What does Norfolk have to do with Liberia? In the time before the Civil War, people struggled with what to do with slavery. One solution was to send them back to Africa. In 1821, the Norfolk branch of the American Colonization Society was organized for this purpose. From Norfolk, former slaves from Virginia and the Carolinas departed to return to Africa where the country of Liberia, which means “freedom,” was established. It is the only black African country that was never under colonial rule. When Liberia broke from the society in 1847 to become officially a republic, Joseph Jenkins Roberts was named the first President. Roberts Park in Norfolk is named for him.
A Norfolk native became president of what country?
a) Liberia N 36 51.242 W 076 17.897
b) India N 36 51.446 W 076 17.467