The Liberian Association of Pennsylvania (LAP) is a nonprofit organization that serves the Liberian community in Pennsylvania. Established in 1978, LAP has been a vital resource for Liberians in Pennsylvania and has played a significant role in promoting Liberian culture, heritage, and social activities.
The Liberian community in Pennsylvania began to emerge in the 1970s when many Liberians migrated to the United States for educational and professional opportunities. At that time, the Liberian community in Pennsylvania was small but growing. Recognizing the need to create a social and cultural network for Liberians in Pennsylvania, a group of Liberians formed the Liberian Association of Pennsylvania.
The LAP was founded in 1978 with the goal of creating a strong network of Liberians in Pennsylvania. The founding members of LAP believed that by uniting the Liberian community, they could create a supportive environment where they could help one another navigate life in the United States.
In its early years, LAP organized social events and cultural activities that celebrated Liberian culture and heritage. These events included picnics, cultural festivals, and sporting events. Over time, LAP began to focus on more than just social events. The organization recognized the need to support the community in other ways, such as providing educational resources, promoting civic engagement, and advocating for the needs of the community.
As LAP grew, the organization began to take on more significant projects. One of the organization’s most significant achievements was the establishment of the Liberia House, which served as a community center for Liberians in Pennsylvania. The Liberia House provided a space for community members to come together, share resources, and support one another.
Over the years, LAP has continued to play a vital role in the Liberian community in Pennsylvania. The organization has been instrumental in advocating for the needs of the community, promoting cultural awareness, and providing resources and support for community members. LAP has also worked closely with other organizations to address the needs of the Liberian community both in Pennsylvania and Liberia.
In recent years, LAP has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the community. The organization has expanded its services to include education and job training programs, health and wellness initiatives, and civic engagement programs. LAP has also worked to build partnerships with other community organizations to expand its reach and impact.
The current president of LAP is Ms. Sayonde Koffa and the vice president is Mr. Sando Johnson, both succeeded Mr. Christopher Selekpoh and Aisha Gbolu Howard in August 2022. Ms. Koffa has been an active member of LAP for many years and has served in various leadership roles within the organization. As president, Ms. Koffa has worked to continue the organization’s legacy of community service and advocacy.
One of LAP’s most notable leaders was Karyokie Peeco Conway, who served as secretary from 2015 to 2021. Conway was instrumental in helping to expand LAP’s programs and services, including the purchasing of the organization’s only property in West Philadelphia. Conway was also a strong advocate for the Liberian community in Pennsylvania and worked tirelessly to ensure that the needs of the community were met.
Today, LAP continues to serve as a vital resource for the Liberian community in Pennsylvania. The organization’s headquarters is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and its programs and services are available to all members of the community. LAP’s commitment to promoting cultural awareness, community service, and advocacy has made it an essential institution in the Liberian community in Pennsylvania, and its impact is sure to continue for many years to come.
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