On Nov. 22, the local liberian community went to the polls to show democracy in motion. They elected new board of directors in an election held in their newly acquired community center in Brooklyn Park. Exactly, month later, Dec. 22, the new board members sworn in.

Liberian Community considered to be the second largest in the African immigrants after the Somali Community in Minnesota have been praised for showing unity and democratically electing their community leaders. In most cases if not all, other African communities in the State is being led by the founders or non-elected leaders.

Of course, there is no easy way for a new democratic process, there always be obstacles and challenges but what is clear is how the Liberians are trying to prove it wrong and it can be done. Proving that the African diaspora can remove any leader or elect and intall new leaders without  destroying the organization altogether.  How the Liberians did what they did  and others didn’t get it yet, it is a question worth of exploring.

The Organization of Liberians in Minnesota popularly known as a OLM currently led by Kerper Dwanynen, himself was elected on extactly two years from this month. Dwanyen is the 32 leader for the OLM since its existance.

 OlM Election Commission earlier after the election released the nine elected board members and they are: John Tarley,  Clarence Yaskey, Richard Sondah, Margaret Toweh, Kamaty Diahn, Richard Parker and Henry Kesselly Sr. John Tarley was elected for the new Chair position. Tarley is not new in the African Community,  he is known for his African Assistance Program organization which has two offices both in St. Paul and Brooklyn Center.

   OLM Election 
        Results

John Tarley                -       334 votes 

Clarence Yaskey    -      419 votes       

Richard Sondah     -      303 votes

Margaret Toweh    -     394 votes

Kamaty Diahn       -     321 votes

Richard Parker      -      366 votes

Henry Kesselly Sr.-     340 votes

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source: ANJ News/OLM