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-By Katie Robertson Feb 8, 2023

Editor’s Note

TThis month I celebrate my late mother

Helena

K Sharper, from Cape Palmas, Maryland County Liberia. My mother would have been 75 years old today. However, she left us in July of 2018 at age 70. She was the eldest of four children. Both of her parents were from Maryland County Liberia. I do not know much about my mother’s side of the family since I spent my early years with my paternal grandmother.

A few years ago, I began to research the Sharper family history. To my Amazement, I stumbled upon some fascinating facts about the Sharper clan. One of the things I learned is that my maternal great-grandfather and two of his brothers migrated to Liberia from Trinidad & Tobago. I also discovered that the Sharpers named all their first-born boy child, Archie. However, my grandfather reversed the tradition and named his last son Archie. The next interesting family fact is, they named the first-born girl child Helena. But that tradition ended with my mother. I’m not sure why my mother did not give me her name, I would have been honored to carry on this great naming tradition. Nonetheless, I am pleased with my name since it represents both of my parents.

Lately I have began to feel the presence of both my parents, and it’s empowering. It feels as though I am somehow drawing strength from them, and they are guiding me on this journey. In many African traditions throughout history, our people have relied on the wisdom of their ancestors. Notwithstanding, the tradition of calling on the spirit of our ancestors is not something that was passed down in my family since my family practice Christianity rather than the traditional African Religion. However, this has become a natural phenomenon that I recently discovered.

The knowledge of being guided and protected by my parents especially my mother is comforting. I pledge to continue to represent my mother and the lineage of heroines who came before her with pride and dignity. I will strive for the best in everything I do from this day forward.

Happy Birthday Muma, you know how much I love you. I wish you would have stayed with us a little while longer, but I know you were tired of suffering. I am aware that once you were removed from this burden of an earthly garment, you beceme free. Thanks for your guidance even in the afterlife.

(I made the dress I wore in this picture specifically for the occasion. The fabric is African Lace with artificial pearls and rhinestones. This dress has become my favorite dress.)

Mackleine Wilson Gibbs