“The Storm Didn’t Break Me”: Leelai Kpukuyou’s Memoir Calls Liberians to Heal and Reclaim Their Identity

Monrovia, Liberia: As Liberia continues to grapple with the legacy of its past, entrepreneur and women’s rights advocate Leelai M. Kpukuyou is stepping forward with a compelling call for national introspection and cultural revival.

Ahead of the official launch of her debut memoir, The Light I Carried Through the Storm, Madam Kpukuyou is urging Liberians to rediscover their strength, embrace their uniqueness, and hold fast to the cultural heritage that defines the nation’s true identity.

Describing the book as “a tribute to my younger self and a mirror for others who have carried unseen burdens,” Madam Kpukuyou offers a deeply personal narrative that echoes broader national truths.

From Bong to Lofa to Margibi, the regions she identifies with are not just places on a map, but “spiritual anchors that shaped my identity, values, and vision.”

In an interview with K-News, she underscored the need for Liberians to lead with inspiration and guide others through uncertainty, particularly in a nation still healing from the scars of civil war and political upheaval.

“Liberia needs leaders of light, not chaos,” she said. “We must move forward by remembering where we’ve come from and refusing to repeat the wounds of the past.”

Kpukuyou also sounded a warning to both public officials and private citizens who incite conflict, noting how such actions risk reopening national wounds.

Referencing recent tensions surrounding the Capitol Building and the Asron incident, she stressed the importance of restraint, accountability, and preserving peace.

“We know what instability costs,” she stated. “Liberia cannot afford to bleed again for the same reasons.”

Kpukuyou’s memoir does more than recount a personal journey. 

It stands as a vessel for collective memory, honoring the resilience of survivors who endured displacement, trauma, and conflict.

She encourages readers to reflect on the Liberia that existed before the war one rooted in pride, dignity, and rich traditions and to “reclaim that vision for the sake of our children.”

The book opens with her own story of escape at age 12, fleeing the chaos of Liberia’s civil war. It captures not just the fear and loss, but also the resilience and clarity that carried her through uncertainty.

Her story speaks directly to the generation often referred to as “kamikaze kids” young survivors who were forced to mature quickly in the face of violence, and who now carry the responsibility of shaping a peaceful future.

“We are more than our pain,” she says in the memoir. “Our story is not just war it’s survival, hope, and restoration.”

The Light I Carried Through the Storm is a memoir of personal growth, healing, and national calling. It reminds readers that Liberia’s identity must extend beyond its darkest chapters and instead be grounded in the courage of its people.

The official book launch is set for Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Monrovia City Hall. 

The event is expected to draw a diverse mix of guests from both the public and private sectors and promises to be a powerful celebration of storytelling, reflection, and national pride.