T he Liberian Association of Indiana elected its new team of leadership in the month of October 2007. The elected officers are: Mrs. Siah Fallah-Brown, President, Mr. Johnson Korvah, Vice-president, Mr. Varnie Karmo, Secretary, Ms. Gertrude Wallace, Treasurer and Rev. James Tumay Chaplain. According to election observers, the elections were free and fair and conducted in the atmosphere of oneness. Election results were certified by the Special election chairman, Dr. Momoh Fahnbulleh. The President and all elected officials were inducted into office on Sunday, November 10, 2007. Now that the Liberian Association has a new team of leaders, it is the time that members of the association forget the past and look forward to the future for the association’s growth and prosperity. The President’s platform emphasized “Unity”. The President understands the interests of the Liberian community. She believes we can all do a better job only if we decide to let go the past and focus on the future. Her government promised to involve every Liberian in the process and is looking forward to individuals to render their services on various committees established to move this organization forward. As promised, her government is not interested in divisions of the past. Her government is not also interested in Liberians who claimed to be more educated than others whether they are on the West side, South side or north side of Indianapolis. These Liberians contribute nothing to this organization but seek to divide us, create problems and destroy the efforts of leaders in the past including former presidents Trocon Karmo and Dorbor K. Kabbah under whom leadership the Liberian Association was organized. Also, the government does not seek those that want to dwell on the past and foster divisions to weaken the President and her leadership team. The government welcomes LIBERIA ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW OFFICERS Written by Trokon D. Gbadyu Continued on page 6 President Siah Fallah-Brown Secretary Varnie N’jola Karmo Vice-President Johnson Korvah Treasurer Gertrude Wallace Chaplain James K.G. Tumay A r i s t o t l e , t h e G r e e k philosopher, always gave sound advice on how to become virtuous. His ideas were always simple and full of common sense. Aristotle insisted that excellence always came from developing good habits which would eventually lead to good character. The philosopher felt that voluntary action was an important part of the formula for achieving virtue and happiness in life. Therefore, an individual who volunteer his services, his money, and his time to society did not only find the formula to happiness, but also gain a reputation that exceeds happiness and is honorable to society. One man who is making a difference in the community and following Aristotle’s advice is Mr. James Fallah. He is one of the outstanding members of the Liberian community. He served on the board of advisors during the Karmo’s administration. Despite his busy schedule, he volunteers his services to the Liberian Association as a photographer. He spends his personal income to cover costs, and his time to follow the Association’s leadership team to programs in the city to take pictures and do video recording. Video recordings and pictures from programs including meeting with Bart Peterson, the City Major of Indianapolis, the election and inau- guration of President Siah Fallah-Brown along with the new leadership team are available for sale to members of the association. Ac- cording to Mr. Fallah, Proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Liberian Association to improve its financial standing. He does this without compensation neither from the Liberian Association nor from any of its members. Mr. Fallah deserves our thanks and gratitude. This level of patriotism and dedication is what we need from everyone in the community to make this organization a vibrant one in the United States. It is now time for us (Liberians) to rush and purchase those pictures and videos to assist our community and people. With this regard, the editorial board of the Information & Research Committee of the Liberian Association of Indiana is proud to declare Mr. James Fallah as “a man on a mission”. Written by Trokon D. Gbadyu O n November 15 thru November 18, 2007. The Liberian Associa- tion of Indiana participated in the International Festival. This was the 2nd year LAI has exhibited a Culture Booth at the International Festival. LAI cultural booth exhibited Wooden Carvings and displayed information about Liberia on a poster with the picture of Liberia's President. It was a learning experience for the thousands of school children and others who came through. I had the opportunity to meet two businessmen who expressed interest in getting in touch with President Johnson-Sirleaf. This information will be forwarded to Dr. Elwood Dunn. There were two Liberians who did not know the Liberian Association existed. I took their information and have forwarded to the Secretary and the Information & Research Committee chair for further contact. Maryvonnie Kerzabi, Director, Language Services and community Outreach of the International Center of Indianapolis informed me the center receives LAI Newsletter. Please continue to keep in touch with the International Center. I hope more Liberians will bring their