Telfar Clemens

Telfar Clemens is of Liberian descent. He was born in Queens, New York, but his family has roots in Liberia. Telfar has often incorporated aspects of his heritage and personal experiences into his work, contributing to the diverse and inclusive nature of his fashion brand.

Fashion designer and the founder of Telfar, a unisex fashion label. Telfar, often stylized as TELFAR, is known for its inclusive and gender-neutral designs. The brand gained significant attention for its signature Shopping Bag, a versatile and popular accessory.

Telfar Clemens has been celebrated for challenging traditional fashion norms and promoting inclusivity in the fashion industry. In 2021, Telfar Clemens was announced as the head architect for Liberia’s Olympic uniforms.

Alvin Kamara

Alvin Kamara, a prominent American football player specializing as a running back in the NFL, was last associated with the New Orleans Saints. Born on July 25, 1995, in Norcross, Georgia, Kamara’s roots extend to Liberia, instilling a sense of pride in his Liberian heritage. Beyond his athletic achievements, Kamara engages in philanthropy, notably contributing aid to Liberia. His NFL journey has been marked by numerous Pro Bowl selections, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s premier running backs.

Kamara’s financial attitude reflects both his upbringing and Liberian heritage. His mother’s hard work, as a Liberian immigrant, instilled in him a frugal nature despite his NFL success.

Richelieu Dennis

Richelieu Dennis, born on February 13, 1969, in Liberia, is an entrepreneur who founded Sundial Brands, a company specializing in personal care products. Sundial Brands is recognized for its emphasis on utilizing natural and organic ingredients and has successfully launched popular beauty and skincare lines such as SheaMoisture and Nubian Heritage. In 2017, Unilever, a multinational consumer goods company, acquired Sundial Brands. Additionally, Richelieu Dennis, along with a group of investors, acquired Essence Communications, Inc. in 2018. Richelieu Dennis boasts a net worth of $350 million. Richelieu Dennis often credits Liberia’s cultural heritage for shaping his entrepreneurial journey and social impact commitment.

Zelma Davis

Zelma Davis, born on January 2, 1971, in Monrovia, Liberia, later moved to the United States. She gained recognition as the lead vocalist for C+C Music Factory in the early 1990s, contributing to hits like “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” and “Here We Go (Let’s Rock & Roll).” C+C Music Factory, led by Robert Clivillés and David Cole, achieved substantial success with their energetic dance tracks during that period.

Saycon Sengbloh

Saycon Sengbloh, born on October 23, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia, is an American actress and singer celebrated for her contributions to theater, film, and television. While her birthplace is in Atlanta, her familial roots trace back to Liberia, a country on the West African coast. Sengbloh has proudly spoken about her Liberian heritage in interviews and discussions, adding a meaningful layer to her diverse background. She has starred in notable Broadway productions, delivering standout performances in “Wicked,” “The Color Purple,” and “Eclipsed.” Beyond the stage, she has also made appearances in various television series and films, including the TV series “The Wonder Years.”

Cheryl Dunye

Cheryl Dunye is known for her work as a filmmaker, director, producer, and actress. Her notable film, “The Watermelon Woman” (1996), is considered a landmark in independent cinema, particularly for its exploration of the intersection of race, sexuality, and identity. She was born on May 13, 1966, in Monrovia, Liberia. Discover how Cheryl Dunye’s Liberian heritage inspired her film work in this video interview: https://rb.gy/2qh2ee

Marietta Sirleaf

Retta, also known as Marietta Sirleaf, was born in New Jersey, USA, to parents who had immigrated from Liberia, establishing her Liberian heritage. Renowned as an American comedian and actress, she gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Donna Meagle on the NBC series “Parks and Recreation” and has featured in several other television shows and movies, such as “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce” and “Good Girls.” Notably, Retta is connected to Liberia through her family ties, as she is a niece by marriage to the former Liberian president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Kat Graham

Born on September 5, 1989, in Geneva, Switzerland, Kat Graham, whose full name is Katerina Alexandre Hartford Graham, is a multifaceted American entertainer. Her father has roots in Liberian and Americo-Liberian heritage, while her mother hails from Russian and Polish Jewish descent. Kat Graham gained widespread recognition for portraying Bonnie Bennett in the well-received television series “The Vampire Diaries,” which aired from 2009 to 2017.

Cautious Clay

Cautious Clay, whose real name is Joshua Karpeh, is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. He gained attention for his unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and indie pop. Born on January 30, 1993, in Cleveland, Ohio, Cautious Clay began his musical career as a flute player before transitioning to singing and producing.

He gained popularity with his breakout single “Cold War” in 2017 and has since released several EPs, including “Blood Type” (2018) and “Table of Context” (2019). His music often explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and relationships.

Cautious Clay’s debut album, “Karpeh,” is not just a namesake but a tribute to his family’s legacy, notably his Liberian grandfather. The album intimately explores the rich tapestry of his immigrant and Black American family’s identity. With a deliberate intent, Cautious Clay crafts an immersive experience, inviting listeners to engage with a narrative deeply woven into his life’s fabric.

Michael Blackson

Michael Blackson is comedian and actor born to Ghanaian parents in Liberia. He is known for his stand-up comedy performances and has appeared in various films and television shows. Michael Blackson gained popularity for his unique comedic style and often addresses topics such as race, relationships, and everyday life in his performances. Watch as Michael Blackson discusses his Liberian heritage while cooking dishes from his childhood. Click here to watch: https://rb.gy/4mgtpf.

It’s great to highlight celebrities with Liberian roots who are representing the small West African country on the global stage. If there are any individuals we have overlooked or you believe we should spotlight, please feel free to share their names below.