By Bill W. Cooper
The Liberia Association of Writers (LAW) yesterday, July 12, 2023, celebrated its 41st anniversary with a grand event that showcased the rich literary heritage of Liberia.
Additionally, the commemoration was also marked by the launch of the first ever ‘Joseph Jeffrey Walters Lecture Series’ and an exquisite book exhibition featuring a wide array of books authored by Liberian writers.
The event, held at the PRESTIGIOUS WE-CARE Foundation Inc. in Sinkor, was inaugurated under the theme: “Books are Windows to the soul that provide inspirations and the keys to unlock the universe’s secrets”.
Furthermore, the colorful event which attracted an enthusiastic audience of writers, literary enthusiasts, scholars, and dignitaries from various sectors of society, also served as a platform to honor the achievements of LAW over the past four decades and to underscore the importance of literature in shaping the national identity and fostering intellectual growth.
The highlight of the entire celebration was the unveiling of the ‘Joseph Jeffrey Walters Lecture Series,’ named after the renowned Liberian novelist and poet. The lecture series aims to promote critical thinking, intellectual discourse, and literary excellence within the Liberian literary community.
Speaking at the launch, LAW president, Ade Wede Kekuleh, expressed her excitement about the lecture series, stating, “The Joseph Jeffrey Walters Lecture Series is a significant addition to our literary landscape.”
“It will provide a platform for intellectual engagement and inspire the next generation of writers. We are honored to pay tribute to Joseph Jeffrey Walters, whose literary contributions have made an indelible mark on Liberian literature,” she said.
Madam Kekuleh further stated that with such initiatives, LAW continues to inspire and empower the next generation of writers, ensuring that the rich literary heritage of Liberia thrives for years to come.
Speaking on behalf of her father, the CEO of Phebe Hospital, Minnie Sankawulo-Ricks, thanked the LAW for the recognition and described the event as educative, innovative and worth celebrating.
She also stressed the need for Liberians to see education as way of fostering development and contributing to the rebuilding process of Liberia, and added, “It is time that our children take their education seriously because that is the only way things will change in this country.”
As part of the anniversary celebration, the Association on today, July 12, 2023, organized a captivating book exhibition to showcase the diversity and talent of Liberian writers, featuring works from both established authors and emerging voices.
Officially launching the book exhibition, Olubanke King Akerele stated that the exhibition not only celebrated the literary achievements of Liberian writers but also aimed to promote reading culture and literacy within Liberia.
She said it will also provide a platform for authors to connect with readers, share their creative process, and discuss the themes and messages conveyed in their works as well as featured book signings, allowing attendees to engage directly with their favorite authors and to acquire personalized copies of their books.
As the LAW commemorated its 41st anniversary, it reinforced its commitment to promoting and nurturing the literary arts in Liberia, while the Joseph Jeffrey Walters Lecture Series and the book exhibition are significant milestones in the organization’s ongoing efforts to elevate Liberian literature and provide a platform for writers to showcase their talents.
Meanwhile, the Liberia Association of Writers also used the occasion to honor several individuals and institutions who have, over the years, contributed to the sustenance and growth of the Association.
Those individuals and institutions honored include WE-CARE Foundation Inc., Reverend Monseigneur Robert G. Tikpor, Sister Mary Laurene Browne, OSF, Professor J. Emmanuel Roberts, AKA Kona Khasu, and Maryland County former Senator, John Ballout, among others.
