Isaac Theophilus Akunna Wallace-Johnson (1895-1965) was a West African trade union organizer, nationalist political leader, journalist, and pan-Africanist. He was born to Creole parents in Wilberforce, Sierra Leonne. Granted that during his early life blacks were still considered inferior, missionaries were sent from the United States to 'teach and civilize' Africans with the word of God. This 'civilazation' occurred through the construction of Catholic churches and mission schools, which is where Isaac Wallace- Johnson was educated. However, he abandoned his secondary education and became employed in an attempt to support his family. He worked in various commercial establishments until 1913, when he became a clerk for the colonial government.
Wallace's oratory and organization skills were exceptional and propelled him to a leadership position at the Customs Department in Sierra Leonne where he organized the first trade union.
In 1914 he called for a strike and was immediately fired. the years passed Wallace took on more jobs that enabled him to voice his opinions and vehemently oppose the injustices that occured in Sierra Leonne. Whether it was publishing his own editorial in various newspapers or joining a cul-de-sac, he managed to speak his mind. Quickly, British officials castigated him and deemed him a trouble maker. He was incarcerated however he managed to attract a large crowd who related to him and the changes of independence he wanted to occur in Sierra Leonne.
As the years passed the British officials continued to cause problems in Wallace's life and dterred some of his followers, however until his death on May 10, 1965, at the age of 70, in a car crash in Ghana while attending the Afro Asian Solidarity Conference, Wallace still managed gain the respect of other Pan Africanist and more importantly the people.
What did I discover?
Similar to Jamaica's national heroes and heroine, Isaac Wallace-Johnson has done a lot for Sierra Leonne's independence and its fight against the British. It was his voice and his fight against injustices in order to uplift his nation and people which made him a household name in Sierra leonne. Thus, it is evident why his statue was erected and why his fellow Leoneans are thankful for his achievements and the obstacles he overcame to propel the country forward to liberty.
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