Bridging Continents through Education: Ruffus & Joan Darkortey Highlight LEDI's International Impact on Wake Up With Dee

In an inspiring and heartfelt segment on the Wake Up With Dee Morning Show, host Dr. Dee Dawkins Haigler welcomed Ruffus Darkortey and Joan Coren Darkortey, the visionary founders of LEDI (Liberia Economic Development Initiative).

Marking 19 years of dedicated service, the Darkorteys joined Dr. Dee to discuss LEDI’s mission to reduce poverty and empower communities, their efforts both locally in Georgia and internationally in West Africa, and their upcoming annual gala in Atlanta.

A Mission to Reduce Poverty and Change Lives

Founded in 2007, LEDI serves as an international non-profit bridge-builder operating between the United States (with roots in Ohio and Georgia) and Liberia, West Africa.

During the interview, the Darkorteys shared the foundational purpose of LEDI and its expanding footprint:

• Why Liberia: Founded as a refuge for free Black individuals, Liberia suffered a devastating civil war ending in the early 2000s. Every year of conflict set the nation's infrastructure back substantially, creating an urgent, ongoing need for literacy and educational empowerment.
• Flagship Project: LEDI’s primary goal is to build Liberia’s first modern, public, technology-driven library and resource center to serve children and communities who currently lack access to books.
• Local & Global Impact: Beyond international scholarships and hunger relief programs, LEDI also conducts local outreach in Georgia, including hunger relief partnerships and a literacy initiative kicking off in Gwinnett County at Knight Elementary School.

The 2026 International Life Changers Awards Gala

The conversation highlighted LEDI’s annual fundraising gala, The International Life Changers Awards, where exceptional community leaders and global changemakers will be honored.

• 📅 Date & Time: Saturday, October 24th, 2026 at 5:30 PM EST
• 📍 Location: Marriott Atlanta Airport Gateway (Camp Creek)
• 👔 Attire: Black Tie or Traditional African Attire ("Dress to Impress")
• 🎤 Host & MC: Portia Bruner (Host of The Portia Show on Fox 5 Atlanta)
• 🤝 Honorary Co-Chairs: Civil rights icon Ambassador Andrew Young and Virginia Harris (National President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women)

Honorees Celebrated This Year:

• Starlette Wilson Jack: International Basileus & CEO for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
• Donna Hyland: Former CEO of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
• Gerard Barclay: Award-winning filmmaker and director of official Wu-Tang Clan documentaries.
• Suhane Sethi ("Suhani the Science Kid"): 12-year-old STEM advocate and literacy campaigner who has appeared on CNN and ABC.

The gala will feature performances by the M.E. Stillwell Children's Choir, African dancers, cultural performances, and a traditional Liberian Grand March.

How You Can Support LEDI

Whether you plan to attend the gala, host a table, or make a contribution to support library construction and educational scholarships, every gift makes a difference.

• 🎟️ Gala Tickets, Table Sponsorships, & RSVPs: Visit www.ledifundraiser.org
• 🌐 General Information & Ongoing Programs: Visit www.ledinow.org

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