TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIBERIAN SLANG

BY : Winston Smith

LIBERIA SEVERS TIES WITH LIBYA

BY : Patience Landford

THE SCOOP ON LIBERIA’S MENTAL HEALTH

BY : Grace Moore

BIOGRAPHIES

FASHION SPREAD

BY: Gamai - Korto Matthew

TASTE OF LIBERIA

BY : Maseta Dubar

CELEBRATE SUCCESS

BY : Randell Dauda

EDITORS

Grace Moore, Unice Karmue

Ellen Witherspoon

DESIGN AND LAYOUT

Jones M. Harris and Andre Jones

THE MISSION

BY : Lorece Shaw

Mission Statement: The goal of They Say, I Say, We Say, is to celebrate the achievements of this

generation of Liberians in order to perpetuate the rich history and culture of our great country Liberia.

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover; however, Africa is one continent that constantly judged and misrepresented. In fact, some people attempt to define Africa as though it is a country with only one group of people. As children of the great African diaspora, we know that Africa is multi-cultural and multi-ethnic. This is evident even in our country Liberia which is made up of over 20 ethnic groups. With They Say, I Say, We Say, we hope to dispel any misconceptions about our country and Africa as a whole by informing people about the achievements of members of the young adult Liberian community.

Inside They Say, I Say, We Say, you will find:

• Traditional Liberian recipes and sayings• Spotlights on non-profit and charitable organizations that focus on uplifting the Liberian people and other communities• Highlight on individuals that have contributed to the film, music, sports, arts, literary and other entertainment industries. • Events going on in the Liberian communities and beyond• Progress being made in Liberia• And, Anything Liberian!

I say the future of our country, as well as the black community in America rests on the shoulders of young Liberians. We must keep the Liberian culture, pride, and interests alive and in the forefront of people’s minds. It is up to us to continue to rebuild our communities so that our children will appreciate and understand the values cultivated by the unique Liberian lifestyle. It is our hope

that They Say, I Say, We Say serves as a platform for Liberians and all with the interest of Liberia in gaining insights on the Liberian experience, both back home and in the States.

We say that the time is now to unite as Liberians. It is this generation that will be the focus of They Say, I Say, We Say. This is our voice and our truth as young people. We must continue the path that has been laid before us, but also forge our own great future, and strive to leave a legacy that will lead to betterment for our people and the world.

“All Hail, Liberia Hail. All Hail, Liberia Hail. In union strong, success is sure. We cannot fail.”

Writer: Lorece Shaw

=

TiYATIEN

BY : Unice Karmue

BACK TO MY ROOTS

BY : Pamela D. Manneh

LIBERIAN

Writer: Winston Smith

Who said we don’t have slangs? Or we are not cultured enough to have our spoken codes? Well they’re wrong!

I mean, absolutely wrong! Indeed we have a rich culture fill with codes and slangs, there’s a new slang or spoken

code created almost every day! Liberians are so creative that we can generate new slangs just by viewing things

around us or listening to music. If you are Liberian you already know what we’ve done to Brenda Fassie’s song

“Vuli Ndlela” and other popular African songs. We are exceptionally unique in our linguistic abilities. Below, for

appetizer sick, are slangs that are especially common among young Liberians:

- Winston Smith

Slangs

COMEDY

Coming from a country where only 58% of the population is literate, it is no surprise that education remains the number one priority for many young Liberians here in the US. With their peers back home struggling with the odds of finding a good enough school and the burden of paying for such a school, Liberians abroad are taking full advantage of every presented opportunity.

This graduation season, hundreds of young Liberians walked across the stage receiving diplomas, degrees, certifications, etc. It is always quite an honor to be recognized for one’s achievement, but it is even more of an honor to be recognized by one’s own people in their traditional ways.

