Cornelius Keagon: A Profile of a Multifaceted Liberian Leader

Full Biography

Cornelius Keagon emerges as a dynamic and multifaceted figure hailing from Liberia. His endeavors span a diverse range of fields, encompassing acting, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and artistic expression. This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of his public and professional life, drawing upon publicly available information to illuminate the various facets of his identity and his contributions to both his nation and the broader global community. The analysis will delve into his formative experiences, professional achievements, philanthropic endeavors, artistic pursuits, online presence, educational background, and the recognition he has garnered across his various activities.

Early Life and Formative Years: The Impact of Conflict and the Genesis of Advocacy

Born on July 6, 1996, in Monrovia, Liberia, Cornelius Keagon's arrival into the world coincided with a pivotal moment in his nation's history – the end of the First Liberian Civil War . This immediate backdrop of conflict and its aftermath profoundly shaped his early worldview, instilling within him a deep-seated desire for global peace from a remarkably young age . However, the fragile peace was short-lived, as Keagon's early childhood was further marked by the eruption of the Second Liberian Civil War, which raged between 1999 and 2003 . This period of intense violence and chaos significantly disrupted his formative years and, most notably, his access to consistent education .

Despite the immense challenges posed by the civil unrest, Keagon's commitment to his personal development remained steadfast. In 2004, with the cessation of hostilities, he returned to Monrovia and successfully completed his high school education . The experiences of his early life, witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of war, fueled an enduring passion for advocacy, particularly in the realm of peace and human rights . This commitment gained significant public recognition in 2019 when Keagon was acknowledged as the youngest Liberian global peace activist. This distinction followed the recognition of his article addressing the attainment of world peace at the Peace Revolution Initiative Forum, marking an early milestone in his public advocacy . The direct connection between his lived experience of civil war and his subsequent dedication to promoting peace forms a powerful and consistent narrative throughout his various endeavors. This early exposure to conflict appears to have been a defining influence, shaping not only his values but also the trajectory of his multifaceted career.

Professional Ventures: A Multifaceted Career

Cornelius Keagon has cultivated a diverse and impressive portfolio of professional endeavors, demonstrating a remarkable capacity to excel in seemingly disparate fields. His career trajectory showcases not only his talents but also a strategic approach to leveraging his skills and platform.

Acting Career: From Child Star to Recognized Actor

Keagon first gained public attention through his acting career, demonstrating his talent on screen from a young age. He is notably recognized for his roles in several critically acclaimed films, including Johnny Mad Dog (2008), Murder In The Cassava Patch (2012), Beast of No Nation (2015), War Witch (2012), and Son Of None (2011) . In Murder In The Cassava Patch, he portrayed the character of Zuma, while in War Witch, he played Rebelle . Beyond these prominent roles, he also appeared in the documentary Cultures of Resistance (2010), where he featured as himself . His filmography boasts a total of six known acting credits . This early success in internationally recognized films, particularly Beast of No Nation and War Witch, likely provided him with a significant platform and valuable resources that have supported his subsequent ventures in other fields. His initial foray into acting not only showcased his artistic abilities but also exposed him to a global audience and potentially opened doors for networking and future opportunities.

Entrepreneurial Pursuits: Business Acumen and Innovation

Beyond his accomplishments in acting, Cornelius Keagon is also recognized as a driven entrepreneur . His pursuit of business acumen is evidenced by his academic achievements, having earned a degree in Business Administration from Stella Maris Polytechnic University in Monrovia . This formal education in business has likely provided him with a strong foundation for managing his diverse endeavors. A significant manifestation of his entrepreneurial spirit is the founding of his humanitarian organization, Arts & Positivity, in July 2019 . Furthermore, Keagon actively engages in online commerce as an Amazon Influencer. Through this platform, he recommends various products to his followers and earns commissions on any resulting purchases . This demonstrates an understanding of modern digital marketing strategies and the ability to monetize his personal brand and influence. The combination of his early acting career and a formal business education suggests a calculated and strategic approach to managing his multifaceted professional life, potentially leveraging his public profile to foster entrepreneurial success and support his philanthropic ambitions. His engagement with the Amazon Influencer program further underscores his adaptability and understanding of contemporary business models.

Investment Banking: A Less Public Role

Adding another layer to his diverse professional profile, Cornelius Keagon is currently involved in the field of investment banking . This role indicates his engagement with the financial sector. While specific details regarding his activities in investment banking are not extensively publicized, his involvement suggests a strong understanding of finance and potentially an interest in contributing to economic development initiatives. This aspect of his career, though less prominent in public discourse compared to his acting and philanthropy, highlights the breadth of his professional capabilities and his engagement with complex financial systems. The relative lack of public information about this role might indicate a more recent focus or a deliberate choice to maintain a degree of privacy in this particular area of his professional life.

Philanthropic Activities: The Driving Force of Arts & Positivity

A central and defining aspect of Cornelius Keagon's public identity is his deep commitment to philanthropy. This commitment is most prominently manifested through the humanitarian organization he founded, initially named Arts & Positivity, which has since been renamed Cornelius Keagon's Charity .

