From Oppression to Empowerment: The Porte Family's Enduring Legacy of Diversity, Inclusion, and Hope

Once upon a time, on a small island called Barbados, a family known as the Portes endured the harsh realities of slavery on sugarcane plantations. Day in and day out, they toiled under the scorching sun, their spirits resilient but their hearts yearning for more. It was in the face of adversity that the seeds of their courage and determination were planted.

John Prince Porte, a patriarch and visionary man, emerged as a beacon of hope for his family. He forged a new path with unwavering resolve and made a life-changing decision—the Porte family would set sail for Liberia on the CORA in 1865.

Leaving behind the only home they had known, the Portes embarked on a treacherous journey across the vast Atlantic Ocean. With hope in their hearts and their ancestral spirits guiding them, they faced the unknown with courage. It was a leap of faith, fueled by the belief that a better life awaited them in a distant land where they could embrace their African roots.

Arriving in Liberia, the Porte family found themselves in a place that held both familiarity and a sense of rediscovery. Here, they could reconnect with their ancestral heritage, joining a community of others who had made similar journeys. It was a time of rebuilding, of reclaiming their identity, and of nurturing the flame of hope that burned within their hearts.

Albert Porte and Lillian Porte

In this powerful photo, we witness Albert Porte, the legendary pamphleteer and journalist, standing resolutely. Albert's unwavering commitment to truth was so profound that he would traverse the streets of Monrovia with a suitcase in hand, containing a mat, toothpaste, and a toothbrush, ready to face imprisonment for speaking his convictions.

This poignant moment was captured after the funeral of their mother, Fredrica King-Porte, the cherished wife of Reverend Conrad C. Porte. Albert, aged 22, and Lillian, just 21, when their mother passed.

Fast forward 150 years, and the story of the Porte family's emancipation and subsequent emigration has been passed down through the generations. Their descendants carry the weight of their ancestors' struggles and triumphs, carrying their legacy forward with pride and determination.

In their relentless pursuit of truth and connection, Ambassador Lorenzo Witherspoon and his daughter, Loyce Beryl Witherspoon, dedicated themselves to uncovering the remarkable tale of the Porte family. Through their tireless efforts, the world would come to know the Portes as more than just names on a family tree—they would become symbols of resilience, courage, and the enduring spirit of freedom.

As the Porte family's remarkable journey unfolded, they discovered not only their own ancestral ties but also the interconnectedness of diverse communities. The ties between Barbados and Liberia ran deep, with invitations extended and embraced across the seas. The descendants of Barbadian emigrants in Liberia, filled with a desire to explore their heritage, were eager to return to the land of their ancestors.

And so, the SANKOFA BACK2BARBADOS PILGRIMAGE was born—an event with a mission to bring together more than 700 Bajan-Africans, family members, friends, and well-wishers from across Africa and the global diaspora. Organized under The Africa-Barbados Heritage Initiative (TABHI), this pilgrimage will celebrate a shared heritage, embrace ancestral connections, and lay the foundation for building meaningful relationships between West Africa, the diaspora, and Barbados.

Barbados- Lib Project:

“Glad to be part of the Liberia Project, chronicling the Post-emancipation Emigration of the John Prince Porte Family from Barbados, West Indies, to Liberia, West Africa, in 1865. The Family’s Quest for Ancestral Citizenship, is complimented by the Passenger Manifest of the Brig CORA, the vessel that brought the emigrants from Barbados to Liberia on April 6, 1865.” - Instagram Post by @iamrodneysieh

The Porte name is honored on the Builders of Barbados Wall, where the surnames of those who lived on the island are inscribed.

Vanessa Lawson, a descendant of John Prince Porte, founded in December of 2018 Porte Model and Talent Management Agency. Inspired by the pillars of her family's legacy—diversity, inclusion, and hope—Vanessa aimed to create a platform that celebrated the beauty of every individual, irrespective of their background or origin.

Porte Model and Talent Management Agency has become a beacon of empowerment and representation, where aspiring models and talented individuals can find their voice and showcase their unique gifts. This agency embraces diversity in all its forms, recognizing that our differences make us stronger and more beautiful as a collective. Vanessa's vision is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated, just as her ancestors had longed for.

As the Porte family's story continues to unfold, their journey serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. From the sugarcane plantations of Barbados to the shores of Liberia, their legacy echoes through the generations, inspiring us to embrace our heritage, foster unity, and work towards a future where diversity and inclusion are celebrated.

Let us honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape a future where the Porte family's pillars of diversity, inclusion, and hope shine brightly for generations to come.

Resources:

Porte, E. K. (Sr.), et al. (2020). Portes Find a New Home in Liberia: Story of the Post-Emancipation Emigration of The John Prince Porte Family from Barbados, West Indies, to Liberia in West Africa in 1865.

Government Information Service Barbados. (n.d.). Barbados-Liberia connection discussed during meeting. Retrieved from https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/barbados-liberia-connection-discussed-during-meeting/

Barbados Today. (2023, May 7). Liberia pilgrimage to Barbados set for May 6-13, 2024. Retrieved from https://barbadostoday.bb/2023/05/07/liberia-pilgrimage-to-barbados-set-for-may-6-13-2024/

The Liberian Observer. (n.d.). Descendants of Barbadian emigrants to Liberia return. Retrieved from https://www.liberianobserver.com/descendants-barbadian-emigrants-liberia-return

FrontPage Africa Online. (n.d.). Nationality law change could see Barbados grant citizenship to descendants of settlers in Liberia. Retrieved from https://frontpageafricaonline.com/front-slider/nationality-law-change-could-see-barbados-grant-citizenship-to-descendants-of-settlers-in-liberia/

Oral History: Porte Family Elders and Descendants. (2013-2023). Personal communication.