Washington, D.C. – 7/10/12: The former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia, Her Excellency Olubanke King-Akerele, will deliver the keynote address at a one-day symposium being hosted by the Embassy of Liberia in Washington, D.C. as part of programs commemorating the 165th Independence Anniversary of Liberia this year.
According to a dispatch from the Embassy of Liberia in Washington, the Symposium is being held under the theme, “The Role of the Liberian Diaspora in the Reconstruction and Development of Liberia and the Importance of Dual Citizenship in the Context of Reconstruction and Development of Liberia.”
The Symposium will take place on Friday, July 20, 2012, at the Sheraton Washington North Hotel, located at 4095 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, Maryland, 20705. Registration begins at 9:00 A.M. and the Symposium is scheduled to commence at 10:00 A.M.
Given her wealth of experience and outstanding service to the Government and people of Liberia, Former Foreign Minister King-Akerele is expected to provide some insights into how Liberians in the Diaspora can positively contribute to the ongoing reconstruction and development of their native land. Minister King-Akerele is the author of the recently published book, “Women’s Leadership in Post-Conflict Liberia.”
Following Minister King-Akerele’s keynote address, two panel discussions will be held on the following sub-topics:
• The Role of the Liberian Diaspora in the Reconstruction and Development of Liberia; and
• The Importance of Dual Citizenship in the Context of Reconstruction and Development of Liberia.
Panelists expected to speak on the Role of the Liberian Diaspora in the Reconstruction and Development of Liberia are Dr. Sakui Malakpa of the University of Toledo in Ohio, renowned journalist and legal counsel Kwame Clement, and Bishop Philip E. Nelson, III, of the Grain Coast Ministries, Inc.
Panelists expected to speak on the Importance of Dual Citizenship in the Context of Reconstruction and Development of Liberia are legal counsel Edward W. Neufville, III, veteran journalist and community leader John Lloyd, and noted community leader Emmanuel Wettee.
Following Friday’s symposium, an All Day Cultural Extravaganza will take place on Saturday, July 21, 2012, on the Grounds of the Chancery for participants to appreciate the richness of the Liberian culture and history. Last year, more than nine thousand Liberians and friends of Liberia participated.
An Intercessory Service to pray for Liberia and its people will take place on Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Shiloh Baptist Church, located at 1500 9th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. The service is scheduled to begin at 4:00 P.M.
On Thursday, July 26, 2012, a Diplomatic Reception will be held at the Ambassador’s residence to climax the 165th Independence Anniversary.
In a related development, the Liberian Community Association in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area will hold a pre-independence ball on Friday, July 20, 2012, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The ball will be held at the Episcopal Church of our Saviour Banquet Hall, located at 1700 Powder Mill RoadSilver Spring, MD 20903. A donation of $25.00 per person is required.
Meanwhile, all Liberians and friends of Liberia are cordially invited to attend the Symposium, Cultural Extravaganza, and the Intercessory Service.
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