By Aaron Kollie
It is deeply rooted beyond its social traction. The 18th Street Old Guards’ Gathering is an informal fraternity of brotherhood that assembles daily in Monrovia’s sprawling Sinkor District, located on 18th street in an outdoor setting, securely located off Tubman Boulevard, directly opposite LIBTELCO. The 18th Street Jones’ garage setting, with its professional architectural firm, plays host to this informal association of esteemed and respected professional men and women, many of whom are retired career public servants, statesmen and entrepreneurs of varying backgrounds.
Established in 1987, it was an idea conceived by a few working professionals (Manfred Jones, Erwin Jones, Fred Bass Golakeh and the late Pewee) for socializing and networking initially for those who had brought their vehicles for diagnosis and servicing, as well as securing drawings/diagrams for housing, ideally assembling at the close of official working hours at 6pm. It was all meant to socialize and informally provide Pro Bono counsel and guidance for members who sought/desired direction and help in challenging circumstances, while at the same time celebrating the successes and achievements of members, i.e., birth, wedding and special anniversaries, as well as bereavements and personal identifications and visitations.
Thirty-nine years on and the 18th Street Old Guards’ Gathering is not only still alive; it’s now even where pre-war members and affiliates seek nostalgic relief, while still opened-arm for others regardless of their tribal, partisan or religious affiliation.
Operating under the banner/motto of “NO BAD DAY, – Do the right thing, – We Are Men on 18th street,” it is revered as an all-rounded group, predominately comprising older gentlemen, but with many young working Professionals and Entrepreneurs within its ranks and file, opened to all residents of Liberia and the Diaspora without discrimination. With no preconditions to affiliation, the membership is beyond tribal, ethic, partisan or religious lines, judging from its conduct. The open, free and friendly dialogue and conversation conducted over the sharing and exchange of beverages of all sorts, spiced by the usual Liberian roasted pepper fish and roasted meat being served, speaks volume. The members voluntarily underwrite the costs of drinks and meals, while reflecting on old school days, family connections, welfare and outreach, in an atmosphere of frankness and cordiality.
A sort of old guards’ club, there is plenty of recollection and narrations, citing who was dating who, the old-time top night clubs and bars in Monrovia, the Afro hair style and big bottom-trousers, the prominent local and foreign businesses of the time, as well as relating previous work and boyhood days experiences. It’s an all-fun-time oral story telling gathering, relating memorable times, – knowing Monrovia’s power brokers of yester-years.
Far beyond the “WHO’s-WHO’S IN MONROVIA,” the 18th Street Old Guards’ Gathering has a broader outreach/orientation that includes prominent and influential figures with a growing list of membership. The first Chairman of the group was Marbue Dennis, who was succeeded by Cllr. Frank Musa Dean (now referred to as Chairman Emeritus) who sought to introduce a democratic culture within the leadership structure of the group. Cllr. Dean subsequently turned over the mantle of leadership to Mr. John T. Richardson, who interestingly with the endorsement of its membership, currently serves as the Chairman for life, presiding over all 18th Street activities.
One Passerby noted: “given the comradeship on 18th Street, when you come there for the first time, there is a special of kind human magnate that keeps drawing you back and forth until you become fully incorporated.” It’s a reflection of true friendship and brotherhood exhibited, in an ambience of warmth and togetherness.
With the advent of social media, the 18th Street-based informal affiliation has no boundaries/borders reaching out to its members through a formal WhatsApp chatroom, exchanging messages, sharing relevant contacts and information on all subjects of national and global interests.
To reflect its high level of inclusive mantra, the group, interestingly, has a reserved /special spot for the elderly (70 years and above) who are respectfully seated against the wall, looking forward towards all members, who themselves graciously desire the trappings of that recognition and honor in time to come. Any violator of the seating protocol is fined a meagre amount to avert disrespect to the elderly.
The gathering is also a popular trading route for petty traders carrying coconuts, peanuts, fresh fish, clothing, cosmetics and other essentials.
It is practically fun time week days, excluding Saturdays and Sundays with the low tone quality musical renditions in the background, as members freely walk to the reserved cooler containing mixed beverages sitting at the base of an electric wooden pole with a permanently mounted opener to serve themselves, – a process that continues leading to 9pm, as the members gradually walk or drive away for their respective homes, bidding each other goodbye.
The 18th Street informal body is adopting the pattern of other established charities by seeking to gradually reach out, giving tokens to indigent bystanders. There is a membership financed and organized year end “Beach Party” at a select location to reflect on activities of the year and make projections for the New Year.
From all intents and purposes, 18th Street is where you want to be for leisure as an adult Monrovia resident, seeking professional networking and socialization. 18th Street has become a major point for congregation by visiting members of the Liberian Diaspora and prominent locals in Metropolis Monrovia.
Because of their close affinity to each other, it has become customary for members to observe birth anniversaries onsite, hiring professional caterers to serve meals and drinks while they serenade the celebrant, invoking God’s continued blessings and grace.
That’s the real story of 18th Street, – an informal Association of brotherhood, socializing and looking after the welfare of its members at all times. NO BAD DAY!
