Historical Who is Who

BLYDEN, Edward W

1832 - 1912
Liberia/Sierra Leone

One of first protagonists of Pan African identity, he was born in the Caribbean island of St Thomas. Encouraged by the local church pastor, he sought to enrol in theological colleges in the US, but was barred on racial grounds. He subsequently became a Presbyterian preacher and teacher, politician and diplomat in both Liberia and Sierra Leone, with postings to the Middle East and London. His linguistic gifts aided his general versatility and more specific familiarity with Islam. He invoked Islam and Swedenborgian views to qualify and extend his continuing Christian beliefs in support of his advocacy of African dignity.




On the Shoulders of Giants (5 mins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCL7qxpq3tY