children to the International Festival. It is a learning experience for the children. On Thursday and Friday, more than 5000 students came through, visiting cultural booths of various countries to get their International Festival Passport. Written by Alma Smith Information and Research Committee Members: Chairman: Trokon Gbadyu, Isabella Ballah, Ayo Clarke, Ernest Forkpah, Kaisor Dennis and Secretary Varnie N’jola Karmo An African Folktale Once on a stormy rainy day Frog and Scorpion met at the banks of a river. It had rained for days and the flood waters were fast approaching. Frog was not concerned. He in fact swam around the river. He swam across and back as if it was a day to play. He was not concerned. Scorpion approached the banks of the river, tense and worried about his life. He knew the flood waters were approaching and he knew that he could not swim. It was a do or die situa- tion for Scorpion. He called out … Frog! Frog! Please I need to ask you something. Now Scor- pion was known was his deceptiveness. He was known to always betray people and going back on his word. Frog suspiciously swam over to him. Yes Scorpion what is it that you want. “I need you to carry me over to the other side”, said Scorpion. “I can’t swim and the flood waters are approaching. Please help me!” cried Scorpion. “You are known for betraying people Scorpion. If I take you across you will sting me.” said Frog. “No I would never do that, I promise. Eh Mehn I beg you.”, cried Scorpion. “Scorpion you always sting people, you always betray people, you always lie and steal from people, how can I trust you?” explained Frog. Scorpion pleaded his case over and over until finally the soft hearted Frog agreed. He could not bear the idea of leaving Scorpion to drown. “Okay Scorpion, don’t sting while we swim across. If you do I will drown and since you can’t swim, you will drown too. So it is in your interest to not sting me, okay?” said Frog. Scorpion agreed. They started to swim across the river, when they reached the middle, Scorpion stung Frog. “Eh Scropion you stung me, we will die oh! We will die oh! Why did you do it? You promised me, why did you do it?! Now we will die oh!” cried Frog. Realizing the situation, Scorpion simply said, “Ma Mehn its just my nature.” I would like to thank the former officials for all of their hard work and contribution to the Liberian Association of Indiana. Especially Dr. Marshall former Vice-President, Siah Fallah-Brown, former Treasurer, Abraham Kollison former Secre- tary, Evelyn Cassell former chairlady of the Ways and Means Committee and Anthony Carter former chairman for the Information and Research Committee as well as others. In community politics, statements are used as weapons to divert and confuse its' members. Those who engaged in this behavior, have every intention to profit from it personally. Misfortune becomes a common occurrence in our destiny, when community members become distrustful of one another. If we cannot make things happen our way all the time, we must not destroy what has already been established, simply out of petty envy or selfishness. Our future can be cut short, if we are confined by our own weakness. Unity is of vital importance to the association, but a weak membership will put the community in a fragile position. Measuring success in accomplishing our goals is not based on quantity of people, but the quality of people's effort. If the leadership does not have character and respect, the members will not be disciplined and respectful to its heritage. Madame President thanks for accepting the responsibility and we will support your administration and work with you. To show our support and commitment to the Liberian community, my wife and I, will pay our dues for the entire year of 2008. GOD BLESS US ALL Written by Trocon Tora Karmo F ellow Liberians, my Name is Siah Fallah-Brown. I will first and foremost like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the Karmo administration for keeping our commu- nity together during this time of difficulty. The Karmo administration was instrumental in bringing awareness to this organization and its people. We are grateful for the administra- tion’s involvement in raising awareness of the TPS status and other pertinent issues. During the past two years, the administration and the community made a series of progressive steps in advancing our beliefs; yet the challenges ahead of us are much greater than we can all imagine. For this reason I decided to seek the office of President f o r t h e L i b e r i a n Association of Indiana. The Liberian Community in Indiana represents a sample of the population in Liberia. We represent Liberia with all our val- ues, desires, fears and issues. We find ourselves facing similar problems that have set our country back 15 to 20 years. These problems did not begin with the civil war and they did not end with the election of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Lack of Unity divides us into multiple camps based on tribal groups Lack of Unity divides us into multiple camps based on county groups Lack of Unity divides us into multiple camps based on what side of town we currently live This Lack of Unity destroys us. This Lack of Unity dilutes our strength and confuses us, when it comes to making important decisions for our community. My