After seven months of being in Ghana and briefly in Liberia, I returned to NYC for a short visit. No one could have prepared me for the incredible transformation that has taken place. Outdoor dining, sidewalks transformed into a mini extension of restaurants, mask-wearing, and the many other changes that have made this once-bustling city feel like a tragedy struck here in ways no one prepared for.
By Leymah Gbowee, Contributing Writer
Before the lockdown and the Coronavirus’ implosion, we were in the process of planning many events in this great city. Angelique Kidjo, my friend and sister, and other African artists had plans of wooing us with a spectacular concert as a part of her birth anniversary and Africa’s emancipation from colonial rule. Internationally, the UN was in preparation for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)- a time where women’s issues are discussed at the UN. Women from all walks of life would descend on New York, everyone with an agenda, a thematic concern, or a story, all in women’s interest and their lives and livelihood.
But no one anticipated that New York or the other bustling cities in the world would crumble to their knees due to the impact of COVID. Broadway is now quiet- absolutely no plays, movie theaters are empty; the once busy Time Square is not as busy as it should be. Depending on where you go shopping, you have to social distance and bag your groceries.
As I observe these and many more changes in the great city, my mind went back to the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible, specifically chapter 1 verse 2-3: “Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher, vanity of vanities, all is vanity. What profit hath a man of all his labor which he taketh under the sun.”
I couldn’t help but contemplate this verse- indeed, life and all of our stress about accumulating wealth, things, and worldly possessions are all vanities. If indeed, this is true, I ponder why we have leaders in spaces and countries whose primary goal is to steal and fill their accounts at the expense of the people who elected/selected them to serve. They foolishly forget that some men and women occupied that same chair just a few years ago and mismanaged their land resources and those same men and women are nowhere today- it is all vanity.
Sometimes I wonder if these leaders have seen or read their history books to help them discern that indeed this is all vanity. In my nation Liberia, I am reminded of the farm in Totota- the farm was owned by the late President Tubman. I am told that that farm was the place to be-expatriates longed to visit and stay there; especially at “Coocoo Nest”- a lovely lounge where people sat and ate and drank. Today, the farm lies in ruins. My second reminder is the massive and extravagant house built by former President Doe in Tuzon, Grand Gedeh. Today, that house lies in nothing but ruins- it is a “sight for sore eyes.” Everything of value that once adorned that house was looted and or destroyed. The third reminder is “White Flower”- the home of Charles Taylor in Monrovia. Everyone in his inner circle bought a house or land in that community as it was the seat of power. Today, “white flower” sits there like a dead flower with no hope of resuscitation. Today, in our nation Liberia, many would do whatever it takes to gain wealth. We also see those in the inner circle are scrambling for land or house in the Rehab community just to be close to the seat of power. Beautiful homes are popping up in those communities; individuals who could not even afford a one-bedroom apartment are today owners of 2 story homes. A fleet of cars fills their compound, 24 hours of electricity, and concrete pavement leading to many of these homes.
A few months back, I attended an event and was chatting with a former high-ranking government official. After exchanging pleasantries, the person told me they had to leave the event early as they were driving themselves home. I asked if their driver went home early, and the response was, “oh, I don’t have a driver, oh, I can’t afford it.” I was not surprised at the response at all. Proverbs 13: 11 says, “wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase.” Beyond Liberia and these examples cited, many of us today find very little time for family, friends, and loved ones, all in the name of wealth, fame, and power.
The most prominent reminder of all is COVID 19. It showed us that “ALL IS VANITY.”