By Kruah Thomson
The Liberian Community Incorporated (LICI) in Central Ohio has officially bid farewell to its outgoing leader, Alpha Tongor, recognizing his years of outstanding service and invaluable contributions to the Liberian diaspora.
Tongor’s tenure at LICI is remembered not only for the progress achieved under his leadership but also for the values he demonstrated, including integrity, humility, inclusion, and a commitment to the collective good.
During his administration, LICI evolved into a development catalyst that facilitated programs empowering youth, supporting families, and engaging the elderly. It also became a cultural hub, preserving Liberian identity through art, tradition, and storytelling, while serving as a community voice that advocates for Liberians across Central Ohio and beyond.
During a farewell ceremony held over the weekend, Tongor’s leadership was described as results-driven, marked by the delivery of tangible outcomes rather than promises. He fostered strategic partnerships, secured community assets, and oversaw major initiatives that reshaped the organization.
One of the most visible achievements of his tenure, as outlined by community members, is the establishment of the LICI Community Center in Columbus, which they say has become a cornerstone of Liberian life in the area. More than just physical structure, the center serves as a gathering place where traditions are celebrated, voices are amplified, and futures are shaped.
Tongor also initiated the groundwork for LICI’s next major project, a modern community complex designed to serve future generations. He established planning, funding strategies, and partnerships to advance the project, underscoring his vision for sustainable leadership that extends beyond his tenure.
The Community members at the event credited his leadership with offering lessons for future leaders in the Liberian diaspora, including visionary planning, service above self, bridge-building across tribal and political divides, execution focused strategies, and sustainability through grooming new leaders and building lasting institutions.
At the farewell ceremony, community member Seye Cooper Davay issued a call for unity, emphasizing the importance of supporting good leadership.
“Leaders like Mr. Alpha Tongor should not have to fight battles within before they can fight for us beyond,” Davay said. “Let us reject the politics of envy and embrace a culture of excellence, collaboration, and shared purpose.”
As Tongor steps down, his legacy remains visible in the infrastructure he developed, the youth he empowered, and the unity he fostered within the Liberian community in Central Ohio. Under his stewardship, LICI has been recognized as a model for diaspora organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact.
The Liberian community in Central Ohio expressed gratitude for his leadership, describing it as transformative. They emphasized that his influence would continue to inspire future generations of Liberian leaders.
