MY PERSONAL STORY BY: JAMES Y.HUNDER SR.

As a Liberian, I grew up appreciating the cultures & traditions of our fathers and fore-fathers.  Our cultures and traditions taught me to explore and educate myself on many different levels.  My desire as a young adult was to become a prominent citizen and a successful community organizer.

However, my dream and aspirations were interrupted in 1980 as a result of a bloody military coup carried out by seventeen enlisted men led by Master Sgt. Samuel K. Doe.

President William R Tolbert, Jr., was assassinated and later thirteen of his cabinet members were gruesomely executed.  Consequently, this was the beginning of the civil crisis that subsequently led to the insurgency which was organized by then rebel leader Charles Taylor.

This insurgency in 1989 was the beginning of a brutal civil war which lasted for fourteen unbroken years.  Hundred of thousands were displaced and or brutally killed. It was not long before I and many others, would escape to seek refuge both in neighboring countries while some migrated to the United States in hopes of a better opportunity for their families with regards to employment and education. 

I too, took advantage of this opportunity when I obtained employment through Wake Forest University for ten years during which I further my education-graduating from Forsyth Technical Community College (FTCC) with three Associates, a Bachelor from Winston Salem State University (WSSU) and Masters from Wake Forest University (WFU).



President's Message

I would like to take this opportunity once again to say thank you to all of those who have consistently support The Liberian Organization of the Piedmont.

Our Officers, Members, Legends & Leaders, donors and other individuals; have all played a part in contributing to the success of  this organization moving forward.

We have come a long way and yet, we have a distance to go.  LOP's humanitarian efforts have always been to assist those that are in need while at the same time, bringing Education & African History to the fore-front.  As we continue to execute our humanitarian efforts both within the U.S and globally, we ask for your continued support and prayers.

OUR RECOGNITION

It is our honor to congratulate the three women recipients of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize.  In particular, we especially acknowledge The President of the Republic of Liberia, Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf & Liberian Peace Activist Ms. Leyman Gbowee for their outstanding contributions and services to Liberia & the world.

Mr. James Y. Hunder Sr.

President