desire for this community is to unite us as one people from one nation, Liberia. In doing so, I look forward to working with every mem- ber of the L iber ian community; regardless of background, ethnicity, county of birth, or political sub-division; in order to assist me in making our organization a better one. I believed we can move this community forward by living in peace and harmony with one another, and by creating conditions that are favorable to us all. As Liberians, as one unified group, the more core values we share, the greater the energy and synergy that emerges within the group. I will form a government that is inclusive and answerable to our community. I will involve the services of former leaders and former committee heads to share with us, their knowledge and experience in order to move our community to the next level. I will also form committees that will solicit the services of o u r m e m b e r s , including elders in our society, so that no one will feel left behind or marginalized. My fellow Liberians, the future materializes from the actions, values and beliefs we are practicing now. We are creating the future everyday by what we choose to do. If we want a different future for our commu- n i t y , w e h a v e t o t a k e responsibility for what we are doing in the pre- sent. My government will work with local refugee agencies and will organize programs that will assist in the resettlement of Liberians in the city of Indianapolis. We will assist new arrivals to find jobs and also with basic computer literacy skills if necessary. We will continue to work with our brothers and sisters at the African Center and in the broader Indianapolis community. Those of us who are fortunate to live a privileged life, compared to our people in Liberia, need to take the responsibility to reach for higher aspirations. We have this Written by Siah Fallah-Brown CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 responsibility and we must never short- change ourselves or our capability in order to seek instant gratification. We must never short-change our capability by deliberately choosing the wrong path. We have to be true to ourselves, true to our cultural and our religious values. If we are who we say we are, then we must be who we say we are; by teaching our children our values and traditions. If we are who we say we are, then we must learn to embrace our diversity as a nation. Our core challenge as Liberians is to create a condition by which we can have a meaning- ful sense of community, driven by behaviors that resonate from our core shared values. Some of you may ask, “How do we build a community that is united?” We must look to the constitutional objectives of our organization: To promote a support system among Liberians re- siding in the State of Indiana To pro- mote the cultures and values of Liberia To serve as a mechanism for the promotion of unity among Liberians residing in the State of Indiana. Looking at these objectives, we can build our community by making one connection at a time. Goethe said, “Trust people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being” You build a community by having authenticity -- that is your tradition and values. You build a community by sharing your vision with each other. You build a community by speaking the truth without fear. Last but not least, you build a community by becoming a leader among leaders. As a community we need a visionary message to match visionary behaviors. My mes- sage is unity. My behavior will be the embracing of all Liberians in Indiana. Are we Liberians? Then let us stand together as Liberians. Let us break the mode of division within our community. For some, these goals may seem too difficult to achieve. Some may feel that we as Liberians are not capable of reaching these goals therefore, we should not even try. Look -- we all need social activities. Life in America is hard in a different way. We all work, but my fellow Liberians we can improve our community with the help and support of us all. In Closing, I would like to read a quote from Marianne Williamson: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” With this in mind I would like to thank the community for electing me as your President. Together we can make a difference for our community. May God Bless Liberia and the Liberian Association of Indiana. criticism, but constructive criticism along with ideas to improve the organization will be appreciated. Over decades our nation engaged in the politics of divisions and destruction. We destroyed the only nation that we could all be proud of for more than fifteen years, yet, we achieved nothing. It is time that we divert from our past. Our nation and people will be better served only if all Liberians will develop the sense of nationalism and patriot- ism. Now is the time for Liberians to follow the examples of other nations around the world and build a vibrant society in strength and in unity. So shall it be in exiles and at home. It is time we contribute to the leadership of President Siah Fallah-Brown. LIBERIA ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW OFFICERS Continued from page 1 A MESSAGE OF UNITY CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 F ellow Liberians, my Name is Siah Fallah-Brown. I will first and foremost