Genevieve Coleman Garnett is recognized primarily as a living descendant of William David Coleman, the 13th President of Liberia (1896–1900). She is a prominent member of the extended Coleman family, which traces its lineage from the formerly enslaved man who emigrated from Kentucky to Liberia and became the head of state. Her activities are focused on preserving the family’s historical legacy and maintaining connections between the Liberian and American branches of the Coleman family.
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Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Family Lineage | Great-Granddaughter (or Granddaughter) of William D. Coleman (13th President of Liberia) |
| Primary Association | Coleman Family Reunions, Coleman Crest Farm Legacy |
| Field of Recognition | Historical Preservation, Family History, Cultural Linkages |
| Nationality | Liberian/American (part of the diaspora community) |
| Historical Focus | Connecting the Liberian and American narratives of the Coleman family’s transition from slavery to nation-building. |
Connection to President William D. Coleman
Genevieve Coleman Garnett’s identity is centered on her direct connection to one of Liberia’s early leaders:
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William D. Coleman’s Origins: President William D. Coleman was born into slavery in Fayette County, Kentucky, before emigrating to Liberia in 1853 at age 11.
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Family Preservation: Genevieve Coleman Garnett is one of many descendants who have actively participated in efforts to document and celebrate the family’s history in both the United States and Liberia.
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The Coleman Crest Farm: She is involved with the legacy of the Coleman Crest Farm in Kentucky, the farmland once tilled by Coleman as a slave, which has now become a focal point for the Coleman family’s history and reunions in the United States.
Role in Cultural Linkages and Oral History
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Family Reunions: Ms. Garnett plays a visible role in annual and commemorative reunions, such as the 2024 reunion, which bring together the over 300 descendants of the formerly enslaved Coleman family members. These events serve to reinforce the unique cultural and historical link between the Liberian and American descendants.
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Oral History Projects: She has been interviewed as part of public art and oral history initiatives, such as the “I Was Here” project, which explores the idea of Nation Builders whose ancestors were forcibly relocated to America. Her interviews preserve the narrative of the Coleman family’s journey from enslavement to the foundation of an independent African republic.
Contemporary Significance
While Genevieve Coleman Garnett is not a public official herself, she is a vital figure in historical memory and cultural heritage. She represents the enduring connection between the African-American diaspora and the nation of Liberia, highlighting the complex legacy of the Americo-Liberian founding families. Her work contributes to the broader understanding of African-American history, Liberian political development, and the long-term impact of the American Colonization Society.