Remembering H.E. C. Cecil Dennis, Jr.: Statement from Mrs. Agnes Cooper Dennis on the Occasion of DATI's 40th Anniversary 6 Years Ago

His Excellency C. Cecil Dennis, Jr. was one of Liberia's erudite diplomats and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1973-1980. During his tenure as Foreign Minister of Liberia, he identified with Dehkontee Artists Theatre and promoted the organization at a diplomatic function he spearheaded. In remembrance of his invaluable contribution to the success of Dehkontee Artists Theatre, He was nominated to be posthumously honored at DATI’s 40th Anniversary and National Peace and Reconciliation Gala held at the African Cultural Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2014.

C. Cecil Dennis' nomination was in recognition of the assistance and motivation he provided Dr. Gbaba and members of Dehkontee Artists Theatre during its formative years at the University of Liberia. Under the auspices of C. Cecil Dennis, Jr., Dehkontee Artists Theatre staged Dr. Gbaba's revolutionary play entitled, "Chains of Apartheid" at the Monrovia City Hall for all diplomats accredited near Monrovia in 1979. The purpose of the performance was to articulate President Tolbert's foreign policy regarding the total liberation of Africa and his National Fund Drive for the Liberation of Southern Africa and to determine if the play should be performed in the presence of all African Heads of States attending the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Summit in Monrovia in July 1979.

At that time South Africa was under the Apartheid regime of Pete Botha, Nelson Mandela was still imprisoned on Robin Island, and Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, were all fighting guerilla wars to liberate themselves. C. Cecil Dennis was the chief spokesman of Liberia who pursued the fruition of President Tolbert's foreign policy to the outside world. He was articulate, diplomatic, and a man of excellent parlance. In addition, he was an avid lover of the arts.

During the 40 Anniversary of DATI six years ago, we extended Cecil Dennis' widow, Agnes Cooper Dennis, former Dean of the College of Science and Technology at the University of Liberia, an invitation to attend and represent her late husband at the gala. Mrs. Dennis was unable to attend but she sent a congratulatory message via email to the organization. Below is the congratulatory message emailed to Dr. Gbaba and members of DATI by Dean Agnes Cooper Dennis on behalf of the Dennis Family in 2014:??????????????

“Dear Dr. Gbaba and “The Dehkontee Artists Theatre”:

“On the occasion of “Dehkontee Artists Theatre Incorporated” 40th Anniversary Gala, The C. Cecil Dennis, Jr. family, extends to you and your organization warm wishes and prayers, that “Dehkontee” will?continue to contribute and share its skills for such worthy cause. Art in whatever form is what preserves man’s culture, and worldwide, regardless of the medium reminds us all of who we are. Over the years, we are thus able to transform our ideas and expressions, whether through narratives, scripts, be they on walls, canvas, trees, buckets, pots or whatever exists around us.

We regret that we are unable to personally receive this honor, because of health issues, death in our family and daily obligations. Perhaps some might or might not realize that I am an “Octogenarian” and don’t get around as much anymore. As for me and my family, anyone holding the legacy of the late Bai T. Moore, must be one who establishes a capacity for understanding and humane philosophy. “Do not drop the baton”, congratulations; we applaud you and “The Dehkontee Artists Theatre”.

We thank you sincerely for the honor and may God’s grace be with you and the organization in the years ahead.

Agnes Cooper Dennis

FOR THE FAMILY”

As we launch the DATI Tripartite Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser in 2023 to raise funds to construct the first school of the performing and visual arts and center for peace and cultural studies, we would like to remember with great appreciation, a fallen statesman who helped to introduce a young Liberian playwright and talented group of University of Liberia students to the global community of diplomats and intellectuals. May he rest in perpetual peace and may his patriotic deeds by emulated by those who succeed him in Liberia, to give support to arts organizations and artists whose artistic creations reflect the diversity of Liberia's citizenry.

Support the DATI Performing Arts Project in Liberia.

Published by DATI Public Relations Unit

December 14, 2023