It is in this light that we are asking that you send They Say, I Say, We Say the names and/or pictures of young Liberians and their achievement stories. We want to show the rest of the world the progress we are making and in doing so acknowledge all the hard work being done by young Liberians. In our own Liberian tradition; let’s pull out the lappa and congratulate all of you.

doing so acknowledge all the hard work being done by young Liberians. In our own Liberian tradition; let’s pull out the lappa and congratulate all of you. Send Name, Date of gradation, Type of achievements (high school, college, new employments, etc) and a picture of the graduate (if you have one). Email info to: LiberianMagazine@gmail.com. We look forward to sharing your achievements in future articles.

Kind regards,Ms. Randell Dauda

CELEBRATESUCCESS!

insert your photo

insert your photo

LIBERIA SEVERS TIES WITH LIBYA!!

 Picture: Libyan President Gaddafi and Liberian President Ellen Johnson

Liberia detached diplomatic ties with Libya on Tuesday June

14, 2011. Liberia is the latest African country to break ties with

Libya leader Muammar Gaddafi. The decision came just after

the United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on

African countries to sever ties with Libya.

According to the Liberian Foreign Ministry press release, the

Government made the decision after a careful review of the

situation and problems that are currently taking place in Libya.

President Sirleaf office has been quoted to say “the violence

against the Libyan people must stop, and the Government of

Colonel Gaddafi has lost the legitimacy to govern Libya”.

The government of Liberia has made the decision to withdraw

the Liberian envoy from Tripoli and suspend activities of the

Libyan representation in the Liberian capital city of Monrovia.

The government of Liberia also suspended the operations

of the Libyan people bureau in Monrovia and expelled

ambassadorial status for its diplomats who remain loyal to

“Colonel Gaddafi regime”.

Gaddafi has been using Libya’s oil wealth to invest in poorer

African countries in order to gain political and financial

influence on the African continent.

The government of Liberia stated that “As one of the oldest

African independent republic, Liberia has fought relentlessly

for the decolonization of the continent and for subjugated

and oppressed people to freely exercise the right to self-

determination”

“Liberia has always given recognition to independent countries

and not individual governments”, the Liberian Foreign Ministry

release said. Liberian government stated that “The expectation

is that having gained freedom and independence, the Libyan

people will freely choose their own government in whatever

form or fashion.”

According to the same Foreign Ministry release, “The current

situation in Libya does not lend itself to giving the people of

that country the freedom to choose their own government and

to determine the future of their own country”.

Liberia believes in the rights of the people and the liberation

from dictatorship governments. Until the people of Libya gain

their freedom and independence from Colonel Gaddafi regime,

Liberia stands firm on their decision in severing ties with Libya.

Writer: Patience Landford

POLITICS

Chamo- (pronounce: Cha-Mo) means your girl, could be your serious girlfriend or your side chick. People

usually use that when discussing their side chick. An example of this is: “My man, la my chamo there ooo”.

Translation: That’s my girl right there.

Akon DJ- (pronounce: A-Con DJ) this is how people in Liberia call Mohawk. The name was inspired by Akon’s

DJ when he visited Liberia along with Akon for a concert. The hairstyle has become very popular in Liberia since.

Tumba- (pronounce: Tum-Ba) means butt; this is when a girl is carrying a serious cannon behind her. An

example of this being used is: “That chamo got tumba ooo”. Translation: The girl has a big butt.

Plawa- (pronounce: Pla- Wall) means argument. This is used when someone says something that offends

you and you’re trying to get their angle on why they made such statement. An example of this is: “La plawa you

looking for you?” Translation: Are you looking for an argument?

La Fire- (pronounce: I’m sure you can see the name) this is used when you say something and the person

don’t understand what you said then you can tell them. “La Fire coming from my mouth?”

Pekin- (pronounce: Pea-Kin) means a kid or anyone you feel like you’re older than or more superior to. An

example is: “La my pekin there”. Translation: That’s my kid or my little guy there.

Chi-chi Poly- (pronounce: Chey Chey Po-lay) means someone who can gossip. Anyone who loves to gossip

is considers a chi chi poly. An example is: “The other one like running chi chi poly.” Translation: This person like

gossiping.

