Speech delivered by
Dr. John Trarso Wulu, Jr.*
at the Concerned Grand Gedeans Memorial Day and Dinner Ball Program
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 29, 2010

*Speaking in capacity as a private citizen and not representing any governmental agencies and/or public institutions.

I-Tor Gwhee- Yee!  Di-Loo! Good Evening to all!
Fellow Concerned Grand Gedeans, Elders, Sons and Daughters of Grand Gedeh County, and Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

      I brought with me a 21-page speech this evening to deliver at the 20th Annual National Convention of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA) Unity event, but given the change in plan by organizers to divert the occasion to an event for Concerned Grand Gedeans to memorialize and celebrate this Memorial Day and have a festive Dinner Ball, I have a plan B with a very short notice this evening from the program handout to present to you a different speech on “Holding Together as a Group of People with Goals of Unity, Economic Development and Empowerment for Grand Gedeans in Liberia and in the Diaspora”.

Let me first extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the organizers of this event, the concerned Grand Gedeans for the invitation extended to me to serve as the Guest Speaker for the Concerned Grand Gedeans Memorial Day and Dinner Ball in Philadelphia, PA, USA.

During a time of crisis, people of the Grand Gedeh County/Liberia in the diaspora must hold together. I have already noticed that by virtue of Grand Gedeans coming together to memorialize fallen Grand Gedeans, Liberians, and other heroes on this day, that is a sign of unity. All concerned Grand Gedeans, Liberians, and friends congregating here today signify a unifying and vibrant group that could serve as a catalyst for constructive changes in the Liberian communities in the diaspora, in Grand Gedeh County, and in Liberia as a whole. When there are threats of divisionism, split, and separation in an ethnic group, we as a people of Grand Gedeh County and/or Liberia must first turn to our elders for candid resolutions or family advice rather than first resulting into filing lawsuits and seeking adjudication for justice in the American Courts. What ever happened to having town meetings with our elders and youth to resolve any basic internal organizational problems?

At this point before I proceed with my deliberation, I’d like to take this time to honor and acknowledge the entourage accompanying me to this event today. I am grateful to have with me my beloved wife for almost a quarter of a century now and mother of my children, Ms. Josephine Wulu (a daughter of Grand Bassa County, another sisterly “Grand” county of Liberia). I am truly blessed to have my parents, Mr. John N. Wulu Sr. (a son of Grand Gedeh County, Konobo Statutory District) and Mrs. Minnie Wulu (a daughter of Pleebo/Cape Palmas, Maryland County) who have journeyed from Cleveland, Ohio in our presence.  I am undeniably humble to have my in-laws, Mr. Joseph G. Davis and Mrs. Juwenjay Davis also from Cleveland, Ohio in our presence. Moreover, having my daughter (who’s at a College of Medicine in Philadelphia) present at this event, it’s a treat as well. In addition, I’d like to recognize all of our elders, some of whom I remembered from Liberia, and some I have come to know from here, and others who have come from far away to be with us and express their sentiments as concerned Grand Gedeans. Frankly, if I may speak for us all, we as so pleased to be here and experience this momentous occasion.

I am most honored that from an impressive array of potential Liberians in the United States, you have found me to be worthy enough to serve you in this capacity. I am so glad to be among families, friends, and relatives of my ethnicity, and truly humble by this experience. I am equally delighted to be in this precious and vigorous city of Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, and the historic birthplace of America’s freedom.

The venue and timing of this event could not have been more appropriate at a time when we (with a mix of Grand Gedeans, Liberians, diverse national ties and cultural values) in an international community are currently engaged in the process of bonding via an ethnicity-based concerned group of Grand Gedeans to promote freedom, economic development and empowerment in our beloved native homeland (the Republic of Liberia) and in our own communities in the diaspora.

