Immigrants from Barbados would have a profound impact on Liberian journalism. Noted journalists included:
Arthur Barclay, editor of the Observer, the only paper being published in the country from 1878 to 1883; Rev. James Emmanuel Padmore, editor of the Bensonville Whip; J. I. A. Weeks, business manager (April 1930-1934?) of the Crozierville Observer and editor in the 1930s of the Careysburg-based Herald; and Albert Porte (1906-1986), who edited the Enlightener (Jan. 4, 1920-1930?) and the Crozierville Observer (April 1930-1934?).
Porte remained active as a member of the publishing committee of the Herald (March 1937-1940?), irregularly published out of Careysburg, and as a columnist for the Weekly Mirror (1934-193?). During his decades-long career, he was sued, threatened and detained without trial on countless occasions by officials in various administrations.
Burrowes, Power and Press Freedom, pp. ??; Source: This article uses material from “J. Porte of Bassa Dies,” Liberian Observer, March 23, 2006; Negro Year Book: An Annual Encyclopedia of the Negro, 1916, 2006, p. 187; American Colonization Society, The African Repository, 1871, p. 278; American Colonization Society, The African Repository, 1871, p. 278; Harry H. Johnston and Otto Stapf, Liberia, 1906, p. 229; American Colonization Society, The African Repository, 1871, p. 278; Sea Breeze Journal of Contemporary Liberian Writings; Gabriel I. H. Williams, Liberia: The Heart of Darkness, 2002, p. 325; Brewer 1992; Cassell 1970, 242, 244, 263; Lynch 1970, 32-33; Acts of the Liberia Legislature, 1893, p. 6; Acts, 1896, p. 3; Acts, 1897, p. 17; Acts 1937, pp. 94-95; Rogers 1988, 204-206, 221 n. 145, 262; Liberia Official Gazette, 1971, “Obituary,” May & June,31-32; Dunn 1992, 314; Observer, Dec. 25, 1879; A. B. King to Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, May 1, 1887, P. H. S., Vol. 12, p. 2; A. B. King to Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, Nov. 21, 1888, P. H. S., Vol. 16, p. 6; Observer, Oct. 28, 1880.
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