Feesee- (pronounce: Fee-See) means the person has very minimum ability (in sports, dancing, singing, or etc.).

An example is: “The other feesee na come on the soccer field.” Translation: This kid of very minimum skills has

come on the soccer field.

K E N D E J A HRestaurant & Lounge5828 GEORGIA AVENUE, NWWASHINGTON, DC 20011202-291-7541 (Tel) 202-291-1565 (Fax)OPEN TUESDAY – SATURDAY: NOON – 9:00 P.M.CLOSED ON SUNDAYS & MONDAYS

OF LIBERIATASTE

What is a better way to experience one’s culture other than food? Food is a fascinating and convenient way to test out and enjoy different cultures and lifestyles. There’s so much that food reveals about a group of people. Food illustrates the main staples and crops grown in that region, the belief systems that are shared amongst the people, the climate, and most importantly, the history and heritage of the people. Liberian cuisine is symbolically significant to and reflective of Liberian culture and history. The Liberian diaspora enabled the sharing of Liberian culture throughout the world. Areas with large Liberian population, such as New York, Philadelphia, Rhode Island and Maryland/DC have developed restaurants that showcase the unique taste of Liberian cuisine. One restaurant that stands out in the District of Colombia, Maryland and Virginia region, is Kendeja Restaurant and Lounge.

Kendeja Restaurant and Lounge is well known for its delicious food and great atmosphere thus it is one of my favorite restaurants and favorite places to party at. If you are ever visiting the District of Colombia and are looking for a chop shop that reminds you of back home in Liberia, go to Kendejah Restaurant and Lounge, they have exactly what you want and need to put an end to your nostalgia for a home cooked Liberian meal. Although there are many restaurants that offer West African food, Kendejah is the only of the few African restaurants that

specifically serve Liberian cuisine. You will find on their daily menu cassava leaf and my favorite, palava sauce, a spinach like meat stew that is served with rice. There are more delightful and mouth-watering dishes like chicken gravy, eggplant, collard greens, baked fish with fried plantains, and of course fufu and soup. Sorry, there’s no palm wine, but there is Liberians’ all -time favorite, ginger beer to wash down that delicious meal. With appetizers and desserts starting at $2.00 and entrees ranging from $10.00 to $13.99, Kendejah Restaurant and Lounge cannot be beat; they are the ultimate champions of Liberian cuisine hence their livelihood since being established in 1985.

It is family orientated and also an excellent spot for young professionals to meet. The host makes you feel comfortable by active interaction while you wait for your meal to be prepared. It’s a dining experience you do not want to miss. Kendejah continues to be the spot for great Liberian food, and a fun atmosphere. There are special events such as Jazz on Wednesdays and Happy Hour on Fridays and if you feel like showing off your coupe decale and makossa, Kendejah is also the place to do so every Saturday night. Come enjoy great music and coupe the night away. It is no surprise that Liberian artists such as Chris De Shield have been present at Kendejah. If you are looking for quality food and service and a fantastic atmosphere, come to Kendejah’s Restaurant and Lounge and get a taste of Liberia.

LAMCO

Here at They Say, I Say, We Say Magazine, we set trends.

We don’t follow them. From here on out, I suggest you

follow suit because here at They Say, I say, We Say we take

fashion from the modern perspective of the motherland.

From the way we dress to impress at work to the way we

out dress the savviest of socialites at parties, They Say,

I Say, We Say magazine is putting a spin of African flare

on every day wear. The elaborate fabrics and modernized

traditional garments featured in this spread are from my

up and coming clothing line by the name of Guwala da

Nele, meaning “Beautiful and Strong” in Kpelle, a Liberian

language. These designs were created by myself, Garmai-

Korto Matthew. I was inspired to do this shoot by Liberia’s

youth today. We are young, innovative, and very

fashion forward.

In this very first fashion spread I take you back down

memory lane, by train that is. You hear the rustle and bustle

of passengers moving about. Luggage is moving to and

fro. It is now 10:00 pm. Guys are loosening their ties from

a long day’s work and unbuttoning their elaborate vest.