As Grand Gedeans, we are warriors who are very resilient. We are fiesta Warriors. We are determined, goal-oriented, and of course, we do persevere to achieve whatever we put our minds to. We can not split up, as we have reached so far. We must therefore work together to support and appreciate each other while abroad and in Liberia. How amazing that we are convening in the city of Philadelphia, a timely chosen vicinity, to discuss issues of concerns; especially, fostering peace and unity among Grand Gedeans. May we find inspiration and motivation from the courage of great individuals and heroes, whose shoulders we stand on today, so that we may strengthen and channel our energies through the right direction?  Let’s keep in mind in knowing that where we now thread and stand, great individuals once dwelled.

 We have embarked upon a journey far away from our native homeland to memorialize and celebrate ancestors, elders, heroes, and many others who have made significant contributions in our lives. This is a journey we hope will yield the desired fruit at the end of the day.  Like the Chinese adage states, “A journey of a thousand miles

must begin with a single step” –Lao Tsu. On the other hand, another wise saying reminds us, “we must become the change we want to see” –Mahatma Gandhi

I extend tribute to all other Grand Gedeans and Liberians who could not make it here today. I recognize and appreciate all past and present leaderships of the Republic of Liberia as well as the past and present leaderships of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas.  There are many heroes from the past in our history and ancestral lineage that laid the foundations and pillars, we stand on today in the Americas; so, we acknowledge and honor them all today at this important gathering of concerned Grand Gedeans.

My fellow Grand Gedeans and compatriots, if we must remember anything from my talk today, kindly remember my urging to each of you to rally around and staunchly support and appreciate your own kind, especially the Krahn People. We have a lot to show and be respectful of by just being labeled as “Krahn” in Liberia and in the diaspora.

 Concerned Grand Gedeans must consciously cling to effectuate the vision and core values of the association as well as to achieve the goals, aspirations and dreams of the people of Grand Gedeh County, formerly known as the Eastern Province of Liberia until 1964. Then, there were two districts –Tchien and Webbo (now part of River Gee County). Today, Grand Gedeh County is the third largest County of the 15 Liberian Counties and, perhaps, has been one of the most disregarded counties in Liberia over the years. However, it is expected that Grand Gedeans and fellow Liberians would raise optimism and fortify Grand Gedeh County in playing active roles in implanting and sustaining economic development, politically good governance, security and secured environments in Liberia.

As a group of Concerned Grand Gedeans, we cannot sit supinely and do nothing about growth and development in Liberia, and of course, we cannot cease from focusing on or debating and discussing the internal as well as external entities that may impede/adversely impact or promote progress in Liberia from the diaspora’s perspectives. Liberia stands a native land and mother Africa for us all.

As Grand Gedeans, we must not only sincerely hold together but we must be supportive of each other and be as proactive toward economic development and empowerment of Liberians at home and abroad. We must appreciate our ethnicities, social and gender differences, our languages and dialects, and cultural heritage in order to reckon and claim our equitable place and respect in the Liberian society and the diaspora.

As you may know, Grand Gedeh County (bounded on the northwest through the north by Nimba County, on the northeast through the east by the Cavalla River forming boundary with Cote d’Ivoire, on the south by River Gee County, and on the southwest by Sinoe County) is subdivided into three Statutory districts –Gbarzon, Konobo, and Tchien. There are Administrative districts; Chiefdoms; Clans; Cities; and Towns in our county. The county has natural resources, including iron ore (for mining) and vast forest (for agricultural and forestry developmental initiatives).

Grand Gedeh County has strengths in natural resources—iron ore, fertile land, rocks, forest (timber), wildlife, diamonds, gold, rivers, hydropower; in cash crops—cocoa, plantain/banana, coffee, rubber, oil palm, coconuts, and pineapple. The weaknesses of the county include, but not limited to:  high illiteracy rate, inadequate skilled manpower, lack of basic infrastructure and services, lack of farm to market road access, poor road structural networks, uninformed about economics and commerce, and ignorance about dividends and shares from natural resources and agriculture/forestry due to the county for economic/infrastructure development purposes.

