Monrovia – The Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) will convene its annual National Conference from September 15th through the 17th of this year in the State of Delaware with Mr. Abraham G. Massaley, former President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) serving as its Keynote Speaker.
Mr. Massaley, a veteran Liberian journalist, who currently resides in the US, will speak on the ALJA 2017 Convention theme, The Rule of Law: Recipe for a Peaceful and Stable Liberia at the Association’s Annual Benefit Banquet.
A press release from the Association quoting the ALJA National President, Moses D. Sandy, says the theme is necessitated due to ALJA desire and commitment to help foster the continuation of the peace Liberians have come to enjoy over the last 12 years as anything to the contrary will equally affect all fabrics of the country, including its vibrant media.
Mr. Sandy said Mr. Massaley is in a better position to explain to his fellow journalists what it means to have a peaceful and stable country having served them as PUL President during Liberia’s tumultuous period.
The ALJA Boss also, explained that the convention’s business session is expected to take place at the Harvest Center International Church in Wilmington, while the benefit banquet will be held at the prestigious Bella Vita Ballroom in Newark, Delaware.
Meanwhile, delegates for the convention have already begun arriving in the US.
Currently in the US, are PUL’s President, Charles Coffey and Mr. E. Blamo Robinson, former Assistant Director General for News and Radio at the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS).
Others from Liberia and other regions of the Americas are expected to arrive this week.
This year’s convention activities, Mr. Sandy noted, will also include the election of new corps of officers for the next two years in line with the Association’s elections guidelines.
Mr. Gardea V. Woodson, ALJA current National Secretary General is not seeking re-election.
ALJA last national leadership election was conducted in October 2015 in New Castle, Delaware.
The Association was founded in 1998 in Washington, D.C. with the objectives of fostering peace and camaraderie amongst its members; and the advancement of press freedom through media development in Liberia.
Also, ALJA is committed to championing the cause of good governance in Liberia through media advocacy. In the year 2004, ALJA crumbled due to internal rift amongst members.
After ten years of dormancy, the organization was resuscitated in 2014. Since then, ALJA remains a vivacious non-profit organization with a 501c (3) tax exempt status.