Ladies are kicking off their heels to relieve their aching feet.

Some party goers anxiously await the next train, ready

for a good time. This is my interpretation of what Liberia’s

old train station by the name of Lamco looked like on a

daily basis. This train station used to be the main source

of transportation where business workers and normal day

people traveled from place to place. It was a hot spot for

the locals to communicate. Fashion, language and culture

flowed throughout the atmosphere just like the trains

whisking past.

-Garmai- Korto Matthew

Designer: Garmai- Korto Matthew

Clothing Line in Spread: Guwala da Nele Clothing

Models:

Breanna Nicole

Shatesha Wilder

Breanna Nicole

Thaddeus Greene

Casey Johnson

Photography by: Kidz With Gunz

GUWALA DA NELE BOW TOP

GARMAI- KORTO MATTHEW

GDNCLOTHING.TUMBLR.COM

Garmai- Korto Matthew

Garmai- Korto Matthew’s is a young up and

coming African inspired designer. Her line

goes by the name of Guwala da Nele meaning

“Beautiful and Strong” in Kpelle, a Liberian

language. This line includes African inspired

garments to eccentric pieces. Garmai- Korto

Matthew is a 19 yr old innovator making her

mark on the fashion industry and the world

as a whole in a huge way. Her fashion journey

all began at a very young age. In elementary

Garmai- Korto drew thumbnails and sketches

of phenomenal garments she would someday

pursue to create. She always had an artistic

gift and was motivated to achieve her goal

of being a Fashion Designer. Garmai- Korto

was born in Cleveland, OH and was raised in

a rich African Culture. Her parents are from a

country in West Africa by the name of Liberia.

Her family always encouraged her to embrace

her culture. Through this, Garmai- Korto was

inspired to create modern traditional wear

that were more fitting and fashionable than

temporary tradition attire. She is currently

studying Public Relations and Fashion Design

and plans on making Liberia one of Africa’s

fashion capitals and providing jobs and

services of philanthropy to her people.

GUWALA DA NELE MICRO MINI DRESS

GARMAI- KORTO MATTHEW

GDNCLOTHING.TUMBLR.COM

LEFT: GUWALA DA NELE DRESS

GARMAI- KORTO MATTHEW

GDNCLOTHING.TUMBLR.COM

RIGHT: GUWALA DA NELE STRAPPLESS BOW

TOP AND HIGH WAISTED KHAKI DRESS

GARMAI- KORTO MATTHEW

GDNCLOTHING.TUMBLR.COM

Mental health has been a low priority in Liberia for a

long time. Mental health resources are extremely limited

in Liberia, as of now there are only two known facilities.

There is an overwhelming inadequacy in resource and

drug supplies, and the lack of trained mental health

professionals is a major problem facing the country, in

light of the issue there are major improvement as of now;

however not enough.

It is significant for this generation of Liberians to note the

close relationship between poverty and mental illness.

While it is well known that mental illness hinders the ability

of individuals to learn and engage in productive endeavors,

it is not generally understood that poverty itself is a risk

factor for mental illness, as many jobs and means of

making money do not allow space for people with mental

illness. Liberia must create sustainable and effective

mental health systems in order to cope with the growing

global burden of mental diseases. In recent years there

have been a slew of new possible mental health patients

in Liberia due to the horrendous almost two decades of

violence.

Historically, healers, “medicine man” and religious leaders

cared for mental patients in Liberia as most believed that

mental related problems were caused by witchcraft or

being demonically possessed. This understanding about

the nature and root of mental illness resulted in some

treatments

THE SCOOP ON LIBERIA’SMENTAL HEALTH:

OVERVIEW OF THE ISSUE being extremely harsh and inhumane. There were instances,

when patients were subjected to beatings in attempt to

“beat out” the demonic spirit, and food and sleep deprivation

(another attempt to remove evil spirit). Patients were also

restrained by having their legs and hands tied; as we now

know poor circulation can sometimes lead to deformity or

possible death. Patients who could not receive treatment

roamed free and suffered ridicule and violence (they were

given demeaning nicknames by community members),

imprisoned, and disenfranchised.

