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The Liberian Mandingoes – A
Way Forward By: Mohammed Dukuly July 01,2009  The
ultimate decision of each one of us to be first and foremost a Liberian
and then Mandingo is one that Allah decreed out of His rahmat(mercy) to
mankind fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and earth; as
such, no one has the slightest ability to alter God’s will. Rather, it
becomes imperative for us as a people and servants of Allah to show
gratitude to Him by capturing the true sense of humanity in every human
being unheeded of anything whatsoever. In the same vein, I would say
that being Liberians and Mandingoes is an inalienable privilege God
bestowed upon us; we can’t refuse it; didn’t seek it; didn’t choose it.
However, the choices ultimately remain ours to appreciate and maximize
such natural endowment; for such is an opportunity that comes and goes
at once.
1) Education – the basic principles upon which the foundations of our rights to equality and justice in Liberia are established – must be our primary embrace and roadmap to success of any kind. While others might argue that education is not a means in itself, it is nevertheless significant to note that education is the means to an end. In essence, an accumulation of wealth in the absence of the required knowledge to secure, maintain, and increase such a wealth is definitely vulnerable to depletion. As we live in a revolutionary world of global and technological competition, the exigency to educate ourselves – to not only keep up with the pace, but also help secure a prolific future for posterity – must be greatly espoused and practically accentuated in every aspect of our lives. Such cognizance, I am convinced, will proffer us broader perspectives about ourselves and surroundings and refined views about issues beyond those insipid ideologies that are only purposed at tearing us apart, holding us inert and unceremoniously impeding our overall success. Hence, we must inevitably consider education as the foundation upon which the fundamental principles of humanity must be established in an unfaltering effort to create an ever-living fountain, and not a reservoir; for anything amassed by wearisomely pumping in will be uncontrollably emptied by merely pumping out. Consequently, education is an essential element of change; since, in fact, it challenges our unceasing quest for new needs and wants, and our utmost ability to satisfy them. Therefore, if properly and genuinely pursued, education will also help us actualize a true sense of unity, economic empowerment, financial stability, leadership professional development, self objectivity and integrity, etc.; 2) UNITY – As a people, our mission and true sense of purpose can only be fulfilled through unwavering unity and team spirit as honorably exemplified by our leaders. It is a successful reality based essentially on our ability to allow our lives to demonstrate that against all ostensibly intractable chances, we can still rise beyond and above it all and succeed at whatever endeavors destiny unfolds. In an effort to achieve such unity, we must not only yearn for, but also incessantly and tirelessly work towards actualizing a profound leadership that not only is distinguished by mere entitlements, but also encompasses an authentic purpose deeply defined in our day-to-day activities – such as politics, religion, economics, education, etc. – as reflected in every stratum of our society. Our Mandingo community and Liberia as a whole deserve an outstanding leadership that will passionately encourage and promote objectivity over subjectivity, collaboration over dictation, modesty over pomposity, wisdom over age, practical realities over faulty theories, actions over fashions, germane substance over empty forms, visions over illusions, deeds over lyrics, judicious accomplishments over sheer entitlements, and open-mindedness over mental encroachment. It is only befitting to note that such a leadership must be categorically defined by sincerity, passion, discipline and determination as evidenced by its ability to listen to, and incorporate, others views – even if contrary; and the ability to empathetically understand the issues that are divisively affecting our community, and seek amicable approaches not only purposed at quick-fixing these issues but also thoughtfully intended to implement control mechanisms that will ensure reliably coherent solutions to these issues. The Liberian Mandingoes must pride themselves with a leadership that is not deeply engulfed in the myopic and selfish ideologies; rather, they must seek a leadership built on the principles of community service and overwhelming inclusion; 3) COLLABORATION – As we emerge from over a decade of civil upheaval that atrociously shattered the lives and property of many Liberians, and left the future of our youths and posterity very tenuous, the reconstruction and re-stabilization of the Liberian society is a priority that cannot be ignored, a task that cannot be delayed, a need that cannot be over emphasized, and an undertaking worth the collective efforts of all Liberians unheeded of any socio-cultural or ethno-political affiliations. It is against this background that Liberian Mandingoes must strive at their best to realize their efforts in concert with other Liberian tribes to re-build a united and peaceful nation, and a sustainable economy with very upright and stable financial institutions. In our quest to succeed, we, the Liberian Mandingoes, must embrace strategic collaborative efforts that will allow us to initiate the formation of alliances with others. It is against this backdrop that we seek the opportunity to proffer FELMAUSA a wealth of networking resources purposed at partnering with other prominent and well established institutions that would prioritize the plights of our community and Liberia at large; 4) WOMEN EMPOWERMENT – From birth to date, am yet to know of any community