ON JULY 10, 2025, Liberian classic poet, F. Shelton Gonkerwon, made a breakthrough when the Center of Excellence for Curriculum Development and Textbooks Research/ MOE indulged his request for his book entitled: Dark Freedom to be included on the National Textbooks listing, as Supplementary Reader in Liberia.
INDEED, OFFICIALLY GRANTING Mr. Gonkerwon approval to the utilization of the text, Dark Freedom, as Supplementary Reader for history lessons in all Senior High Schools in Liberia deserves recognition of this veteran journalist’s indefatigable pursuit of a real writer status in contemporary Liberia.
THE POET OF our time has continued to demonstrate the role of a pen pusher, one who writes without fear or favor; one who writes the way he speaks; one who sleeps and dreams with pen in his chest.
WE SLEET THE Ministry of Education for recognizing the noticeable effort of the veteran writer in contributing to our Liberian History without which learning about the past, present and future of our society would be oblivious.
NO DOUBT, DARK Freedom is a masterpiece highlighting political light on what has led us to where we are today; a lesson to be taught, bearing in mind that the past cannot be forgotten, if the present should pave way for a better future.
IN OUR CANDID opinion, it does not matter how long one strives to impact the society positively, but how well and meaningful the contribution of oneself would be remembered, even if you vanish this troublesome world.
WE CANNOT WAIT to assert that the scholarly work of Mr. Gonkerwon is a plus to the journalism profession because the core responsibility of a true journalist is to inform, educate and entertain the society as agent of change.
WE THEREFORE SAY bravo Mr. Gonkerwon! The recognition of your arts by the Ministry of Education in providing a Supplementary Reader for our senior high schools in Liberia is a testament of your long-awaited dream to be listed amongst African Writers of our continent.