Influential Grebo Individuals: The Top 10 Names to Know

The Grebo people are an ethnic group native to West Africa, primarily inhabiting the southeastern region of Liberia and the southwestern region of Côte d’Ivoire. They are known for their rich cultural heritage and distinct traditions, including their unique language, music, and art forms. Several prominent individuals from the Grebo ethnicity have gained recognition and made significant contributions in various fields.

Angie Brooks: Angie Brooks is a Liberian-American actress, producer, and writer. She is best known for her roles in the films “The Soloist” (2009), “The Help” (2011), and “The Woman King” (2022).
George Boley: George Boley was a Liberian politician and diplomat. He served as the 16th President of Liberia from 1980 to 1986. Boley was instrumental in promoting economic and social reforms during his tenure.
Hawa Jande Golakai: Hawa Jande Golakai is a Liberian peace activist and politician. She is the founder and executive director of the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting women’s rights and peacebuilding. Golakai has been recognized internationally for her work in conflict resolution and gender equality.
Jacob K. Jallah: Jacob K. Jallah is a Liberian politician and businessman. He served as the 5th Vice President of Liberia from 1997 to 2003. Jallah has also held various ministerial positions in the Liberian government.
MacDella Cooper: MacDella Cooper is a Liberian singer, songwriter, and actress. She is known for her unique blend of traditional Grebo music with contemporary genres. Cooper has released several albums and has performed internationally.
Nancy B. Doe: Nancy B. Doe was the First Lady of Liberia from 1980 to 1985. She is the wife of former President Samuel K. Doe. Doe was actively involved in humanitarian and social welfare initiatives during her time as First Lady.
Nimba County District #6 By-Election : In 2022, the citizens of Nimba County District #6 elected Samuel G. Koukou, making him the first Grebo to represent that district in the Liberian House of Representatives.
Patrick Sawyer: Patrick Sawyer was a Liberian politician and diplomat. He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2006 to 2009. Sawyer was instrumental in Liberia’s post-conflict reconstruction and international relations.
Robert Tubman: Robert Tubman was a Liberian politician and businessman. He served as the 18th President of Liberia from 1872 to 1876. Tubman is considered one of the most influential presidents in Liberian history, known for his efforts in promoting education and economic development.
Samuel K. Doe: Samuel K. Doe was a Liberian politician and military officer. He served as the 21st President of Liberia from 1980 to 1990. Doe led a military coup d’état in 1980 and ruled the country for a decade. His presidency was marked by political instability and human rights abuses.

The Kru, Krao, Kroo, or Krou are a West African ethnic group who are indigenous to western Ivory Coast and eastern Liberia. European and American writers often called Kru men who enlisted as sailors or mariners Krumen. They migrated and settled along various points of the West African coast, notably Freetown, Sierra Leone, but also the Ivorian and Nigerian coasts. The Kru-speaking people are a large ethnic group that is made up of several sub-ethnic groups in Liberia and Ivory Coast. In Liberia, there are 48 sub-sections of Kru tribes, including the Jlao Kru. These tribes include Bété, Bassa, Krumen, Guéré, Grebo, Klao/Krao, Dida, Krahn people and Jabo people.

Most Famous Grebo People

Grebo Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The Grebo community, also known as the Glebo tribe, is an indigenous group living in Southeastern Liberia and the western part of Ivory Coast. With a population of around 300,000 people, the Grebo community is known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes traditional customs, artistic expressions, and historical inheritances. Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Grebo heritage:

1. Mask Making

One of the most significant and well-known cultural practices of the Grebo community is their skill in mask making. The Grebo people have a strong tradition of creating intricate masks, which are used in various ceremonies and rituals. These masks are often carved from wood and adorned with colorful designs, representing different spirits or characters. Grebo masks are not only valued for their artistic beauty but also for their spiritual significance, as they are believed to possess the power to communicate with ancestors and supernatural forces.