            Grand Gedeh County comprised of diverse groups of people from Gbarzon, Tchien, and Konobo districts. So, we recognize all groups of the county on a quilt. Because of this unique diversity, we the people of Grand Gedeh County must realize that in order to develop and progress, it is imperative that we work in close consonant irrespective of geographic boundaries. From Toe Town (Gbarzon) to Gbarbo Town (Tchien) to Zia Town (Konobo), from the apex of mount Gedeh to the basin of Zwe, we as concerned people of Grand Gedeh County have congregated here today in solidarity to foster peace and unity among ourselves so that we would be able to clearly unveil and effectively implement plans to help Liberia economically, politically, and socially.

                  Today, I would now speak to you on the topic, “Holding Together as a Group of People with Goals of Unity, Economic Development and Empowerment for Grand Gedeans in Liberia and in the Diaspora”.  This topic suggests positivism, cooperation, and collaboration among us all. In this century, it is our social responsibility as humans to cultivate peace and unity. These elements do facilitate progress for economic development and empowerment.  The primary stride to progress, if we are concern about resolving the socio-economic problems and geo-political issues in Grand Gedeh County and in Liberia, would be that we do something about them and set in place a series of action steps.  However, in order to be successful in finding practical solutions to helping the Grand Gedeh County and Liberia, concerned Grand Gedeans must first get their house in order.

             Last year, I visited Liberia on two separate occasions—in July and October – after having been abroad (mainly in the United States of America) for over 25 years. The purpose of my visits was at least three-fold. First, I needed to reacquaint myself with family, friends, the environment, and atmosphere of my birth homeland, Liberia. Secondly, I planned to lead efforts on reestablishing/reorganizing my parents’ schools.

This led to the conversion and consolidation of the approximately 40-year old Richard M. Nixon Institute and John Wulu School into the John and Minnie Wulu School System in Monrovia and the St. Paul Bridge locality, Montserrado County. It is important to mention, Ladies and Gentlemen, that your humble servant is also a product (or alumnus) of both the John Wulu School and Richard M. Nixon Institute. Thus, revamping these schools and setting them on the right course for educating the Liberian masses have and continued to be my primary concern in Liberia at the moment. I must add that there is fervent hope on the horizons of extending the new School System to Grand Gedeh County and other parts of Liberia at some points in the future. The School System, under the operational leadership of a Superintendent, currently contains the following three schools – John N. Wulu Senior High School (Capital Bye-Pass, Monrovia), John N. Wulu Elementary School (War Wein, Monrovia), and Minnie Wulu Elementary and Junior High School (St. Paul Bridge, Montserrado County)

. I am delighted to say that the school system is currently functioning under the guidance and leadership of a board chaired by your humble servant. Providing quality education to children in Liberia is a step in the right direction regarding economic development, social/cultural awareness, and empowerment of Liberians. The school system seeds it motto as “Education a Treasury”. Further, another reason for my visit was to explore the possibilities of establishing an investment corporation in Monrovia as a way of challenging myself to give back to Liberia. As a consequence, I am determined to make yearly visits to Liberia, if possible, as of last year, to bring to realization my plans of actively participating in the educational process of Liberians, rebuilding/enhancing my parents’ schools, and engaging in business ventures.

        During my visits to Liberia, I was saddened to see the remnants and vestiges of Liberia’s civil war and armed conflicts that ended a few years ago; but I was elated to observe the resilience and courage of the Liberian people in the rebuilding and reconstruction efforts of Liberia. Also, the presence of U.N. peacekeeping forces and the Liberian security entities (Police and Military) seemed to be working diligently to keep the country secured, while maintaining law and order. 

          While in Liberia, I saw pains and sufferings through the eyes of Liberians who may still be experiencing the wraths of post war effects or psycho-social problems or economic hardships. Most of our people, in scores of areas –urban and rural—in Liberia have been reduced to substandard living. Insufficient and relatively little or no existing basic infrastructures continue to stagger the quality of life and sustained growth in Liberia. I noticed in several Liberian communities, among others, unsanitary conditions; the scarcity of good drinking water; the lack of public water and sewage systems; and the lack of public electricity.  Thus, concerned Grand Gedeans in the diaspora are expected to work together to help with improving the quality of life of Liberians in Liberia; and work on economically empowering Liberians in Liberia and abroad instead of being divided and back stabbing each other in the diaspora.

