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MMA'S UNDEFINED ROLES IN FELMAUSA'S UPCOMING CONVENTION By: Molley Kamara <osmaab@yahoo.com> May 22,2009  Few years ago when the idea of a Mandingo organization in the twin cities
was conceived, most people were happy because there was a need for such an
organization. During those early days, the Minnesota Mandingo Association
(MMA) truly delivered on its promises, Mandingoes moving to Minnesota
were usually welcomed with gifts; some even got financial assistance to
help ease the transition but most importantly they all
received warm welcome from their brothers and sisters in the twin cities.
During those days, the interest of the community was the focus of the leadership. One can say those were the good days of our unity. MMA was the glue that had us together as one people with a common goal. Leadership: The first president and vice president were appointed not elected simply because positions within the organization did not matter; every member contributed one way or the other to the wellbeing of the organization; that's not to say that we did not have differences, but we resolved our differences through dialogue without keeping a personal grudge against each other. Our leadership at the time listened to us and did what majority of the membership wanted. It seemed like we had a true democratic form of government. FELMAUSA FACTOR: Almost two years ago when some people saw the need for boarder Mandingo organization that would bring all Mandingo organizations together within the US, the idea was embraced by many but some of us were on the side of caution and did not think that we needed to fully engage our local organization(MMA) to something that we were not sure of, at least not at that very beginning. While most people kept their feelings to themselves for fear of losing personal relationships, I chose to speak openly to our leadership at the time. I warned the Ismail leadership that fully engaging our organization to something that were were not sure of may not be the right choice for us, and I asked that we attend the convention as observers and make final decisions later after critical analysis of the situation by the entire membership of MMA, including our brightest minds. To our Astonishment, some of Ismaeil’s inner circle were planning their own political journey, and theysaw Felmausa as the means. Ismaeil was made to believe that those who opposed the idea of a broader Mandingo organization were enemies of Mandingo progress and that he should not listen to them; at some point, we were labeled as rebels. How can someone who contributed $75.00 to help facilitate transportation to the convention be labeled a rebel/ enemy of progress? Is there a room in this organization for difference of opinion? Unfortunately, Ishmael’s leadership was not immune from the old African politic; those who disagree with you are your enemies. MMA proceeded to attend the Philadelphia Mandingo convention of 2008, and then President Ishmael Komara worked hard to ensure that MMA not only attend the convention but also became a full flesh member of Felmausa. In return, Ismael was appointed ways and means chairman, and his vice president Mr.Mohammed Dorley became a key figure on the mobilization committee.Ismael's non official chief of operation, Mr. Mamadee Sesay (who kept all of MMA official documents, including our financial documents and the check book during Ismail presidency) became the vice president of operation. It makes you wonder as to what happen to the other well educated brothers and sisters in Minnesota. I thought we had the most college graduates compare to other states! After the convention ended, there were no official report made to the membership, neither did we have the chance to engage in a constructive dialogue. The Felmausa issue is a big secret known only to those who are in favor of it. It has led to more disunity, contrarily to what the pioneers of Felmausa had imagined. Those who asked critical questions about felmausa were either attacked or they lost personal relationships. Many of the broken relationships over Felmausa issue were never resolved until Ismail term ended. MMA ROLE IN THE COMING CONVENTION: MMA is the official host of the upcoming convention, but it seems like MMA does not have a define role in the convention. On numerous occasions, our leadership and Minnesota base Felmausa leadership are always crashing over various roles and MMA is always giving in. It leaves one to wonder if it is MMA first or Felmausa first? And the answer to that question depends on who you ask. FELMAUSA CONVENTION COMES TO THE TWIN CITIES: While most people are happy that this will be an occasion to reunite with old friends, many wonder if Felmausa truly stands for national Mandingo unity, or it is simply another case of self-interest individuals using the word Mandingo unity as a means of jumpstarting their own political journey. Over the years, Felmausa website has launched programs to encourage education and with higher education comes intellect which leads to debate. Therefore, if Felmausa encourages higher education it must also create an environment where different opinions are welcome. If we are to succeed as a tribe and a nation ,we must not only welcome differences but also engage in constructive dialogue as a means of resolving those differences. In a few days, Felmausa high power delegation will be coming to Minnesota in preparation for the convention. I hope this delegation will be willing to engage every Mandingo in the twin cities, especially those who disagree with them. |
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