like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the Karmo administration for keeping our commu- nity together during this time of difficulty. The Karmo administration was instrumental in bringing awareness to this organization and its people. We are grateful for the administra- tion’s involvement in raising awareness of the TPS status and other pertinent issues. During the past two years, the administration and the community made a series of progressive steps in advancing our beliefs; yet the challenges ahead of us are much greater than we can all imagine. For this reason I decided to seek the office of President f o r t h e L i b e r i a n Association of Indiana. The Liberian Community in Indiana represents a sample of the population in Liberia. We represent Liberia with all our val- ues, desires, fears and issues. We find ourselves facing similar problems that have set our country back 15 to 20 years. These problems did not begin with the civil war and they did not end with the election of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Lack of Unity divides us into multiple camps based on tribal groups Lack of Unity divides us into multiple camps based on county groups Lack of Unity divides us into multiple camps based on what side of town we currently live This Lack of Unity destroys us. This Lack of Unity dilutes our strength and confuses us, when it comes to making important decisions for our community. My desire for this community is to unite us as one people from one nation, Liberia. In doing so, I look forward to working with every mem- ber of the L iber ian community; regardless of background, ethnicity, county of birth, or political sub-division; in order to assist me in making our organization a better one. I believed we can move this community forward by living in peace and harmony with one another, and by creating conditions that are favorable to us all. As Liberians, as one unified group, the more core values we share, the greater the energy and synergy that emerges within the group. I will form a government that is inclusive and answerable to our community. I will involve the services of former leaders and former committee heads to share with us, their knowledge and experience in order to move our community to the next level. I will also form committees that will solicit the services of o u r m e m b e r s , including elders in our society, so that no one will feel left behind or marginalized. My fellow Liberians, the future materializes from the actions, values and beliefs we are practicing now. We are creating the future everyday by what we choose to do. If we want a different future for our commu- n i t y , w e h a v e t o t a k e responsibility for what we are doing in the pre- sent. My government will work with local refugee agencies and will organize programs that will assist in the resettlement of Liberians in the city of Indianapolis. We will assist new arrivals to find jobs and also with basic computer literacy skills if necessary. We will continue to work with our brothers and sisters at the African Center and in the broader Indianapolis community. Those of us who are fortunate to live a privileged life, compared to our people in Liberia, need to take the responsibility to reach for higher aspirations. We have this Written by Siah Fallah-Brown CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 An African Folktale Once on a stormy rainy day Frog and Scorpion met at the banks of a river. It had rained for days and the flood waters were fast approaching. Frog was not concerned. He in fact swam around the river. He swam across and back as if it was a day to play. He was not concerned. Scorpion approached the banks of the river, tense and worried about his life. He knew the flood waters were approaching and he knew that he could not swim. It was a do or die situa- tion for Scorpion. He called out … Frog! Frog! Please I need to ask you something. Now Scor- pion was known was his deceptiveness. He was known to always betray people and going back on his word. Frog suspiciously swam over to him. Yes Scorpion what is it that you want. “I need you to carry me over to the other side”, said Scorpion. “I can’t swim and the flood waters are approaching. Please help me!” cried Scorpion. “You are known for betraying people Scorpion. If I take you across you will sting me.” said Frog. “No I would never do that, I promise. Eh Mehn I beg you.”, cried Scorpion. “Scorpion you always sting people, you always betray people, you always lie and steal from people, how can I trust you?” explained Frog. Scorpion pleaded his case over and over until finally the soft hearted Frog agreed. He could not bear the idea of leaving Scorpion to drown. “Okay Scorpion, don’t sting while we swim across. If you do I will drown and since you can’t swim, you will drown too. So it is in your interest to not sting me, okay?” said Frog. Scorpion agreed. They started to swim across the river, when they reached the middle, Scorpion stung Frog. “Eh Scropion you stung me, we will die oh! We will die oh! Why did you do it? You promised me, why did you do it?! Now we will die oh!” cried Frog. Realizing the situation, Scorpion simply said, “Ma Mehn its just my nature.” I would like to thank the former officials for all of their hard work and contribution to the Liberian Association of Indiana. Especially