Messages of Pride and Peace
Released September 12, 2011 -- One month before Liberia's National Election
Free for download and replay in support of Liberian peace and reconciliation.
We only ask that PSAs played in their entirety. Right click title and 'Save As' to download.
RadioLIB.net Interview September 12, 2011 -- coming soon for download and replay on Liberian radio. Thank you to POM J for use of his original song, Sara Harris for recording assistance, Ray Guarna for editing, and Ernestine, James, Janjay, Oliver, Sonia, Tarnue, and others for sharing their stories and voice-over.
The phrase "trying to be all right" reflects the attitude of the most resilient of the survivors of Liberia's very uncivil war. When you ask a Liberian how they are doing, they will often respond "fine" or "all right." This means that they are, indeed, all right. The other common response is "trying," which means that the individual is not doing well. Sometimes, though, when asked how they are doing, a Liberian will respond, "I am trying to be all right." This phrase poignantly captures healing and hope as an act of will. These individuals are not pretending that things are not difficult. Nor are they hopelessly mired in their losses. They are, with practical determination and psychological ingenuity, leveraging their knowledge and strength to rebuild their lives and to be truly “all right.”
"Trying to be all right" in Liberia
Planned Project Outputs:
Thirty-one audio interviews and portraits with Liberian war survivors. (Done)
Portable photo exhibit. (Done)
Radio messages for peace. (Done--more possible.)
Online access to media (In progress)
Truth and Appreciation Collaboration--radio and other formats, inviting audiences to share their own stories. (Planning with local actors.)
Muti-media exhibit with DVD slideshow, framed photos, and story transcripts/synopses.
Book of photos and synopses.
Print materials for use by schools and community groups.
DVD for distribution in Liberia.
In Summary
Project Synopsis
A collection of stories of how Liberians survived and escaped the horrible things that were done to them during the wars of 1989 - 2003.
Project Background
In fourteen years of successive waves of brutal conflict, hundreds of thousands of Liberians were displaced, tortured, raped, murdered, and terrorized. It seems that virtually everyone who was there between 1989 and 2003 has had some devastating experience. Some Liberians lost hope. Still, many-even in their darkest moments-kept trying and did amazing things to escape, to survive, and to help others.
Other Proposed Applications
Awareness
The Survivors' Truths project is uniquely effective in giving outsiders insight and understanding of the effects of tragic and/or violent events while demonstrating respect for and preserving the dignity of those being interviewed.
Restorative Justice
Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is working to compile a complete national narrative of its wars and injustices. From its inception, the Survivors' Truths team has been communicating and collaborating with TRC leadership to have this part of the story included in final output documents.
Liberia Project