The issue has not been completely eradicated yet but

there are great knowledge and improvement in the field of

mental health. Liberians now understand the importance of

rehabilitation, and open-discussion of the subject. According

to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (2009) the

government has renewed the Mental Health Policy in the

country which now embodies a better model that propagates

justice for the population. The commonly held notion that

the youth is the future to Liberia’s success is far from an

understatement because Liberia youths are taking initiative in

the topic and are making immaculate difference that in time

will eliminate the ignorance on the topic of Mental illness.

Writer: Grace Moore=

HEALTH HEALTH

In 2007, Tiyatien health was founded by a survivor of Liberia’s civil war. In Zwedru, Liberia, it all began with Dr. Rajesh

Panjabi, a Liberian-born, Harvard-trained doctor, and Weafus Quitoe, a volunteer nurses aide in Zwedru.

Tiyatien Health soon grew to become an innovative social justice organization that partnered with rural

communities and the Liberian government to improve the lives and the health care system for the poor. Tiyatien Health

is an amazing health system to the less fortunate and is designed to be implemented by the themselves to create a self

sustainable health care system.

By creating a health care system around dynamics, Tiyatien Health believes it will serve as a model for rebuilding

healthcare in rural towns stricken by the detrimental effects of civil war and unrest. Tiyatien Health, along with the

government of Liberia work together to create stable relationships between rural health centers and their surrounding

communities.

The way TH goes about solving this health crisis by focusing on three major points of the system; better public

sector, health workforce shortages, and rampant poverty. “Our model features a backbone of community health workers

trained to accompany patients through their illnesses and beyond—linking the destitute sick to jobs, agriculture and

economic empowerment programs. This approach fills a crucial gap between health centers and the community, allowing

the public sector to provide comprehensive care for the people with complex illness like HIV, and epilepsy that previously

went unaddressed.”

“TIYATIEN” PRONOUNCED [tea-ya-tine] MEANS BOTH “TRUTH” AND “JUSTICE”.

DERIVED FROM KWA, THE LOCAL DIALECT OF SOUTHEAST LIBERIA

Writer: Unice Ernest Karmue

For more information, www.tiyatienhealth.org

Or email me, Unice Ernest Karmue; Karmue.u@gmail.com

Picture: Members of a community in Zedru working with Tiyatien

MEET THE STAFF

Liberia, the land that many of us fled years ago, the land that

many more of us have yet to feast our eyes upon, and yet

it remains at the tip of our brains. There is a new epidemic

sweeping the entire world, Liberians and friends of Liberia

alike are taking advantages of the practical fares to Liberia

more than ever before. With both Delta Air and SN Brussels

flying to Robertsfield International Airport multiple times

weekly Liberians are utilizing it at all expenses. Mosetta

Weefur traveled to Liberia at the top of the summer after

almost being away from her homeland for more than a

decade. “I was overwhelmed, scared, excited, and happy all

at once” she mentioned. When asked her first thought after

landing, Mosetta clarified that it was a bitter sweet feeling,

“I missed Liberia with every bone in my body, and it felt as

if I was there to claim my thrown”. Along with Ms. Weefur

thousands of other Liberians traveled back to Liberia to

recollect, regain, and rebuild. As a result of her trip Mosetta

has enhanced her fashion line Ankara Doll by importing

Liberian made fabric in to the United States and she also

found motivation to start her own non profit dedicated to

decreasing the infant mortality rate in Liberia. South African

musician Lucky Dube’s popular hit song “Back to My Roots”

proclaimed exactly this; there is never an excuse not to

return home. Liberia needs us now than ever before, so take

advantage of those feasible rates, and book your flight to

Monrovia.

