-five years, promoting peace and national unity. We need to come together and live in peace and harmony to rebuild Liberia. The youths are our future leaders. Therefore, they have a very important role to play in the peace process. That is why I am here to support them and to encourage all Liberians to put their arms around DATI Peace Advocates to promote and preserve our culture and promote peace, national unity and rule of law..."

Six high schools from Harper participated and vied for The Timothy Gardiner Soccer Trophy. The schools included Our Lady of Fatima, John Hilary Tubman High School, Cape Palmas High School, J. S. Pratt High School, Jared Faith Foundation High School, and East Harper High School. Jared Faith Foundation High School captured The Timothy Gardiner Trophy!

The soccer tournament brought together thousands of youths in Harper who were very thrilled and thankful to attend a well-planned sports event during the Easter weekend in Harper. The soccer matches were televised live by KMTV Victor D. Quitee. He did an excellent job by interviewing youths who attended the tournament regarding their take on the need for peace and reconciliation in Liberia. Many of the interviewees said they supported DATI's initiative of promoting peace and reconciliation and the preservation of Liberian history and culture. They expressed their firm support and desire to play an active role when given the opportunity.

The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Performing Arts Concert Friday Night, April 15th at the Harper City Hall (https://fb.watch/czoNikISTz/)

Friday evening brought together hundreds of youths at the Harper City Hall where local artists, musicians, dancers, actors, and performing arts groups took the stage to vie for The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Performing Arts Festival. Over sixteen artists exhibited their innate talents that night. The Olando Merriam Cultural Troupe captured The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Performing Arts Trophy!

The DATI Peace and Cultural Parade, Saturday, April 16, 2022

Early Saturday morning, the KMTV anchor, Victor D. Quitee, DATI Peace Advocates, local town chiefs, Grebo War Dancers, the famous Big Town Marching Band, various cultural troupes, local artists, musicians, students and peace-loving Liberians assembled at the famous Merry-Go-Round site in Harper City, opposite Mt. Scott United Methodist Church, to undertake an historic adventure--to ignite a cultural renaissance. They were initially mostly men all dressed in their traditional African regalia, but later some females also dressed in traditional Liberian costumes and make-up came along, chanting. They joyously joined their male counterparts in response to the battle cry and the sound of the bugle calling for all patriotic Liberians to immediately assemble to defend, protect, and preserve Liberian history and culture.

I too was in my traditional elements, watching the DATI empowered youths with great excitement through facetime 10000 miles in the United States, cheering the marchers up and praising God to see so much love exhibited, and honor bestowed upon me by my own people!

Members of the local Maryland Music/Artists Guild. The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Cultural Festival received the blessings of the people and artists of Maryland County. They helped to make the event a success. We say a big "Thank you" to all members of the Artists Union of Maryland County.

Yes, the participants came from far and near. Among them were three DATI Montserrado Dougbor Chapter representatives headed by Acting County Director Henry Fayiah Tamba. These three brave DATI Peace Advocates travelled on motorbikes from Monrovia to Harper in inclement weather and very bad motor roads in Liberia. They made the sacrifice because they were prepared to send a strong message to all dormant Liberians and the world a new day of peace, reconciliation, justice, and rule of law had dawned in Liberia.

DATI Montserrado Acting Director Henry Fayiah Tamba (left) and Dougbor Chapter Co-Founder Albert T. Ninneh (right) on their way on motorbike to The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival in Harper. If this isn't commitment to the Liberian peace process then I don't know what is!

Statesmen Lamie T.J. Munyah, DATI's Public Relations Officer and Albert T. Ninneh on their heroic journey to The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival in Harper.

DATI Montserrado Dougbor Chapter representatives travelled in mud puddle to journey to and from The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival. It was the very first time Henry Tamba, Lamie Munyah, and Albert Ninneh had traveled that far in their own country!

The bugler of the Grebo War Dance troupe sounded the war tune and the warriors disguised in their charcoaled faces and fierce-looking battle attires chanted in the Grebo vernacular. At certain intervals they screamed and danced as they invoked and alerted the spirits of our forefathers that the flames of our culture our ancestors left with us are still ablaze! It was a decisive moment that indicated Liberians want peace, equality, justice, and genuine rule of law in their post-conflict society. The resilient patriots of Liberia made it categorically clear that they are proud of their African roots, and they came prepared in various shapes and forms to exhibit what they believe in and to preserve their sacred cultural and historical heritage.

The Induction Ceremony and Festival Dinner at the Harper City Hall

Some members of Dehkontee Artists Theatre, Inc. (DATI) pose to take a historic photo after a successful launch of The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival at the Harper City Hall.

