WHAT HAPPENED IN RHODEISLAND AT CONVENTION ‘07
Hortense D. Grimes
Class of ‘81
Reporter
Alumni and former students of Ricks Institute, Virginia, Liberia converge once a year to host the Alumni Association Annual National Convention. The layout combines a Board Meeting, Executive Business Session, Welcome Social, Family Day/Sporting Events, Awards Benefit Dinner, Worship Service, and Farewell Gathering.
These events are designed for fellowship, increasing awareness and raising funds for our alma mater. The Convention is held during the three-day Labor Day weekend at a different venue every year. Convention 2007 was held in Providence, Rhode Island, hosted by the New England Chapter.
Thursday Night - Board Meeting
The weekend began with a pre-convention board meeting held at the residence of S. Renee Goodridge. It was exciting when the doorbell was answered each time to a familiar face, as members of the Board of Directors of this outstanding organization gathered for another convention. Notably present was Ms. Johnetta Minor, eagerly awaiting her students. After arrival of National Chairman, Dr. Zwannah Dukuly, board members and chapter presidents, the meeting was convened. This forum usually sets the tone and agenda for the Executive Business Session.
Following the meeting, Renee’s kitchen was raided. Nobody noticed that it was way past midnight. In a lively manner we took over and were all in her pots and pans, eating delicious fufu and soup and cassava leaf and rice. There was much laughter and joyous anticipation.
Friday - Executive Business Session
The business session began with pre-registration and payment of annual dues and convention fees as well as full remittance of outstanding pledges. The format was enhanced to include Praise &Worship led by G. Cooper and a sermonette by Rev. R. Bropleh. Since every assembly at Ricks Institute began with chapel, we followed that tradition.
National Chairman, Dr. Dukuly formally opened the convention and gave remarks on the state of the association. Recognition was made of several persons who had contributed towards hosting the Providence convention as well as guests in attendance. Notably present was Mr. Isaac David, a longtime employee of Ricks Institute, who traveled from Liberia. Mr. David has the same wonderful personality and we were happy to have him with us.
Leaders of the various chapters presented annual reports on activities at the local level. Reports become part of the archives. Texas Chapter had such a powerful report it had to be given by a three-man delegation. T. Sayeh and A. Davies ceremoniously escorted and stood with E. Barchue to present from the Lone Star state. We laughed at the implication that chapter reports are that much serious.
The chairperson on finance presented the financial report followed by the annual audit report from the internal auditor. That information were thoroughly scrutinized by the body and acted upon. Discussions continued on matters of administration, operations, membership, logistics and the alumni association’s collaboration with Ricks Institute on various ongoing projects.
A highlight of the business meeting was the presence of Rev. Olu Menjay, Administrator of Ricks Institute, Virginia, Liberia. Rev. Menjay produced a slide-show which captivated the audience. In a stunning visual presentation, Rev. Menjay conveyed the transformation of Ricks Institute since the war ravaged days. The scenes covered academics, housing, campus life and extracurricular activities. Solar energy has been partially introduced on the campus and the students are reaping the benefits of having electricity. Dormitories and several buildings have been repaired. Students have regained their dignity and it is apparent. Rev. Menjay makes a strong case for Ricks Institute. Through his commitment and the generous assistance from the alumni association, private sponsors and his own endeavors, Ricks Institute has recaptured its place in Liberia, as an institution providing quality education to children. We applauded his remarks and accomplishments with standing ovation.
Rev. Menjay’s message evoked spoken and unspoken resolve by the alumni members present, to provide continuous financial support to Ricks Institute. We agreed to stand to educate the students and raise their hopes for a brighter tomorrow. Our giving must continue and increase, and we will not let the children down. Our beloved Ricks Institute has conquered a difficult past, but the better news is the future looks extremely potent. After concluding housekeeping, the business meeting was adjourned.
Friday Night - Welcome Social
All work and no play make Jack a dull boy and it was no different in Providence. The annual fashion show hosted by B. & J. Gildersleeves was a usual hit. Beautiful young ladies from Providence strutted the runway wearing gorgeous African attires. Dancing followed the fashion show and I tell you, considering our idea of social night was sitting in the auditorium we have come a long way. It was a relaxing, good ole time of dancing, meeting old friends, reminiscing and looking forward to a fabulous weekend. There is a kind of joy to being around people who you have known since way back when and amazingly, still share strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie. Like the song says, “You want to be where everybody knows your name.” People took to the dance floor song after song. It was much fun as D. Ricks led the all-women grand march, and Coach, E. Goodridge showed he still had it going on with the different strokes. The welcome social continued for several hours.