that has succeeded exclusively without the immeasurable and valuable involvement and contribution of women. In addition to their much appreciated roles as the blessed mothers and backbones of our communities, women are critical for advancing global development, democracy and progress. As such, they should have an equal opportunity to educational and professional leadership development. A step in this direction will ensure that intelligent, energetic, and committed women – young and old or poor and rich alike will be engaged – thereby unleashing their leadership potential. Hence, women will assume leadership roles and adapt the practical skills required to mobilize communities around issues of common concern. As a result, their ability to leverage organizational resources will be greatly enhanced, and their tenacity to build coalitions to achieve change will be par to none. It is our fervent hope that our involvement in the FELMAUSA leadership will provide a window of opportunity to ensure that women are involved in the process of creating new policy frameworks, institutional and governing structures, and new democratic cultures. This holds the potential that their issues and concerns are addressed at the earliest possible point; 5) YOUTH EMPOWERMENT – It is only through our unflinching commitment to unconditionally empower our potential youths by adequately preparing and fully incorporating them into every aspect of our communities that we can secure a perpetually promising future for Liberian Mandingoes, other Liberians, and humanity at large. Doing so will accord the youths an immense opportunity to appreciate themselves, and learn and cultivate appropriate values and principles. Also, such an opportunity will maximize their potentials, sharpen their skill sets, and broaden their horizons to take on focal responsibilities that will prepare them acceptably to exemplify great leadership roles in our community. Like many others, I firmly believe that the youths serve as the fundamental bedrock for any nation. Sunny Okosun once said: “Give peace a chance.” Let me reinforce his message by saying: “Give the Youths a Chance;” for our community needs new and bracing ideas and systems that will yield great and improved results; As the world becomes rapidly enamored with modernity and technological advancements driven primarily by the wheels of “Wisdom over Age,” and “Potential and Talents over Mere Superiority.”, where the youths are progressively and massively entrusted with tremendous responsibilities based on merits, let’s recollect the words of John Sloan when he say: “The real challenge ahead of us is one of making the most efficient use of our resources. And not the least, [but the most important and efficient] of these resources is our intelligent youths.” Let us all acknowledge the fact that whenever the capables are not available, the availables tend to be the capables, and, as a result, every possible becomes impossible. Our today’s youths are available and capable. Let us maximize their utmost potential, and make it all exceptionally possible; 6) ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT & FINANCIAL STABILITY – As a people of communal lifestyle, the Liberian Mandingoes share a common culture that is deeply rooted in extended family relations. Such a peripheral relationship obliges one to assume responsibility for not only his/her immediate family members, but also those of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, etc. As a result, the dearth of resources relative to such responsibilities at hand creates an excruciating tedium. In the most conservative scenario, assume that you are the only educated person in your family. As such, you face the challenges of catering to the needs of your wife, three children, four brothers, five sisters, six nieces, three cousins, seven uncles, and five nephews, among others. Also, your earnings barely suffice for you and your immediate family. Do you now imagine the catastrophe you will face – factoring your extended family members into this equation? However, assuming that some of your brothers and sisters sought the opportunity to educate themselves as well as their kids, and became self-sustainable, it would be much easier for you to proportionately redirect your assistance to those few family members who need help – since, in fact, you will not be the only one shouldering the burden. Over all – with the family persistent legacy of educational empowerment – you will realize sooner or later that your family as a whole will be economically empowered with a financially stable life projections for the generations to come; 7) INTEGRITY & OBJECTIVITY – Please permit me to safely assume that our best litmus test to ascertain whether we have been truthful to ourselves is our deeds and achievements – the only yardstick to measure our integrity. We must strive to be as objective as possible in our dispositions and interactions with others. Such objectivity will passably prepare us to reason out of the box and view issues from a holistic perspective beyond and above our limited imaginations – thereby allowing us the opportunity to disagree rationally, accept criticism objectively, speak our minds honestly, relate to others professionally, execute our functions effectively and efficiently, and serve our community nobly. Moreover, such an objective nature will bolster a spirit of love, tolerance, and respect for each other; and 8) RECONCILIATION – In this spirit of unison, peace, and prosperity not only intended for us but also purposed at cementing the foundation of an ever-blossoming future for generations unborn, let us momentarily reflect on the words of Rasul (SAW) in a hadith narrated by Abi Hurayirat: “Unsoor Akhaka Zualiman awu mazloom” – meaning, come to the aid of your brother whether he is the oppressor/offender or oppressed/the offended. As a people, we must begin to enlighten, encourage, and guide our fellow