Lekpele Nyamalon | Liberia
What do you do in your home country and what do you hope to do upon your return? In particular, with the integration of your experiences here?
I’m a poet, a writer and inspirational speaker. I have a foundation called Africa’s Life, it's a nonprofit that works with the youth through motivational inspirational speaking and arts and culture. I use my voice as an artist to inspire the youth.
I think i've seen a whole lot around Philadelphia, it’s a city of the arts that tells its story in a very interesting way. It reinforced a belief of mine to tell stories through the arts as a reminder of who we are, the beauty of diversity and how the arts help people to connect within themselves and their history. As I often say, a society that expresses art and culture is a society that is deeply in tune with its soul. I want to continue to lead a group of people that are fully aware of who they are, where they come from, that are in tune with the three aspects of mind, body and soul. I want to use arts for conducting therapies for people of trauma through trauma counseling. To use music, yoga and dance as a way to reconnect within themselves. There are many stories I can tell. I’ve seen the highs and lows of philadelphia, we’ve been to the ghettos. I've also seen how a society can have many contradictions and still be a wholesome place. In an African context, despite the highs and lows there are many opportunities we can also use to make our communities better.
What is your favorite thing about your home country? How about Philadelphia?
The people in Liberia are most hospitable you'll ever meet. It’s a very beautiful country. Very beautiful geography, and amazing food.
I think the people are very warm in Philadelphia. They validate the cities motto of being the city of brotherly love.
Do you have any hobbies or an interesting fact you wish to share about yourself?
I like having long conversations, discovering new places, and trying new food.
If I were to come to your home country, what is the first thing I should eat?
Torborgee.