Saturday - Family Day/Sporting Events
Family day/sporting events featured basketball and kickball games and festivities. Young teams from the Providence area played kickball and basketball against RIAA teams. At first seeing the lineup of the RIAA kickball team, the Providence girls exclaimed “that these o’mom coming to play us, we will beat them here today...” Instead, RIAA girls showed that they are still strong athletes. The basketball game featured star RIAA players against the Providence young men. Again, RIAA showed their talent and gave those young ones a run for their money.
We continued fundraising by having food sale at the sporting events. For a small charge family and friends were fed sumptuous barbecue and long time Liberian treats like short bread biscuits, milk candy, coconut tarts, dry rice and fried fish, fried plantain and more. Everyone was happily back and forth buying tickets to get roast meat and other goodies. Fun was plentiful and lasted all day.
Saturday Night - Awards Benefit
The Awards Benefit Dinner is where deserving individuals who have contributed to the efforts of the association are given honorable mention and presented with plaques and certificates. A guest speaker is selected to address the occasion. Another significant highlight is the Distinguished Service Award recognition. The award is presented annually to former faculty and/or staff member for outstanding service to Ricks Institute. Recipient of the 2007 Distinguished Service Award was the late Bishop Augustus Marwiah, who passed away a few months before the annual convention. The honor to Bishop Marwiah was bestowed posthumously and his son-in-law, Mr. Richelieu Cooper, accepted the award in his memory. Ms. Johnetta R. Minor, first female graduate of Ricks Institute and first female president of the institution, delivered reflections of Bishop Marwiah. Ms. Minor spoke passionately and admiringly of the late Bishop and the role he played in leading Ricks Institute during his tenure of service, at the infancy of that institution.
The evening continued with dinner, other entertainment and the Grand March, and climaxed with group and individual photo sessions.
Sunday - Worship Service
Convention Worship Service follows the style of BTU. At the service in Providence, M. Woyee led devotion and we heartily sang familiar songs including “Years I spent in vanity and pride…on Calvary”. A memoriam was done to fondly remember deceased alumni. Representatives from each class called out the names of deceased classmates. At the end of the roll call, the congregation observed a moment of silence.
Rev. Olu Menjay was the guest preacher and delivered an inspiration sermon, challenging us to continue our work for God and his people.
Being Baptists, no service is complete without a second round of collection (offering). Therefore, a rally was held asking for more money to meet our many obligations to Ricks Institute. At every convention, a generous purse is collected for the honoree or special guest, and this donation was raised for Mr. Isaac David. Notably present at the worship service were Mrs. Wokie Tubman and Mrs. Christine Norman.
Following the benediction, national chairman, Dr. Dukuly adjourned the 2007 Convention. We said prayers and thanksgiving to almighty God, acknowledging that the Lord had blessed us with another successful convention. The congregation sang “Blest be the tie that binds…and we shall still be joined in hearts and hope to meet again”.
After service we retreated to the fellowship hall where our host church served refreshments.
Sunday Evening - Farewell Gathering
At the farewell gathering, we come by to say goodbye and mingle together one last time for the weekend. Let me share an observation that I think is unique about the Ricks Institute family. People do not just leave the gathering; instead, every one makes a point of saying a personal goodbye. They walk around embracing each other until everyone has said their goodbyes and best wishes. It affirms that when people of like mind congregate for worthy causes the benefits are far-reaching. And, it reaps excellent results physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually. All the way we win.
The End
Fellow dragons, every good thing must come to an end and so did Convention 2007. You may now view pictures from 2007 Convention.
Convention 2008 will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina during Labor Day Weekend, August 29-September 1, 2008. Please make your plans to attend. Information is available on the RIAA website and TLCAfrica. Contact your local chapter leader for additional information. Stay connected. Your alma mater needs you. Your support no matter now much or how little, is greatly appreciated.
We want to see you in Charlotte. My friend, this is the 20th annual convention and it will not be easy down there! Join the celebration, ‘somebody’s calling you by your name!’ Bring your whole family. Tell all the Ricks people to come!
Until we meet in Charlotte, be blessed.