BACK TO MY ROOTS

Writer: Pamela D. Manneh

 

 

 

Picture: Mosetta taking advantage of low priced material by shoppingat waterside market

Picture: Birds Eye View- The view right before touch down at RIA

Picture: Mosetta (Middle) enjoying Monrovia’s night life at Embassy

TRAVEL

My name is Unice Ernest Karmue, but I

prefer to be called Ernest. I am currently

entering my 5th Years at Northeastern

University in Boston, MA. I am acquiring

Bachelor of Science degree in Biology,

concentrating on going to Medical School.

I was born in Bong County Liberia, but

spent most of my time in Ivory Coast due

to the civil war in Liberia. From traveling to

numerous countries in Africa, and Central

America, I strongly believe that Healthcare

and Education are the two vital basic

needs of developing countries. I am proud

to see young Liberians like my colleagues

doing so well, and hopefully we can all help

with the improvement of Liberia.

Petheree Norman is a Registered Nurse

and recent graduate of the University of

Virginia. She was born in Monrovia, Liberia

at Snapper Hill Clinic and moved to the

United States in 1998. She currently lives

in Charlottesville, Virginia. Petheree will

begin working as a Registered Nurse in

August for the University of Virginia Medical

Center. The connection she has always felt

to Liberia was strengthened after her recent

visit in December 2010, 14 years after

leaving her home. She spent her 4 weeks

in Liberia volunteering at the J.F.K. Medical

Center’s Maternity Hospital. Petheree hopes

to use her experience with this magazine to

highlight life, culture, health and all things

Liberian

My name is Patience Landford and i am a current graduate

student at Clark University, I earned my B.A in sociology from

the University of Texas and I am currently pursuing a Masters

of Arts Degree in International Development & Social Change

with a concentration in Sub-Saharan Africa and after that

I am looking to attain a PhD in Conflict Resolution. I hope

to one-day work for the United Nations as an Ambassador

or a foreign diplomat and help my country in any way that

I can. I currently work as a Public Relations Specialist for

the Unforgotten Fund a non-profit organization that does

work in India and Zambia by helping villagers in the poorest

regions of the world gain access to Safe Drinking Water |&

Education. I am also the creator and founder of Positive

Liberia a face book page and blog that highlights the current

and latest news in and about Liberia. It is a positive outlet

that shines light on the human rights issues in Liberia and

work along with those who are advocates of the cause.

My Philosophy is “We must be the change we want to see

in the world.” In order to change the world one must be

able to elevate themselves and their outlook on life through

Education. Being a young Liberian in the U.S, i greatly

understand the significance of Education and the impacts it

has on an individual life and a country success. Education

has been the core reason for social change, democracy,

economic growth and political empowerment for many

nations around the world. I strongly believe that the future

of our country lies in the hands of the youth of Liberia. To

educate them is to emancipate them from mental slavery and

various oppressions. Liberation and academic stimulation of

the mind is the key to success.

My name is Winston Smith. I recently graduated

from Roger Williams University, Bristol Rhode

Island with bachelors in Legal Studies and

Psychology and a minor in International Relations.

I also studied at the University of Edinburgh in

Scotland. I played four years of varsity soccer

at Roger Williams University, while also serving

as president for the university’s Student Athletes

Advisory Committee. My goal is to someday work

for the IMF or the World Bank. My participation

in this group is to unite young Liberians and

also enhance their knowledge on our culture

and success. I don’t think I can live with my

accomplishments if I am not able to help someone

else elevate their life. Our country needs to unite

and I think the best way to accomplish that is

through the youth. One day Liberia shall rise

again and it’s up to us to make that possible,

we are the next generation of leaders. Marianne

Williamson’s said, our deepest fear is not that we

are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are

powerful beyond measure.

