FELMAUSA Vows To Construct Cultural Center

Tuesday, November 6th, 2007/ Reports by Lassana Y. Bamba

FELMAUSA President Mohammed Richmond Konneh

Milwaukee WI -  The President of the Federation of Liberian Mandingo Associations in the USA, FELMAUSA, is thanking members of his organization for reposing confidence in him to spearhead activities of FELMAUSA.

 

In his inaugural address, Richmond Konneh says his top most priority is to develop unity and trust amongst members of his organizations. As President, he would advocate for the rights of Mandingoes by establishing legal entities to restore the true value of their cultural heritage.

President Konneh observes that through his connection with trust worthy individuals, NGO, amongst others, the construction of high schools will be paramount to promoting education in Liberia, “Another area I am also going to look at is the establishment of a Mandingo Cultural Center,” this he noted will give factual information regarding the Mandingo ethnic group.

 

Fofin Konneh, who installed Pres. Konneh and other executives of the Federation, thanked members of the Wisconsin Mandingo Association for resolving their differences, adding that they are all brothers and there should be room for understanding whenever necessary.

 

The representative from the office of the Mayor of Milwaukee, Richard Badger, expressed happiness for how well the program was organized and attended by Liberian Mandingoes and friends.

While installing the Board of Directors of FELMAUSA, Mr. Badger challenged them to act responsibly to spearhead activities of the organization; he asked if they were ready to lead and the answer was, “yes we are.”

Earlier, former Bomi County Senator Mohammed Dukuly, now Imam and Seama Sheriff, President of the Quardu Gboni Mandingo Association cautioned members of various Mandingo Associations to do away with hatred and see unity as the way forward.  

They concurred that Mandingoes are not suppose to pick and choose amongst themselves as this would point out divisiveness. “Lofa Mandingo, Nimba Mandingo or Gbarnga Mandingo, we are all the same, so do not divide yourselves,” said Seama Sheriff.

The writer is a former Asst. Language Program Coordinator/ Radio Program Producer at the Liberia Broadcasting System as well as inventor of the program Indigenous Songs of Liberia, former producer of Focus on Development still heard on ELBC, Liberia. Lassana Y. Bamba, Jr. can be reached at763-477-8604 or lassanabam5@yahoo.com