            Quality textbooks and basic school supplies, commercial transportation—buses and taxi cabs, medical facilities, clinics and medicines are in short supply in Liberia. There are also inherent problems with the lack of skilled manpower and experts (e.g., nurses, physicians, teachers, engineers, technicians, etc.). For example, classrooms in Liberia are observed to be poorly equipped to educate the Liberian school children. So many schools are without the necessary educational materials or books; and without operational or existing laboratories or libraries. Can you imagine students learning biology, chemistry, and physics just from, in many cases, antiquated or obsolete textbooks or educational resources? And of course, in the advent of the technological era, where Liberian schools have yet to catch up with time of having functioning and state-of-the art computers in classrooms?

           In order for any group of concerned people of Grand Gedeh County in the diaspora to influence the rebuilding, reforming and revitalization of Liberia from a broader standpoint, we must learn to first work together and appreciate each other, focusing on our strengths rather than our weaknesses. In other words, we are at a point where we individually and collectively, combine our talents and resources and work together for the development of our people.  Let us remember that nobody can do this for us beside ourselves.  Only when the people of Grand Gedeh County can understand each other and work together in unison will they then be able to assist Liberians in Liberia and abroad.  Concerned Grand Gedeans must focus on the following areas of need for its people: Peace and unity, education, health and welfare, economic development, good governance and security.

PEACE AND UNITY
           As an emerging organization, we have an urgent need to subscribe to the principles of confidence and capacity building.  But to do this, the existence of peace and unity is pivotal. Peace and unity are essential pieces to connecting this gigantic puzzle that is Liberia of which the Grand Gedeh County is a piece. Let’s now put the painful past behind us and forge a bond for the sake of our common patrimony.  If we should falter in achieving peace and unity, then everything that we are doing today to set our house in order, strengthen the association, and rebuild Liberia would be illusive at the end of the day.  In the absence of peace and unity, any reconstruction is cosmetic and fragile. We must remain optimistic in upholding peace and unity in our Liberian community, our organization, and in Liberia.
 
      As Grand Gedeans or Liberians in the Diaspora, many of us do possess the education, and networking accessibility in the United States of America--a politically and socially uninterrupted environment—to promptly reach out to others in Liberia and other parts of the diaspora. 

         We can therefore harness our various talents and do some good in Liberia and abroad, as we promote peace and unity.  For example, concerned Grand Gedeans can engage in conflict resolution exercises rather than immediately filing conflicts and disputes into the U.S. Courts for resolutions. There is a no win-win situation, when both members of ethnic groups pay legal fees and one party comes out winning a Court case. Imagine Grand Gedeans being adjudicated by the Courts—as both the plaintiff and defendant—in such light, it would seem intertwined for an individual or group affiliated with any one of us concerned Grand Gedeans to declare victory following court resolutions. Therefore, we must help our people understand that peaceful coexistence is key (or critical) to our progress as a people.  We must recognize and acknowledge that we have a common destiny as people of Grand Gedeh County and Liberia.  We have seen instances where people want to focus primarily on ethnicity as oppose to seeing the broader picture that unites us all—Gbarzonians, Tchienians, and Konoboains are all Grand Gedeans in Liberia, and most of all, they are all Liberians too. It is good and honorable to showcase our ethnic identity.  Ethnic diversity is healthy because it shows that we are pieces of a beautiful mosaic.  Let us however, be mindful so that our diversity does not lead to fragmentation that prevents us from achieving our goals and purposes as one people. 

