Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
/ iu.edu
COLUMBIA (WACH) -- The Capital City is getting a presidential visit next week.
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will be the keynote speaker at a celebration banquet at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Sirleaf is the only female head of state on the continent of Africa.
Tuesday, local leaders gathered to make the announcement.
"We are looking for about 4,000 participants at this event," Ike McLeese, CEO of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce says. "That will generate about 1,500 room nights and over $1 million in economic impact."
Sirleaf's visit also highlights the connection between Liberia and South Carolina.
The country was founded by former slaves from the Palmetto State.
"They moved there because of discrimination in the United States," says USC History Professor Dan Littlefield. "There was this idea that you couldn't argue for equality in the United States, at least successfully until you demonstrated you could build a successful nation in Africa."
Sirleaf studied at Harvard and spoke at the university's graduation ceremonies last month.
Tickets are $75. If you're interested in attending next week's event visit the Township Auditorium website.
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