Dr. Marshall former Vice-President, Siah Fallah-Brown, former Treasurer, Abraham Kollison former Secre- tary, Evelyn Cassell former chairlady of the Ways and Means Committee and Anthony Carter former chairman for the Information and Research Committee as well as others. In community politics, statements are used as weapons to divert and confuse its' members. Those who engaged in this behavior, have every intention to profit from it personally. Misfortune becomes a common occurrence in our destiny, when community members become distrustful of one another. If we cannot make things happen our way all the time, we must not destroy what has already been established, simply out of petty envy or selfishness. Our future can be cut short, if we are confined by our own weakness. Unity is of vital importance to the association, but a weak membership will put the community in a fragile position. Measuring success in accomplishing our goals is not based on quantity of people, but the quality of people's effort. If the leadership does not have character and respect, the members will not be disciplined and respectful to its heritage. Madame President thanks for accepting the responsibility and we will support your administration and work with you. To show our support and commitment to the Liberian community, my wife and I, will pay our dues for the entire year of 2008. GOD BLESS US ALL Written by Trocon Tora Karmo General Meeting Dates January 13th September 14th March 9th November 9th May 11th December 14th July 13th All General Meetings will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church 5625 West 30th Street Speedway, IN 46224 Please attend Members are encouraged to stay engaged and active by paying dues. Membership dues can be paid monthly $5 or yearly $60. Make your check or money order payable to: Liberian Association of Indiana or you can make a deposit in the Union Federal Bank in the account of the Liberian Association of Indiana and mail the deposit slip to: Liberian Association of Indiana, P.O. Box 20483, Indianapolis IN 46220 This publication was prepared by the Information and Research Committee, with oversight from the Executive Board of the Liberian Association of Indiana Contacting the Information & Research Committee LAInews@yahoogroups.com or call Committee Chairman Trokon Gbadyu. (317)341-5930 Exec board Meeting Dates January 5th May 3rd February 2nd June 7th March 1st July 5th April 5th All Executive Board Meetings will be held at Locations to be determined All Executive Board Members and Committee Chairs are required to attend. July 12th Next IRC Meeting Saturday January 12, 2008 Location and time: To Be Announced Wish you all the best for life From your lovely parents Rufus & Ruth Tartee • On behalf of the Liberian community we extend our deepest sympathy to George Greene and Family for the passing of his Father Mr. Dennis Greene • On behalf of the Liberian community we extend our deepest condolences to Dorthy Amtwi for the death of her Mother Our prayers are with you. Business Individual Full page $40 Full page $40 To advertise in the Liberian Association newsletter the following prices apply: Half page $20 Half page $15 Under 1/2 page $15 Under 1/2 page $10 T he Liberian Association of Indiana elected its new team of leadership in the month of October 2007. The elected officers are: Mrs. Siah Fallah-Brown, President, Mr. Johnson Korvah, Vice-president, Mr. Varnie Karmo, Secretary, Ms. Gertrude Wallace, Treasurer and Rev. James Tumay Chaplain. According to election observers, the elections were free and fair and conducted in the atmosphere of oneness. Election results were certified by the Special election chairman, Dr. Momoh Fahnbulleh. The President and all elected officials were inducted into office on Sunday, November 10, 2007. Now that the Liberian Association has a new team of leaders, it is the time that members of the association forget the past and look forward to the future for the association’s growth and prosperity. The President’s platform emphasized “Unity”. The President understands the interests of the Liberian community. She believes we can all do a better job only if we decide to let go the past and focus on the future. Her government promised to involve every Liberian in the process and is looking forward to individuals to render their services on various committees established to move this organization forward. As promised, her government is not interested in divisions of the past. Her government is not also interested in Liberians who claimed to be more educated than others whether they are on the West side, South side or north side of Indianapolis. These Liberians contribute nothing to this organization but seek to divide us, create problems and destroy the efforts of leaders in the past including former presidents Trocon Karmo and Dorbor K. Kabbah under whom leadership the Liberian Association was organized. Also, the government does not seek those that want to dwell on the past and foster divisions to weaken the President and her leadership team. The government welcomes LIBERIA ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW OFFICERS Written by Trokon D. Gbadyu Continued on page 6 President Siah Fallah-Brown Secretary Varnie N’jola Karmo Vice-President Johnson Korvah Treasurer Gertrude Wallace Chaplain James K.G. Tumay