My name is Maseta Dubar. I am 24 years old and

reside in Maryland. I was born in Monrovia, Liberia,

lived in Cote D’Ivoire for 4 years and moved to the

United States at the age of 7. I graduated from

the University of Maryland in 2010 with a Bachelor

of Arts in Government and Politics and a Minor

in International Development. I plan to start my

Masters in International Development in spring of

2012. Currently, I intern as the Executive Assistant

for UNESCO, United Nations Educational Scientific

and Cultural Organization and work part-time as a

Home Health Aid Nurse in Frederick, MD.

I am an altruist, whose goal is to establish

a Non-profit or NGO, focusing on solutions to

challenges of development, poverty alleviation

and gender inequality; primarily targeting issues

that women and youths face within Liberia and

neighboring African countries. I believe that “It is

important to nurture any new ideas and initiatives

which can make a difference for Africa” - Wangari

Maathai

I am Jones M. Harris. I graduated from

Wentworth Institute of Technology in

2010 majoring in Architecture: Design and

Culture. Currently I run an Architecture

& Design Services firm that focuses on

Development in Liberia. My goal is to one

day

design and develop every county in Liberia.

I believe that what happens to us in

this life is only a small part of our story;

how we react to it determines the rest.

Unfortunately civil war is part of Liberia’s

story but the work that this generation of

Liberians is doing will determine the rest.

It is an honor to be among the generation

that will make Liberia’s story a great one.

I currently reside in Providence, Rhode

Island.

My name is Sidney Richmond Divine. I was born in

Liberia and migrated here because of the unfavorable

conditions at the time. When things appeared to be

better, my family and I went back and I was able to do

some schooling in Liberia for a couple of years before

returning to the States due to conditions worsening back

home. Since the inception of those conditions, I’ve been

here completing high school at Green Pastures Christian

Academy where I won a state championship in basketball

and became the school’s first McDonald’s All American

nominee as well as Valedictorian of my graduating class

of 2006 at the age of seventeen.

Upon graduating from high school, I enrolled in a

small local college (Atlanta Christian College, now Point

University) before transferring to LaGrange College to

complete my undergraduate degree in General Studies

with a double minor in Business Management and

Coaching. At LaGrange College, I held various leadership

positions such as Resident Advisor, Social Council

Member, Student Athlete Advisory Committee Member,

and Captain of the Men’s Basketball Team. In addition, I

was a member of the college’s French Club, Chess Club,

and Black College Student Union.

Currently, I’m working on becoming a Financial

Advisor with a company that has been helping individuals,

businesses, and families with their financial security for

over 100 years. I’m in the process of getting licensed to

be able to better serve my (prospective) clients. My focus,

this early in my career, will be on business development

(attracting and retaining clients). In 2 years I’d like to take

my GMAT to get my MBA in Personal Financial Planning

and eventually sit for my Certified Financial Planner

exam and earn other designations that will enable me to

better help people (most of whom will be Liberians) plan

for retirement, sending their kids/grandkids to college,

protecting assets in the event of an untimely death/

disability of a primary income earner and any other

dreams they would like to realize.

Pamela Dehcontee Manneh is a senior

student majoring in political science (Public

Administration) minoring in international

communications at Winston Salem State

University. Despite the fact that Miss Manneh

was born in the US she has profound love

and devotion for Africa. In 2007at only 17, she

developed her own nonprofit African Youth

Empowerment, geared towards enhancing and

bettering the lives of youth in Liberia and Sierra

Leone. Other than running an international

nonprofit, Pamela was selected to be the Youth

Advocate for the Unity Party USA, a political

party supporting Her Exellency Madame Ellen

Johnson Sirleaf in her re-election. Mrs. Manneh

as for seen her future and is confident that her

calling is to aid and empower the voiceless

people of Africa.

My name is Ellen Witherspoon. I am a senior

double majoring in Accounting and Finance at Pace

University in New York City. I am currently an audit

intern at JP Morgan Chase. It is my goal to one-

day work as a Financial Consultant/ Auditor for a

500-fortune company on Wall St. I am also the Vice

President of the Pace University NABA chapter

(National Association of Black Accountants). The goal

of NABA is to uplift young African Americans and

prepare them for the professional world. I strongly

believe in the model of “Lifting as we climb” as I feel

that everyone eventually needs a helping hand. As

young Liberians who are bettering ourselves, we

should not forget about our other brethrens out there

who might need a push or some assistance in life.

