Joseph Fahnbulleh’s decision to represent Liberia on the global stage, instead of the United States where he was born and raised, is driven by a deeply personal and painful family history one shaped by war, displacement, and the quiet strength of those who endured.
Both of Joseph’s parents were born in Liberia, but their childhoods were upended by the violence of a brutal coup. As members of the Talbert family, a lineage once closely connected to Liberia’s leadership, they were considered threats by those who seized power. One of Joseph’s great-uncles, a passionate advocate for justice and opponent of apartheid, was assassinated for his views. From that point on, anyone with the Talbert name became a target.
Faced with the growing danger, Joseph’s family scattered across the globe. His aunts and uncles fled to the United Kingdom, while his mother and grandmother sought refuge in the United States. His parents were just 12 years old when they left Liberia behind never to return. For Joseph’s mother, the trauma was so deep that she never spoke about her experiences. She carried the weight of that silence through the years, becoming both mother and father to her son.
Growing up in Minnesota, Joseph’s early life was shaped by resilience. He found guidance and support in his community, especially through athletics. At Hopkins High School, coaches stepped in as father figures. For Joseph, their influence was transformative. “They taught me how to be a man,” he often recalls, crediting them with helping shape his character both on and off the track.
As he matured and began to rise in the world of track and field, Joseph also grew more reflective about his identity. The sacrifices his family had made, particularly his mother’s quiet strength, became more meaningful with time. Representing Liberia, he realized, was not just about athletics it was about paying tribute to his heritage, honoring his mother’s journey, and reclaiming a history that had nearly been erased.
When the time came to decide which country to represent, he turned to his mother. Her response was simple: “Follow your heart.” Her unwavering support made the choice clear. For Joseph, running for Liberia was a way of giving back. “Since you supported me,” he told her, “let me support you the best way I can.”
With encouragement from mentors who reminded him of the opportunity to make history in Africa, Joseph chose Liberia. He sees it as a chance to rebuild a legacy, to bring pride to a family that once lost so much, and to inspire future generations to find strength in their roots.
