Congressman Keith Ellison challenges the crowd

The ULAA Prexy throws a powerful battle cry before commencing his thrilling speech

The chanting mass of Liberians at the Capitol

On the historic day of Wednesday, March 25, 2009, a massive number of Liberians converged on the West Front Terrace of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC, to thank the American people for their hospitality and appeal for more consideration. 

The rally, organized by the Concerned Citizens for Humanity under the auspices of Newark Councilman and Essex County, New Jersey, Freeholder Donald M. Payne, Jr., was held in collaboration with the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA). 

The rally was addressed by the Chairlady of the Congressional Black Caucus, Honorable Barbara Lee of California, Congresswoman Sheila Lee-Jackson of Texas, Congresswoman Corrine Brown of Florida, Congressman Keith Ellison of Minnesota, Congressman Michael McMahon of New York, and long-standing Liberian champion, Congressman Donald Payne, Sr. of New Jersey.  

The program on the steps of the Capitol was moderated by Councilman & Essex County Freeholder Donald M. Payne, Jr. of Newark who also delivered a moving speech to the chanting crowd of Liberians. 

Upon introduction by Councilman Payne, Jr., ULAA National President Anthony Kesselly gave an electrifying oration in which he implored all ULAA chapters to embark upon a massive mobilization in support of the Liberian Immigration Fairness Bill that has just been re-introduced in the U.S. Senate.

ULAA personalities leading delegations to the rally were National General Secretary Isaac S. Zawolo, Eastern Regional Vice President Menseh Jones of North Jersey, Southern Regional Vice President Robert Garguah of Georgia, and National Leadership Council members Presidents Ernest Johnson of Washington, DC, Tarlow Miller of South Jersey, Telee Brown of Staten Island, and Walter B. Skinner of Georgia. LAP Vice President Dahn Dennis who represented President Shiwoh Kamara of Pennsylvania.