About the Book
Coloring History: Joseph Jenkins Roberts brings the story of an inspiring leader to life through art, storytelling, and interactive activities. Readers will discover Roberts’s journey from Norfolk, Virginia to becoming the first President of Liberia, exploring themes of leadership, independence, and global legacy.
Inside, you’ll find:
Detailed coloring pages that make history hands-on and memorable
Engaging puzzles and fun facts that highlight Roberts’s achievements
Inspiring lessons about determination, resilience, and vision
Perfect for classrooms, libraries, homeschool, and family learning, this book helps students connect with history in a creative and meaningful way.
Why This Book Matters
Joseph Jenkins Roberts’s story continues to inspire learners today. Through his life and achievements, students can explore themes that remain relevant across generations:
Leadership – From humble beginnings in Virginia to guiding a new nation, Roberts showed how courage and vision can change history.
Independence – His presidency symbolized freedom, resilience, and the right of a people to self-govern.
Legacy – Roberts’s impact bridged two continents, leaving a lasting example of hope, unity, and determination.
Joseph Jenkins Roberts: First President of Liberia
Born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1809, Joseph Jenkins Roberts rose from humble beginnings to become the first African American governor in 1841 and, later, the first African American president in 1848, serving as President of Liberia. Before his presidency, he built a career as a merchant and educator, and he played a central role in shaping the early identity of the Liberian nation.
Roberts worked tirelessly to strengthen Liberia’s independence, expand trade, and secure recognition from powerful nations around the world. His leadership reflected both American roots and African aspirations, bridging two continents at a time when the world was redefining freedom and sovereignty.
His life represents resilience, vision, and the pursuit of self-determination — a legacy that continues to inspire generations today.
