Black leaders in Massachusetts held a press conference Thursday on the steps of Springfield City Hall to launch a movement aimed at restoring U.S. citizenship for Liberians.
The group is calling for an end to a “constitutional division” they say is rooted in 18th-century law.
The movement comes as the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of independence on July 4. Organizers argue that while the nation celebrates freedom, certain historical laws created a lasting inequality for Black Americans and Liberians that has yet to be fully addressed.
Rev. Torli H. Krua, a local Liberian human rights activist, highlighted the impact of the Naturalization Act of March 26, 1790. This law originally restricted U.S. citizenship to “free white persons” of good character. “Because on March 26, 1790, there was a law passed , only white people would be citizens and Black people who fought during the American revolution and their children living here be forced to leave the country because of the color of their complexion,” Krua said.
State Rep. Bud Williams joined other officials to advocate for federal changes regarding visa access. Williams noted a disparity in how the United States handles international travel documents for African nations compared to other regions. “40 billion visas, countries have visas that come into this country. No. 1 country in Africa has a visa right,” Williams said.
Springfield City Councilor Malo Brown noted that local officials have already taken steps to acknowledge the issue through formal channels. Brown expressed support for the ongoing efforts of his colleagues in Springfield. “I commend my City Council colleagues. we did do a proclamation, we did go to donald trump and and say that this was an injustice for all blacks,” Brown said.
The movement also seeks formal acknowledgement of Elizabeth Freeman, a historical figure from Berkshire County. Freeman was the first African American woman to successfully file a lawsuit for her freedom in the region.
Following the awareness raised by the Springfield City Council, state leaders are now taking the initiative to bring the issue of Liberian citizenship to the federal level.
Source: WWLP 22NEWS
