Between Two Worlds: Joseph Geleplay's Fight for Education in Liberia

Biography. In a small village in Liberia in 1919, Joseph Juty Geleplay was born into a world where traditional cultural practices were increasingly threatened by outside influences, yet formal education remained out of reach for most. With remarkable vision and determination, he would become an influential educator who preserved cherished traditions while bringing positive change to his community. This compelling biography chronicles Joseph's remarkable journey from his early years in Kanweaken to his rise as a respected teacher, community leader, and eventually, a representative in Liberia's House during the tumultuous period leading up to the 1980 coup. Through decades of personal sacrifice, Joseph established schools, built community infrastructure, and advocated tirelessly for educational opportunities that would empower future generations.

Through meticulous research and intimate family accounts, His daughter Victoria Geleplay Corlon reveals her father's extraordinary legacy - a man who found harmony between traditional village wisdom and modern education,4 honoring his cultural heritage while embracing new possibilities. Joseph's story unfolds against the backdrop of a changing Liberia, where former American slaves had established a nation with its own hierarchies and challenges. At once, a personal tribute and a vital historical document, Between Two Worlds illuminates the power of education to transform lives and communities. It offers readers a rare glimpse into Liberian society during a pivotal time in its history through the eyes of a remarkable man who built bridges across divided worlds, improving countless lives while preserving what was most valuable from the past.