Northwestern University's Program of African Studies and the Sagamore Institute welcome the Honorable Christine Tolbert Norman to Chicago for book signing and reception

Northwestern University’s Program of African Studies and the Sagamore Institute are excited to welcome Christine Tolbert Norman, mayor of Bentol City, Liberia, to Chicago for a special reception and book signing for her book, “It Is Time For Change,” 6-8 p.m. this Thursday, Oct. 30, at Cornerstone Center, Leslie Hall, 1111 N. Wells St., Chicago. The event is free. Proceeds from book sales will support the William R. Tolbert, Jr. Foundation’s efforts to contribute to the revitalization of Liberia and Africa.

Mrs. Norman’s book, “It Is Time For Change,” presents a riveting anthology of selected speeches of her late father, William R. Tolbert, Jr., the 20th president of the Republic of Liberia, with commentary by eminent Liberians and Africans. The book distills key principles and values espoused by her father in speeches made at major international forums, including the Baptist World Alliance and Organization of African Unity, and the United States Congress as the first African head of state to address this chamber. The book is replete with relevant lessons and insights for current and emergent leaders in Liberia, Africa and the world.

Mrs. Norman is the founder and Senior Consultant of Restoration of Educational Advancement Programs (REAP), which provides psychosocial support, educational resources, practical expertise, and other tools designed to help children and young adults of war-affected countries in Africa. She also serves on the board of directors of the William R. Tolbert, Jr. Foundation, which promotes the legacy of her father, who championed entrepreneurship, political freedom, integrity in government, and the betterment of the lives of the people of Liberia, Africa and the developing world.

About the William R. Tolbert, Jr. Foundation

The William R. Tolbert, Jr. Foundation is actively involved in ongoing efforts to combat the Ebola crisis, and will continue to address the causes and consequences of this epidemic as Liberia recovers.

The Foundation’s mission is to build bridges and bridge gaps in the service of the revitalization of Liberia and Africa. To support this noble goal, the Foundation will collect, preserve and make available for research presidential papers, speeches, and key documents of the Tolbert administration and other Liberian and African leaders through the newly launched William R. Tolbert, Jr. Presidential Library, Museum, Research Center, and Leadership Development Institute.

Through a strategic partnership with the Sagamore Institute, the WRT Foundation is also establishing a think tank to promote and develop sound political, economic, and social policies aimed at revitalizing Liberia and Africa. The Foundation recognizes the importance of good citizenry and good governance in transforming the continent. Its leadership development program is committed to the advancement of character-based leadership and ethics in management in Africa’s emerging and established leaders.

Mrs. Norman’s book, “It Is Time For Change,” will be available for purchase at the reception, and the e-book is currently available at Amazon.com.

For more information about the William R. Tolbert, Jr. Foundation, visit, http://www.sagamoreinstitute.org/his-excellency-william-r-tolbert-presidential-papers.

For more information about the Sagamore Institute, visit http://www.sagamoreinstitute.org.