they say, i say, we say. issue no.2
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They Say, I Say, We Say : A Liberian Magazine. Issue No.2TRANSCRIPT
MEET THE STAFF
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.
My name is Grace Moore. I believe we live in
an ever changing society and if one wants to
facilitate change in this world one must have
a transforming mind. Being able to adapt to
surroundings, time and situation is the ultimate
skill we need as humans. My name is Grace
Moore, I aspire to bring about change to this
world in the way I am able to using the skills I
have naturally and the ones I am acquiring in
my educational endeavors. I earned my BA
in psychology and I am currently a student
in a Non-profit management and Leadership
Certificate program at Rhode Island College.
I am going to be enrolling in my Master’s
program in fall 2012. I have an innate passion
for Africa, especially Liberia. My ultimate goal is
to be able to service my fellow Africans in the
near future. Another passion of mine is health,
mental health that is, I believe that physical
health and mental health are codependent
but due to the stigmatization of the topic of
mental health most people care only about
the physical aspect of their health. Awareness
is the key: and I want to help bring that to the
communities that are in desperate need.
My career path is to earn my Master’s in
Social Work with concentration on mental
health focusing on the refugee and immigrant
populations. And later on in the future earn my
PhD in Psychology and ultimately work with
organizations like WHO or IHO.