A US-based fashion designer has identified with the people of Liberia by sharing his dream with Lofa County traditional chief, a title that was conferred on him years ago.
Making remarks at the Blueprint ceremony, a souvenir program marking the celebration of the legacy of Chief Tamba Taylor, in Monrovia, Chief Dr. Quinton “Tamba Taylor” de’Alexander disclosed that his organization seeks to address some of the challenges facing the youth in Liberia.
He said his organization, We Dream in Color Foundation, Inc./USA, is empowering young Liberians to become entrepreneurs and employers.
“The focus of our foundation is to empower the youth to become entrepreneurs. Never dream small; when you dream big you’ll overcome,” the traditional chief said.
The name, Tamba Taylor, was conferred on him in December 2020 on the Providence Island by Liberia’s Culture Ambassador, Julie Endee, Executive Director, Crusaders for Peace.
During the occasion that marked the rebirth of Liberia, Dr. de`Alexander chose to give the traditional costume, a short male gown draped in Liberia`s three national colors, back to the country in remembrance of the legacy paid to him, which he referred to as the “2020 Blueprint”.
With 30 years of work experience in the fabric industry, Dr. Quinton Chief Tamba Taylor de`Alexander`s collection has designed clothing for different celebrities in the United States of America and others around the world.
In a comment, Fahn Lepolu, Clan Chief, Woryan, Margibi County, encouraged Liberians to work with the people of Margibi to make the clan’s color to stand.
“Tradition is very powerful. When you are educated, do not forget about your tradition. Do not be afraid of your home. Nowhere is like home,” the clan chief cautioned.
During the “Blueprint”, a colorful occasion backed by cultural display from the group, Ballet Zoebanjay, Chief Tamba Taylor de`Alexander returned the traditional gown given to him by the Crusaders for Peace with a well crystal designed dress for celebrity, to be displayed as relics in the National Museum.
In few lines from his social media account, Quinton said, “One early Saturday morning I found myself thinking of ways to empower the less fortunate, not in Liberia, but the less fortunate throughout the world. I also found myself thinking of ways to unify all black people to understand the power of unity and support—to learn to join forces and work together effectively, without jealousy, hate and disrespect within our own race and communities.”
Also commenting, Bill Rogers, the Head of Bill Rogers Youth Foundation, disclosed that the “Blueprint” program was intended to display the legacy of this very great man to share in celebrating the life achievement of a multi award-winning, self-taught philanthropist, humanitarian and executive producer.
“He has over 50 years of experience as a designer and is famously known for drama dresses, dresses designed to display and say so much that every head must turn to admire the incredible work of art,” Rogers stated.
Rogers added that, among other achievements, Dr. de`Alexander has received numerous local and national awards, including the Fred Hampton Image Award and the 2011 Mahogany Foundation Image Award for Excellence in Costume Design.
The head of the Bill Rogers Youth Foundation told the audience that Dr. de`Alexander has devoted his entire professional life to service, serving the needy and poor beyond borders.
“We`ve come to celebrate the legacy of an extraordinary man, a fighter, a statesman and a patriot who embodied so much that is best for Liberia,” he voiced.
Back in 2020, the “We Dream in Color Foundation, Inc./USA” bestowed the Nelson Mandela Freedom Award on Bill Rogers. This award is given to individuals who have immensely contributed to the positive growth of their communities, societies and the global community despite all of the difficulties and challenges.
“Chief Taylor had vowed,” Bill Rogers said, “to change the perception of the image and reputation plastered throughout social media platforms.”
He added that, upon his return to the USA, Quinton went straight to work. “Not only enriched with Liberia`s history but also one with Paramount Chief Tamba Taylor`s legacy, he began gathering various educational and personal profile to initiate the upliftment and empowerment of the most overlooked, less fortunate children and families,” he added.
In the last two years, Chief Dr. Quinton Tamba Taylor de’Alexander delivered more that 50 barrels of food items, school and educational supplies, new clothing, farm supplies and established a play ground in memory of Chief Tamba Taylor, among others.
Including supplies to fight COVID, the Chief has also provided school fees and sponsored trips for several less fortunate students to visit the Liberia National Museum.
Following that, Quinton established the Chief Tamba Taylor support group for athletes feeling unheard and seen. Beneficiaries were Belenie Christian Foundation School System, Bill Rogers Youth Foundation, the People of Woryan Town, Women for Positive Actions, Quality Foundation Daycare and Educational Center, Jazhet School and Foundation, the School for Orphans and Deaf Ministry, Wubu Foundation for Deaf Children Development International, Liberia Crusaders for Peace, Armah and Lydia Lansannah Foundation, Dorcas Circle Effort Baptist Church, New Life in Christ Interdenominational Church and the Liberia National Museum.
Bill recalled, “When you dream big in colors, nothing can stop you from reaching the unreachable.
“I’ve realized how profound and amazing it was that a man of his status could have accepted a challenge to brace the heat of the COVID-19, the financial implications that the trip had on him, and the negatives that the internet portrayed about Africa, especially Liberia,” Rogers said.
The “Blueprint” program, depicting the legacy of the Late Chief Tamba Taylor, was attended by town folks from Woryen Town, Margibi County, and representatives from beneficiary organizations, officials of the National Museum, the media and the traditional ballet group, thus thrilling the audience and guests from all walks of life.