Cecil Dennis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cecil Dennis
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office 1973 – April 12, 1980
President	William Tolbert
Preceded by	Rocheforte Lafayette Weeks
Succeeded by	Gabriel Baccus Matthews
Personal details
Born	February 21, 1931 Montserrado County, Liberia
Died	April 22, 1980 (aged 49) Monrovia, Liberia
Resting place	Palm Grove Cemetery
Political party	True Whig Party
Spouse	Agnes Cooper Dennis
Alma mater	College of West Africa Lincoln University Georgetown University
Profession	Lawyer, politician

Charles Cecil Dennis Jr. (born February 21, 1931 – died April 22, 1980) was an important political figure from Liberia. He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs under President William Tolbert. His time in office lasted from 1973 until a major change in government, known as the 1980 Liberian coup d'état, happened in 1980. This event was led by Samuel Doe. Sadly, Charles Cecil Dennis Jr.'s life ended tragically ten days after the coup.

Who Was Charles Cecil Dennis Jr.?

Early Life and Education

Charles Cecil Dennis Jr. was born in Montserrado County, Liberia, on February 21, 1931. He began his education at the College of West Africa in Liberia. Later, he traveled to the United States to continue his studies. He attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. In 1954, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. While at Lincoln, in 1951, he joined the Beta chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. He then went on to study law at Georgetown University School of Law in Washington, D.C.. After completing his legal education, he returned to Liberia and became a lawyer.

A Career in Law and Government

In 1960, Charles Cecil Dennis Jr. started his career in public service. He was appointed as the director of the Legislative Drafting Service for the Liberian Senate. This role involved helping to write new laws. In 1965, he opened his own private law firm, C. Cecil Dennis Jr. Law, in Monrovia. During the same year, he also became a professor at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law at the University of Liberia. He helped teach future lawyers.

Serving as Foreign Minister

In 1973, Charles Cecil Dennis Jr. was given a very important role. He was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In this position, he was responsible for Liberia's relationships with other countries around the world. He held this significant role until 1980.

The Events of 1980

In April 1980, a major political change occurred in Liberia. This event was known as the 1980 Liberian coup d'état. During this time, President William Tolbert's government was overthrown. Charles Cecil Dennis Jr., along with other leading government officials, was removed from his position. Sadly, his life ended shortly after these events on April 22, 1980.

Remembering Charles Cecil Dennis Jr.

Charles Cecil Dennis Jr. is remembered for his contributions to Liberia. The C. Cecil Dennis Jr. Auditorium is named in his honor. This auditorium is part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Monrovia, Liberia. It serves as a lasting tribute to his work.

In 2013, Lincoln University honored him posthumously, meaning after his death. They awarded him an honorary degree. His wife, Agnes Cooper Dennis, accepted this award on his behalf.

See also

In Spanish: Cecil Dennis para niños