Daniel Coker (1780-1846) was an African American clergyman, missionary, and abolitionist. He was born into slavery in Maryland, United States, and was later freed by his master. Coker was an educated man, having learned to read and write, which was unusual for African Americans during that time.
In 1816, Coker emigrated to Sierra Leone, West Africa, as part of the American Colonization Society’s efforts to establish a colony for free African Americans. The society aimed to provide opportunities for freed slaves and to promote Christianity and civilization in Africa. The colony in Sierra Leone was named “Liberia,” and it became an independent nation in 1847.
In Liberia, Coker worked as a missionary and educator, spreading Christianity and helping to establish schools for the indigenous population. He was also involved in the creation of the colony’s first constitution and served as one of the original members of the Liberian Senate.
Coker’s work in Liberia had a lasting impact, contributing to the country’s development and promoting education and Christian values among its inhabitants. He is remembered as one of the early African American pioneers in the colonization and missionary efforts in Africa.