2. Agriculture

The Grebo community has a long-standing tradition of agriculture, which has been passed down through generations. They are skilled farmers, cultivating crops such as rice, cassava, yams, and vegetables. Agriculture plays a central role in the Grebo culture, providing sustenance for the community and serving as a means of economic livelihood. The Grebo people use traditional farming methods, including the use of hand tools and a deep understanding of the land and its resources.

3. Oral Tradition

The Grebo community has a rich oral tradition, with storytelling being an integral part of their cultural heritage. Through storytelling, myths, legends, and historical accounts are passed down from one generation to another. This oral tradition serves as a means of preserving the Grebo people’s history, values, and traditions. It allows for the transmission of knowledge and wisdom, ensuring that the Grebo culture remains alive and vibrant.

Historical Inheritances Associated with the Grebo Heritage:

Mask making, a skill passed down through generations
Agriculture, a central aspect of the Grebo culture
Oral tradition, preserving stories, myths, and history

The Grebo community’s historical inheritances, such as mask making, agriculture, and oral tradition, are essential aspects of their cultural identity. These practices not only showcase the artistic and intellectual prowess of the Grebo people but also reflect their deep connection to their ancestry and land. The preservation and promotion of these historical inheritances are vital for the Grebo community to sustain and celebrate their rich cultural heritage.

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Kpelle, Sotho and Lithuanian roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

Ethnic Factsheet: The Grebo People

Country	Region	Population	Language Spoken
Liberia	Grand Gedeh County	Unknown	Grebo
Liberia	River Gee County	Unknown	Grebo
Liberia	Grand Kru County	Unknown	Grebo
Liberia	Maryland County	Unknown	Grebo
Ivory Coast	Agboville	Unknown	Grebo

The Grebo or Glebo people are an ethnic group or subgroup within the larger Kru group of Africa, a language and cultural ethnicity, and to certain of its constituent elements. Within Liberia members of this group are found primarily in Maryland County and Grand Kru County in the southeastern portion of the country, but also in River Gee County and Sinoe County. The Grebo population in Côte d'Ivoire are known as the Krumen and are found in the southwestern corner of that country.
A 2001 estimate of the number of Grebo people in Liberia is approximately 387,000. There are an estimated 48,300 Grebo in Côte d'Ivoire, not counting refugees. Precise numbers are lacking, since many have been displaced by the civil war in Liberia of the late 20th and early 21st century.

The Ancient Heritage of Grebo Ethnic Groups

References to the Grebo Ethnic Group

For those interested in learning more about the Grebo ethnic group, there are several references and resources available to deepen their understanding.

“The Grebo of Liberia: Seventeen Village Sketches” by George Schwab provides an in-depth ethnographic study of the Grebo people. Schwab lived among the Grebo in the mid-20th century and provides valuable insights into their social, cultural, and political life.
“The Grebo in the Nineteenth Century: a turbulent history” by J. Lorand Matory is a comprehensive book that examines the history and political dynamics of the Grebo people during the colonial era. Matory’s research sheds light on the Grebo’s interactions with European powers and their resistance against colonization.
Online archives and libraries: Online archives and libraries, such as the British Library’s Endangered Archives Programme, often contain historical documents, photographs, and recordings related to the Grebo people. These resources can be invaluable for researchers looking to explore primary sources.
Anthropological journals: Journals like “African Arts” and “African Studies Review” sometimes publish articles and research papers on the Grebo people. These publications offer scholarly analysis and insights into various aspects of Grebo culture, history, and contemporary issues.
Local institutions and cultural organizations: Local institutions and cultural organizations in Liberia, particularly those in Grebo-majority areas, may have resources, publications, or experts who can provide further information on the Grebo ethnic group. These include museums, research centers, and universities.

By delving into these references and resources, individuals can gain a more nuanced understanding of the Grebo ethnic group, their history, culture, and contemporary challenges.

We have reached the end of our exploration into the extraordinary lives of prominent Grebo. We hope this journey has been enlightening and inspiring.

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Influential Grebo Individuals: The Top 10 Names to Know