African American Studies Commons^™

Making History In The Bedroom: Americo-Liberians And Indigenous Liberians Sexual Unions, 1880s- C. 1950s, William E. Allen

Faculty and Research Publications

The article discusses sexual unions between black American settlers and majority indigenes in Liberia. According to the author, these unions forged political alliances between indigenous Liberians and Americo-Liberians, furthered the so-called civilizing mission of the colony, and created space for social mobility. Details related to the different groups living in the region, including indigenous Africans, recaptives who had been taken off illegal slaving vessels and resettled in Liberia, and free and formerly enslaved blacks from the U.S., are presented. Other topics include Christianity, polygamy, and illegitimate children.