After a great peace and cultural parade through the major streets of Harper, the participants went to the Harper City Hall for the last phase of the activities of The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival. The indoor program included a few cultural renditions from the Merriam Cultural Troupe, winners of The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Performing Arts Trophy. DATI's 45th Anniversary Guest Speaker Stateswoman D. Sheba Brown delivered an excellent speech. Speaking on the topic, "The Importance of Engaging Liberian Youths in Worthwhile Nation-Building Pursuits," Mrs. Brown implored Liberian youths to engage in worthwhile nation-building pursuits that will brighten their future and develop the nation. She also advocated for the provision of job opportunities, better healthcare, educational and technical facilities to provide Liberian youths efficient and adequate education and professional training to empower them to become productive citizens and future leaders of Liberia.

Stateswoman Nelly Sieh-Dweh, Member of Catering Committee, The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival 2022 and graduate, DATI Maryland Gbenelue Chapter Cohrot II 2022. Congratulations!

During the program four DATI Peace Advocates who successfully completed their training, took oath, and were inducted by Professor Jerry Mwagbe, co-founder of DATI Maryland Gbenelue Chapter. They are Stateswoman Nelly Sieh-Dweh, Statesmen Oliver P.K. Grifiths, David T. Hinneh, and George Grear, Jr. The program ended with a sumptuous festival dinner with various menus including hot pepper soup, beans, and rice, and refreshments.

Statesman Oliver P. K. Griffiths, Coordinator of Cultural Events, The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival. 2022 Graduate of DATI Maryland Gbenelue Chapter Cohort II. Congratulations, P.K.!

Statesman David T. Hinneh, Member Planning Committee and Graduate, DATI Maryland Gbenelue Chapter Cohort II 2022. Congratulations, David!

Statesman George Grear, Jr., 2022 Graduate, DATI Maryland Gbenelue Chapter Cohort II, and member, Planning Committee, The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival 2022. Congratulations, George!

Sunday, April 17, 2022: Thanksgiving Mass at St. Theresa Catholic Cathedral in Harper.

Bishop Andrew Karnley, chief celebrant of the Easter Sunday mass at the St. Theresa Catholic Cathedral in Harper, Maryland County during the final lapse of The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival on Sunday, April 17, 2022.

DATI Peace Advocates giving thanks to Almighty God after a successful launch of The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival in Harper, Maryland County, Southeastern Liberia.

Members of DATI Gbenelue and DATI Dougbor Chapters attended the Thanksgiving Mass at St. Theresa Catholic Cathedral on Easter Sunday to give Almighty God the Praise! The homily was delivered by Right Reverent Bishop Andrew Karnley. He was assisted by the Administrator of the Cathedral Father Joseph Nyanti. Those present at the Thanksgiving Mass were Statesmen Meshach Sieh Elliott, County Director and senior host, Acting Dougbor Chapter Director Henry Fayiah Tamba, DATI PRO Lamie T. J. Munyah, and Albert T. Ninneh.

Distinguished DATI Peace Advocates pose in front of the St. Theresa Catholic Cathedral after the Easter Sunday Thanksgiving Mass. In the photo (L-R) Statesman Oliver Garlo, Stateswomen Nelly Sieh-Dweh, Jeanet Toe, Statesmen Meshach Sieh Elliott and Alfred J. K. Nugba. To God be the glory!

What's Next?

Due to the successful launch of The Rabbi Joe Gbaba Peace and Cultural Festival, there are plans in the pipeline to make the cultural celebration an annual event. However, this is contingent upon the availability of funding and logistical supports. The Board of Directors will be meeting shortly to brainstorm on ways DATI's peace and civic education programs can create greater impact on the youths and citizens of Liberia and at the same time generate financial and logistical supports to expand DATI's programs nationwide. Also, plans are underway to produce radio drama and civic education series on local radio and television stations in Liberia to create cultural awareness, national consciousness, and a greater impact in promoting peace and reconciliation through the performing and visual arts.

How to Donate to DATI Kukatonon Peace Project in Liberia

Via Post:?

Make check or money order payable to: Dehkontee Artists Theatre, Inc., P. O. Box 143, Clifton Heights, PA 19018:?

?2.?Bank Transfer Info: You can also make payment through Dehkontee Artists Theatre, Inc.?Wells Fargo Checking Account#3931972677;?Routing?#055003201;?

3. Cashapp: $JosephGbaba (267) 973-1709.

Published by DATI Public Relations Section

May 9, 2022