A team of archaeologists, historians, filmmakers, and researchers from the U.S.-based organization, Diving With a Purpose (DWP), is shedding new light on the history of the descendants of New Georgia, Montserrado County.
During a press briefing on December 10, 2024, hosted by the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), the team shared their mission to document the profound legacy of the transatlantic slave trade through an ambitious documentary project.
The focus of their work includes the rediscovery of two historic slave ships, the Clotilda and Guerrero. These ships hold tragic significance: the Clotilda was the last vessel to illegally transport enslaved Africans to the United States in 1860, decades after the transatlantic slave trade was abolished. Meanwhile, the Guerrero sank during a journey that claimed many lives. The rediscovery of these ships in recent years has forged a bridge between African Americans and their ancestral roots in Liberia.
Leading the project, Kenneth Steward emphasized the initiative’s focus on reclaiming lost history and forging meaningful connections between the ships’ descendants and their Liberian heritage.
“We are here to tell the story of Clotilda and Guerrero, but more importantly, to reconnect these vessels with the people whose lives they irrevocably changed,” Steward said. “This project is about rediscovering history, understanding its impact, and linking those stories to the descendants who still live with its legacy.”
The DWP team has been working closely with the New Georgia community, gathering oral histories, archival materials, and archaeological evidence in collaboration with local historians. These efforts aim to uncover the emotional and historical significance of the transatlantic slave trade and the enduring resilience of its survivors’ descendants.
Diving With a Purpose is also calling on young Liberians to actively participate in the project, which will provide an opportunity to explore their heritage and understand how their ancestors’ stories continue to shape modern identities.
“This documentary is not just about the past—it’s about empowering young Liberians to engage with their roots and tell their ancestors’ stories,” Steward said. “We want them to participate in this journey as active participants, not just spectators, in a shared history that holds lessons for the present and future.”
The documentary will highlight the strength and resilience of Liberian descendants impacted by the transatlantic slave trade. DWP aims to create a deeper understanding of this legacy and foster a sense of pride and connection across generations through their work.
“This is about more than ships—it’s about the legacy of a people, their survival, and their contributions to the world,” Steward added.
As the project develops, the team’s collaborative efforts with local communities promise to uncover a powerful narrative honoring Liberia’s history while inspiring future generations.
