‘This is a historical day for us’: Large crowd welcomes Liberian president to Columbus

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first woman head of state on the continent of Africa and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient considered a champion of democracy throughout the world, arrived at Midtown Medical Center in Columbus to the thunderous applause of more than 300 people gathered on her behalf.

Sirleaf walked quietly into the room dressed in an olive-green jacket and head-wrap. She was accompanied by her son, Dr. James Sirleaf, who serves as the center’s medical director for the Department of Emergency Medicine.

Those in the audience included hospital staff and executives, historians, business representatives, students and others drawn to the excitement of such a dignitary in their midst. Faida Mitifu, a former ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the United States who now lives in Columbus, also was present.

“This is a historical day for us and it’s great to see such a great crowd here to welcome the president of Liberia,” said the Rev. Michael Stewart, of the medical center. “We’ve been looking forward to this day for a couple of years. So this day is finally here. We’re glad you’re here, madam president.”

Before speaking to the crowd, Johnson received gifts and accolades from her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorors, who dressed in their customary pink and green for the occasion. She also received recognition from state Rep. Calvin Smyre, who greeted her on behalf of the state, city and Mayor Teresa Tomlinson, whom he said couldn’t make it to the event.

“Today is a significant day because we welcome Africa’s first female head of state and the second black female head of state in the world,” he said. “…. President Sirleaf is a strong woman and a woman of substance, addressing serious issues facing her Liberian population. She’s been a strong woman for literacy, abject poverty, sexual violence, domestic abuse, and political disenfranchisement by fostering good will around the world.

“So today it’s a honor for me to make her an honorary Georgia citizen,” he said. “In my 42 years (in the Georgia House of Representatives) this is one of the most singular honors that I have ever had, to welcome a head of state to my hometown that I love, Columbus, Georgia.”

This story was originally published September 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM with the headline "‘This is a historical day for us’: Large crowd welcomes Liberian president to Columbus."