In a move symbolizing national unity, intellectual integrity, and faith-centered leadership, the Government of Liberia has designated Reverend Emmett Lafayette Dunn as the official orator for the country’s 177th Independence Day celebration on July 26, 2025.
The decision by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung signals a deliberate effort to promote a message of moral clarity, reconciliation, and global perspective as Liberia grapples with ongoing social and developmental challenges. Rev. Dunn brings a wealth of international experience, theological scholarship, and a deep connection to both Liberia and the global faith community.
Currently serving as the Executive Secretary-Treasurer and Chief Executive Officer of the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention, Rev. Dunn assumed this role in November 2019 following his appointment by the Board of Directors in July of that year. Lott Carey is a globally recognized mission organization rooted in Christian faith and service, known for supporting education, healthcare, and economic empowerment around the world.
Prior to his current post, Rev. Dunn served as Senior Pastor of the West Hyattsville Baptist Church in Maryland, and for over two decades, was a key member of the executive staff at the Baptist World Alliance (BWA). The BWA, with more than 110 million members worldwide, is a major religious body focused on evangelism, human rights, and interfaith dialogue. During his tenure, Rev. Dunn helped shape international conversations on youth development, conflict resolution, church vitality, and emerging leadership.
His journey into global religious leadership began in Liberia, where he earned his Bachelor of Theology from the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary in 1986. He later earned a Master of Divinity from the Howard University School of Divinity in 1991 and pursued advanced theological studies at the Virginia Theological Seminary. In recognition of his spiritual and humanitarian contributions, the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Divinity in 2014.
Rev. Dunn has traveled to more than 100 countries, facilitating leadership training and international conferences. As Director of the Baptist World Congress and Conferences, he coordinated global events that brought together tens of thousands of participants—an experience that reflects his capability to address both national and global audiences.
Beyond his pastoral and executive duties, Rev. Dunn has remained deeply connected to Liberia. He is a former Chair of the Board of Advisors at Ricks Institute School, a board member at the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary, and currently chairs the Board of the William R. Tolbert Foundation. His affiliations also include roles on boards across U.S. faith and civic institutions, including the NAACP’s International Affairs Committee and the American Baptist Churches’ General Board of Ministries.
Rev. Dunn is married to Suan J. Dunn, and together they have three children. The family resides in Fort Washington, Maryland.
As the nation prepares to mark its independence, Rev. Dunn’s appointment reflects the Boakai administration’s commitment to elevating discourse and drawing on both faith and intellect to guide Liberia toward a more inclusive and visionary future.