EDUCATION
         Education is so vital for the people of Liberia.  We must emphasis and prioritize quality education.  For example, we need to build schools, and have them fully equipped with educational materials and qualify teachers for the youth in Grand Gedeh County. Recent world statistics shows that Liberia ranks almost at the bottom in the category of education, health and other areas in comparison with her neighbors including Sierra Leone that also recently emerged from a civil war.

         Liberia with a current population of approximately 3.5 million, has a literacy rate below 30 percent, unemployment is at about 80 percent and life expectancy of 47.7 years.  Already we can see just how much trouble we are in and unless we prioritize education for Grand Gedeans and many other Liberians as a whole, Liberia is looking at a bleak future.  Arguable, we cannot keep blaming the dismal statistical scores on the past civil war and armed conflicts in Liberia. Though, we can not forget the civil war and armed conflicts. We can build memorials to commemorate the past, but we must move on and look ahead to better the future of Liberia and our Liberian communities in the diaspora.  We must be hopeful that the process of rebuilding the social and economic structure of Liberia.

 I am off the opinion that education is a recompense we owe the future Liberian generation, and we as concerned Grand Gedeans and Liberians abroad can start to repay this compensation by engaging in and encouraging meaningful projects and initiatives in this regard.  Some of us have already started this process, but for those of us still not involved, I’d like to throw out the challenge to get involve right now, starting today!  This is a challenge to Grand Gedeans in the diaspora to come together, avert breaking up to start new organization in the midst of internal organizational conflicts/temporal political challenges or disagreements, and actively participate in collective efforts to help Liberia and Liberians abroad. Remembering the words of the civil rights legend, the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, that reads: “The ultimate measure of persons is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand in times of challenge and controversy.”

HEALTH AND WELFARE
         The health sector, like the rest of Liberia, was dealt a devastating blow as a result of the civil war and armed conflict that ended about seven years ago.  Per my visits last year to Liberia, I observed that the government of Liberia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other private organizations seemed to be working on improving the Liberian health care delivery system. Concerned Grand Gedeans can do its part of supporting and sustaining health initiatives/programs in Grand Gedeh County. 

Liberia is at risk for any potential health outbreaks or crises.  The pandemic influenza flu (H1N1 flu) is still a potent problem for developing countries, like Liberia. For example, diseases which were declared eradicated or under control by the World Health Organization (WHO) are resurfacing and are of threat to the Liberian people in Liberia and even the Liberian communities in diaspora.

          Curable diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, measles etc., have once more become deadly and claiming lives—Liberians and others, alike.  Malnutrition continues to be for many Liberian children. The prevalence of communicable disease especially HIV/AIDS continue to escalate with Liberian youth, statistically, considered to be at greater risks. 

The lack of health services, HIV/AIDS, food insecurity, illegal entry of immigrants, corruption, environmental pollution, poverty, bad roads, lack of access to quality and affordable education, and lack of access to elected Liberian officials are some of the many threats facing Grand Gedeans and other Liberians in Liberia.

  With the health of the Liberian nation threatened, the people of Grand Gedeh and Liberians abroad can begin to lobby and network with various health/medical institutions including hospitals and pharmaceutical companies to assist in the provision of drugs and medical supplies for the needed.

We must get involved in the designed and dissemination of health education and outreach programs aimed at increasing awareness of chronic and communicable diseases.  This is a challenge to the people of Grand Gedeh County and Liberians abroad with the expertise in the health care and the human service professions to make a difference.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
     Some of us have lived in the Americas and democratic environments long enough to realize that the backbone of any nation’s economy is the private sector.  We must seriously eye the private sector and encourage entrepreneurs abroad to keenly look at opportunities for growth and economic development in Liberia.  Concerned Grand Gedeans and Liberians must promote the concept of a free enterprise and fair market competition, because competition in business is good.  The system of monopoly especially in certain key industries must be reviewed and discouraged.  A fair and competitive market system would mean that our people could have options and make informed choices.  This will also ensure that people are exposed to the best possible products and services because market competitors will ensure that their products are of standard.

