CHICAGO—First Lady Jewel Howard Taylor, of Liberia, recently visited the Nation of Islam headquarters as a guest of First Lady Mother Khadijah Farrakhan. The visit, which coincided with the Aug. 4-8 Rainbow Push Coalition convention, was an opportunity for the wife of President Charles Taylor to make friends and appeal for help for the West African nation founded by former U.S. slaves in 1822.

During his 1997 World Friendship Tour, Min. Farrakhan and his wife visited Liberia.

The two first ladies and friends attended the Rainbow Push convention as guests of Mrs. Jackie Jackson, wife of Rev. Jesse Jackson. On Aug. 8, Mother Farrakhan returned the invitation by inviting Mrs. Jackson, Rep. Bobby Rush, and other friends to a lunch for Mrs. Taylor.

After an afternoon of dining, music and fellowship, Mrs. Taylor talked about Liberia’s plight. She said Liberia needs books for children, medical supplies and other aid. But, she said, Liberia is also ripe for investment.

Black Americans share a special bond with Liberia and a common language, she added. Liberia is a good place to visit, though the State Department continues to list the country as a war zone, Mrs. Taylor said. Efforts to get that designation lifted have been unsuccessful and the U.S. has provided little aid, she said.