As we learn and grow we should be eager to help

others so that they can in turn help someone else.

Being able to add to the progression of my country

and to help out young Liberians is definitely one of

my future goals and I hope this magazine will be a

steppingstone in that direction.

My name is Randell Dauda, and I recently

graduated from Northeastern University in

Boston, Massachusetts. While at Northeastern

University, I Majored in Psychology and

Anthropology. I am currently working full time as

an Injury Prevention Outreach Coordinator at the

Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. It is

my intention to start my Masters in Education

this fall. I hope to one day become a professor in

one of the social sciences. I am passionate about

teaching and community outreach. In my current

position I work with youths and give presentations

on violence prevention, alcohol/drugs prevention

and try to promote safe and healthy lifestyles. I

strongly believe in Margaret Mead’s quote “never

doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed

people can change the World”. I look forward to

making great changes along with all these young,

energetic, thoughtful and committed Liberians.

God bless.

Lorece Shaw is the 25 years old daughter of

Roland and Loretta Shaw. Although born in the

United States, she had her first visit to Liberia

at the tender age of 3, and she has always felt

great sense of pride in her Liberian heritage.

She completed high school at Michael E.

DeBakey High School for Health Professions in

Houston, TX. She then matriculated to Xavier

University of Louisiana where she studied pre-

pharmacy. Lorece obtained her Bachelor of

Science dual degree in Science and Pedagogy

at Houston Baptist University. She holds teacher

certifications in Composite Sciences 4-12.

Currently, she is finishing the requirements for the

Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Texas Southern

University. Ms. Shaw’s hobbies include writing

poetry, traveling, and social networking. She

is an active member of the Fountain of Praise

in Houston where she serves as a young adult

ministry leader. Additionally, Lorece is a member

of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

and Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity,

Incorporated. She looks forward to her next visit

to Liberia and making contributions to Liberia’s

future.

Garmai- Korto Matthew is a young up

and coming African inspired designer. Her line goes

by the name of Guwala da Nele meaning “Beautiful

and Strong” in Kpelle, a Liberian language. This

line includes African inspired garments to eccentric

pieces. Garmai- Korto Matthew is a 19 yr old

innovator making her mark on the fashion industry

and the world as a whole in a huge way. Her fashion

journey all began at a very young age. In elementary

Garmai- Korto drew thumbnails and sketches of

phenomenal garments she would someday pursue

to create. She always had an artistic gift and was

motivated to achieve her goal of being a Fashion

Designer. Garmai- Korto was born in Cleveland,

OH and was raised in a rich African Culture. Her

parents are from a country in West Africa by the

name of Liberia. Her family always encouraged her

to embrace her culture. Through this, Garmai- Korto

was inspired to create modern traditional wear that

were more fitting and fashionable than temporary

tradition attire. She is currently studying Public

Relations and Fashion Design and plans on making

Liberia one of Africa’s fashion capitals and providing

jobs and services of philanthropy to her people.

My name is Natasha Kennedy, but people often

call me Tasha. I am currently a Senior at Rhode

Island College majoring in Communication:

Speech, Language and the Hearing Sciences.

Throughout my High School and College trek

I’ve been privileged to work intimately with

the Liberian Community Association of Rhode

Island, even finding myself as Youth President

in my early High School years. Working along

with the community gave me an opportunity to

exchange ideas with my elders as well as my

peers. I learned while working with both people

my Senior and equal that giving everyone a

voice goes a long way. We as youth are not

only able to help each other come up with

creative ideas but we can also teach are elders.

Currently working in the human services area

with people who are physically and mentally

incapable has taught me a lot about myself

as well as the people around. I’m not only

excited to work on this project, but even more

enthralled to be in the company of so many

talented and motivated young people.