Founding of Arts & Positivity

Keagon established Arts & Positivity in July 2019 with the initial aim of serving the Nimba County region of Liberia . However, recognizing the broader needs across the nation, he soon expanded the organization's reach to cover all of Liberia . The organization's name has since evolved to Cornelius Keagon's Charity, reflecting his personal leadership and dedication to its mission .

Mission and Activities

The primary focus of Cornelius Keagon's Charity is to provide essential support to vulnerable populations, particularly orphans, through the distribution of food and clothing . Beyond these direct aid efforts, the organization also actively promotes the ideology of world peace, reflecting Keagon's long-standing personal conviction . The charity engages in various community-based initiatives, including operating a community food bank to combat hunger by collecting donations from local businesses and organizing "Volunteer Service Sundays" to facilitate tangible positive change within the community . The organization's approach is described as aiming to maximize positive impact by utilizing data-driven models to implement sustainable solutions .

Recognition and Impact

The philanthropic endeavors of Cornelius Keagon's Charity have garnered significant recognition. In 2021, the organization received the highest humanitarian award from the government of Liberia, underscoring its significant contributions to the nation . The charity has also experienced consistent growth since its inception, largely attributed to the strong support it has received from the community . The rapid expansion of the organization from a local initiative to a nationwide operation, culminating in national-level recognition, highlights Keagon's profound dedication to humanitarian work and his effectiveness in mobilizing community support and resources. Furthermore, the organization's commitment to utilizing data-driven models suggests a sophisticated and professional approach to its philanthropic activities, moving beyond traditional charity models towards more impactful and sustainable interventions.

Artistic Expression: Painting as a Language and Commentary

Cornelius Keagon also expresses his creativity and perspectives through the medium of art, identifying as a part-time expressionist artist . His artistic creations often serve as visual narratives, illustrating either historical events or contemporary issues .

Expressionist Artist

Keagon views his art as a unique form of communication, describing it as "a gift of expressing words through images in a language that has never been written in human history" . His paintings frequently address everyday challenges that often go unnoticed, while also exploring historical and political themes .

Artistic Journey and Recognition

Keagon's artistic journey began at a young age, with him starting to draw at nine years old and completing his first painting at the age of fifteen . His talent and unique storytelling through art have been recognized through numerous awards, including accolades for best storytelling in art, best design, and the people's choice award . Snippet  provides a comprehensive list of awards received between 2015 and 2022, highlighting his consistent recognition within the art community. In 2021, he held a solo exposition of his work titled "Works Of My Life" in Monrovia, further solidifying his presence in the art world . His artistic style is reportedly influenced by the renowned American painter Norman Rockwell .

Online Presence as an Artist

Keagon actively showcases his artistic creations through online platforms. He maintains profiles on both ArtMajeur  and Fine Art America , where his artworks are displayed and made available for purchase. These platforms identify him as a contemporary painter based in Monrovia, Liberia . His artistic talent serves as a powerful supplementary channel for conveying his perspectives on societal issues, historical narratives, and political commentary, effectively broadening his voice beyond his philanthropic and entrepreneurial activities. The description of his art as a distinctive language and the focus on socially relevant themes underscore his deliberate use of this medium for communication and advocacy. The numerous awards and the solo exhibition provide tangible validation of his artistic abilities and the impact of his creative work.

Blogging and Online Presence: Sharing Perspectives and Advocating for Peace

Cornelius Keagon actively engages with the online sphere as a blogger and motivational speaker . He utilizes his personal website  to share his thoughts and insights, often emphasizing motivational quotes. Furthermore, he is a contributor to the platform Medium, where he publishes articles on a range of topics, including humanitarian issues and personal reflections .

Blogger and Motivational Speaker

Keagon's online writing often centers around themes of motivation and inspiration, drawing upon the wisdom of successful figures from various fields. His presence on Medium further extends his reach, allowing him to engage with a broader audience on more in-depth topics related to his passions and experiences.

Advocacy for World Peace

Consistent with his early aspirations, Keagon remains a strong advocate for world peace. He firmly believes in the possibility of achieving global peace and envisions a future characterized by worldwide stability and harmony among all nations . This core belief is a driving force behind his philanthropic work through Cornelius Keagon's Charity, which actively promotes the ideology of world peace . His early recognition as the youngest Liberian global peace activist in 2019, stemming from his widely recognized article on the subject, underscores the enduring nature of this commitment .

Social Media Presence

Keagon maintains an active presence across various social media platforms, including Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter . His personal website serves as a central hub, providing links to his various social media profiles .

Part-time YouTuber for Alux.com

Adding another dimension to his online engagement, Keagon is also a part-time YouTuber for Alux.com . Alux.com is described as the largest online community for enthusiasts of luxury and fine living . The associated Alux app focuses on personal development and educational content . Alux maintains a significant presence on YouTube, featuring a variety of content related to luxury and lifestyle . Keagon's involvement with this platform might seem somewhat distinct from his humanitarian work, potentially indicating an effort to engage with a broader demographic or perhaps reflecting a personal interest in both the realms of luxury and social impact. It is possible that he leverages his association with Alux.com to further promote his philanthropic endeavors or to share his perspectives with a different segment of the online audience.

