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The Newark African Commission Participates In The Liberian Rally In Newark To
Stop The Deportations Of Thousands Of Liberians
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Sekou Fofana
03.16.2009 Newark NJ
Hundreds of Liberians and friends of Liberia gathered at a rally in Newark to show their unflinching support to their Liberian brothers and sisters
whose TPS (Temporary Protection Status) is due to expire on March 31, 2009 making them vulnerable to deportation. The rally, which was organized
just a few days ago by Liberians in Newark and strongly supported by some heavy weights such as Newark's Councilman-at-large Donald M. Payne
Jr and his father Congressman Donald Payne Sr was by all accounts a huge success. It was an amazing sight to see Liberians and other nationals
show up despite little publicity to say, as they loudly chanted during the rally, "No To Deportation", "We Need Permanent Status". The loud chants
were audible even couple of blocks away as many unsuspecting shoppers in the center of downtown stirred in admiration of the beauty and the
strength of the march .
The rally started at the Newark's Military Park and within a few minutes, you could have mistaken Newark's Broad Streets for Monrovia's Broad
streets. There were literally hundreds of Liberians marching through the city center with police escorts, joyfully and proudly displaying their red white
and blue Liberians flags along with the American flags.
After a long but enjoyable walk, through Broad Street, the marchers finally gathered at the Newark Federal Building two blocks away from City Hall
where several speakers took the stage. Michael Gray, Deputy Chief of Staff of Councilman-at-large Donald M. Payne Jr, who was one of the brains
behind the march thanked everyone for attending, acknowledged the presence of several dignitaries at the rally including his boss, Councilman
Donald M. Payne Jr, Congressman Donald Payne Sr, Councilman Gonzales, Dr. Kalfani of the African Institute of Essex County College, Dosso
Kassimou of the African Commission and ULLA's newly elected President Anthony Kesselly and many others.
Donald M. Payne Jr thanked the crowd for showing up and said " the number here today is good but in Washington DC on Wednesday March 25, we
want to see hundred times this number. Number is all that matters so help spread the word", the councilman said.
His father, a longtime friend of Africans and Liberians in particular, congressman Donald Payne Sr said that he is doing everything in his power to
create awareness and to rally support behind the Liberian TPS problem. He said that all members of the Congressional Black Caucus are aware
and have signed on to the petition to allow the Liberians to stay. "I have reached out to several people including Senator Patric Kennedy who will be at
the rally in Washington", said the soft-spoken Congressman. He then went into details explaining the historical ties between the republic of Liberia
and the United States. "Liberians have helped the United States in so many ways during the course of our history and I think it is time for the US to
return the favor", he said. The Congressman also urged Liberians to reach out to other communities who are facing similar crises such as the
Haitians and others. He said that the Haitians, historically, just like the Liberians, have also contributed astronomically to the United States. "The
Haitians", the Congressman continued, "by defeating Napoleon of France in Haiti, forced him to sell a territory of the western United States extending
from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains between the Gulf of Mexico and the Canadian border". He pointed out that It was this purchased,
famously known as the Louisiana Purchase (April 30, 1803, for $15 million) that double the size of the United States.
"I was part of history today" said a young Liberian at the rally. "This is the first rally that I have ever participated in and to see our people, our mothers
and our fathers--who normally never get along--put all of their petite differences aside for this cause meant a lot to me", she added. This sentiment
was also expressed by many others at the rally. "It is time for Africans to show their self worth" said Dosso Kassimou, President of the Newark
African Commission. "It seems like everyone else has figured out how to come together to fight for what is rightfully theirs but us. But today's rally is
an indication that some people among us are now willing and readied to make the sacrifices needed to make sure that our people realize their
American dream", he concluded.
ULLA,s boss Anthony Kesselly extended his thanks and appreciation to all those who have tirelessly worked to make sure that Liberians, who are on
TPS are permanently granted legal status. "Our purpose here at this rally is twofold--one is to say thanks to Congressman Payne, his son,
Councilman Payne Jr and all the other folks who are standing tall with us in our time of need. Another reason why we are here is to say to US officials
that Liberia wants them to return the favor by allowing her citizens who are decent tax-paying members of the society, to remain here for as long as
they want", Mr. Kesselly said with huge outburst of cheers from the crowd saying "ULAA, ULAA, ULAA".
After the rally Michael Gray announced that another meeting will be organized in Newark's City Hall at the Municipal Council Chambers on the second
floor on this Thursday at 6pm to discuss everything pertaining to the big rally in Washington scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2009.
Please Spread the word
Click here for all the pictures from the rally
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