Our Story...

The Liberian-American Organization, Inc. is a coalition of Liberian citizens and friends of Liberia residing in the Southern California area. The organization was first known as the Association of Liberian Students in Southern California and was started in the early 1960's as a student association to meet the socio-econmic needs of Liberian students who came to live and attend school in Southern California.

The organization's scope was later broadened to include many other Liberians and friends of Liberia who were not just students but residents of Southern California. It then became known as the Liberian Community od Southern California. However, as membership of the organization grew and diversified to embrace the interests of all persons within the organization, some being from all over the world, the members saw the need to adopt the name "The Liberian-American Community Organization, Inc."

Operating under this new designation, the organization's primary objectives are to promote co-existence among Liberians and friends of Liberia residing in Southern California, promote cross-cultural awareness, socio-economic and the educational well being of its members, plan programs that stimulate trade and cultural exchanges between the US and Liberia, and now as a result of the civil war, the organization is engaged in fund-raising programs to assist thousands of Liberia's war victims in refugee camps all over the world.

There are approximately 2000 Liberians scattered across Southern California, currently living and working in and around the L.A. basin, stretching from Bakersfield in the north to San Diego in the south. Many have become American Citizens while some have spouses of different nationalities. Their children, especially those that came here from Liberia during the civil war, generally view themselves fortunate to be in the US. as they watched the turmoil engulf their native land. This is probably one of the reasons why a large majority of them chose to stay in school.

The dream of restoring Liberia to the nation that once stood as a symbol of stability and respect has become a rallying cry for all Liberians and friends of Liberia as well.

We extend a hand of friendship and solidarity to all people of goodwill and we are please that you have celebrated with us during the various events that we've hosted in the past, including the Independence Day Ball, The Picnic in Long Beach, CA, etc. especially those of you who we consider "Friends of Liberia". Not only do we encourage your membership, support and prayers, we invite your continued participation in our activities here in Southern California as well as our mission and projects to help reconstruct and develop our nation.

Thanks for your support,

David Beyan, Public Relations Officer - Liberian-American Organization, Inc.