His active participation across multiple online platforms demonstrates a deliberate strategy to cultivate his personal brand, raise awareness for his philanthropic work, and disseminate his messages of peace and motivation to a wide audience. By utilizing blogs, social media, and even a YouTube channel associated with a luxury brand, he effectively engages with diverse online communities and amplifies his reach.

Educational Background and Aspirations: A Foundation in Business and a Pursuit of Public Service

Cornelius Keagon's academic journey reflects a commitment to personal and professional growth, with a clear trajectory towards public service.

Formal Education

He completed his high school education at Christ the King Catholic High School, graduating in August 2016 . Following this, he pursued higher education at Stella Maris Polytechnic University in Monrovia, where he earned a degree in Business Administration .

Future Academic Goals

Keagon's pursuit of knowledge extends beyond his undergraduate degree. He is currently focused on obtaining a master's degree and has aspirations to further his education by pursuing a PhD in Public Administration . This shift in academic focus from business administration to public administration suggests a potential pivot towards a career in public service, indicating a desire to contribute to governance and policy-making. This academic progression aligns with his established humanitarian work and his widely known pseudonym, "Senator," hinting at potential future political ambitions.

Public Recognition and Awards: Acknowledgment Across Fields

Cornelius Keagon's diverse contributions have been recognized through a range of awards and accolades, highlighting his impact across various domains.

Humanitarian Award

His most significant recognition in the realm of philanthropy came in 2021 when his organization, Arts & Positivity (now Cornelius Keagon's Charity), received the highest humanitarian award from the government of Liberia . This prestigious award underscores the significant positive impact his charity has had on the lives of Liberians.

Art Awards

Keagon's artistic talents have also been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards for his art, including the Delkens Best Art Award (2022), Torfs Award (2022), Best Storytelling In Hip-Hop Award (2021), Best Design Award (2020), Scholars Award (2020), People's Choice Award (2019), Best Representation Award (2019), Best Storytelling Award (2019), Unity In Arts Award (2018), Peace Through Art Award (2018), Jerry's Art Award (2017), Active Pictures Award (2016), and Best Motion Picture Award (2015) . This extensive list of awards demonstrates his consistent excellence and recognition within the art community.

Recognition as Youngest Peace Activist

In 2019, Keagon was recognized as the youngest Liberian global peace activist, a testament to his early and sustained commitment to promoting peace .

Table: Awards and Recognition Received by Cornelius Keagon

| Year | Award Name | Category | Awarding Organization/Body |

|---|---|---|---|

| 2015 | Best Motion Picture Award | Art |  |

| 2016 | Active Pictures Award | Art |  |

| 2017 | Jerry's Art Award | Art |  |

| 2018 | Peace Through Art Award | Art |  |

| 2018 | Unity In Arts Award | Art |  |

| 2019 | Best Storytelling Award | Art |  |

| 2019 | Best Representation Award | Art |  |

| 2019 | People's Choice Award | Art |  |

| 2019 | Youngest Liberian Global Peace Activist | Peace Advocacy | Peace Revolution Initiative Forum |

| 2020 | Scholars Award | Art |  |

| 2020 | Best Design Award | Art |  |

| 2021 | Best Storytelling In Hip-Hop Award | Art |  |

| 2021 | Highest Humanitarian Award | Humanitarian | Government of Liberia |

| 2022 | Torfs Award | Art |  |

| 2022 | Delkens Best Art Award | Art |  |

The diverse range of awards received by Cornelius Keagon across humanitarian work, artistic achievements, and peace advocacy underscores the breadth and impact of his contributions in various fields. This multi-faceted recognition highlights his effectiveness and influence in different spheres of activity.

Conclusion: A Young Leader with a Vision for Peace and Progress

Cornelius Keagon has established himself as a remarkable and multifaceted young leader from Liberia. His journey, marked by early exposure to conflict, has profoundly shaped his unwavering commitment to world peace and humanitarian endeavors. He has successfully navigated diverse professional paths, achieving recognition as an actor, demonstrating entrepreneurial acumen, engaging in the finance sector, and expressing his unique perspectives through art and online platforms. His philanthropic organization, Cornelius Keagon's Charity, stands as a testament to his dedication to social impact, earning the highest humanitarian award from the Liberian government. Furthermore, his artistic talent provides another powerful medium for communication and commentary on societal issues.

Keagon's active engagement in the online sphere, coupled with his pursuit of advanced education in public administration, signals a strategic approach towards future leadership roles. His widely used pseudonym, "Senator," along with explicit mentions of future political ambitions, strongly suggest a potential trajectory into the political arena, where he could leverage his diverse experiences and advocacy for broader societal change. Considering his young age and the significant challenges he has overcome, Cornelius Keagon's achievements are particularly noteworthy. He embodies a narrative of resilience, ambition, and a deep-seated desire to contribute to the progress and well-being of his nation and the global community. His multifaceted profile positions him as a dynamic and influential figure with the potential to make significant future contributions.