New Board President named

Jebbeh J. Cole

Today's newsletter features our very own B4 Youth Theatre's new board president, Jebbeh J. Cole, a Liberian who proudly represents the B4 team in Liberia. We are delighted to welcome Jebbeh to the team. Jebbeh has a Master's Degree in Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management and is a certified member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS). Additionally, she is a mother to two sons and two nieces. She loves to bake cakes and dance. She dances so much that sometimes she thinks she 'needs to be delivered for the spirit of dance', she jokes. 

Jebbeh has been with B4 Youth Theatre (B4YT) since its establishment in 2010 when she met Jasmine, B4YT founder on a flight to Liberia. They connected through sharing their passion to educate young people, especially women and girls to reach their full potential through the arts. She has watched this organization grow from a vacation art program in Mount Barclay to establishing five sites in areas around Liberia. One of her most memorable experiences was a playwright festival in 2013 at Monrovia City Hall in Liberia. It was a wonderful experience.

For Jebbeh, it is an honor for her to be the president of the Board because B4YT gives her the platform to improve the lives of youths through arts education. B4 Youth Theatre provides the opportunity for young people to discuss issues that affect them and the communities they live in. As president of the board, she hopes to create relationships with international partners to expose youths to experiences beyond the borders of Liberia.

Jebbeh with B4YT Liberia  Actors before July 2, '200 Years of Returns' performance

Participation in '200 Years of Returns' Performance

The collaboration between B4 Youth Theatre in Liberia and the Colonial Williamsburg Arts Museum  (CW) to bring the “200 Years of Returns” project to reality has been an amazing experience (Learn more about '200 Years of Returns.'). This project has increased her knowledge about the history of Liberia and the country's connection to the United States. On July 2, 2022, Jebbeh and four other actors from Liberia shared the stage with actors from Colonial Williamsburg along with dancers from Baltimore for the first '200 Years of Returns' show. It was a magnificent experience to share this history with others.

Upcoming Shows

July 26

Join the president of the board to see 200 Years of Returns at our Returns and Remembrance: Diaspora Homecoming on July 26 (Liberian Independence Day) at Bloomberg Hall on Johns Hopkins University's Homewood Campus at 6 pm with special guests, co-hosted with African Diaspora Alliance. In partnership with Inheritance Baltimore: B4 Youth Theatre African Diaspora Alliance, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Johns Hopkins University Center for Africana Studies, Billie Holiday Center for Liberation Arts, Slavery & Justice Conference, Program in Racism, Immigration, and Citizenship, Johns Hopkins University Museums. Come join us as we celebrate this historic event.

Kindly donate to support the B4YT Liberia team with the activities in the United States. Every member of the team is confident about the upcoming events. Each person is looking forward to the lessons and experience to share with their colleagues upon return to Liberia, West Africa.