The Kru ethnic group is concentrated along the coastal areas of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast. Known for their expertise in navigation and seafaring, the Kru people have a rich history and have contributed immensely to their respective countries. Here are the top 10 famous people from the Kru ethnic group:
- 1. Samuel Doe – Samuel Doe was a former President of Liberia who came to power through a military coup in 1980. He was of partial Kru descent.
- 2. Robert Sirleaf – Robert Sirleaf is the son of former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and served as a Senior Advisor to her during her presidency.
- 3. Sirleaf Jaliba Kuyateh – Sirleaf Jaliba Kuyateh is a famous Sierra Leonean musician and a member of the Kru ethnic group.
- 4. Yembeh Johnson – Yembeh Johnson is a former Liberian professional footballer who played as a midfielder for the Liberian national team.
- 5. Joseph F. Jankuba Jr. – Joseph F. Jankuba Jr. is a prominent Liberian lawyer and politician who has served in various government positions.
- 6. Alphonso Davies – Alphonso Davies is a Canadian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Bayern Munich and the Canadian national team. He is of Liberian and Kru descent.
- 7. Georgia Horsford – Georgia Horsford is a renowned Liberian poet, playwright, and writer who has received several awards for her literary works.
- 8. Hinome Jones – Hinome Jones is a popular Sierra Leonean hip hop artist, singer, and songwriter of Kru descent.
- 9. Gayflor Kpeyi – Gayflor Kpeyi is a well-known Liberian traditional singer and cultural ambassador who has represented Liberia on various international stages.
- 10. J. Rudolph Johnson Jr. – J. Rudolph Johnson Jr. is a prominent Liberian businessman and philanthropist who has contributed significantly to the development of Liberia’s private sector.
The Kru ethnic group has produced individuals who have excelled in various fields and made significant contributions to their communities and countries. From politics to sports, music to literature, these famous Kru people have left a lasting impact on their respective fields.
Most Famous Kru Celebrities
Here is a list of famous celebrities with Kru roots:
- Josephine Baker: Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Josephine Baker became an iconic performer and singer. She was often referred to as the “Black Pearl,” and in 1951, she renounced her American citizenship and became a French citizen. Baker was of mixed racial heritage, including Kru ancestry.
- Alex Haley: An acclaimed American author, Alex Haley wrote the internationally renowned novel “Roots: The Saga of an American Family.” Haley traced his own ancestry back to the Kru people of Liberia through his research, and his book became a landmark in African American literature.
- Stephen A. Smith: A prominent sports journalist and television personality, Stephen A. Smith is known for his work as an NBA analyst on ESPN’s “First Take” and as a host on ESPN Radio. He is of Kru and Gullah heritage, with his family originating from Sierra Leone and South Carolina.
- Joe Cole: An English professional footballer, Joe Cole had a successful career playing for clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, and West Ham United. Cole’s mother is of Sierra Leonean Kru descent, adding to the Kru representation in the world of sports.
- Abraham Roberts: Abraham Roberts, also known as Boatswain Roberts, was a Kru sailor from Liberia who became a national hero. He played an instrumental role in saving the lives of the passengers of the British ship “Evelina,” which encountered a severe storm near Sierra Leone in 1833.
Ethnic Factsheet: The Kru People
| Region | Country | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Bassa | Liberia | 300,000 |
| Grebo | Liberia | 200,000 |
| Dei | Liberia, Ivory Coast | 100,000 |
| Kru | Liberia, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Guinea | 1,000,000 |
| Gola | Liberia, Sierra Leone | 500,000 |
Kru Ethnicity: References and Resources
Here are some references to dig deeper about the Kru ethnic group:
- “Kru People.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kru
- “Kru.” Joshua Project. Available at: https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/12807/LI
- “Kru People of Liberia and Ivory Coast.” Africa Facts Zone. Available at: http://www.africafactzone.com/2016/08/08/kru-people-of-liberia-and-ivory-coast/
- “The Kru People of Liberia.” Durbar. Available at: https://www.durbar.org.uk/everyone/kru/
- “The Kru People of Liberia: A Proud Nation with a Rich Cultural Heritage.” Facing the World. Available at: https://facingtheworldco.org/blog/2019/2/22/the-kru-people-of-liberia-a-proud-nation-with-a-rich-cultural-heritage
As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.
