Shadrach Davis Takes Oath to Preserve Liberian Culture and Promote Peace: Urges Post-War Liberian Youth to Value Their Cultural Heritage
On Saturday, January 13, 2024, Statesman Shadrach Davis of the Gbenelue Chapter was sworn in and inducted into the Honorable Body of Dehkontee Artists Theatre, Inc. (DATI) as a DATI Peace Advocate by DATI's Regional Director for Southcentral and Northern Liberia, Hillaryson Soe, Jr. The solemn ceremony took place at the residence of Stateswoman Hawa Promise Guwor, Assistant County Director for Operations for DATI Montserrado Dugbor Chapter. The event was witnessed by DATI Dugbor Chapter's Director, Henry Fayiah Tamba, Lamie T.J. Munyah, DATI Public Relations Officer, and a guest of the honoree, othello Jason Sugbe from Pleebo Sodokon District in Maryland County.
The induction ceremony is part of the admission requirements for serving as a DATI Peace Advocate after the completion of a three-month course that includes trainings in conflict resolution, cultural research methodology and composition and a field trip to a traditional Liberian cultural village to interact with tribal elders. Trainees complete the DATI Peace Advocate Training Program by taking and successfully passing an oral and written exam of the subject matters covered during the training.
Below is the speech delivered by Statesman Shadrach Davis, DATI Peace Advocate, Gbenelue Chapter, during his induction ceremony.
"I feel privileged to be part of an organization championing peace advocacies and cultural values and awareness.
Post-war Liberian youths need to understand the importance of peace and create a society that promotes peace and reconciliation while also maintaining support for our dying cultures and values that is perishing due to neglect and and too much westernization.
Today I was inducted officially as a peace and cultural advocate of Dehkontee Artist Theatre Incorporated (DATI), Liberia’s longest surviving collegiate peace and cultural organization established 1977 at the University of Liberia to promote peace and preserve the culture of Liberia.
I want to take this time to recognize Dr Joseph Gbaba , founder of DATI for his continuous support, commitment, and dedication in promoting peace and preserving the Liberian Culture through empowering me and many other Liberian youths become statesmen/stateswoman by upholding the peace of our country and embracing our cultural values.
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I also want to use this opportunity to say a big thank you to DATI Gbenelue Chapter for the support and encouragement along the way. I’m so happy I took this decision during the recruitment process. I am forever grateful for all the times we’ve spent together, and I look forward to working with you guys as long as we remain united in efforts to champion peace.
Lastly, let me appreciate DATI Dugbor Chapter for the warm welcome and embrace you guys have given me. Thanks so much for the ceremony, guys, let’s remain focused and vigilant in our fight for peace."
DATI Peacebuilding and Golden Jubilee Performing Arts Project
This year marks the Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary) of Rabbi Joe Gbaba as Liberian playwright and theatre director. It also marks the 47th Anniversary of the founding of Dehkontee Artists Theatre at the University of Liberia. To celebrate these milestones in style, DATI has formally launched the DATI Golden Jubilee Fund Drive for the construction of the first school of the performing and visual arts and center for peace and cultural studies in Liberia. The purpose of this project is to preserve and institutionalize Liberian culture and promote peace among post-war Liberian citizens at home and abroad.
Here is how you can donate to this worthy national cause. Your name will be registered in our donor's record.
Published by DATI Public Relations Unit
January 14, 2024
Dr Joe Gbaba Congratulations on another year of dedication and growth! Your commitment to the #busienss is truly inspiring and a testament to your professionalism. #YearsOfDedication #CommitmentToExcellence #WorkplaceSuccess