A House with Two Rooms - The Advocates for Human Rights

matter, for-profit businesses), certain Liberian demographics, such as the elderly and the youth, benefit
from social services programs designed and run by other diaspora Liberians. 494
Families, Family Reunions, and Foundations
Although adapting to a new culture has been difficult for Liberian immigrant families in many respects,
the family, family reunions, and in limited instances, family foundations have been a principal source
of diaspora socialization and comfort. 495 Even the most distant relative, or a familiar person from the
same town or village from back home, can be a source of relief and social interaction in the United
States. Some families meet every year for a reunion. These reunions and annual family gatherings
provide opportunities for psychosocial support, guidance, nurturing follow-ups, and other necessary
support. 496 It is at these gatherings that serious family matters, whether achievements or failures, are
reassessed and discussed. 497
Clubs: Susu, Sports Clubs or Associations
Liberians turn their passion for football (soccer) into a social support mechanism. 498 They also socialize
and network through traditional social support venues for economic, sports, and social institutions
such as Susu clubs, 499 football clubs, 500 and musical groups, among others. Around the sporting events,
Liberians in the diaspora organize county leagues, tournaments, and meets. One of the organizers
and club owners in New York stated, “it is mainly for family recreation.” 501 Another interviewee,
however, suggested that the benefit of these events runs deeper. According to the interviewee, these
county meets represent every county in Liberia and help to heal some of the wounds and ethnic
hatreds that started the violence in Liberia. 502
Major football tournaments are held annually on July 26, which is Liberia’s Independence Day.
The July 26 tournaments bring together Liberians from all walks of life. 503 There are also kickball
teams for girls and women. 504 The love of football is not limited to the young people, and there are
major clubs all throughout the diaspora known as old-timers associations. These older Liberian men
come together not only to enjoy the games, but also to support one another in matters ranging from
personal to professional concerns. 505 “We use the games to mentor young people and keep them out
of trouble.” 506
Communication and Media Socialization
Computer-literate Liberians have used the Internet to lessen some of the isolation inherent in life
in the diaspora. 507 They use the Internet to share information about their community including
births, weddings, deaths, conventions, anniversaries, and social, economic, and political news or
commentaries from both the diaspora and Liberia. 508
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