About Lava
The Liberian Association of Virginia (LAVA) continues to be unifying force for Liberians, African Americans, Africans and Friends of Liberia. LAVA's forerunner organization was the Liberian Auxiliary Association, established in 1976, by Liberians residing in the City of Richmond and adjoining areas. Their motivation was to helping Liberians adjust and cope with life in these United States.
Officers of LAVA during Liberia's 163rd Independence Day Celebration at the ACCC in Richmond,VA
Since 1976, the organization has noted the steady increase of Liberian immigrants to the State, particularly to the Richmond area. Membership subsequently continued to rise, because more Liberian immigrants - including students in various educational categories, their parents, and others - emigrated and settled in the area, due to the years of conflict in Liberia since 1979. The increase of Liberians by 2009, led to the creation of LAVA, which graduated from being a benevolent organization to an actual Association, where individual membership continues to grow. LAVA focuses on three key broader areas:
• Education & Training
• Economic Development & Empowerment
• Cultural Promotion & Social Networking
Honoring our Graduates - Professional School Level
LAVA is mobilizing to have its membership increase to over 300 registered members by December 2011 from Liberians living in the City of Richmond, and other cities and towns in the Commonwealth. Through vigorous membership campaign, LAVA will be able to have branches in cities and towns of the Commonwealth.
President Sirleaf at the Landmark Theater in Richmond, VA
In the interim, LAVA continues to encourage and support Liberian entrepreneurship, employment, and educational initiatives, whether by individuals or group. In addition, LAVA has actively supported initiatives of Liberians in the State, and has financially supported many Liberian Community efforts including, but certainly not limited to, the Barnabas Project of the African Christian Community Church, where an annual financial commitment is in place. LAVA members also volunteer at the "After School" segment of the Project. LAVA also contributed financially to members returning or relocating to Liberia to help in rebuilding after the war.
Members of LAVA before President Sirleaf's speech
LAVA also made financial contribution to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, in 2009. With a mobilized and motivated membership, LAVA looks to the future of the Liberian immigrant community with a strong focus on being a credible partner in the rebuilding of Liberia, as well as building institutions that will help Liberians residing in the Commonwealth and in the United States.
Mr and Mrs Levi Johnson with President Sirleaf
Membership in LAVA for Liberians and their families is opened, and to others by invitation. LAVA is now the official unifying vehicle of Liberians, African-Americans, and other Africans living in the Richmond area. Through cooperation, understanding, reconciliation and peace, LAVA hopes to accomplish its identified goals and objectives.