Philadelphia, PA – Monday May 6, 2024 – A delegation from the Liberian Association of Pennsylvania (LAP) led by President Sayondee Kofa Kumorteh engaged in a crucial meeting with the Philadelphia Police Department to discuss concerns stemming from events that occurred on July 26, 2023, resulting in access denial to public parks in the southwest section of Philadelphia.
The meeting, held in collaboration with Rev. George Fully Jr. of POCSA and Madam Madusu Sumaoro of the Liberian Mandingo Association of Pennsylvania, was facilitated by Police Community Relations Officer Arnold Mitchell and other department leaders.
President Kumorteh commenced the deliberations with an overview of the incident last year and expressed LAP’s perspective on the events that led to the denial of park access to Liberians. The Philadelphia Police Department acknowledged that their actions were primarily motivated by public safety considerations rather than targeting the Liberian community specifically.
During the meeting, Vice President Sando Johnson inquired about the established protocols for organizations wishing to use the Bartram and Lindbergh fields. In response, the Department emphasized the necessity of obtaining permits, specifying expected attendance numbers, and outlining event timelines to ensure effective crowd management.
The Department also underscored the importance of LAP taking a proactive role in coordinating with other groups interested in utilizing the field to avoid future cancellations due to inadequate crowd control.
President Kumorteh and LAP leadership expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue with the Philadelphia Police Department and affirmed LAP’s commitment to collaborative efforts ensuring community events are conducted smoothly and safely.
Signed,
Jerry S. Koleh
Secretary General
Liberian Association President (LAP-INC)
Approved by,
Madam Sayondee Kumorteh
President
Liberian Association of Pennsylvania (LAP-INC)
