By By Danlette G. Washington
On Sunday, June 7, 2026, the Phenomenal Women of LICI in collaboration with Liberians in Columbus Inc. hosted a heartfelt memorial celebration to honor and remember community members who have passed away over the years.
Held at LICI’s community center, the event brought together families, friends, faith leaders, and community members for an evening of remembrance, healing, and unity. The program included prayers, floral tributes, candlelight, a moment of silence, the reading of names of deceased community members, and reflections from family members and community leaders. 
The memorial is described as the first of its kind in the Liberian community in Columbus, Ohio. Meanwhile, community leadership expressed their commitment to making it an annual tradition.
Organizers said the memorial was created not only to remember those who have passed away but also to provide a space for healing, unity, and reflection. They emphasized that the individuals being honored were people who loved, sacrificed, supported, and helped build the community. Therefore, their dedication and contributions should never be forgotten.
As each name was read, family members lit candles and received flowers in memory of their loved ones.
Among those honored was former Liberian Head of State Ruth Sando Perry, who resided in Columbus during the later years of her life.
Paying tribute, former LICI Board Chairman Hale Harmon said Madam Perry’s passing was not only a loss to the Liberian community in Columbus but to Liberia as a whole, describing her as a phenomenal woman whose leadership and legacy continue to inspire generations.
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