humans, – through love, sincerity and precedence and not by way of violence, derision, ostracism, castigation, or undignified approaches –to reasonably feel the need for a change in the right direction. It is against this background that I humbly appeal to us all to look broodingly at our culture, and life stories as Liberians and then Mandingoes. Such a precious introspection – if done intrinsically and delicately – will undoubtedly reveal our utmost potential and proffer us an inner strength of mind not only to succeed, but to do so in an exceptionally superior manner. In so doing, we will find the courage to pause, listen, think and speak, or read and write beyond and above our limited purview – thereby, stimulating our reasoning to encourage constructive dialogues that will discuss issues at differing opinions – but with an objective mind at a common goal – to uplift our community and country. My fellow Liberian Mandingoes, the height of our wisdom and power – as a unique tribe and significant component of the larger body politics of Liberia –does not lie just within our individual ability to amass wealth, procure education of the highest caliber, or attain self-praises; it is not a measure of our ability to control our community through digressive manipulations and divisive techniques that would result to packet-operations and total disregard for unanimity, sincerity, love, and peace amongst Liberian Mandingoes; it is not a function of our eloquence, rhetoric, or popularity among our peers; indeed, it has no correlation with our family ties or socio-economic relations. Rather, the power of the Liberian Mandingoes lies within our sincere efforts to come together as one and only one united voice, galvanize and strategically structure all of our meager resources as one big pie, become very open-minded and tolerant of our individual differences in opinion and life-styles, etc., and apply ourselves selflessly and objectively beyond and above our individual expectations with a fervent hope to put our community first and above all, and move it forward at all cost. Let me assert firmly – and am very receptive to any corrections – that the July 4, 2009 elections of FELMAUSA historically inks a unique era, blowing a wave of a renewed hope, realistic change, and transparent way forward across every length and breadth of the Liberian Mandingo community. If you will, it is such a time that has politically stimulated and democratically reawakened Liberian Mandingoes – men, women, young, old, affluent, impecunious, literate, illiterate, and all alike – to passionately but objectively discuss the very issues considered integral to the overall success and future of our community. As a result, this process has created an air of expectancy – both for our candidates and voters. It is expected that our community will overwhelmingly flock in Minnesota and – via their respective delegates – legitimize their inalienable franchise, and entrust a different – if not new –set of leadership, through the ballot boxes. In the same token, it is even much expected that these leaders will be honest men and women who stand for something noble and high; leaders who can be trusted in public and private - who are shrewd to the wrongs, the sufferings, and the injustices of society and who are willing to accept responsibility for transforming these vices to virtues and wrongs to rights, and serve their community exceptionally well. Meanwhile, as we experience one of the most – if not the first – politically stimulated campaign in our community– striving in the best possible way – to deliver our messages, expound our platforms, convince our various communities of our leadership prowess and untainted capabilities to serve our people, I am, therefore, humbly asking that we do so in a very conscientious, peaceful, systematically bedlam-free, and unity-filled spirit. In such a warm and united spirit we must unceasingly pride ourselves with the facts that the Liberian soil from its very inception has been the only ground of interment for the mortal remains of our ancestors and love ones; and that indeed, there is no doubt that even in our present times – contrary to the prevalent ignorance and fallacies borne by others – we the Liberian Mandingoes can and will always attribute ownership to no place other than Liberia as our sweet home. As a point of departure, let me accentuate that as we progress into an-ever uncertain future, we all have an inevitable responsibility to our community and nation at large. In firmly upholding and successfully delivering on this responsibility, it is not what we say, but how we say it; not what we preach, but what we practice; not our intellectual prowess, eloquence and ability to argue our way through, but our wisdom to sincerely translate our education and intellectual ideas into meaningful and actionable decisions; it is not how much we utter, but how much audience we lend others; it is not how much we receive, but how much we give back; it is not about the commonalities we share, but the differences abound that allow us to know, appreciate, and coexist with each other; it is not about individual relations, this camp or that camp, but it is about principles, policies, and values; it is not about you versus me, him versus her, them versus us; rather, it is about MANDINGO UNITY, MANDINGO PROGRESS, and MANDINGO LEGACY. As such, we must have absolute faith in God; we must never waver in our loyalty to the Mandingo Community; we must work tirelessly to make this great land of liberty – Liberia – the provenance of our children and Mandingo posterity; and we must never renege in our commitment to do the right thing. Finally, whatever task we embark upon, we must do it so well, so that no generation before us, no generation living now, and no generation yet to come, will do it any better. May God bless our Mandingo Community and country-Liberia! Ameen. |
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