The Cheif Sam Back-to-Africa Movement
Alfred "Chief" Sam inspired 100s of African American Oklahomans to follow him back to Africa, telling tales of the Gold Coast (present day Ghana) and it's riches. In 1913, holding large camp-style meetings, Sam sold $25 worth of stock in his Trading Company which would retain passage for the whole family to Africa. Sam claimed he had access to land where the group could settle. Hundreds of Oklahoma families not only purchased the stock but sold their possessions to take the trip.
Chief Sam raised enough money to purchase an old German steamer, in New York which he renamed 'The Liberia'. Meanwhile around 600 of Sam's followers gathered in Galveston Texas to meet the ship. In June 1914 the Liberia arrived in Galveston and on August 20, 1914, 60 delegates were chosen from the 100s gathered in Texas for the first trip to Africa.
When the group finally reached the Gold Coast, they were warmly welcomed. However, Life in Africa was not how they had imagined . Many suffered and perished from illness, and most believed they had been misled as local law prohibited American ownership of land. Many of the travelers headed back to Oklahoma. A 2nd voyage to Africa never took place and those awaiting the return of the Liberia to Galveston were left stranded.
Pictured here are 3 of the men who applied for emergency passports to take them home. Grant Crigler, Mose Davis + Boldin Taylor. Crigler + Davis resettled permanently in Oklahoma. Taylor eventually returned to and settled in Liberia.
The final photo is of Sam himself.
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