Description
Book SynopsisA Liberian academic and former government official accounts for and reflects upon half a century of work and experience. An important Liberian political memoir, the book is at once Dunn’s critical exposition on his country and an attempt to explain how Liberia came to be what it is today. In 26 captivating chapters he recounts careers as academic, and services as aide to slain Liberian President Tolbert and consultant to former President Johnson Sirleaf. Between government service in crisis times (late 1970s) and in hopeful times (early 2000s) is positioned more than three decades of University teaching and research.
Trade Review[...] 'The memoir is wrapped in the author’s belief, clearly deeply held, that Liberians must emphasize commonality, and stop focusing on the dichotomies of the nation, even as we recognize our differences. Dr. Dunn views commonalty and communality as central to writing true Liberian history and nation-building' [...]. 'As you read Dunn’s inspiring memoir, the ever hopeful and optimistic theme (even in the face of disappointments and failures regarding Liberia) affects you and leaves an especial meaningful impression. This is definitively his country’s story integrated into his story'. Mohamedu F. Jones, Esq, in The Liberian Observer, published 04/25/2022
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments 1 Introduction 2 Early Years My Ancestors 3 Early Education 4 Post-secondary Education Formation 5 Career Initiation One Year at Department of State/1965 6 Student in France 7 From Lyon to Washington, D.C. 8 Graduate Student in USA American University 9 Seton Hall, 1970–1974 Academic Career Launched 10 Marriage in 1971 11 Government Service Foreign Ministry, 1974–1977 12 Government Service Executive Mansion, 1977–1980 1 The April 14 Crisis 2 The Brownell Commission 3 Cabinet and the Report 4 Appointment Minister of State for Presidential Affairs 5 Some Policy Issues and Me 6 Sole Report as Chairman of the Cabinet 7 Envoy to Zimbabwe 13 Return Home, April 22, 1980 14 Uncertainty & Consultancy at Foreign Ministry 15 Stint at University of Liberia (June – Dec. 1980) 16 Transition back to USA 17 Back in the USA – Seeking Permanent Residency 18 Sewanee Materialized Summer 1981 19 Highlights of My Sewanee Career 20 Return to Academia 21 My Scholarship 22 Liberia Engagement, 1981–2012 (and beyond) 23 Summary of Academic Career 24 Focus on Rebuilding Post Civil War Liberia 1 Looking toward Liberia’s Post-Conflict Future 2 Rescuing and Preserving Priceless Liberian Records 3 Investigating Corruption 4 Delivering the National Oration in 2012 5 The Constitution Review Committee 6 National Symbols Review 7 Liberia National History Project 8 Governance Reform and Vision 2030 25 The Center for Policy Studies 26 Reflections on the Consultancy 27 Final Reflections/Epilogue Appendices Appendix 1 Chronology of Key Events Appendix 2 Defining the National Purpose of Liberia, a National Oration by D. Elwood Dunn on the 132nd Independence Anniversary of Liberia, July 26, 1979 Appendix 3 The University of the South Resolution of Appreciation Appendix 4 Renewing Our National Promise an Address Delivered by D. Elwood Dunn on the Occasion of the One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Liberia, Centennail Memorial Pavilion, Monrovia, Republic of Liberia July 26, 2012 Appendix 5 Reflections on Research Challenges as the Liberian Studies Association Turns Fifty Appendix 6 Partial List of Articles and Other Publications Illustrations Index
