Graphic Analysis of FELMAUSA Progress is Achievable From 2006 to Present

When the great sons and daughters of the Mandingo origin got together to form an alliance of Mandingo associations around the U.S approximately 4 yrs ago, some did not believe in the realization of the dreams and aspirations of those individuals.

Some did not believe that the Federation of Liberian Mandingo Association in the U.S.A (FELMAUSA) would be born. Some chastise the original founders on grounds that they were limited and as such couldn’t build an organization of sort from the ground up. Other pessimists considered their work sacrilege simply because their ideas did not take precedence in the process. When the original founders congregated to form this federation, most if not all Mandingoes regardless of origin, age, gender or political differences were elated by the idea of a federation.

Countless days were spent on teleconferences planning the very first convention in Philadelphia. Innumerable nights were spent writing the constitution of which every chapter of FELMAUSA would accept as the by-laws of the organization at the very first ever Mandingo convention in the USA. Even though the first convention seemed to contain some glitches in the early stages, it still propelled a resounding message to the world that a new and formidable force has been hatched within the Mandingo circle in the U.S. 

In any organization, the embryonic stage seems to be the most difficult of all but as the organization begins to define its path, critics and disparagers tend to contribute in some form to that organization. Even so, they remain consistently critical so as to maintain a balance therein.

Interestingly enough, FELMAUSA has survived 4yrs of existence with a very promising future. The energy to shape this organization remains very uncompromising and inevitable among the youth and some elders.  While these studious men and women remain committed to the battle that lies ahead, a sense of guidance and expert consultation still lingers in oblivion.

One primary quandary that subsisted before the just ended convention was the amendment of the constitution of the organization.  Many will agree that there were string of discrepancies that inundated the constitution yet there were hurdles and disparities in the process to amend same. Notwithstanding, a transparent and candid amendment took place successfully at the 2010 FELMAUSA convention. Thanks to the hard working committee members for the endless efforts.

FELMAUSA without a doubt has had some challenges and continues to have these challenges but the latter cannot be a stepping stone to cast out the effort vested so far. The previous leadership of FELMAUSA must be credited for its efforts in marketing FELMAUSA to the world as well as setting a standard for the educational project in Liberia.

Without their efforts, the current leaders in my opinion would have had much more herculean and challenging task to deal with. Even though some did not exert any effort in the formation of FELMAUSA, yet, they express high appreciation to those who got together to see this come to fruition.

With only 4 yrs under its belt, FELMAUSA can proudly sing her own praises of some great achievements both on the local front and overseas. Among them are the following:

v  A total of 77 students on scholarship in various universities in Liberia

v  Final draft of 501c3 request submitted to IRS (2010)

v  A very successful free-of-charge Health Fair hosted in Philadelphia (June, 2010)

v  An acquisition of an Ultra Sound Machine worth close to $150,000 USD (2010)

v  A permanent mailing address for FELMAUSA (2010)

v  Chapter visits and empowerment (2010)

v  The adoption of an amended constitution of FELMAUSA (2010)

v  Acquisition of 2 incubators from the University of Pennsylvania worth close to $5000 each (2010

v  A well planned-out convention in Philadelphia (2010)

v  Financial self reliance (2010)

With these kinds of development, most would gravitate to such an organization that has set high standards and exemplary leadership skills. Unfortunately, some remains on the fence of criticism and condemnation with no reasonable and/or recommendation for the way forward.

FELMAUSA after 4 yrs should be beyond any and all individual differences that have the propensity of further dividing the Mandingo community into splinter groups. FELMAUSA is no more an idea, it is a reality and as such, its ideas must transcend into reality that will benefit the overall membership. One will agree that the challenges that lie ahead of the Mandingo community are enormous and it will not solve itself. As Abraham Lincoln states it in his June 16th 1958 address in Springfield, IL “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” as such, we cannot address these challenges amidst the cynicism and personal sentiments that we harbor as a people. We must rise above the petit and self promotions and envision an organization of substance. We must see beyond tunnel vision and encourage our future leaders to participate actively in this journey for social justice and equality for our people. 

The success of this organization can only be attained collectively and we must not waiver in any shape or form. The faith of FELMAUSA is in our hands; therefore, it must take precedence over all else.