Three extraordinary women share the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize. On Friday, the committee announced the honor would go to Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; Liberian activist Leymah Gbowee, and Yemeni activist Tawakkul Karman. Stories describe the laureates as "women's advocates," which means they promote the rights and dignity of all human beings.
Richmonders remember Sirleaf with affection. Last November she spoke to an SRO crowd at the Richmond Forum. She previously had made history as Africa's first elected female president. The audience was eager to hear her. She did not disappoint.
Her visit to Virginia conveyed symbolic significance. Liberia was founded and settled by freed American slaves. Almost 4,000 African-Americans from Virginia moved to Liberia during the country's formative years. The first president of the independent nation, Joseph Jenkins, was a freeborn African-American from Petersburg.
Liberia has not lived up to its promise. Many of those emigrating to the republic took with them some of the worst attitudes and practices they had learned in a commonwealth that mocked its own ideals.
Sirleaf's appearance in Central Virginia included a feast that featured Liberian specialties. The Richmond Forum puts on informative shows. Sirleaf's talk ranked among the best. Her Nobel Peace Prize does not surprise.
Tuesday's elections will test whether the recognition translates into domestic support. The New Republic reports that a notorious warlord has re-entered the political arena. Sirleaf is expected to prevail, but the results could prove complicated. Despite the imperfections of her first term, she remains Liberia's best beacon. There is much to overcome.
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