President William Tubman, Liberia
William V. S. Tubman, Liberia’s first president, ruled for 27 years. His rule constitutes the longest tenure in that office in the history of Africa’s first republic (proclaimed in 1847).
He was responsible for numerous reforms and social policies, including the enactment of suffrage and property rights for all female residents of 21 or older; authorization of direct participation in government by all tribes people, who comprise about 80 percent of the population; and the establishment of a nationwide public-school system.
Born November 29, 1895, Tubman died on July 23, 1971, in London.
