By Mark B. Newa
A US-based fashion designer has identified with the people of Liberia sharing his dream with Lofa County’s traditional chief, a title that was conferred onto him years ago.
Making a statement at the Blueprint, a souvenir program marking the celebration of the legacy of Chief Tamba Taylor in Monrovia, Chief Dr. Quinton ‘Tamba Taylor’ de`Alexander disclosed that his organization seeks to address some of the challenges facing youth in Liberia.
He said his organization, We Dream in Color Foundation, is empowering young Liberians to become entrepreneurs and employers for themselves and others.
“The focus of our foundation is empowering the youth to become entrepreneurs. Never dream small, when you dream big, you`ll overcome,” the traditional chief said.
The name Tamba Taylor was conferred onto him in December 2020 on Providence Island by Liberian Culture Ambassador Julie Endee, executive director of the Crusaders for Peace.
During the occasion that marked the rebirth of Liberia, Dr. de`Alexander chose to give the traditional costume, a short male gown draped in Liberia`s three national colors, back to the country in remembrance of the legacy paid to him, which he referred to as the ‘2020 Blueprint’.
With 30 years of working in the fabric industry, Dr. Quinton Chief Tamba Taylor de`Alexander`s collection, using crystal jewels, has designed clothing for different celebrities in the United States of America and others around the world.
In a comment, Fahn Lepolu, clan chief of Woryan clan in Margibi County encouraged Liberians to work with the people of Margibi to make the clan color stand.
“Tradition is very powerful. When you are educated, do not forget about your tradition. Do not be afraid of your home. Nowhere is like home,” the clan chief cautioned.
During the Blueprint, a colorful occasion backed by a cultural display from the group Ballet Zoebanjay, Chief Tamba Taylor de`Alexander returned the traditional gown given him by the Crusaders for Peace with a well crystal-designed dress for celebrity, to be displayed as relics in the Liberia National Museum.
In a few lines from his social media account, Quinton said one early Saturday morning. “I find myself thinking of ways to empower the less fortunate, not in Liberia, but the less fortunate throughout the world. I also find myself thinking of ways to unify all black people to understand the power of unity and support. If we learned to join forces to work together effectively, without jealousy, hate and disrespect within our own race and communities.”
Also commenting, Bill Rogers, the head of Bill Rogers Youth Foundation, disclosed that the Blueprint program was intended to display the legacy of this very great man to share in celebrating the life`s achievement of a multi-award-winning self-taught philanthropist, humanitarian and executive producer.
“He has over 50 years of experience as a designer and is famously known for drama dresses, dresses designed to display and say so much that every head must turn to admire the incredible work of art,” Mr. Rogers recalled.
Rogers added that among other achievements, Dr. de`Alexander has received numerous local and national awards, including the Fred Hampton Image Award, and the 2011 Mahogany Foundation Image Award for Excellence in costume design.
The head of the Bill Rogers Youth Foundation told the audience that Dr. de`Alexander has devoted his entire professional life to service, serving the needy and poor beyond borders.
“We`ve come to celebrate the legacy of an extraordinary man, a fighter, a statesman, a patriot who embodied so much that is best for Liberia.”
The head of the Bill Rogers Youth Foundation told the audience that Dr. de`Alexander has devoted his entire professional life to service, serving the needy and poor beyond borders.
“We`ve come to celebrate the legacy of an extraordinary man, a fighter, a statesman, a patriot who embodied so much that is best for Liberia.”
Back in 2020, the ‘We Dream in Color Foundation’ bestowed the Nelson Mandela Freedom Award to Bill Rogers. This award is given to individuals who have immensely contributed to the positive growth of their communities, societies, and the global community despite all of the difficulties and challenges.
“Chief Taylor had vowed,” Bill Rogers said, “To change the perception of the image and reputation plastered throughout social media platforms.’
He added that upon his return to the USA, Quinton went straight to work. “Not only enriched with Liberia`s history and becoming one with Paramount Chief Tamba Taylor`s legacy, but he also began gathering various educational and personal profiles to initiate the upliftment and empowerment of the most overlooked, less fortunate children, and families.”
In the last two years, the Chief delivered more than 50 barrels of food items, school, and educational supplies, new clothing, and farm supplies, and established a playground in memory of Chief Tamba Taylor.
Including supplies to fight COVID, the Chief has also provided school fees and sponsored trips for several less fortunate students to visit the Liberia National Museum.
Following that, Quinton established the Chief Tamba Taylor support group for athletes feeling unheard and seen. Beneficiaries were Belenie Christian Foundation School System, Bill Rogers Youth Foundation, the People of Woryan Town, Women for Positive Actions, Quality Foundation Daycare and Educational Center, Jazhet School and Foundation, the School for Orphans and Deaf Ministry, Wubu Foundation for Deaf Children Development International, Liberia Crusaders for Peace, Armah and Lydia Lansannah Foundation, Dorcas Circle Effort Baptist Church, New Life in Christ Interdenominational Church, and the Liberia National Museum.
Bill recalled, “When you dream big in colors, nothing can stop you from reaching the unreachable.”
“I realize how profound and amazing it was that a man of his status could have accepted a challenge to brace the heat of COVID, the financial implications that the trip had on him, and the negatives that the internet portrayed about Africa, especially Liberia,” Mr. Rogers said.
The program was attended by town folks from Woryen Town in Margibi County and representatives from beneficiary organizations, officials of the Liberian National Museum, local media, and the traditional ballet group.
