Capitol Hill, Monrovia — A newly released book by U.S.-based Liberian author Rev. Kenety S. Gee, backed by the nation’s top political and academic leaders, calls for reshaping mindsets and leadership across the country and the African continent.

The book, entitled Generational Shift, was unveiled April 16th during a book launch event at UL’s Capitol Hill Campus. Generational Shift urges Liberians—and Africans more broadly—to change their thinking and recognize themselves as God’s creation.

In the book, Gee, an ordained minister who has served in Monrovia and the U.S., argues that God has given every individual the mind of the greatest natural resource and that the God-given brains that humans possess are not meant to be suspended or relaxed. Instead, it calls on people to pursue their highest level of thinking so individuals and communities can thrive.

The book centers on a call to break what Gee describes as cycles of “mental captivity,” where false superiority or inferiority limits progress. It calls for a generational reset—one that embraces critical thinking, innovation and a renewed understanding of human potential as essential to both personal growth and national transformation.

Gee said the book delves into critical issues such as brain drain, capital flight, trade deficits, social justice and the power of aspirational thinking, while also offering pathways and principles that can guide us toward an Africa, where every individual could thrive.

The launch drew government officials, entrepreneurs, students, faculty and staff from the university.
Gee’s message has resonated with UL President Layli Maparyan and Liberia’s President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. They signaled their support for the book’s message—seen as important for national development—through senior representatives at the launch.

Acting University of Liberia President Dr. Agnes Reeves-Taylor said it was an honor to welcome a new book that is designed to stimulate young people’s thinking and, more broadly, encourage wider generational change. She said the university was a fitting place for the launch, given its role as a beacon of hope for education in Liberia.
Dr. Reeves-Taylor thanked Gee for choosing the university to launch his book. She also assured him that the institution will support not only this work, but other books he is working on that will help change mindsets in Liberia.
“And I encourage you all to read because I have read the book and I can tell you it sparks a whole lot of new ways of thinking and new ways of wanting to contribute to our nation,” said Dr. Reeves-Taylor.

The book’s chief launcher, Amb. Ora Richards, ambassador-at-large in the Office of the President, Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, urged Liberians to demonstrate their worth through their actions and the way they carry them out.
Amb. Richards said people will judge and respect you based on what you do—not where you come from. She called for a change in mindset, commending Gee and his team for addressing an issue she said has held back progress for generations, contributing to problems, such as brain drain and capital flight, along with trade deficits and social injustice.

Gee is a global health leader and Executive Director of Liberia Career Pathways. He has held senior roles in Liberia’s health sector, including with the Healthcare Federation of Liberia and the West African Healthcare Federation, and is committed to advancing transformative change across the continent. He has three master’s degrees, including in Divinity and Global Health.

Gee told the gathering at the book launch that he turned to God for answers while writing Generational Shift, including one question: “Why are there suffering populations while others seem to have it all?”
He said the response was that “everywhere around the world, in the world where there is human habitation,” God has provided natural resources. He added that for many, the most basic resources may include water to drink and good soil to plant.

“God has not given us a nation to run away from and go somewhere else, thinking that somewhere else is better than where He has placed us,” Gee said. “But that we all can make it with hard work, good intentions, and tackle the uprightness of heart.”
He added: “Liberia is naturally beautiful. There is nothing bad about that. There is no question about the natural beauty of it. However, mental failure and the mental state of inferiority that have drawn on us for so long, it is time to shift our mindset. To break all cycles that have been on our back for so long, and that have led to so much suffering.”
In the book, Gee offers inspiration, featuring entrepreneurs from Liberia and around Africa, who have broken those cycles by changing their mindsets and seeing and seizing the multitude of opportunities around them. And because of that those entrepreneurs now lead successful businesses. Mahmud Johnson, founder and chief executive officer of J-Palm Liberia, is one of the entrepreneurs featured in the book.
He attended the book launch and said it was a privilege for his business to be featured in the book. Through its Kernel Fresh brand, J-Palm produces natural skincare and hair products made from palm kernels.

Johnson said he started his business in 2013 while in college. He described the experience as an “amazing journey” in many respects. He said the work has been challenging but also rewarding. Johnson added that seeing an idea grow into a bonafide venture has been gratifying, both for its success and impact.

Following the book’s official launch Gee donated 100 copies to the University. He delivered the donated copies to the university on Thursday, April 23, 2026, on Capitol Hill. Mr. Raphael Reeves, UL Deputy Director of Protocol, took delivery of the books.

He also presented Amb. Richards with a copy of the book and a T-shirt for President Boakai. In addition, he gave Dr. Reeves-Taylor a T-shirt and a copy of the book.
Copies of the book will be available at UL libraries. In Liberia, it can be purchased for $16 at Kernel Fresh locations — Boulevard Palace Hotel on 13th Street, Monrovia Super Mall in Congo Town, Duport Road (directly opposite the cemetery) and Barnesville Junction. It’s also available on Amazon. For more information, visit kenetygee.com.