By Vaye A. Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia – Former Culture Ambassador Juli Endee has officially presented a collection of 200 prestigious art and craft pieces to the Liberian government through the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICAT). This donation marks the realization of her long-standing dream to leave a lasting cultural legacy from her tenure as Culture Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Amb.Endee expressed her joy in returning to the Ministry to promote Liberian culture through the donation of these significant artifacts. Reflecting on her journey, she recalled her early passion for the arts, stating, “As a young girl, I always dreamed of taking these steps to preserve and celebrate our culture.”
Madam Endee highlighted her collaborative efforts with past and present ministers of information, culture, and tourism, expressing pride in seeing her vision come to life under the leadership of Honorable Louis Brown. She commended Minister Piah for his dedication to cultural and tourism development, noting that his passion had inspired her to further beautify the Ministry as a cultural hub.
“I am pleased to see familiar faces here today, including directors and colleagues I have worked with for years. Their presence reminds me of the progress we have made, and I am happy to be here to witness this moment,” Madam Endee remarked.
The former Culture Ambassador revealed that she had initially planned to launch the art and craft initiative last year but was advised by the Minister to wait until the Ministry’s renovation was completed. She emphasized the importance of leaving a meaningful legacy, drawing on a proverb to illustrate her point: “Between sunrise and sunset, there is a period of darkness. But what we do during that time leaves a footprint. As the Traditional Queen of Liberia, I wanted to ensure that my legacy project would leave a lasting impact.”
Madam Endee described her donation as a way to embed “art, craft, and tourism” within the Ministry, fostering creativity and innovation. She stressed that creativity and imagination are the foundations of innovation, and through innovation, dreams can be realized.
She also paid tribute to former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, recalling her motivational words: “Nothing an individual can do is bigger than what you can achieve.” Madam Endee expressed gratitude to all who supported her legacy project, including Ministry staff, musicians, artists, crafters, drivers, and security personnel. “I cannot name everyone, but I thank you all for your contributions,” she said.
In a heartfelt message to Vice President Jeremiah Koung, Madam Endee said, “You have come, and you will see. When you see, you will know, and when you know, you will understand the importance of this legacy.” She also expressed her appreciation to President Joseph N. Boakai for the opportunity to serve as Commissioner General at the World Export Exhibition in Japan, where she plans to showcase Liberian culture on an international stage.
Madam Endee presented symbolic gifts to both President Boakai and Vice President Koung, including a lion sculpture representing strength and a project titled “Love and Country Club,” which embodies Liberia’s natural beauty and artistic creativity. She also gifted Vice President Koung a traditional artifact, urging him to advocate for increased support for Liberian musicians and artists during budget discussions in the Senate.
The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism expressed deep gratitude to Madam Endee for her selfless efforts and unwavering dedication to promoting Liberian culture. Her passion and commitment have resulted in the creation of a captivating gallery featuring over 200 artifacts, which will serve as a testament to Liberia’s rich cultural heritage for generations to come.