     Liberia should break away from the heavy reliance upon funding from foreign donors. Liberia must call upon Liberians in Liberia and abroad including every group of concerned Grand Gedeans to make economic contributions toward the growth and development of Liberia. Moreover, if we must map out a new existence with economic prosperity, then we must be candid and bravely address all of our problems that have helped to indirectly thwart our maturity and stalled our potential to develop a healthy private sector.

Concerned Grand Gedeans in Liberia and in the diaspora must create a workable paradigm and strategic plans, which will include encouraging small businesses, and forming mergers, identifying loan sources and insisting on business protection for our people in Grand Gedeh County and in Liberia as a whole. 

GOOD GOVERNANCE AND SECURITY
        The leadership of any organization must adhere to all principles of good governance, as it goes through a second term. As Concerned Grand Gedeans, we should appreciate a leadership that exhibits professionalism, accountability, and transparency at all times. We should anticipate a leadership that upholds the ethical standards of its people; and also, applies objectivity in its decision making process.  If the leadership is moving in the wrong direction, we may count on the elders’ intervention for the right direction and guidance. Every leadership or council must be accountable to its people, as well as continue to build bridges among its constituents.

         It is equally important that concerned Grand Gedeans work with established Liberian organizations in the diaspora in order to bridge with the national government of Liberia in the nation building efforts. Concerned Grand Gedeans should ascertain how public service political appointments stemming from the National Government in Liberia can encourage and capitalize on the talents and expertise pool of Grand Gedeans in the diaspora—proportionate to leveraging the county’s vested representation in social and political fabric of Liberia.  As Concerned Grand Gedeans, you should never relent in submitting as a group unsolicited written recommendations to the leadership of the National Government in Liberia on public service political job openings in Liberia.

         Let us be reminded that the Liberian presidency, the congress and heading of government ministries, are not the only areas where concerned Grand Gedeans can make significant contributions.  Liberia needs a knowledgeable and respectable judiciary and strong local government. Grand Gedeh County and other municipalities in Liberia may need good city mayors, commissioners, superintendents, town chiefs, paramount chiefs, clan chiefs, and men and women of integrity nationwide. 
 

         Grand Gedeans and Liberians abroad can influence the rebuilding process positively, for example, by working to strengthen and empower local people.  As you reflect and memorialize on this Memorial Day, you would perhaps recall factors that contributed to the past Liberian civil war and its subsequent unfortunate turn of events. For example, the past political system largely faulted in decentralizing Liberia and as a result, fellow Grand Gedeans and Liberians outside of the perimeter of the power play in Monrovia, felt disenfranchised.  Lessons learned! Concerned Grand Gedeans would understand that good governance empowers people for good citizenship, and also, enables secured communities.

            To this end, confidence-building and appreciation for participation in the good governance process are desirable attributes that ought to be fostered by any leadership of group of people –whether in Liberia or in the diaspora.  As sons and daughters of specific indigenous heritage—Grand Gedeh County, we must positively help our towns, and villages in Liberia for the better.  We must show interest in our people; make our Liberian people feel safe and secure; and do the things that are important to them and for them. 

     Finally, to all Grand Gedeans abroad, it is necessary to uphold your ethnic organization and assist in positively rebuilding Liberia, as we have a moral obligation to do.  We must not give up on Liberia or leave Liberia to others to develop.  When Liberia is strong and viable, it is a surety the Grand Gedeh County will all be strong and viable.
    
        We must begin to apply the process of deconstruction to find out where we fit in the reconstruction and revitalization process of Liberia as I stated earlier.  How will posterity judge what we do now tomorrow?  Will our generation be judged kindly because we did the right thing or will we be judged harshly because we faulted in our obligation to our country?

  In conclusion, as we memorialize and celebrate this day that we, as Krahn People, remember that we are resilient and firm warriors who cannot be divided, therefore we must unite for the betterment of our socio-ethnic and cultural organization in the diaspora and our beloved birth home, Liberia.

Thank you all! A-ZUO! A-ZUO!