July 28, 2023-Philadelphia-The National President of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) Hon. J. Shiwoh Kamara has received an award of service distinction from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Conferred by the 159th Legislative District Representative Carol Kazeem, the award is one of the highest community service awards and the first of its kind given to any ULAA National President.
Presenting the award Friday, July 28, 2023 in Pennsylvania, House Representative Kazeem described Hon. Kamara as a selfless leader whose work and contributions to his community remain valuable Speaking at the 176 Independence Day celebration organized by the Liberian Association of Pennsylvania, Representative Kazeem, a native of Chester City said there was no better time to honor ULAA National President and others than on the weekend of Liberia’s 176 independence.
“It’s because of you and others that the Liberian community strives in the United States,” Representative Kazeem said presenting the award. Flanked by other Liberian recipients across the state, the State Representative said her office and the House of Representatives were exceptionally proud of the services over the years by various Liberian community leaders.
Stressing unity and community solidarity Representative Kazeem congratulated all Liberians on the celebration of its 176 independence. She described Liberia as a country full of great potential with called on all Liberians to return home and develop their communities.
“Go home, build houses. Fight poverty and improve the health care delivery system,” she encouraged. Digging deep into Liberian history, she described Liberia as the older brother to the United States citing years of service provided by freed African slaves prior to independence. “Our forefathers worked and developed this country. You all are the big brother to America. Stop saying America is your big brother.”
Responding to the award, ULAA National President, Hon. Shiwoh Kamara thanked the State Representative and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the honor. Reechoing the sentiments of ULAA Hon. Kamara said ULAA was pleased and was committed to sustaining the gains it has made over the years. In the coming week, he said ULAA election was insight and called on Liberians to turn out in mass to celebrate and vote.
He named the passage of the Dual Citizenship Bill as well as a series of nationwide community interventions his leadership has undertaken over the years. Several Liberians including ULAA former Foreign Relations Officer, James Koiyan as well as the President of the Liberian Association of Pennsylvania (LAP-INC), Madam Sayondee Kofa Kumorteh were among those honored.
ULAA Communications
