Fellow Members of RIAA, friends and well wishers; on behalf of the 2008 - 2010 slate of officers (click here), I would like to express our deepest appreciation for the confidence that you have shown us.  

At the Chairman's Banquet and Awards on Saturday, August 30, 2008, we honored the past leaders of the Association.  We heard highlights of the great accomplishments of these past officers (click here for more information).  We too accept the challenge to give of our service.  These Leaders have paved the way and brought light to our path.

Our task is actually simple.  We must maximize our contributions to Ricks Institute in Liberia...and work to sustain RIAA.  For the former, we must start by working closely with the current administration at Ricks, led by Rev. Olu Menjay, who has done a fine and outstanding job.  We must ensure that we are in lock step in order to achieve the forward progress that needs to be made.  For the latter, we need to look around and make it our personal duty to get someone involved that has not had an opportunity to become active in our Association.

At our Business Session in Charlotte NC, we heard the Chair of Programs, Watchen Bruce report on what lies ahead for us.  We have a project...Christie Hall!!!  Let's get it renovated.  Let's get it done.  We don't need to take on many things at once, but do a few things well.

 It has been said that the greatest of all mistakes is to do nothing because you can only do a little.  You must do what you can.  I challenge each of you to journey with us...one step at a time...one dollar at a time.  Our beloved Ricks needs us now more than ever.  Our little sisters and brothers are hungry for the opportunities that we enjoy today.  Let's not disappoint them.  Let's cherish what has been done at Ricks Institute so far...but embrace the future and each do our part to meet the challenge.  Until we win the golden fleece, let toiling never cease.