Hans Massaquoi - Emigration

Emigration

In 1947 Massaquoi was able to visit Liberia, and was fascinated and shocked by its raw, rural nature. He grew estranged from his father Al-Haj, who left his mother and whom he considered arrogant and tyrannical.

Massaquoi then emigrated to the United States. He served two years in the army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. With his GI bill he studied journalism at the University of Illinois followed by a career at Jet magazine and then Ebony magazine, where he became managing editor. His position allowed him to interview many historical figures of the arts, politics and civil rights movement.

Over the years he has visited Germany many times. He states Germany is still his homeland.