-Amb. Endee makes clarity on the Culture Ambassador controversy
By Jerromie S. Walters
For years, Liberia’s traditional Queen, Ambassador Juli Endee, has been criticized for what many see as her deliberate refusal to relinquish the title- “Culture Ambassador”, which they believe is an appointed government position. Curious about circumstances surrounding this drama that has played for years, we thought to look beyond all that have been said, and gag from the horse’s mouth, as to how she obtained the title.
When quizzed about her controversial role, Amb. Juli Endee confidently clarified that she doesn’t occupy an appointed position, but rather she holds a title that was bestowed upon her by fallen Liberian politician, David. Kpormakpor. David Donald Kpormakpor (28 September 1935 – 19 August 2010) was a Liberian politician and the first chairman of the Council of State that ruled Liberia from 7 March 1994 until 1 September 1995 during the height of the first Liberian civil war.
In a more substantive manner, she clap-back at unsubstantial claims in the public sphere, and revealed that she doesn’t have a budget, an office, nor staff that can been seen or considered as government appointee (s) in the Culture Ambassador’s office.
These comments come following the honoring of the Liberia Crusaders for Peace (LCP), by the United Nations (UN), mid Wednesday, December 6, 2023, commemorating the International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, as part of the observance of the 16Days of Activism, at the One UN House in Sinkor.
Amid the controversies surrounding her role as Liberia’s Culture Ambassador- Amb. Juli Endee, seems unbothered, as she justifies this with her valid clarity. “Let them do what they have to do, and say what they have to say, talk is cheap. I will continue to serve the people of Liberia, this is a mere title bestowed upon me by David D. Kpormakpor, so that honor that they gave me, I’m going to respect it and continue to promote the image of Liberia through culture and using culture as a medium of communication to promote Liberia,” Amb. JuliEndee narrates.
She continues- “If they want you out it means you have a job, you have a position, you have a budget, you have an office, youhave staff that you work with. None of the above, zero! My budget is zero point zero, point zero, point zero.” “I don’t have an office, I’m using my private office, the culture troop you see is the Crusaders for Peace culture troop, the band is Crusaders for Peace band. Crusaders for Peace is none governmental organization, we send proposals to donors, international partners, and to the government of Liberia. Through the proposals, if it’s okay, based on our strategy and methodology, if they approve the proposals we go ahead. So as Culture Ambassador there’s no office, there’s no budget, I don’t have any staff, so what is it that I’m supposed to resign from?” She questions.
Unleashing her joy about her prestigious United Nations’ honor, Amb. Endee described it as a motivation to do more. “It gives us the zest to let our distractors know that we are not going anywhere, we are right here, doing the things we do best. We will continue to do what we do best, to serve our people and our nation.”
“I tell my distractors that I’m going to be doing more. This is an encouragement from the United Nations to do more in my own life and the Liberia Crusaders for Peace (LCP), rebrand Liberia Crusaders for Peace for a five years strategic plan so I am grateful for this honor in 2023, after working almost three decades.”
Going forward, she vows to effectuate more efforts to the fight against gender based violence, as well as the inclusion of men in said quest. “We need to bring in the men, we need to have discussions with the men, dialogue with the boys, dialogue with the legislature and many stakeholders, considering that it’s not all women in the room, you need to bring the men in the room; have a discussion and make the men he for she. At the same, make them positive gate keepers.”
Still overwhelmed by the uniquity it comes with, she acclaimed the United Nations, the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia, the Liberia Crusaders for Peace, and partners that have aided her endeavor to heighten calls for peace, gender equality and promote the culture and tradition of Liberia.
Amb. Endee and the LCP
Amb Juli Endee is the Founder and Executive Director of the Liberia Crusaders For Peace (LCP). The LCP is a local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) organized in 1994. It was registered under the laws of the Republic of Liberia through the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs in 2001. Its office complex is located on Capitol By-pass, Monrovia. Amb. JuliEndee is the Executive Director of the LCP.
The Executive Director is supported by a 42 staff member, 72 animators, 2248 mobilizers and 30 supervisors in the 15 counties of Liberia. The LCP is an advocacy and social mobilization organisation that promotes behaviour change and participatory communication through community dialogue and conversation, theatre, music and dance.
The LCP has implemented several projects for UNICEF, WFP, WHO, the Ministry of Health, TRC, LISGIS, UNMIL and is currently carrying out sensitization and awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS for the National AIDS-STI Control Program (NACP) Ministry of Agriculture Back to the Soil Campaign.
Some of the programs implemented in collaboration with partners listed above include; social mobilization for Polio Eradication, Back to School Campaign, Community Reintegration of Children Associated with Fighting Forces (CAFF), Let the Children Play and many other event-based activities such as the Day of the African Child, Breastfeeding Week and HIV/AIDS promotion and awareness; LCP also has vast experience in training
Specific deliverables of various training projects/activities include; training of trainers in Interpersonal communication skills (IPC), production of jingles, radio spots messages, and community based mobilization using arts, songs and theatre. Moreover, Crusaders for Peace is a member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Gender Committee.
