Declaration of Candidacy
Mamadee Sesay for President Campaign

June 17, 2009

My name is Mamadee Bangali Sesay, a resident of the State of Minnesota.  I am today declaring my resolve to run for the presidency of the Federation of Liberian Mandingo Associations in the United States of America (FELMAUSA), for the 2009-2011 term. 

After many hours of travel, hundreds of emails, phone calls, talking and listening to hundreds of community members, and having carefully considered my options, I found it difficult to decline the call to duty. This is especially so against the backdrop that this gives me an opportunity to build on the many strides I have made in the past in the service of our community.

I sincerely believe that having diligently performed in many capacities within my local organization, Minnesota Mandingo Association, the State organization, Organization of Liberians in Minnesota, and the Federation of Liberian Mandingo Associations in the United States of America (FELMAUSA), I am now fully prepared to lead FELMAUSA to greater heights.

As we become excited about this declaration, please know that this decision was made with a tremendous degree of soul-searching and sober thoughts. This was in recognition of the deep respect and admiration I have for the history and culture of our community. I pay homage to our forefathers and mothers, and our brothers and sisters for the sacrifices they have made for the sustainability of this community. I therefore will not make a decision that will bring shame to this community or one I intend not to carry through.

To my supporters, this cannot be without your continuous and steadfast commitment to what you have asked me to do. Let us knock on doors and talk to our friends and friends’ friends so that they can understand our decision.

To those who are yet to pledge their support for this campaign, I seek your support and votes because I have heard your concerns and I am committed to addressing them as president. This decision is made as a proud member of this noble association with the intent of doing nothing less than my best to foster progress. I will be a president not for my supporters, but for FELMAUSA.

As I accept this responsibility, let us be aware that this is neither going to be a walk in the park nor a piece of cake. We therefore have a lot of work to do by telling the stories of what we have done and what we will do to further the interest of our community.

I also believe that there is no candidate in this race, other than Mamadee who understands the issues of this Federation and the founding principles upon which it was built. My lengthy experience as vice president, secretary, drafter of constitutions, board member, advisory member and my training as a Nonprofit Executive provide me the leverage to inject new ideas while at the same time maintaining those wonderful ideas that are working.

I am humbled by the call to duty and convinced that  my achievements, commitment, community service, leadership, education and my insight into what FELMAUSA is and what it can become position me as the best candidate for the office of President at this point in our history. With time, you will come to learn more about these aspects of who I am and hopefully it will have bearing on the decision you make in the voting booth.

Details of our platform will be presented in due course so that it can serve as reference when you decide on whom to vote in as your president. We are however confident that we can win this election when everything is brought forth for your own judgment.

We will be announcing members of our campaign team, who will be in daily contact with you to better explain our campaign and answer questions or provide clarification on issues.

May God bless our organization as we prepare for the third annual convention in Minnesota.

Mamadee Sesay Campaign for President