About the Author

A close-up portrait of an older Black woman, dressed in a red and gold head wrap, adorned with a pearl necklace and a red blouse — Ora Gibson Richards

Ora Gibson Richards is a proud Liberian, humanitarian, and cultural ambassador whose life’s work bridges continents, communities, and generations. Born in Liberia, West Africa, and educated in Liberia, England, and France, she has dedicated her life to service—before, during, and after Liberia’s civil war. Alongside her late husband, Rev. Dr. Walter D. Richards, Ora worked in education, religious ministry, and human development. When war erupted in 1990, her family lost everything and fled to Ghana. There, they helped establish the Buduburam Refugee Camp, which grew from 11 people to over 100,000 displaced Liberians. In 1996, renewed violence forced their second exile—this time to the United States.

Settling in Philadelphia, Ora continued to serve. She co-founded the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition, advocating for immigrant rights. In 2001, she received the Immigrant Leadership Award from HIAS & Council Migration Services. She’s spoken at academic and civic forums across the world, including a leadership seminar in China where she was elected spokesperson for a pan-African delegation.

A motivational speaker and wellness coach, Ora empowers others with lessons drawn from a life of loss, resilience, and purpose. Her storytelling cookbook, Dekonti: Cook, Chat and Chew — The Liberian Way, blends recipes, heritage, and hospitality. “Dekonti”—meaning everything has its time—reflects her belief that now is the time for the world to experience Liberia’s rich culture and cuisine.