Distinguished Invited Guests, Chapter Leaders, Donors, Partners, FELMAUSA Members, my fellow Mandingos, Fellow Liberians, our Elders and community leaders, Ladies and Gentlemen
It is with profound gratitude and a deep sense of duty and humility that I stand before you today as the Guest Speaker for the 17th Annual Convention of the Federation of Liberian Mandingo Associations in the United States of America (FELMAUSA). I extend my heartfelt thanks to Alhaji Morris M. Kromah, the Vice President of FELMAUSA, Madam Fatuma Fofana, our National President and the FELMUSA board for this well-regarded invitation and for the opportunity to interact with my brothers and sisters in the United States.
As we gather here under the inspiring theme “Honoring our past, strengthening solidarity, and Shaping our future,” we are called to reflect on our journey as a people, recognize the strength in our unity, the pitfalls of disunity, and envision a future packed with opportunities and possibilities for our community and our beloved Liberia.
Honoring Our Past: The history of the Mandingo people in Liberia, West Africa, is a demonstration of our resilience, perseverance, and steadfast commitment to contribute to the Liberian nation. From our earliest days, we have navigated the complexities of identity and belonging, often facing discrimination and adversity. Despite these challenges, our ancestors laid a foundation of strength and dignity that continues to inspire us today. This foundation was built on the control of long- distance trade across the entire length and breadth of West and Central Africa. The Mandingo Kings and Rulers like Mansa Musa managed trade routes, religion diversity, social and cultural relationships with pastoralists and agriculturist using diplomacy and sometimes warfare for trade to prosper.
We honor the legacy of our ancestors, who, through their hard work and determination, established the Mandingo community as a vital part of Liberia’s social and its economic fabric. Despite discrimination that continues to this day, our ancestors built institutions, maintained our religious and cultural tradition in the wake of great difficulties.We must never forget those brave and courageous sons and daughters of our people who died defending with arms our honor, land, property and dignity. Their stories of bravery, leadership, and communal harmony remind us that we are descendants of a proud and noble lineage.
On the religious front, we must never forget the sacrifices of those who came before us. Their courage, resilience and determination in the face of adversity are the foundations upon which we build our future. We honor their memory by continuing to strive for excellence and by upholding the values they cherished. Like them, we must believe that there are not short cut to success. Let us take a moment to reflect on their contributions and draw strength from their legacy as we move forward. Strengthening Solidarity In times of triumph and trial, our unity has been our greatest strength.
The bonds of solidarity within the Mandingo community have enabled us to support one another and contribute meaningfully to the broader Liberian society. We must resist the temptations of short-term gains at the expense of a sustainable and prosperous future. This convention embodies that spirit of togetherness, bringing us from diverse corners of the world to share, learn, and grow. Solidarity is not just about standing together in moments of joy but also about lifting each other during daunting challenges.
Today, we face numerous issues that require our collective action – from ensuring access to quality education and healthcare to advocating for our rights and representation in every aspect of the Liberian society. Our unity must be the driving force behind our efforts to address these challenges and create a better future for the Mandingo people and all Liberians at home and in the diaspora.
Shaping Our Future. In shaping our future, education and skill development are crucial. I urge each one of you to take advantage of the enormous opportunities available via multiple routes to education in the United States to enhance your skills and expertise that will distinguish you among your compatriots. Whether it is through higher education, vocational training, or professional development, the knowledge and experience you gain here can be transformative. But let us not stop there. Let us commit to bringing those skills back home, to Liberia, to contribute to our nation’s development initiatives.
As we look to the future, we must do so with a vision that encompasses progress, inclusivity, and sustainability.The initiative to raise funds for a 1.5 million hospital in Liberia is a commendable step towards ensuring that more Liberians have access to essential, affordable and appropriate healthcare services.
This project is more than just a building; it is an inspiration of hope and a symbol of our commitment to improving the lives of ALL our people. Education, too, must be at the forefront of our efforts. By investing in the education of our youth, we equip them with the tools to become leaders, innovators, and change- makers in the future. Let us ensure that every child has the opportunity to pursue their dreams and contribute to the advancement of our community and nation.
I commend you all for the FELMUSA scholarship, my brother who is now a registered nurse benefited from this noble venture in Liberia. Education is the key to unlocking our potential. It is through education that we acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to drive change and innovation.I encourage every member of our community to pursue education with vigor and determination. Seek out opportunities for learning, embrace challenges, and strive for excellence in all that you do. Your hard work today will lay the foundation for a prosperous tomorrow.
Our Collective Responsibility. In my role as Minister of State without Portfolio in the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, I have seen firsthand the importance of education in the context of national unity and socio-economic development. Our President’s vision for Liberia aligns with our aspirations for the Mandingo community – a vision of a united, prosperous, and inclusive Liberia where every citizen has the opportunity to flourish or succeed.
As we honor our past and strengthen our solidarity, we must also embrace our collective responsibility to shape a future that reflects our values and aspirations. Let us work together to ensure that our community’s voice is heard, our needs are met, and our contributions are recognized.We must never settle for second class citizenship. The path to success is paved with hard work and dedication. As the great John F. Kennedy once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
This timeless call to action resonates deeply with our mission today. It is a reminder that each of us has a role to play in the advancement of our community and the development of our country; and I urge you all to do your part in the development of our community and our country. A Call to Action! Today, I call upon each one of you to recommit to our shared mission. Let us harness our collective energy, resources, and talents to build a prosperous future for the Mandingo community and Liberia as a whole.
Your participation, support, and dedication are crucial as we embark on this journey together. In the same spirit, you have taken this bold step, and you have decided to move away from transactional to transformation in healthcare. You must take steps in venturing in other key important areas that are critical to national development, such as: Finance and banking, Education, Housing and infrastructural development, Agriculture and food processing, Sports and recreation and many other fields.
We must join hands like our ancestors did to build institutions, uplift entire communities, offered banking services in most remote villages in Liberia. We must build on this tradition to chart a new course in Liberia’s history. In conclusion, let us honor our past by remembering the sacrifices and achievements of our ancestors. Let us strengthen our solidarity by standing united in our common goals. And let us shape our future by working tirelessly towards a vision of progress, inclusivity, and prosperity.
Thank you, and may we continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.; and if we continue to work together, Walahi, we can achieve greatness. May God bless you all; May God Strengthen FELMAUSA, and may God bless Liberia as we think Liberia, Love Liberia and together, build Liberia. Thank you and As-Salamu Alaikum.
