The Russwurm Legacy Going Forward
PHOTO: John Brown Russwurm
The history of journalism in Liberia is traced far back to the early 1800s with the founding of the Herald in 1826, and this history is not complete without mentioning one of the pioneers of the newspaper industry, John Brown Russwurm.
On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, the U.S. Embassy and the Charge d’Affaires Joel Maybury held a “working luncheon dedicated to building the legacy of John Brown Russwurm.”
This luncheon brought together prominent historians, academics, journalists, and government officials to brainstorm the best and most appropriate ways to lift John Brown Russwurm’s history to all Liberians.
Participants engaged in brainstorming the best and most appropriate ways to lift John Brown Russwurm’s history to the top of mind for all Liberians.
It was intended to jump start efforts towards harnessing the legacy of Russwurm and brought together various groups of like-minded students of history and the Press Union of Liberia who suggested programs to sustain the legacy of Russwurm.
According to Liberia media history, the first printing press brought to the Liberia Colony was donated by the Boston Auxiliary of the American Colonization Society (ACS). In 1825, the ACS procured types, supplies, and a printer to run the press under the auspices of Charles L. Force, who was advanced a salary for one year of $416. Force arrived in the colony and nine days later, on February 16, 1826, published the first issue of the Herald. Force’s early death left unanswered the question of who would be responsible for the continuous operation of the press.
The report of the committee which procured the press seemed non-committal on future support or ownership, once the press had reached Liberia. John B. Russwurm, who arrived as an immigrant in November 1829, subsequently assumed editorialship of the of the paper. (Liberian media expert (Momo K. Rogers in The Liberian Press: An Analysis)
The US Embassy said Wednesday’s working luncheon meeting came up with a list of suggestions “regardless of funding or true feasibility”.
One of them is that the PUL could come up with special inserts on a holiday (1 page insert with Herald as reminder to history), something that can be a teaching moment for those who will take the paper.
Another suggestion made is that a Press Union award be given to Journalists with exceptional catalog of work, Patrick Burrows – A lecture at the Press Union anniversary for next year; as well as have a forum with Press Union about the history of journalism and what the Journalism profession looks like today.
Academics
- Add section in the new writing Liberia’s history for primary and secondary education
- For mass communication majors at university, lessons about JBR be added to all students curriculum
- University of Liberia or Press Union teaching the elevation of journalism in Liberia and JBR be mentioned as the father of Journalism
- Initiate discussions to embrace connection and perhaps university connections – Tubman University University communications, history, and political students are assigned a paper on John Brown Russwurm
General History and Public Displays
Other suggestions advanced at the working luncheon on Wednesday are:
- A building or hall named after JBR in Ministry of Information.
- Building monument, perhaps here in Monrovia or in Harper
- US Public Diplomacy brings in a speaker (biography writer Winston James) to come to Liberia
- Records brought together (older newspapers, articles, artifacts) to tell stories of Liberia’s history (maybe the National Archives or Museum)
- Small museum display inviting in students and journalists to highlight his life upon opening the exhibit
- Leverage Smithsonian and US Department of State relationship to bring artifacts or speakers to Liberia
Informational Links
Please find the following links for more information about John Brown Russwurm’s life and achievements.
Russwurm African American Center, Bowdoin University, Maine
Digital Copy of Liberia Herald, Vol. 1, no. 4 (June 6, 1830), Yale University Library
The Struggles of John Brown Russwurm, by Winston James. Google Books
Henry Highland Garnet, Britannica, Famous Sermon to US House of Representatives
Honoring the Greats in Journalism and Media: John B. Russwurm, Youtube