Full version of speech delivered by Mamadee Sesay, vice president for operation for the Federation of Liberian Mandingo Associations of the United States of America (FELMAUSA), at the inauguration of officials of the Minnesota Mandingo Association

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Mr. guest speaker, Anthony Kesselly, Kerper Dwanyan, president of the organization of Liberians in Minnesota, Musa Kamara, president, Minnesota Mandingo Association (MMA)outgoing president, Ishmael Komara, officials of the Federation of Liberian Mandingo Associations of the United States (FELMAUSA), distinguish guests, ladies and gentlemen.

It is an honor and privilege to speak to you tonight in the name of FELMAUSA, the mother organization of Mandingo associations in the United States of America. It is always remarkable to speak to a home crowd at a time of historic transformation in the life of our organization. I want to thank you for this opportunity.

Mr. President, as FELMAUSA’s vice president for operation, I want to take this time to extend to you and your officers, Abraham Turay, Varkaba Kouyeteh, Lassana Kromah and the people of MMA, a congratulatory message from the president, officials, board of directors and member associations of FELMAUSA. As you take the mantle of power, FELMAUSA’s best wishes and blessings are with you and your organization.

In July of 2007, when FELMAUSA was created, one of the many aspirations we had is being realized here tonight. Electing and development leaders in our communities who will build and tap the potentials of all members are crucial parts in empowering each and every member. With strong leaders, Mandingo organizations can create a web of network through which our communities can grow and prosper for the betterment of our people and country. 

I am glad to report that FELMAUSA looks forward to welcoming you and your vice president on the board of directors. Also, we stand ready to providing whatever assistance that is within our reach in making your leadership and organization successful. Our expectation is that the good working relation that preceding your leadership will continue as we strive to strengthen and empower our community. FELMAUSA’s goal is to empower the community through education and community involvement; we hope you will be a proactive player in making this a reality.

 We want to thank members of MMA for going through a democratic process that steered in a new brand of leaders. Our call to the membership is to support your president and community. Without the community’s support, no matter how well intended your leader is, she or he will never succeed. We ask that you go to meetings, pay your membership and meeting dues and be a representative for your community.

To the guest speaker and aspiring presidential candidates for the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA), FELMAUSA’s doors are open for the establishment of common understanding. We believe that it is important for the current and future administrations of ULAA to look deep into our community for well meaning and qualified individuals who are ready to help shape the direction of our umbrella body.

We have started asking the painful question about the involvement of members of our community in organizations outside of our frame. As we ask ourselves, FELMAUSA is creating opportunities with organizations so that members of our community can feel comfortable in getting involved. FELMAUSA is also calling on, and encouraging members of the Mandingo community to get involve in your local Liberian organizations; be it county, school, district, social or soccer club.

As I take my seat, let me take this moment to let you know that FELMAUSA is in the process of starting one of its short term projects in the area of education. We will be implementing one of three projects every three months; scholarship, payment of West African Examination Council fee for specified number of students and provision of school materials for specified number of students. We need your moral and financial support for these projects.

Thank you and may the Almighty Allah bless us all.