The history of the Ga people stretches far beyond the shores of Ghana. Throughout the African diaspora, Ga men and women have played important roles in shaping communities, challenging injustice, and inspiring change.
One remarkable example is Laura Adorkor Kofi. Born around 1893, Laura Adorkor Kofi was a civil rights activist, preacher, and founder of the African Universal Church (AUC). She became a powerful voice within the Black liberation movement in the US, encouraging people of African descent to reconnect with their African heritage and supporting the idea of returning to the continent.
A Voice for Black Liberation
Laura Adorkor Kofi first became involved with Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), one of the most influential Black nationalist movements of the early twentieth century.
She later left the organisation and, in 1927, founded the African Universal Church. Combining Black nationalism with Christian teachings, she quickly gained a large following through her powerful preaching and inspiring message of self-determination, dignity, and African pride.
A Life Cut Short
Laura Adorkor Kofi’s growing influence also brought opposition. On 8 March 1928, while preaching to her congregation in Miami, she was assassinated. Her death shocked the Black community, and the man responsible was beaten to death by members of the congregation who witnessed the attack.
Although suspicion fell on members connected to the UNIA, no involvement was ever proven. Her funeral was attended by more than 10,000 mourners, a testament to the profound impact she had made in such a short life.
The Legacy of Adorkaville
Laura Adorkor Kofi’s death did not end her movement.
Her followers continued the work of the African Universal Church, establishing branches in New York, Alabama, and Georgia.
In the 1940s, a community known as Adorkaville was established on the outskirts of Jacksonville, Florida, in her honour. Although much of the settlement was demolished during the 1970s following the death of her successor, Laura Adorkor Kofi’s legacy remains an important part of Jacksonville’s history and the wider story of Black liberation in the United States.
Her story is a powerful reminder that the contributions of Ga people have left a lasting impact on movements for justice, freedom, and African identity across the world.