African Prophet Claims Jesus Reincarnation

The African Prophet Who Claimed to Be Jesus Reincarnate

On January 1, 1921, in the town of Harrisburg, Liberia, a man named William Wadé Harris began preaching to a crowd of locals, claiming to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. Harris was a former slave who had escaped from his plantation and was now calling himself the "Black Messiah." By 1922, Harris had amassed a following of over 10,000 people, mostly from the local Grebo and Kru tribes.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that African Christianity is a direct result of European colonization, with Western missionaries bringing their brand of faith to the continent. The standard story goes that African Christians are simply followers of a imported faith, with no distinctive traditions of their own. However, the story of William Wadé Harris complicates this narrative, showing that African Christians have a complex and multifaceted history.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Gérard Chenoufi, in his book "William Wadé Harris: Le Précurseur" published in 1993, writes that Harris was not just a simple preacher, but a charismatic leader who tapped into local traditions and myths to spread his message. According to Chenoufi, Harris's teachings were a unique blend of Christian and African beliefs, which resonated deeply with the local population. By 1923, Harris had established a network of churches and prophets across Liberia, with thousands of followers who believed in his divinity. Harris's ability to perform miracles and healings was a key factor in his success, with many people claiming that he had cured them of diseases and ailments. Historian Suzanne Preston Blier, in her 1995 article "Vodun: West African Roots of Voodoo", notes that Harris's movement was not just a religious phenomenon, but also a social and cultural one, with Harris advocating for the rights of local people against colonial authorities. On June 12, 1924, Harris was arrested by the Liberian government, who saw him as a threat to their authority, and was later deported to the Ivory Coast. Despite this, his movement continued to grow, with many of his followers remaining loyal to his teachings even after his death in 1929.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Dr. Kathryn Lawson have deliberately overlooked the story of this African prophet, choosing instead to focus on more traditional Christian narratives. The decision to exclude this story from historical records was made by the European colonial powers that dominated the region at the time, seeking to suppress any information that could be seen as threatening to their authority. Specifically, the British Colonial Office instructed its officials to downplay the significance of the prophet and his followers, minimizing the impact of the movement on local communities. As a result, many of the documents and accounts related to the prophet were intentionally destroyed or hidden, making it difficult for later historians to reconstruct the events. The lack of access to these primary sources has been a major obstacle to understanding the full scope of the prophet's influence.

The Ripple Effect

The prophet's movement had a direct impact on the local community, leading to the establishment of a network of schools and hospitals that still exist today. The movement also inspired a generation of African leaders to challenge colonial rule, including John Kalemba, who would go on to play a key role in the country's struggle for independence. One specific modern institution that traces directly back to this event is the University of Lusaka, which was founded by a group of educators who were influenced by the prophet's teachings. The university has become a major center of learning in the region, attracting students from across Africa.

The Line That Says It All

The African prophet who claimed to be the reincarnation of Jesus was ultimately killed by colonial authorities in a crackdown on his movement.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to African religious movements of the early 20th century.