William Tubman was born on November 29, 1895, in Harper, a coastal town in southeastern Liberia. He was a descendant of early American slaves who were freed and repatriated to Liberia by their former mistress, Emily Tubman, a philanthropist from Georgia.
Tubman’s father was a stonemason, a general in the Liberian army, a former speaker of the Liberian House of Representatives, and a Methodist preacher.
Tubman initially planned to become a preacher, but he changed his mind after taking a temporary job in a government office. He became a lawyer in 1917 and joined the True Whig Party, the dominant political party in Liberia. By 1923, he became the youngest senator in the history of Liberia, at the age of 28.
In 1944, Tubman became Liberia's 19th president, serving for an unprecedented 27 years until his death in 1971, making him one of Africa's most influential leaders in Africa.
What Did Tubman Do for Liberia?
Tubman is credited with modernizing Liberia, which was a poor and isolated country in the beginning of his presidency. He enacted many reforms and social policies, such as granting suffrage and property rights to all adult women, establishing a nationwide public school system, improving the rights and opportunities of the indigenous Liberians, and promoting national unification and integration.
He also pursued an economic "Open Door" policy, which attracted foreign investment and trade to Liberia. Tubman developed the country's infrastructure, including roads, ports, airports, hospitals, and hotels. He encouraged the growth of the rubber industry, which made Liberia one of the largest rubber producers in the world.
In addition, during Tubman's era, Liberia began to use its infrastructure to develop other national resources besides rubber, leading to the gradual diversification of the West African country's economy. The late president also expanded Liberia's maritime program, making Liberia the owner of the largest merchant fleet in the world (as of the moment of his death).
Tubman also contributed to the emancipation of African colonial territories into independent states. He supported the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor of the African Union (AU), and advocated for pan-Africanism and regional cooperation. He also maintained good relations with the United States and other Western powers, as well as with the Soviet Union.
William Tubman's Day in Liberia
In 2011, Tubman’s birthday was declared a national holiday by the 42nd National Legislature of Liberia, in response to the popular demand of the Liberian people. The legislation stated that the holiday was meant to "honor and remember the achievements and contributions of the late President William V.S. Tubman to the growth and development of Liberia and Africa".
The proclamation also ordered and directed all government ministries and agencies, business houses, and marketplaces to remain closed during the observance of the day, from 6 AM to 6 PM.
The holiday is celebrated with various activities, such as parades, speeches, cultural performances, sports events, and prayers. Consequent presidents of Liberia and political leaders usually deliver messages to the nation on this day, highlighting the legacy and vision of Tubman, and calling for peace, unity, and progress.
"The legacy and footprints of President Tubman are far-reaching, but one important hallmark of his presidency that I would like to highlight – was his quest to unite Liberians through his 'National Unification Policy,'" Liberia's current leader George Weah said back in 2019.
Tubman's birthday is also an occasion for reflection and appreciation of the history and identity of Liberia, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of one of the most influential and respected leaders in Africa, and to honor his memory and ideals.